Are we living in the “Last Days”? What exactly does the term mean, “Last Days”?
As Mormons, we believe in the literal coming of Jesus Christ. We also believe that we are living in the “last days” prior to that coming. We read in the scriptures that the specific day is not known for that great event, but we can see all around us many signs of the pending arrival of Jesus Christ.
An early leader for the Mormon church (officially called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), Elder Orson F. Whitney declared long ago:
“Earth’s long week is now drawing to a close, and we stand at the present moment in the Saturday Evening of Time, at or near the end of the sixth day of human history. Is it not a time for thought, a season for solemn meditation? Morning will break upon the Millennium, the thousand years of peace, the Sabbath of the World!” (as quoted in Prophetic Statements on Food Storage for Latter-day Saints, p. 27).
What are some of the signs of the times? Here is Luke’s witness, declared two millennia ago:
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
“Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (Luke 21:25-26).
But we need not fear the signs of the times, we who live during these last days. This is what the Lord declared:
“Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear:
“Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;…” (for the full verse, visit D&C 1:11-17).
What a blessing to live now, during the last days. This is indeed the time which ancient prophets looked forward to. This is the time which we can be doing the greatest amount of good for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We can be teaching others of Him and pointing the way toward eternal joy in Him.
Indeed, the “last days” may be here in full, but what joy can accompany that thought in knowing that the Christ will return soon!
