Take a look at the first chapter of 3 Nephi. This is the perfect example of how we can see this book was written for our time.
Verse 4: And it came to pass that in the commencement of the ninety and second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully; for there began to be greater signs and greater miracles wrought among the people.
I was just thinking of the greater signs and wonders we are receiving. Four major Huricanes in 6 weeks? Unprecedented.
Verse 5-7: But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.
And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain.
And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass.
This reminds me a lot of what is happening today. We don't have Samuel the Lamanite but we have Joseph, Brigham, Gordon and others. Today, critics are mocking them, and their teachings. They are telling us that our faith concerning these things have been in vain. The Book of Mormon cannot be true...DNA proves it was a fabrication. Book Of Abraham has been proven false. Some faithful members are questioning and are sorrowful lest the critics are right.
So what are we to do?
Verse 8: But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain.
We have no prophecy of a coming night without darkness but we are to watch steadfastly, listen to the Prophet today, follow his councel and we will not be deceived. 3 nephi 1 begins shortly before the first coming of the Lord. Today we are shortly before the second coming of the Lord and we will experience similar things. Just as he appeared the first time, so will he appear again.
Very good points. I have been thinking about such things lately. I see the signs ever more, I think a lot of people are looking for the more 'spektacular' signs, but I see the 'small' ones everyday. I actually think to myself - 'Come quick Lord'. The Book of Mormon expresses our day so well.
Most people don't believe it, but both the Bible and Book of Mormon have become increasingly valid in the prophecies they've declared. Isaiah made clear and blatent prophecies that made it clear he saw visions of our time, one such mentioning cars. Another one validates an event predicting the translation of the Book of Mormon (Isaiah 29:11). Why people don't believe any of this is beyond me, but it kind of makes sense when there are people who will use drugs despite obvious negative effects from them.
All we can do is stick to the path we feel is right. If other people wish to follow, we can do our best to bring them along. If not, it's their choice to choose as they will. Choices have led some to happiness, and choices will lead others to destruction. That's the way of life, and that is the meaning of life. A test, through and through.
I have long held the opinion that the first part of 3 Nephi is particularly important to our times. I believe it is a type of the Last Days, and that we should be aware of what it will mean to us. For example, I watch for signs of the collapse of society into anarchy - state against state, city against city, neighborhood against neighborhood, family against family. 3 Nephi talks about how anarchy reigned and people joined into tribes. This is what I expect in the US, as Zion is redeemed.
This is an interesting topic-especially 3 1/2 years later! I look at what is going on in the world with natural disasters, food issues, and gas prices--just to name a few--and it is definitely fulfilling prophecy.
I think all these things (and more) will attribute to the break down of society as we know it--especially in the United States.
Gaucho said:
QUOTE |
We have no prophecy of a coming night without darkness but we are to watch steadfastly, listen to the Prophet today, follow his councel and we will not be deceived. 3 nephi 1 begins shortly before the first coming of the Lord. Today we are shortly before the second coming of the Lord and we will experience similar things. Just as he appeared the first time, so will he appear again. |