Lesson 35: Repent and Return unto the Lord

Book of Mormon Class Member Study Guide, (1999), 21–22

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 3; or Ensign, May 1987, 4).

The following chart shows that Helaman 13–16 contains accounts of prophecies and events that parallel signs and events that will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Prophecies and Events Recorded in Helaman 13–16

Prophecy or Event

Signs and Events that Will Precede the Second Coming

Helaman 16:1, 3, 6, 10

Strong righteous minority

1 Nephi 14:12; Jacob 5:70

Helaman 16:13–14

Spiritual outpourings and miracles

Joel 2:28–30; D&C 45:39–42

Helaman 13:22; 16:12, 22–23

Great wickedness

2 Timothy 3:1–5; D&C 45:27

Helaman 13:2, 6, 8, 10–11; 14:9, 11; 15:1–3, 17; 16:2

Rejection of the Lord’s prophets and their call to repentance

D&C 1:14–16

Helaman 14:3–4

Prophecy of a night with no darkness

Zechariah 14:7; see also Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 287

Helaman 14:5–6, 20

Prophecies of signs and wonders in the heavens

Joel 2:30–31; D&C 45:40

Helaman 16:13–18

Denial of signs, wonders, and Christ’s coming

2 Peter 3:3–4; D&C 45:26

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Study some or all of this chart as a family. Ask each family member to share one way in which the information in the chart can help people prepare for the Second Coming.

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