25 previous notes on this topic are here

The following is a GROK provided update of my previous page.

The Mount of Olives and the Second Coming (Matthew 24:23–30)

For LDS truth seekers, this page argues that the Mount of Olives appearance (D&C 45:48) is part of the global Second Coming in glory (D&C 45:44–45), not an isolated event for the Jews, based on Doctrine and Covenants 45, Matthew 24:23–30, and other scriptures. It addresses concerns with the Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual’s ordering and proposes a revised sequence.

Matthew 24:23–30: The Visible Second Coming

Jesus warns against false Christs claiming secret appearances (Matthew 24:23–26, JS-M 1:22–25). His Second Coming will be unmistakable, “as lightning from the east to the west” (Matthew 24:27; JS-M 1:26), visible globally. Post-tribulation signs (sun darkened, moon to blood, stars falling, v. 29) precede the “sign of the Son of Man” and His coming in glory (v. 30), with angels gathering the elect (v. 31). Joseph Smith’s translation (JS-M) clarifies this as the Second Coming, not the 70 AD Jerusalem destruction.

D&C 45: Sequence of the Second Coming

D&C 45:44–48 outlines the Second Coming:

Verses 44–45: Christ comes “in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory,” with angels to gather the elect, a global event (cf. Matthew 24:30–31).
Verse 48: Christ sets His foot on the Mount of Olives, delivering the Jews in a time of calamity (cf. Zechariah 14:3–5).
Verses 51–53: The Jews recognize Christ’s wounds, accepting Him as the Messiah.

The textual sequence (v. 48 after v. 44–45) suggests the Mount of Olives is part of the global Second Coming, not a prior event. Its dramatic nature (mount splitting, Zechariah 14:4) and modern media’s reach make it globally visible, fulfilling Matthew 24:27.

Issue with the Doctrines of the Gospel Manual

The Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual (Section B, Items 1–3; Section C, Item 10) lists appearances:

B1: New Jerusalem temple (private, D&C 133:2).
B2: Mount of Olives (D&C 45:48).
B3: Global coming in glory (D&C 45:44–45).
C10: Mount of Olives, redundantly listed as preparatory.

This ordering places the Mount of Olives (B2, C10) before the global coming (B3), contradicting D&C 45’s sequence. If B2 is public, it risks violating Matthew 24:26–27’s warning against prior visible appearances. The manual’s structure may reflect thematic, not chronological, organization, misaligning with scripture.

Evidence for Mount of Olives as Second Coming

Scriptural Sequence: D&C 45:48 follows v. 44–45, placing the Mount event within the global coming. D&C 133:52 links the Jews’ redemption to Christ’s glorious appearance, reinforcing this (cf. Zechariah 12:10). Global Visibility: The Mount event’s magnitude (Zechariah 14:4–5) and modern media ensure global visibility, aligning with Matthew 24:27’s “lightning” metaphor, unlike localized appearances (e.g., New Jerusalem, B1). LDS Sources: While McConkie (Mormon Doctrine, p. 693) and the manual treat the Mount event as preparatory, Joseph Smith’s flexibility (History of the Church, 5:336–337) and D&C 45’s sequence support its inclusion in the Second Coming. Smith’s Doctrines of Salvation (3:9–10) allows a broader Second Coming process. Pre-Wrath View: The rapture and Mount event occur post-tribulation (Revelation 6:12–17; Matthew 24:29–31), aligning with the Second Coming before the Day of the Lord’s wrath (D&C 133:46–51).

Proposed Revision to the Manual

To align with D&C 45 and Matthew 24:26–27:

Section B: Appearances

B1: New Jerusalem temple (private, D&C 133:2).
B2: Second Coming in glory, including Mount of Olives (D&C 45:44–48; Matthew 24:30–31; Zechariah 14:4).
B3: Adam-ondi-Ahman (private, optional, D&C 116).

Section C: Events of the Second Coming

C1–C5: Preparatory signs (wars, cosmic signs, gathering, D&C 45:26–42; 88:87–93).
C6: Rapture of the righteous (D&C 88:96).
C7: Destruction of the wicked (D&C 101:24–25).
C8: Christ in red apparel, post-cleansing (D&C 133:46–48).
C9: Millennial reign (D&C 88:110–115).

This removes C10’s redundancy, places the Mount of Olives in B2, and ensures Matthew 24:26–27’s visibility is upheld.

Conclusion

The Mount of Olives appearance (D&C 45:48) is part of the global Second Coming (D&C 45:44–45), not an isolated event, per D&C 45’s sequence, Matthew 24:27’s visibility, and modern media’s reach. The manual’s ordering should be revised to reflect this, ensuring LDS students understand the Second Coming’s unified, climactic nature. See Wrath.htm for the Day of the Lord’s full timeline.

Return to index.