I just keep saying I don't think he will come soon. That way he does come soon, since Matthew 24:44 says he will come at a time when I think not.
Phil BrueckJuly 21, 2020
Response to Christopher Blythe: I honestly don't know of a person that came away from the meeting in which Elder Featherstone wrote his "temple letter" feeling that he was trying to predict a specific time for the Second Coming. I felt that he had fasted and prayed about how the gospel could be spread and affect the South prior to the Lord's return. The "21st Century" seemed like a long time away and he directed our thoughts toward all that might be accomplished by the Lord and His people before He returned if we stepped up to live more righteously and contribute to that effort. It was not unlike the perspective of Elder LeGrand Richard and other church authorities who often talked about the potential growth of the church throughout the south.
Gayle R.July 20, 2020
Excellent article!! No man knows the day or the hour and it does not matter!!
What matters is; Are we communicating with our Heavenly Father through daily prayer, scripture study, loving and serving those around us, magnifying our callings and growing in obedience? Are we becoming more like our Savior, Jesus Christ a little more each day?
Christopher BlytheJuly 20, 2020
Hi Phil, In that meeting was your impression that he was specifically pinpointing the second coming to before 2033? Or was it more about the success of the work in the South?
Ronald BarnesJuly 20, 2020
Like Brother McConkie, I have considered the half hour of silence and the possibility that the beginning of the signs mentioned could begin taking place in 2021. Many Jews expect their Messiah to appear during Passover. Many Christians expect Christ to appear on Easter Sunday. Many of our people expect Him to appear on April 6. Just for fun; I determined when April 6 would be on Easter Sunday during Passover. I found it in the year 2043. I do not really expect Him to come on that date. It was just for fun.
Cynthia LigouriJuly 18, 2020
Also, just to clarify regarding the opening of the 7th seal; It is reported that Pres. Hinckley in between sessions saying that the 7th seal was now open. And the math works out that 1/2 hr. of the Lord's day is 20.8 years. It doesn't really matter what we believe. The greatest tester of truth is time. We don't need to know in advance, only prepare ourselves so that if/when things happen, we will be prepared and safe. The thing about a prophecy that has a 50 year date, ending on April 6, 2033, we will know by April 7th, 2033, if not before. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have all of the horrible things behind us and to be living under the Savior's reign? But if it doesn't happen by then, that's ok too. It never hurts to be prepared.
Cynthia LigouriJuly 18, 2020
The very best way to know the truthfulness of anything is to follow Moroni's counsel in Moroni 10: 4 & 5, which is not just for knowing the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, but the truthfulness of ALL things, including Elder Featherstone's letter. That is one thing I truly appreciate about the church and the gospel, we are not to rely on any other human being for our knowledge of truth.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not btrue; and if ye shall ask with a csincere heart, with dreal intent, having efaith in Christ, he will fmanifest the gtruth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may aknow the btruth of all things.
Patty BrightJuly 17, 2020
There is so much to digest here!
Layle HarmonJuly 17, 2020
When Elijah delivered the keys of the Priesthood for sealing families he said : By this you may know the coming of the Lord is near; even at the door. --- We can look for the signs of the Times to know when the Savior comes, but be careful not to become obsessed with it and forget to prepare for that great and dreadful day. -- If we are prepared it won't matter which day it is.
AndrewKJuly 17, 2020
Thanks for this. Very helpful. Sharing now.
JoyJuly 17, 2020
Folks like to assume that Christ's birth started a new 1000 year period, placing the 7th seal around year 2000. But remember that the new dispensation of Christ's law (not the law of Moses) began following his Atonement and Resurrection. So if we reckon from this MOST important event in the "meridian of time," then the 7th seal is WAY more likely to be closer to the year 2034. Also, when John mentions 1/2 hour passing after the opening of the 7th seal, people love to interpret/calculate that as 21 years. I personally doubt that's what was meant, but if you add 21 to 2034, we're looking at 2055. My personal bet is that there's still time to breathe and do some serious ministering/missionary/temple work, folks!
DL AndersonJuly 17, 2020
Thank you for this timely reminder and reigning in of speculation.
DigitalDustJuly 17, 2020
After watching the presentation and reading Featherstone’s letter I was never under the impression that he was saying it was official Church doctrine, sanctioned by the Church, etc.. Simply is what it is.
I see no reason to beleaguer the point in this extensive article, but would only point out the warning by President Nelson a couple of Conferences ago to acquaint ourselves with truth, convert to it, and to “... do it now. Time is running out.”
L. AkersonJuly 17, 2020
It hasn’t been 50 years yet. By 2033 this may come to pass.
ShareeJuly 17, 2020
I watched that video and when the presenter said he felt that the Hosanna shout at the dedication of the Nauvoo Temple was what opened the 7th seal because that dedication had been broadcast to a lot of stakes, I thought it ore likely to be the Hosanna shout at this past April's General Conference, when many millions more would have participated. However, I believe the whole 7000 years thing is just a symbolic number. There is a scripture in the Book of Mormon--I can't remember exactly, but it is when CHrist has come to visit the Nephites after his resurrection--that implies that there are many generation between Adam and Noah or Adam and Christ that we don't know about. While I think we should all live as if the Second Coming is just around the corner, I don't think it does any good to speculate as to exactly when it might be.
Phil BrueckJuly 17, 2020
I attended the meeting where Elder Featherstone read this letter in a leadership meeting in Birmingham, Alabama (the same meeting where John Enslen was also in attendance). We were there with our wives and this letter was read at the end of his talk that night. His only introductory comment was that he had been asked along with a few other General Authorities to write a letter that would be placed in the cornerstone of the Atlanta Temple when it was dedicated and that he felt impressed to read it to us that evening. As he was reading it, he made several comments along the way. For example when he was describing places where he could envision temples and named "Arkansas" after previously listing specific cities, he stopped, looked up at us and said, "I just wasn't sure where you would put one in Arkansas." The Spirit was strong in the meeting and we marveled and pondered for some time after the meeting as to the content of his letter. He described the last part of his letter as "personally accounting to the Savior" as to how he was fulfilling his responsibilities as a General Authority. It was personal and private, and I don't remember anyone feeling that he was speaking for the church in the way of prophesying as to exactly when the Savior would return. I left feeling a great need to repent more often and to be a better husband, father and son of God!
Richard Dee WinmillJuly 17, 2020
Thanks for publishing this essay. This End Times slide show on YouTube released during the pandemic has cause even normally level headed faithful Saints to lose perspective on the more comforting aspects of the Gospel of Christ and become fearful.
Comments | Return to Story
Bob JonesJuly 27, 2020
I just keep saying I don't think he will come soon. That way he does come soon, since Matthew 24:44 says he will come at a time when I think not.
Phil BrueckJuly 21, 2020
Response to Christopher Blythe: I honestly don't know of a person that came away from the meeting in which Elder Featherstone wrote his "temple letter" feeling that he was trying to predict a specific time for the Second Coming. I felt that he had fasted and prayed about how the gospel could be spread and affect the South prior to the Lord's return. The "21st Century" seemed like a long time away and he directed our thoughts toward all that might be accomplished by the Lord and His people before He returned if we stepped up to live more righteously and contribute to that effort. It was not unlike the perspective of Elder LeGrand Richard and other church authorities who often talked about the potential growth of the church throughout the south.
Gayle R.July 20, 2020
Excellent article!! No man knows the day or the hour and it does not matter!! What matters is; Are we communicating with our Heavenly Father through daily prayer, scripture study, loving and serving those around us, magnifying our callings and growing in obedience? Are we becoming more like our Savior, Jesus Christ a little more each day?
Christopher BlytheJuly 20, 2020
Hi Phil, In that meeting was your impression that he was specifically pinpointing the second coming to before 2033? Or was it more about the success of the work in the South?
Ronald BarnesJuly 20, 2020
Like Brother McConkie, I have considered the half hour of silence and the possibility that the beginning of the signs mentioned could begin taking place in 2021. Many Jews expect their Messiah to appear during Passover. Many Christians expect Christ to appear on Easter Sunday. Many of our people expect Him to appear on April 6. Just for fun; I determined when April 6 would be on Easter Sunday during Passover. I found it in the year 2043. I do not really expect Him to come on that date. It was just for fun.
Cynthia LigouriJuly 18, 2020
Also, just to clarify regarding the opening of the 7th seal; It is reported that Pres. Hinckley in between sessions saying that the 7th seal was now open. And the math works out that 1/2 hr. of the Lord's day is 20.8 years. It doesn't really matter what we believe. The greatest tester of truth is time. We don't need to know in advance, only prepare ourselves so that if/when things happen, we will be prepared and safe. The thing about a prophecy that has a 50 year date, ending on April 6, 2033, we will know by April 7th, 2033, if not before. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have all of the horrible things behind us and to be living under the Savior's reign? But if it doesn't happen by then, that's ok too. It never hurts to be prepared.
Cynthia LigouriJuly 18, 2020
The very best way to know the truthfulness of anything is to follow Moroni's counsel in Moroni 10: 4 & 5, which is not just for knowing the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, but the truthfulness of ALL things, including Elder Featherstone's letter. That is one thing I truly appreciate about the church and the gospel, we are not to rely on any other human being for our knowledge of truth. 4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not btrue; and if ye shall ask with a csincere heart, with dreal intent, having efaith in Christ, he will fmanifest the gtruth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may aknow the btruth of all things.
Patty BrightJuly 17, 2020
There is so much to digest here!
Layle HarmonJuly 17, 2020
When Elijah delivered the keys of the Priesthood for sealing families he said : By this you may know the coming of the Lord is near; even at the door. --- We can look for the signs of the Times to know when the Savior comes, but be careful not to become obsessed with it and forget to prepare for that great and dreadful day. -- If we are prepared it won't matter which day it is.
AndrewKJuly 17, 2020
Thanks for this. Very helpful. Sharing now.
JoyJuly 17, 2020
Folks like to assume that Christ's birth started a new 1000 year period, placing the 7th seal around year 2000. But remember that the new dispensation of Christ's law (not the law of Moses) began following his Atonement and Resurrection. So if we reckon from this MOST important event in the "meridian of time," then the 7th seal is WAY more likely to be closer to the year 2034. Also, when John mentions 1/2 hour passing after the opening of the 7th seal, people love to interpret/calculate that as 21 years. I personally doubt that's what was meant, but if you add 21 to 2034, we're looking at 2055. My personal bet is that there's still time to breathe and do some serious ministering/missionary/temple work, folks!
DL AndersonJuly 17, 2020
Thank you for this timely reminder and reigning in of speculation.
DigitalDustJuly 17, 2020
After watching the presentation and reading Featherstone’s letter I was never under the impression that he was saying it was official Church doctrine, sanctioned by the Church, etc.. Simply is what it is. I see no reason to beleaguer the point in this extensive article, but would only point out the warning by President Nelson a couple of Conferences ago to acquaint ourselves with truth, convert to it, and to “... do it now. Time is running out.”
L. AkersonJuly 17, 2020
It hasn’t been 50 years yet. By 2033 this may come to pass.
ShareeJuly 17, 2020
I watched that video and when the presenter said he felt that the Hosanna shout at the dedication of the Nauvoo Temple was what opened the 7th seal because that dedication had been broadcast to a lot of stakes, I thought it ore likely to be the Hosanna shout at this past April's General Conference, when many millions more would have participated. However, I believe the whole 7000 years thing is just a symbolic number. There is a scripture in the Book of Mormon--I can't remember exactly, but it is when CHrist has come to visit the Nephites after his resurrection--that implies that there are many generation between Adam and Noah or Adam and Christ that we don't know about. While I think we should all live as if the Second Coming is just around the corner, I don't think it does any good to speculate as to exactly when it might be.
Phil BrueckJuly 17, 2020
I attended the meeting where Elder Featherstone read this letter in a leadership meeting in Birmingham, Alabama (the same meeting where John Enslen was also in attendance). We were there with our wives and this letter was read at the end of his talk that night. His only introductory comment was that he had been asked along with a few other General Authorities to write a letter that would be placed in the cornerstone of the Atlanta Temple when it was dedicated and that he felt impressed to read it to us that evening. As he was reading it, he made several comments along the way. For example when he was describing places where he could envision temples and named "Arkansas" after previously listing specific cities, he stopped, looked up at us and said, "I just wasn't sure where you would put one in Arkansas." The Spirit was strong in the meeting and we marveled and pondered for some time after the meeting as to the content of his letter. He described the last part of his letter as "personally accounting to the Savior" as to how he was fulfilling his responsibilities as a General Authority. It was personal and private, and I don't remember anyone feeling that he was speaking for the church in the way of prophesying as to exactly when the Savior would return. I left feeling a great need to repent more often and to be a better husband, father and son of God!
Richard Dee WinmillJuly 17, 2020
Thanks for publishing this essay. This End Times slide show on YouTube released during the pandemic has cause even normally level headed faithful Saints to lose perspective on the more comforting aspects of the Gospel of Christ and become fearful.
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