A Message From the Bishopric

Preparing for the Second Coming

In the October 2024 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson emphasized the urgency of preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, urging members to make discipleship their highest priority. He taught that regular worship in the temple is essential, as it helps individuals focus on Jesus Christ, learn of Him, and make covenants to follow Him. By keeping these covenants, members gain greater access to the Lord’s strengthening power, which protects them from worldly distractions and prepares them to meet the Savior. Nelson’s call to “rededicate your lives to Jesus Christ” underscores the need to actively talk of, testify of, and rejoice in Christ, ensuring that personal preparation aligns with the divine timetable for His return.

During the April 2025 General Conference, President Nelson reiterated the importance of spiritual readiness, inviting members to “grow in confidence before the Lord” by cultivating charity and virtue. He emphasized that no one knows the exact timing of Christ’s return, but intentional steps toward spiritual preparation are crucial for facing the “great and dreadful day” (Malachi 4:5). 

Elder Dale G. Renlund complemented this message by referencing the Savior’s parables in Matthew 25, particularly the parable of the ten virgins, to illustrate that preparation involves receiving truth, taking the Holy Ghost as a guide, and serving others. Renlund assured that those who follow Christ’s teachings need not fear His coming, as magnifying God-given talents and serving others fosters readiness and joy.

President Camille N. Johnson, speaking in the April 2025 conference, further highlighted the parable of the ten virgins, focusing on becoming “spiritually whole in Him.” She taught that spiritual preparation involves deepening one’s relationship with Jesus Christ through consistent prayer, scripture study, and acts of service, which fill one’s lamp with the oil of faith. 

Together, these leaders’ messages from the last two conferences emphasize that preparing for the Second Coming is an active, ongoing process rooted in covenant-keeping, temple worship, and Christ-centered living. By prioritizing discipleship, embracing charity, and serving others, members can face the future with confidence and optimism, ready to meet the Savior when He returns.

Bevan Heaton