D&C 29 Part 1

D&C 29 Part 1

On September 26, 1830, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation in the presence of six elders. Through this revelation, these elders learned about the gathering of the Savior's elect before His Second Coming

From the beginning, prophets have prophesied concerning the gathering of Israel

• The house of Israel--the Lord's covenant people-- will be gathered in the last days before the Second Coming

• This is both a spiritual and a physical gathering

• Read D&C 29:1-2

Multiple Choice

In D&C 29:2, what does the Lord compare himself to?

• Chicks

• Hen

• Wings

Multiple Select

According to D&C 29:2, what must we do to be gathered by the Savior?

• Humble ourselves

• Call upon Him in prayer

• Hearken to His voice

• Keep the commandments

Spiritual Gathering of Israel occurs when His children:

• Join the Church

• Make and keep sacred covenants

• Exercise faith in Him and keep His commandments

• What is one way God spiritually gathers His people? (D&C 29:4)

Open Ended

What is one way the Lord spiritually gathers people? (D&C 29:4)

Read D&C 29:7-8

• What did the Savior call these elders to do?

• Who are His elect?

Physical Gathering of Israel

At the time this revelation was given, Church membership was small. The Saints were able to "be gathered in unto one place". But as the Church grew, the Lord commanded the Saints to gather and build up His kingdom in their own lands. Today we gather in the stakes of Zion where we live.

Open Ended

Why do you think this gathering (spiritual and physical) is so important? What are the benefits?

Why is gathering important?

• So we can strengthen one another and be unified in the gospel

• Build temples and perform sacred ordinances for deceased ancestors

• To protect each other from unrighteous influences in the world

• So we can learn and share the gospel and prepare for the Second Coming

The Second Coming: D&C 29:9-13

The Savior will come again to earth with power and glory, along with hosts of faithful Saints from all periods of time in the earth's history. The righteous who have died will be resurrected, and the wicked will be destroyed.

Read D&C 29:11 to answer the following quiz

Multiple Choice

How long will Christ dwell in righteousness with men on earth at the time of the Second Coming?

• 10 years

• 100 years

• 1000 years

• 10,000 years

Multiple Choice

What is this time period called?

• Apocalypse

• Elysium

• The Pentateuch

• The Millennium

The gathering of Israel is part of our preparation for the Savior's return

Read silently D&C 29:14-21 and look for signs that will occur before the Second Coming.

Open Ended

List as many of the signs of the Second Coming from these verses as you can find:

Multiple Choice

We know exactly how and when these prophecies will be fulfilled

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

If we do not repent, Jesus Christ's atoning blood will not cleanse us (v. 17)

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The righteous will be protected from the suffering that precedes the Second Coming

• True

• False

Although these signs will come because of wickedness, they will affect all people on the earth, even the righteous. Joseph Smith said:

"Concerning the coming of the Son of Man…it is a false idea that the Saints will escape all judgments, whilst the wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and 'the righteous shall hardly escape' (D&C 63.34)

"Still many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith; yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God."

However, if we have faith in Christ and follow Him, we can always have peace, even in the worst of times

The most important preparation we can make for the Second Coming is to come to the Savior, repent, and be cleansed of our sins.

So what happens after the Millennium?

Read D&C 29:22

Multiple Choice

According to v. 22, what will happen after the Millennium?

• There will be no wickedness left on earth

• Men will again begin to deny their God

• Satan will be bound

• We will all be translated

So what happens after the Millennium?

Read D&C 29:26

Multiple Choice

According to verse 26, what will happen after the Millennium?

• All the dead will awake (resurrection)

• We will all be translated

• Everyone dies

• Michael will cut down the wicked with his fiery sword

Multiple Choice

Who is the archangel Michael?

• Noah

• Adam

• Abraham

• Moses

So what happens after the Millennium?

Read D&C 29:27-28

Multiple Select

According to v.s. 27-28, what will happen after the Millennium?

• The righteous will receive eternal life

• All people will be redeemed

• The righteous will teach the wicked

• The wicked are cast out to everlasting fire

Multiple Choice

What is this event called?

• Apocalypse

• Millennium

• Final Judgment

• Second Coming