Joseph Smith’s Return to the Earth- Part 2
A summary of the work to be accomplished during Joseph Smith’s return. He redeems the vineyard, overthrows the enemy and finishes the establishment of Zion. He leads the charge in gathering out the faithful saints who avoid deception, receive the truth and take the Holy Spirit as their guide. Enoch’s people return to the earth, and the Lord keeps His everlasting covenant.
📖 Summary & Study guide
Prophecies of Joseph Smith’s Return
The Lord will restore the fullness of his gospel a second time as Joseph Smith returns. Joseph will lead the missionary effort to recover those who will receive the fullness of the gospel among the Lamanites and all the house of Israel (1 Nephi 15:12-20).
Nephi commented on last days prophecies in the brass plates, particularly Isaiah 48 and 49 regarding the gathering of Israel. He includes commentary on Joseph’s mission, the gathering of Israel out of bondage, and the second coming (1 Nephi 22:6-28). The Lord detailed Joseph Smith’s return and the gathering out the strength of the Lord’s house in the parable of the redemption of Zion (D&C 101:55-66).
Times of the Gentiles
The times of the Gentiles is the restoration of the fullness of the gospel through Joseph in his second ministry. However, few of the LDS church members will awake to their awful situation and receive it. It will enrage most (including leadership), who will seek to discredit or cast out the true believers. Times of the Gentiles reaches fulfillment as the gathering out the wheat from among the Latter Day Saints happens. The beginning of the end time exodus marks this separation of the wheat from the tares, and the destruction of the tares.
“An overflowing scourge, a desolating sickness” covers the land, but God’s people receive a promise of protection. The Lord gives signs and wonders, even the sign of the coming of the Son of Man (D&C 45:22-44).
End Time Exodus Amidst a Desolating Scourge
The End time Exodus is described in the prophecies contained in D&C 103 (D&C 103:13-22).
The Lord will gather out his elect amidst destruction and they will escape the abomination of desolation. God will manifest a sign of the Son of Man, and give it to the faithful saints who are watching. The elect will recognize the signs and be ready (Joseph Smith Matthew 1:26-55).
God declares “upon my house shall it begin” (D&C 112:23-26,28-34). A “desolating scourge” comes to the earth and decimates the majority of the population on the earth (D&C 5:16-20).
Everlasting Covenant Remembered & Fulfilled
The “144,000” gather out the elect to the Church of the Firstborn (D&C 77:11). The Lord outlined in section 76 what’s required to come forth on the morning of the first resurrection. One must ascend to the level of seraphim (D&C 76:50-71).
Enoch received a prophecy which related to Noah about the return of the City of Enoch. At that time, the establishment of a New Jerusalem would occur when his posterity would keep all of God’s commandments. This people are those who gather out on the end time exodus led by Joseph Smith. These are they who would feast upon the words of Christ after receiving the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost (JST Genesis 9:21-25).
Scriptures covered: 1 Nephi 15:12-20, 1 Nephi 22:6-28, D&C 101:55-66, D&C 45:22-44, D&C 103:13-22, Joseph Smith Matthew 1:26-55, D&C 112:23-26,28-34, D&C 5:16-20, D&C 77:11, D&C 76:50-71, JST Genesis 9:21-25
