Yesterday, we took a look at the signs of the Second Coming of the Savior. Many of those were a bit scary – things like wars, famines, and persecutions. Things like that give the end of the world a bad name! Today, I’d like to explore some of the blessings promised to the elect.
We’re going to talk more about the elect tomorrow, but for today, let’s just say that the elect are those who are chosen by God. In a nutshell, it includes sincere Latter-day Saints. That means that the blessings we are about to review are ones that we can claim for ourselves – or we ought to be, anyway!
Two events were discussed by the Savior. The first was the destruction of the temple and the Jews. In JS-M 1:11, we read that “he that remaineth steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved.” So when the trials come, those who hold tight to the gospel and do not allow themselves to be swayed to the left or to the right will be saved. In verse 12, we learn about the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel. At that time, the elect “shall stand in the holy place.” To be able to stand in a holy place sounds, to me, like a blessing, so let’s add that to the list. Finally, in verse 20, as we are learning more about the times of trial that are coming, we learn that “for the elect’s sake…those days shall be shortened.” There will be trial and persecution, but they will be shortened for our sake, which is a comfort. (Frankly, I’d rather they just go away for the elect’s sake, but I’ll take what I can get!)
The second event was, of course, the return of Christ to the earth. Again, we have an enormous list of trials and signs that appear, although, as mentioned, there were a few good ones in there. In verse 27, we see that the elect will be gathered from the four quarters of the earth; this is repeated in verse 37. So whatever trials we are undergoing, we will be able to come together as Saints and stand strong. In verse 30, we are promised that “he that shall not be overcome…shall be saved.” As long as we do not let the magnitude and turmoil of the trials overwhelm us, as long as we continue in faith and stay on the path, we shall be saved. I know we listed it as a sign, but I also think the promise in verse 31 is a blessing – the Gospel shall be preached in all the world. Who will preach it but the elect? We know that missionary work comes with many blessings. In verse 37, we are also promised that those that treasure up the Lord’s word will not be deceived in the last days. Now there’s a good reason to pursue your scripture study with a vengeance! Finally, in verse 50, as the Savior speaks in parable, we learn that the servant who is doing his lord’s will when He comes will be blessed and made ruler over all the lord’s goods. If Christ returns and finds us anxiously engaged in His Father’s business, we, then, shall be blessed even further.
When we think of the Second Coming, I think we spend a lot of time focusing on the negatives. The only positive aspect we seem to remember is the fact that Christ will be coming back. But when we watch for the signs of His return, be sure you take the time to seek out the blessings that were promised as well as the trials.
For other articles on this week’s Sunday School lesson, click on the Gospel Doctrine link at right.
Related Articles:
Gospel Doctrine: The Second Half of the Beatitudes
Gospel Doctrine: Prepare His Ways and Make His Paths Straight