Times of Tribulation

Tumultuous events that will occur prior to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ are known as the End Times, Times of Tribulation, or the Signs of the Times.

In what is known as the Olivet discourse, Jesus Christ answered his disciples’ question, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” by foretelling conditions and events that would serve as warning signs to His faithful followers.

Clarification through Revelation

The New Testament accounts of Christ’s sermon on the Mount of Olives to His Apostles intersperse His statements about the destruction of Jerusalem with the end of the world. In 1831, the Lord clarified to Joseph Smith, first president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what He had told His disciples anciently. Joseph Smith—Matthew, which is a revised text of Matthew 24, first details the trials that will come upon the Jews and Jerusalem, one of the questions His disciples asked (see Matthew 24:1–3). Then the text details the second coming of Jesus Christ and the end of the world, answering His disciples’ other question. Through this reorganization, the revelation given to Joseph Smith clarifies the New Testament text. Without this clarification, it seems that Jesus is saying that His return would coincide with the destruction of the temple. Some of the signs occur both anciently and at the end of the world.

List of the Signs

False Christs and false prophets will deceive many (Matthew 24:5, 11, 24; JS—Matthew 1:22).

Wars and rumors of wars will be widespread (Matthew 24:6; JS—Matthew 1:23).

Nations will rise against nations (Matthew 24:7; JS—Matthew 1:28–29).

False reports of Christ’s return will occur (Matthew 24:26; JS—Matthew 1:25–26), but the Second Coming of Christ will be obvious (Matthew 24:27; JS—Matthew 1:26).

The Lord’s elect will be gathered (Matthew 24:28; JS—Matthew 1:27).

Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes will take place in divers places (Matthew 24:7; JS—Matthew 1:29).

Because iniquity will flourish, love toward each other will diminish, or wax cold (Matthew 24:12; JS—Matthew 1:30).

The gospel of Jesus Christ will be preached throughout the world (Matthew 24:14; JS—Matthew 1:31).

The Coming of Jesus

Thankfully, the Lord promises that these days of tribulation will be shortened for His elect’s sake (see Matthew 24:22; JS—Matthew 1:20). Immediately following the Times of Tribulation, Christ will come.

After the tribulation of those days, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken, then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. (JS—Matthew 1:36; see Matthew 24:29)

Purpose for the Signs

Jesus Christ wants His followers to watch for His Second Coming and prepare for it (see Matthew 24:42; JS—Matthew 1:46). The signs act as a promise of His return, and a source of peace for those who wait faithfully for Him.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)