As we help prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we are already witnessing “signs of the times.” Although we often focus on frightening examples like wars, earthquakes, and widespread commotion, we can find comfort in remembering the many hopeful signs foreshadowing His return.
We are blessed to see abundant manifestations of the Lord’s power and love on the Earth today—and there are many more miracles ahead. As President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again.”
Here are four hopeful signs of Christ’s Second Coming.
1. Sharing the Gospel with All the World
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14).
Prophecies that the gospel will be preached to all the world and in every language are being fulfilled before our eyes. Here are just a few examples:
The Church currently has more than 72,000 missionaries. They serve in over 150 countries, teaching the gospel in over 60 languages.
- These numbers continue to increase, as the Church opened 36 new missions in July 2024. The total number of missions is now 450, the highest it has been in Church history.
- These numbers continue to increase, as the Church opened 36 new missions in July 2024. The total number of missions is now 450, the highest it has been in Church history.
In 2023, the Church released a new edition of Preach My Gospel. President Nelson said of the update:
- “This new edition comes at a time when the world is rapidly changing and reflects a sensitivity to many of those changes. It contains some of the best instruction I have ever seen to help people accept the Lord’s invitation to come unto Him.”
- “This new edition comes at a time when the world is rapidly changing and reflects a sensitivity to many of those changes. It contains some of the best instruction I have ever seen to help people accept the Lord’s invitation to come unto Him.”
Technology makes it easier than ever for missionaries and members alike to access gospel resources and spread light across the globe.
- For example, the Gospel Library app makes it possible to study the scriptures and decades of general conference talks and other resources almost instantly—and in accessible formats across many languages.
- We can conveniently share uplifting messages through social media and messaging apps, reaching people where they are and in the ways they need.
- Today’s world also offers unmatched opportunities to learn from Apostles, General Authorities, and General Officers of the Church through platforms like social media posts, devotional broadcasts, Facebook and Instagram live Q&A events, and news updates.
- For example, the Gospel Library app makes it possible to study the scriptures and decades of general conference talks and other resources almost instantly—and in accessible formats across many languages.
2. The Hastening of Temple Work
“Behold, I will hasten my work in its time” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:73).
As of August 2024, there are currently 350 temples dedicated, under construction, or announced and in the planning stage. Of these temples, President Nelson has announced 168 over only the last six years—48 percent of all the temples. And of the dedicated temples, as of August 2024, 96 percent have been dedicated during President Nelson’s lifetime.
This rapid growth in temple construction reflects the Lord’s desire to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. As President Nelson said in the April 2024 conference:
“The temple is the gateway to the greatest blessings God has in store for each of us, for the temple is the only place on earth where we may receive all of the blessings promised to Abraham [See Doctrine and Covenants 110:12; 132:29–30]. That is why we are doing all within our power, under the direction of the Lord, to make the temple blessings more accessible to members of the Church.”
The Church’s focus on temple work is a key fulfillment of the prophecy that “the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers” before the Lord returns (see Doctrine and Covenants 2:1–3).
An important preparation for gathering Israel on both sides of the veil is family history work. As of July 2024, the Church operates 6,417 local family history centers in 142 countries, with 13.16 billion searchable names in historical records and 21.47 million monthly visits.
3. Continuing Revelation
“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Articles of Faith 1:9).
We are witnessing an outpouring of prophetic guidance for the Church today as the Lord prepares us for His Second Coming. Just a few examples include:
- Growing resources for home-centered, Church-supported learning
This continuing revelation demonstrates the Lord’s love for us and desire to prepare us for the days ahead. Speaking about adapting to procedural adjustments in the temple and building a spiritual foundation, President Nelson said:
“Current adjustments in temple procedures, and others that will follow, are continuing evidence that the Lord is actively directing His Church. … [When] your spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear.”
4. The Building Up of Zion
“But verily I say unto you, I have decreed that your brethren which have been scattered shall return to the lands of their inheritances, and shall build up the waste places of Zion” (Doctrine and Covenants 103:11).
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown exponentially since its first six members met together in 1830—and it continues to grow today. As President Dallin H. Oaks reflected, “When I was born in Utah in 1932, our Church membership was only about 700,000, clustered mostly in Utah and nearby states. … Today the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints numbers more than 17 million in about 170 nations.”
We continue to witness the expansion of Zion throughout the globe. Between 2022 and 2023, total Church membership increased by 1.48 percent, and the total of new members baptized increased by 18.66 percent. The Church currently has over 31,000 congregations, with resources available in almost 190 published languages.
Programs like ministering, Relief Society and elders quorum councils, the global initiative for women and children, seminary and institute, and Come, Follow Me build unity both collectively across the Church and locally in homes, wards, branches, and stakes.
The Church is also rolling out a revised, unified hymnbook that will reflect the same songs and page numbers across languages and age groups.
A Promise of Strength
In the days ahead, the Lord will prepare His disciples with power, strength, and protection. Elder Neil L. Andersen has taught:
“[The] Lord promised that there would be a covenant people, a people eagerly awaiting His return, a people who stand in holy settings and are not moved out of their place. He spoke of a righteous people resisting the deceptions of the adversary, disciplining their faith, thinking celestial, and trusting completely in the Savior Jesus Christ.
“ … [Amid] the turmoil and temptations of the world, He has promised to strengthen and bless His covenant Saints, and His promises are being fulfilled!”
Learn more about preparing for the Second Coming by reading the articles below.
▶ What prophets and apostles have said about finding peace in a fear-filled world
▶ What youth need to hear most about the world today
▶ ‘When shall these things be?’: What we should remember when studying the Second Coming
