No Man Knoweth the Day or the Hour
I've read a number of articles, opinions, discussions, etc. trying to cite and prove why or how we can know when the Lord will be coming. Most of the arguments center around the Lord teaching the Jews using Hebrew metaphors, sayings, figures of speech, etc. Somehow all this can support the idea that the actual day and hour of the Second Coming can be known.
I find one serious fault with these arguments. They only take into account the teachings (scriptures) found in the Old and New Testaments. They neglect latter-day revelation.
I'm fairly certain the Lord was not using Hebrewisms when he was teaching Joseph Smith. He used the language the Prophet and the Saints could understand, and it is fairly clear what is said.
In Doctrine and Covenants 39: 19-21, we read:
19 Wherefore, go forth, crying with a loud voice, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand; crying: Hosanna! blessed be the name of the Most High God.
20 Go forth baptizing with water, preparing the way before my face for the time of my coming;
21 For the time is at hand; the day or the hour no man knoweth; but it surely shall come.
(https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/39?lang=eng)
And ten sections later in Doctrine and Covenants 49:6-7, the Lord states:
6 And they have done unto the Son of Man even as they listed; and he has taken his power on the bright hand of his glory, and now reigneth in the heavens, and will reign till he descends on the earth to put all enemies under his feet, which time is nigh at hand—
7 I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes.
(https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/49?lang=eng)
Those who believe we can know the exact timing of the Second Coming are usually trying to justify or rationalize some belief. Some want to believe that somehow they, or someone they know or believe in, are privy to some extra spiritual knowledge.
We need to be cautious with these because it can lead to being easily led astray, and putting our faith in man.
I personally believe that it is as the Lord said to the Prophet, "the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until [the Lord] comes."
However, I do believe that we might be able to know the "season", or time of year, but identifying an actual year will be difficult until more of the signs of the last days have been completed. There is probably truth in the timing of Jewish holidays, seasons, and perhaps even with the moon cycles, that may be applicable when the Savior does return.
Similarly, I believe those who are faithful and seeking for more light and knowledge can gain a more thorough understanding of the signs which are coming. The "wise shall understand" (Daniel 12:10), but we need to be careful because too many of the wise "hearken not unto the counsel of God" (2 Nephi 9:28). Often those we might consider to be "wise" don't follow the counsel in Proverbs 3:5 to " Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
Taking the scriptures literally, they could be interpreted that it is possible that some faithful person might have the year of the Second Coming revealed to them, but maybe not the day or hour. But I doubt any person the Lord trusts with this information would reveal it. Anyone proclaiming they "know" when the Second Coming is, and then proceeds to tell instantly gets my doubt-meter up. However, I am more willing to consider those who make sure to clearly explain that what they are saying is their own opinion, that they have no priesthood authority or stewardship to make factual statement, and that they are open to sharing what they have learned and understand.
I believe the actual time/date of the Second Coming is one of the tenets which we need to be careful when discussing. I think it's perfectly acceptable to share and discuss ideas, thoughts, and opinions, but all with the common knowledge that these projected dates are not absolute truths, as there has been no revelation concerning the actual date of the Second Coming.
Doctrine and Covenants 19:31 states, "And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost." While this section was a commandment given to Martin Harris, I believe this primarily applies to missionaries and sharing the Gospel; making sure we are not sharing the meat before the milk is accepted. However, I believe it is also referring to doctrine where we do not have the full truth but members might make such statements to that effect. Claiming to know the date of the Second Coming probably fits into that category. I do believe it is completely acceptable to share thoughts, ideas, opinions, and such to build testimony, knowledge, and faith, but we must be careful not to proclaim or share something as a truth when there isn't any scriptural or prophetic support for it. We need to be careful to make sure others know when we are expressing opinions, and our own interpretations so that we do not mislead them. We also need to be careful we are not carried away in extremism, often through obsession with some deep or little know doctrine while ignoring what is really important.
The best course of action is to become awake to what is happening, to become aware of the many signs all around, to become prepared spiritually and physically, to ever be watching, and to learn to follow the guidance of the Spirit.
Before that Great Day of the Lord's coming, there will be many trials, tribulations, difficulties, calamities, and destruction. Our faith will be tried and tested. I have a very strong feeling that our sense of normalcy will be shattered at some time in the near future, and only through our faith in the Lord, faithful preparations, and striving to be led by the Spirit will we be able to pass through the coming time of tribulation. If we are not watching and ever being ready, that time will be even more difficult.
Remember that to the angels, mortal time is fleetingly fast. Soon, imminent, or "nigh at hand" are relative to the messenger. We may have days, weeks, months, or there may be years before the time of the end comes. I personally see the "time of the end" as being the final years leading up to the Second Coming, and I don't think we have entered that time yet.
When the time of the Second Coming is closer it may be that faithful saints will know the day and hour of the Second Coming, but those faithful will not be broadcasting that revelation. That is the priesthood stewardship of the Lord's prophet. And, even if the faithful do not have an actual day and hour given revealed to them, they will be watching and ready, and through the guidance of the Spirit they will be able to discern the signs. They will be able to know that the sign of the Second Coming is will be happening or when it is happening, and thus know the day and hour. On the other hand, those who are not faithful, and especially the wicked will dismiss the signs as some force of nature and they will not understand and not know that the day and hour of the Lord's coming has come, and caught them unaware and unprepared.
In support of the fact that the day and hour will be known, we can look back to the April 3, 1843, General Conference. (https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/words-joseph-smith-contemporary-accounts-nauvoo-discourses-prophet-joseph/1843/6-april-1843). I haven't found exact transcriptions or written talks, but in the linked source cites James Burgess's notebook (bracket numbers are part of the quoted text and refer to sources cited in the document -- I copied it exactly from the page):
"Remarks on the comeing of the Son of Man by Joseph Smith the Prophet. Made in Nauvoo Christ says no man knoweth the day or the hour when the Son of Man cometh. [33]This is a sweeping argument for sectarianism against Latter day ism. Did Christ speak this as a general principle throughout all generations Oh no he spoke in the present tense no man that was then liveing upon the footstool of God knew the day or the hour But he did not say that there was no man throughout all generations that should not know the day or the hour. No for this would be in flat contradiction with other scripture for the prophet says that God will do nothing but what he will reveal unto his Servants the prophets [34] consequently if it is not made known to the Prophets it will not come to pass; [35] again we find Paul 1st of Thesslonians 5th Chapter expressly points out the characters who shall not know the day nor the hour when the Son of Man cometh for says he it will come upon them as the theif or unawares. [36] Who are they they are the children of darkness or night. But to the Saints he says yea are not of the night nor of darkness of that that day should come upon you unawares. John the revelator says 14 chap 7th verse that the hour of his judgements is come they are precursers or forerunners of the comeing of Christ. read Matthew 24 Chap and all the Prophets. He says then shall they see the Sign of the comeing of the Son of Man in the clouds of Heaven. How are we to see it Ans. As the lighting up of the morning or the dawning of the morning cometh from the east and shineth unto the west—So also is the comeing of the Son of Man. The dawning of the morning makes its appearance in the east and moves along gradualy so also will the comeing of the Son of Man be. it will be small at its first appearance and gradually becomes larger untill every eye shall see it. [37] Shall the Saints understand it Oh yes. Paul says so. [38] Shall the wicked understand Oh no they attribute it to a natural cause. They will probably suppose it is two great comets comeing in contact with each other.
"It will be small at first and will grow larger and larger untill it will be all in a blaze so that every eye shall see it. Joseph Smith the Prophet."
As a side note, this is also the conference where Joseph told the saints about the response he received as to when the Second Coming would come and was given the response, "my son if thou shalt live untill thou art Eighty five years old thou shalt see the son of man on Earth." But it should be clear that he was not told that would be the actual Second Coming. And, the Lord told Joseph to trouble him no more concerning the matter. From Doctrine and Covenants section 130 verses 14 through 17 we read:
"14 I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following:
"15 Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter.
"16 I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his face.
"17 I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time."
Without a definitive answer, the Prophet believed that if he were to live until he was 85 he would see Christ come. My personal opinion is if the Prophet had lived, Zion would have been established by then and the Lord would have made his appearance to the people of Zion, but that is my opinion. The Prophet was 37 at the time, and another 48 years would be 1890.
From the previous cited conference references, notes from another person wrote that the Prophet said "I prophecy in the name of the Lord God.—& let it be written. that the Son of Man will not come in the heavens till I am 85 years old [14] 48 years hence or about 1890."
However, the same person also noted that the prophet related his experience mentioned in D&C 130, and said:
" I was once praying earnestly upon this subject. and a voice said unto me. My son, if thou livest till thou art 85 years of age, thou shalt see the face of the son of man.—I was left to draw my own conclusions concerning this & I took the liberty to conclude that if I did live till that time Jesus he would make his appearance.—but I do not say whether he will make his appearance or I shall go where he is."
So, without the actual words of Joseph Smith, Jr., written down we cannot fully accept that Joseph prophesied that the Second Coming would come in 1890, especially when the same person apparently interpreted what was said as both the Prophet prophesying and also making his own conclusion.
What we can conclude is when the time is right, the Second Coming will be made known to the Lord's prophet on the earth. Other righteous people may also know, but they will know it is not their duty, responsibility, or stewardship to make that announcement. Their stewardship extends only to testifying of the Savior, of proclaiming the Gospel, and encouraging all to come unto Christ. For that reason, these others will keep their statements regarding the timing of the Second Coming in general terms.
It is for these reasons that when anyone, other than the Lord's prophet, claims to know when, or cites a date for, the Second Coming is going to happen that I take it with a grain of salt. I pray for and try to use discernment to find the truth that may be in the message. Mostly, I take it as a reminder that I still need to become better prepared and ready for that Great Day, but it probably won't happen as the unauthorized person claims.
As marvelous and wonderful as it would be for the Second Coming to happen sooner, I read with reservation anyone who proclaims they know when the Second Coming is, especially if they claim it is happening in the next several years, or less. There is probably some truth in what is said, otherwise it would attract few followers, but to find that truth we must pray for discernment.
Personally, I think the Second Coming is still a number of years away, although I believe I will probably still be in my mortal body when that Great Day does come.
I read various articles more out of interest to see if they can shed more light on what is coming in the more immediate future, the various signposts that we will be navigating through before the Second Coming.
I find one serious fault with these arguments. They only take into account the teachings (scriptures) found in the Old and New Testaments. They neglect latter-day revelation.
I'm fairly certain the Lord was not using Hebrewisms when he was teaching Joseph Smith. He used the language the Prophet and the Saints could understand, and it is fairly clear what is said.
In Doctrine and Covenants 39: 19-21, we read:
19 Wherefore, go forth, crying with a loud voice, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand; crying: Hosanna! blessed be the name of the Most High God.
20 Go forth baptizing with water, preparing the way before my face for the time of my coming;
21 For the time is at hand; the day or the hour no man knoweth; but it surely shall come.
(https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/39?lang=eng)
And ten sections later in Doctrine and Covenants 49:6-7, the Lord states:
6 And they have done unto the Son of Man even as they listed; and he has taken his power on the bright hand of his glory, and now reigneth in the heavens, and will reign till he descends on the earth to put all enemies under his feet, which time is nigh at hand—
7 I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes.
(https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/49?lang=eng)
Those who believe we can know the exact timing of the Second Coming are usually trying to justify or rationalize some belief. Some want to believe that somehow they, or someone they know or believe in, are privy to some extra spiritual knowledge.
We need to be cautious with these because it can lead to being easily led astray, and putting our faith in man.
I personally believe that it is as the Lord said to the Prophet, "the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until [the Lord] comes."
However, I do believe that we might be able to know the "season", or time of year, but identifying an actual year will be difficult until more of the signs of the last days have been completed. There is probably truth in the timing of Jewish holidays, seasons, and perhaps even with the moon cycles, that may be applicable when the Savior does return.
Similarly, I believe those who are faithful and seeking for more light and knowledge can gain a more thorough understanding of the signs which are coming. The "wise shall understand" (Daniel 12:10), but we need to be careful because too many of the wise "hearken not unto the counsel of God" (2 Nephi 9:28). Often those we might consider to be "wise" don't follow the counsel in Proverbs 3:5 to " Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
Taking the scriptures literally, they could be interpreted that it is possible that some faithful person might have the year of the Second Coming revealed to them, but maybe not the day or hour. But I doubt any person the Lord trusts with this information would reveal it. Anyone proclaiming they "know" when the Second Coming is, and then proceeds to tell instantly gets my doubt-meter up. However, I am more willing to consider those who make sure to clearly explain that what they are saying is their own opinion, that they have no priesthood authority or stewardship to make factual statement, and that they are open to sharing what they have learned and understand.
I believe the actual time/date of the Second Coming is one of the tenets which we need to be careful when discussing. I think it's perfectly acceptable to share and discuss ideas, thoughts, and opinions, but all with the common knowledge that these projected dates are not absolute truths, as there has been no revelation concerning the actual date of the Second Coming.
Doctrine and Covenants 19:31 states, "And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost." While this section was a commandment given to Martin Harris, I believe this primarily applies to missionaries and sharing the Gospel; making sure we are not sharing the meat before the milk is accepted. However, I believe it is also referring to doctrine where we do not have the full truth but members might make such statements to that effect. Claiming to know the date of the Second Coming probably fits into that category. I do believe it is completely acceptable to share thoughts, ideas, opinions, and such to build testimony, knowledge, and faith, but we must be careful not to proclaim or share something as a truth when there isn't any scriptural or prophetic support for it. We need to be careful to make sure others know when we are expressing opinions, and our own interpretations so that we do not mislead them. We also need to be careful we are not carried away in extremism, often through obsession with some deep or little know doctrine while ignoring what is really important.
The best course of action is to become awake to what is happening, to become aware of the many signs all around, to become prepared spiritually and physically, to ever be watching, and to learn to follow the guidance of the Spirit.
Before that Great Day of the Lord's coming, there will be many trials, tribulations, difficulties, calamities, and destruction. Our faith will be tried and tested. I have a very strong feeling that our sense of normalcy will be shattered at some time in the near future, and only through our faith in the Lord, faithful preparations, and striving to be led by the Spirit will we be able to pass through the coming time of tribulation. If we are not watching and ever being ready, that time will be even more difficult.
Remember that to the angels, mortal time is fleetingly fast. Soon, imminent, or "nigh at hand" are relative to the messenger. We may have days, weeks, months, or there may be years before the time of the end comes. I personally see the "time of the end" as being the final years leading up to the Second Coming, and I don't think we have entered that time yet.
When the time of the Second Coming is closer it may be that faithful saints will know the day and hour of the Second Coming, but those faithful will not be broadcasting that revelation. That is the priesthood stewardship of the Lord's prophet. And, even if the faithful do not have an actual day and hour given revealed to them, they will be watching and ready, and through the guidance of the Spirit they will be able to discern the signs. They will be able to know that the sign of the Second Coming is will be happening or when it is happening, and thus know the day and hour. On the other hand, those who are not faithful, and especially the wicked will dismiss the signs as some force of nature and they will not understand and not know that the day and hour of the Lord's coming has come, and caught them unaware and unprepared.
In support of the fact that the day and hour will be known, we can look back to the April 3, 1843, General Conference. (https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/words-joseph-smith-contemporary-accounts-nauvoo-discourses-prophet-joseph/1843/6-april-1843). I haven't found exact transcriptions or written talks, but in the linked source cites James Burgess's notebook (bracket numbers are part of the quoted text and refer to sources cited in the document -- I copied it exactly from the page):
"Remarks on the comeing of the Son of Man by Joseph Smith the Prophet. Made in Nauvoo Christ says no man knoweth the day or the hour when the Son of Man cometh. [33]This is a sweeping argument for sectarianism against Latter day ism. Did Christ speak this as a general principle throughout all generations Oh no he spoke in the present tense no man that was then liveing upon the footstool of God knew the day or the hour But he did not say that there was no man throughout all generations that should not know the day or the hour. No for this would be in flat contradiction with other scripture for the prophet says that God will do nothing but what he will reveal unto his Servants the prophets [34] consequently if it is not made known to the Prophets it will not come to pass; [35] again we find Paul 1st of Thesslonians 5th Chapter expressly points out the characters who shall not know the day nor the hour when the Son of Man cometh for says he it will come upon them as the theif or unawares. [36] Who are they they are the children of darkness or night. But to the Saints he says yea are not of the night nor of darkness of that that day should come upon you unawares. John the revelator says 14 chap 7th verse that the hour of his judgements is come they are precursers or forerunners of the comeing of Christ. read Matthew 24 Chap and all the Prophets. He says then shall they see the Sign of the comeing of the Son of Man in the clouds of Heaven. How are we to see it Ans. As the lighting up of the morning or the dawning of the morning cometh from the east and shineth unto the west—So also is the comeing of the Son of Man. The dawning of the morning makes its appearance in the east and moves along gradualy so also will the comeing of the Son of Man be. it will be small at its first appearance and gradually becomes larger untill every eye shall see it. [37] Shall the Saints understand it Oh yes. Paul says so. [38] Shall the wicked understand Oh no they attribute it to a natural cause. They will probably suppose it is two great comets comeing in contact with each other.
"It will be small at first and will grow larger and larger untill it will be all in a blaze so that every eye shall see it. Joseph Smith the Prophet."
As a side note, this is also the conference where Joseph told the saints about the response he received as to when the Second Coming would come and was given the response, "my son if thou shalt live untill thou art Eighty five years old thou shalt see the son of man on Earth." But it should be clear that he was not told that would be the actual Second Coming. And, the Lord told Joseph to trouble him no more concerning the matter. From Doctrine and Covenants section 130 verses 14 through 17 we read:
"14 I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following:
"15 Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter.
"16 I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his face.
"17 I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time."
Without a definitive answer, the Prophet believed that if he were to live until he was 85 he would see Christ come. My personal opinion is if the Prophet had lived, Zion would have been established by then and the Lord would have made his appearance to the people of Zion, but that is my opinion. The Prophet was 37 at the time, and another 48 years would be 1890.
From the previous cited conference references, notes from another person wrote that the Prophet said "I prophecy in the name of the Lord God.—& let it be written. that the Son of Man will not come in the heavens till I am 85 years old [14] 48 years hence or about 1890."
However, the same person also noted that the prophet related his experience mentioned in D&C 130, and said:
" I was once praying earnestly upon this subject. and a voice said unto me. My son, if thou livest till thou art 85 years of age, thou shalt see the face of the son of man.—I was left to draw my own conclusions concerning this & I took the liberty to conclude that if I did live till that time Jesus he would make his appearance.—but I do not say whether he will make his appearance or I shall go where he is."
So, without the actual words of Joseph Smith, Jr., written down we cannot fully accept that Joseph prophesied that the Second Coming would come in 1890, especially when the same person apparently interpreted what was said as both the Prophet prophesying and also making his own conclusion.
What we can conclude is when the time is right, the Second Coming will be made known to the Lord's prophet on the earth. Other righteous people may also know, but they will know it is not their duty, responsibility, or stewardship to make that announcement. Their stewardship extends only to testifying of the Savior, of proclaiming the Gospel, and encouraging all to come unto Christ. For that reason, these others will keep their statements regarding the timing of the Second Coming in general terms.
It is for these reasons that when anyone, other than the Lord's prophet, claims to know when, or cites a date for, the Second Coming is going to happen that I take it with a grain of salt. I pray for and try to use discernment to find the truth that may be in the message. Mostly, I take it as a reminder that I still need to become better prepared and ready for that Great Day, but it probably won't happen as the unauthorized person claims.
As marvelous and wonderful as it would be for the Second Coming to happen sooner, I read with reservation anyone who proclaims they know when the Second Coming is, especially if they claim it is happening in the next several years, or less. There is probably some truth in what is said, otherwise it would attract few followers, but to find that truth we must pray for discernment.
Personally, I think the Second Coming is still a number of years away, although I believe I will probably still be in my mortal body when that Great Day does come.
I read various articles more out of interest to see if they can shed more light on what is coming in the more immediate future, the various signposts that we will be navigating through before the Second Coming.
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