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The Second Coming of the Lord
Do we recognize the signs of the Savior’s Second Coming that are happening today?
Originally published in 1971, The Coming of the Lord, by Gerald N. Lund, became an instant bestseller and has remained continuously in print for nearly fifty years. Now this trusted resource has been fully updated and rewritten to reflect the latest prophetic teachings and a growing sense of urgency as the Lord hastens His work.
As Elder Lund explains, “God has spoken, is speaking, and will continue to speak to us through the Spirit and through His servants the prophets. This is a gift of inestimable worth to those who live in the last days. Though the title this book carries is The Second Coming of the Lord, it is much more than a book that focuses only on the actual return of Jesus Christ. It is an examination of the prophecies about the Second Coming and the events leading up to it.”
This new edition includes:
Hundreds of the most recent statements from prophets, seers, and revelators on the signs of the times and the Second Coming, not available in the original publication.
Extensive new commentary and scriptural insights gleaned from decades of the author’s gospel teaching and study.
An in-depth examination of prophecies that have already been fulfilled, including those that have occurred since the original publication.
An uplifting view on why we should look forward to the Lord’s return with anticipation rather than anxiety.
A discussion on how to prepare ourselves and our families for what will be the greatest event still to come in this world.
As we study and come to understand the words of ancient and modern prophets, we can learn how to “abide the day of his coming” (D&C 61:39). More than simply “surviving” or “enduring” the day of His coming and the events leading up to it, we will be able to look forward to the Savior’s return with peace, calm, rest, and safety.
Originally published in 1971, The Coming of the Lord, by Gerald N. Lund, became an instant bestseller and has remained continuously in print for nearly fifty years. Now this trusted resource has been fully updated and rewritten to reflect the latest prophetic teachings and a growing sense of urgency as the Lord hastens His work.
As Elder Lund explains, “God has spoken, is speaking, and will continue to speak to us through the Spirit and through His servants the prophets. This is a gift of inestimable worth to those who live in the last days. Though the title this book carries is The Second Coming of the Lord, it is much more than a book that focuses only on the actual return of Jesus Christ. It is an examination of the prophecies about the Second Coming and the events leading up to it.”
This new edition includes:
Hundreds of the most recent statements from prophets, seers, and revelators on the signs of the times and the Second Coming, not available in the original publication.
Extensive new commentary and scriptural insights gleaned from decades of the author’s gospel teaching and study.
An in-depth examination of prophecies that have already been fulfilled, including those that have occurred since the original publication.
An uplifting view on why we should look forward to the Lord’s return with anticipation rather than anxiety.
A discussion on how to prepare ourselves and our families for what will be the greatest event still to come in this world.
As we study and come to understand the words of ancient and modern prophets, we can learn how to “abide the day of his coming” (D&C 61:39). More than simply “surviving” or “enduring” the day of His coming and the events leading up to it, we will be able to look forward to the Savior’s return with peace, calm, rest, and safety.
462 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2020
441 people are currently reading
1069 people want to read
About the author
Gerald N. Lund
87 books751 followersGerald N. Lund received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He served for thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, and he served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008. He is a prolific and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction and is best known for his historical novels, including The Work and the Glory series, Fire of the Covenant, The Kingdom and the Crown series, and The Undaunted. He and his late wife, Lynn, are the parents of seven children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
March 15, 2021
Outstanding! I listened to the audiobook 2 times, and it is so good I ordered the hardbound book which I am just finishing.!
October 22, 2020
This was, by far, the best book on the Second Coming I have ever read. It was truly inspirational and made me want to examine every aspect of my life so that I can be prepared for the great day when the Savior comes to reign on this earth again.
October 1, 2020
I am so grateful to have this resource! It is filled with insights and quotes from ancient and modern prophets regarding the events and signs before, during, and after the Savior’s second coming. Due to the heavy subject material discussed, it could have had a doom and gloom feel throughout, however I found just the opposite to be true! I felt encouraged, uplifted, and motivated as I read each chapter, and I am grateful Brother Lund took the time and effort required to compile it. What a job!
December 13, 2020
Can't say enough good things about this book. Such a great resource as you learn, ponder, and prepare for His second coming.
It isn't a quick read. It doesn't have to be read cover to cover, but read the chapters that interest you currently. However, you choose to read it, read it all. Ponder, learn, apply. I will return to this book again and again.
It isn't a quick read. It doesn't have to be read cover to cover, but read the chapters that interest you currently. However, you choose to read it, read it all. Ponder, learn, apply. I will return to this book again and again.
November 6, 2020
5 Stars!
This book is wonderful. It did two things for me: (1) it helped me better understand the Second Coming of Christ - the signs, what we as His children should do to prepare, how to not be afraid (unless we're not following Christ), and how to understand the scriptures and prophets on their teachings on this subject. (2) it taught me how to be a better daughter of God, a better person, wife, mother, grandma, neighbor, friends, daughter, and followers of Christ. It helped me feel the Spirit, helped me understand the gospel of Christ better, helped my desire to be better prepared to meet my Savior, to love others better, to serve others better, etc. This book is basically teaching the entire gospel as a whole, even with details, not just what to expect for the Second Coming - but that, too. It's just a great all-around book, with great insights and things that I hadn't learned before.
I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the gospel, and not just be a superficial follower of Christ.
The book ends with three items we should all be more focused on doing:
- Live so as to have the Holy Spirit
- Consecrate yourself to building the Kingdom
- Minister to those in need
This book is wonderful. It did two things for me: (1) it helped me better understand the Second Coming of Christ - the signs, what we as His children should do to prepare, how to not be afraid (unless we're not following Christ), and how to understand the scriptures and prophets on their teachings on this subject. (2) it taught me how to be a better daughter of God, a better person, wife, mother, grandma, neighbor, friends, daughter, and followers of Christ. It helped me feel the Spirit, helped me understand the gospel of Christ better, helped my desire to be better prepared to meet my Savior, to love others better, to serve others better, etc. This book is basically teaching the entire gospel as a whole, even with details, not just what to expect for the Second Coming - but that, too. It's just a great all-around book, with great insights and things that I hadn't learned before.
I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the gospel, and not just be a superficial follower of Christ.
The book ends with three items we should all be more focused on doing:
- Live so as to have the Holy Spirit
- Consecrate yourself to building the Kingdom
- Minister to those in need
December 30, 2020
I was apprehensive about reading this book just because of the topic, but I changed my mind after reading it. It was so well written and gave me a lot to consider. I feel more hopeful about the future days instead of fearful and highly recommend it. There is a lot to study and take in and in fact I just started it again.
October 24, 2020
A wonderful superb book. It is full of so much information I will be reading it again, and again. Thank you Brother Lund
November 30, 2020
I cannot say enough good about this book! It was so informative and filled with direction and hope for the future!
August 29, 2022
Sometime in my early teens I came across the first edition of this book “The Coming of the Lord” in my parent’s bookcase. Curious, I started reading. It became a book I have never forgotten for all the insights and knowledge I gained. Fast forward to present day, and I still remember the impact that book had. So when I noticed the author had updated, and expounded on his earlier work, then re-published it with a new title, I decided to see if it was still as riveting as it was in its first edition.
It is… kinda. Obviously, the author has a lot more information to draw on, much more insight and examples. But, also just more words. And I can’t decide if that is ultimately a good thing. I guess it is… it certainly should be. But, I think for me, the simple truths and scriptures that were originally cited were enough. They were concise, yet deeply moving. They’re still there, just with a whole bunch of other stuff added.
It is… kinda. Obviously, the author has a lot more information to draw on, much more insight and examples. But, also just more words. And I can’t decide if that is ultimately a good thing. I guess it is… it certainly should be. But, I think for me, the simple truths and scriptures that were originally cited were enough. They were concise, yet deeply moving. They’re still there, just with a whole bunch of other stuff added.
February 6, 2022
Wow. What a thorough, well-explained book on the Second Coming. He covers it from every angle and does a great job of making topics that I have glossed over in the past clear and easy to understand (like historical contexts for scriptures and the gathering of Israel). While he explains many of the dreadful signs of the times, it is contrasted with the great hope and refuge of Zion. I love that while the scriptures are filled with warnings of things to come to help us know and prepare, the Lord continuously gives us hopeful reminders and invitations, like "Come unto me and I will give you rest" and "Be not troubled." Since this book is so comprehensive and dense, I will have to return to it again and again, but for now I will continue to learn, serve, seek and act on revelation, turn to the Lord, and trust. Oh, and talk to my kids and husband about some of these interesting topics.
*My favorite thoughts and quotes are underlined in my book. Here is just a small sampling of things I found interesting, although they are not a good representation of the scope of knowledge there:
-“In the coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost…I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.” –Russell M. Nelson
-Interesting to think about: our Millennium is only one of the Lord’s days; one “hour” of the Lord’s time is 41.7 years of our time on earth; one “minute” would be 254 of our “days”
-“Wheat” or “tares” is determined by how we live and the nature of our heart
-With the turbulence ahead, remember that the “craft” will not go down (Church) and God is at the helm
*My favorite thoughts and quotes are underlined in my book. Here is just a small sampling of things I found interesting, although they are not a good representation of the scope of knowledge there:
-“In the coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost…I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.” –Russell M. Nelson
-Interesting to think about: our Millennium is only one of the Lord’s days; one “hour” of the Lord’s time is 41.7 years of our time on earth; one “minute” would be 254 of our “days”
-“Wheat” or “tares” is determined by how we live and the nature of our heart
-With the turbulence ahead, remember that the “craft” will not go down (Church) and God is at the helm
February 7, 2021
I appreciated this book and the way Gerald Lund focused on the second coming of the Lord through the lens of the hard AND positive things associated with that time. I found the book to be grounded in scripture and the words of the living prophets without wild speculation. I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on spiritual preparation for that day.
October 1, 2020
This is an incredible resource. It took awhile to listen to the audio version, but it was well worth it. I will definitely be referring back to this book in the future.
November 6, 2020
Fantastic book! This is a book I need to read and re-read. So much great information that is applicable to life right now.
January 7, 2021
Supremely well written and researched. Clearly a warning, yet infused with hope.
October 5, 2022
It took a while to read but it was worth the time. The beginning was slow however so much amazing information I never knew.
November 21, 2021
Really good reference to what to watch for. It brings in history of past revelation that was fulfilled and future events. I also loved the summary at the end of each chapter!
May 20, 2021
It was tough deciding how many stars for this because it was very fascinating and well written but it was SOOO long and took me a while to get through. So, in some ways it was a 3 and some a 5, so I settled on a 4... anyway, what a wealth of knowledge and research. I appreciated when it came across something that we just flat out don't know, it would say... Some think this, some think that etc. but ultimately we really don't know. It didn't word it in a way of trying to convince you or anything, just stating facts. I wish I would have kept better book marks throughout and be able to reference certain parts when different world/church events happen. I found myself referring to it in general conversation. I feel it was very worth a read (to me) but it did take me 5 months to finally make it through. I just had to take it a little at a time.
September 4, 2021
Honestly one of the best books I have read on this subject, maybe in general I want to read it again and again. I finally pulled out a notebook so I could write down subjects and quotes that I didn’t want to forget and that I want to study in more depth.
Not only was this a book about the signs of the times.. but also teaching the doctrine of the second coming. It also teaches us how to prepare temporally and spiritually. The motivation this book gave me to be better and live the gospel more fully was remarkable.
He uses scriptures and conference talks to back up the entire book. This book went in depth of what President Nelson and other general authorities have taught recently.
Not only was this a book about the signs of the times.. but also teaching the doctrine of the second coming. It also teaches us how to prepare temporally and spiritually. The motivation this book gave me to be better and live the gospel more fully was remarkable.
He uses scriptures and conference talks to back up the entire book. This book went in depth of what President Nelson and other general authorities have taught recently.
January 27, 2021
This is a fabulous overview of what it says in the Scriptures and what to be aware of in the last days. Very comprehensive and inspiring to set my life in order, not just just temporally, but also spiritually. Key take away messages are: to not fear, to be prepared, to watch and pay attention. Stay on the side of righteousness.
September 25, 2020
Wow, wow, wow! I can’t say enough about this book! So grateful Elder Lund took the time to compile all of this info! I will have to read and re-read this again and again!
July 14, 2025
This a very faithful (and faith-promoting), non-speculative attempt to catalog much of what scriptures and modern prophets have shared about what will happen in the days leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ. I’ve never felt as much certainty or excitement regarding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ as I have while reading this book. There is a lot of terrible stuff coming (which felt more real hearing it talked about so straightforwardly), but there is also some amazing stuff coming (in the words of President Nelson, “Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again”). This book does a good job cataloging both the great and the terrible.
The scriptures say “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” The preparation necessary for us to not fear the events preceding the Second Coming is not temporal (at least not primarily). “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” The force of that statement hit me particularly hard while reading this book.
Highlights
- “Note this observation from President Jedediah M. Grant, a member of the First Presidency with Brigham Young: ‘Why is it that the Latter-day Saints are perfectly calm and serene among all the convulsions of the earth—the turmoils, strife, war, pestilence, famine and distress of nations? It is because the spirit of prophecy has made known to us that such things would actually transpire upon the earth. We understand it, and view it in its true light. We have learned it by the visions of the Almighty.’ By watching and studying the signs of the times—or event markers—as given to us through the Lord's prophets, seers, and revelators, we can remain calm and serene in the midst of the most troubling times. It is in knowing the signs of the times that we can ‘be not troubled.’”
- (Quoting Harold B. Lee) “Unless every member of this church gains for himself an unshakable testimony of the divinity of this church, he will be among those who will be deceived in this day when the ‘elect according to the covenant’ are going to be tried and tested. Only those will survive who have gained for themselves that testimony.”
“Cool” things (the kinds of things I expected to hear more of reading a book about a topic like the Second Coming, which could invite a lot of speculation):
- “All the faithful members of the Church then living and all the faithful saints of all the ages past will be present [at] … a sacrament meeting … at a place called Adam-ondi-Ahman.” I’ve obviously heard of different future happenings at Adam-ondi-Ahman associated with the Second Coming, but I hadn’t heard of this specifically. Exciting stuff!
- Joseph Smith said “I have asked of the Lord concerning his coming & while asking the Lord he gave a sign & said in the days of Noah I set a bow in the heavens as a sign & token that in any year that the bow should be seen the Lord would not come, but there should be seed time & harvest during that year, but whenever you see the bow withdraw, it shall be a token that there shall be famine pestilence & great distress among the nations.” I’ve heard of this before, but it’s exciting to think about seemingly unambiguous prophecies like this one being fulfilled.
- Per D&C 77:13, the seventh seal would be opened before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. That is intriguing, as I’ve always assumed that the Second Coming necessarily would commence the final millennium of the earth’s temporal existence.
- The return of the lost tribes of Israel from “the north countries” will be a miraculous occurrence akin to the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt. I hope I’m alive to see it!
The scriptures say “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” The preparation necessary for us to not fear the events preceding the Second Coming is not temporal (at least not primarily). “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” The force of that statement hit me particularly hard while reading this book.
Highlights
- “Note this observation from President Jedediah M. Grant, a member of the First Presidency with Brigham Young: ‘Why is it that the Latter-day Saints are perfectly calm and serene among all the convulsions of the earth—the turmoils, strife, war, pestilence, famine and distress of nations? It is because the spirit of prophecy has made known to us that such things would actually transpire upon the earth. We understand it, and view it in its true light. We have learned it by the visions of the Almighty.’ By watching and studying the signs of the times—or event markers—as given to us through the Lord's prophets, seers, and revelators, we can remain calm and serene in the midst of the most troubling times. It is in knowing the signs of the times that we can ‘be not troubled.’”
- (Quoting Harold B. Lee) “Unless every member of this church gains for himself an unshakable testimony of the divinity of this church, he will be among those who will be deceived in this day when the ‘elect according to the covenant’ are going to be tried and tested. Only those will survive who have gained for themselves that testimony.”
“Cool” things (the kinds of things I expected to hear more of reading a book about a topic like the Second Coming, which could invite a lot of speculation):
- “All the faithful members of the Church then living and all the faithful saints of all the ages past will be present [at] … a sacrament meeting … at a place called Adam-ondi-Ahman.” I’ve obviously heard of different future happenings at Adam-ondi-Ahman associated with the Second Coming, but I hadn’t heard of this specifically. Exciting stuff!
- Joseph Smith said “I have asked of the Lord concerning his coming & while asking the Lord he gave a sign & said in the days of Noah I set a bow in the heavens as a sign & token that in any year that the bow should be seen the Lord would not come, but there should be seed time & harvest during that year, but whenever you see the bow withdraw, it shall be a token that there shall be famine pestilence & great distress among the nations.” I’ve heard of this before, but it’s exciting to think about seemingly unambiguous prophecies like this one being fulfilled.
- Per D&C 77:13, the seventh seal would be opened before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. That is intriguing, as I’ve always assumed that the Second Coming necessarily would commence the final millennium of the earth’s temporal existence.
- The return of the lost tribes of Israel from “the north countries” will be a miraculous occurrence akin to the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt. I hope I’m alive to see it!
July 28, 2021
Back in the late Sixties and early Seventies I read extensively regarding the end times and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Authors like W. Cleon Skousen and Duane S. Crowther and other seemed too ready to sensationalize and engage in fear-mongering. The end result was that they seemed to drive the Spirit away leaving me unsettled and anxious. I gave up the effort for that reason. Consequently, I never made to Gerald N. Lund’s book “The Coming of the Lord.”
Now after fifty years of personal experience, including coming to trust Gerald N. Lund through reading many of his books of both fiction and doctrine, I was happy to find that he’s written, “The Second Coming of the Lord.” I got it for my birthday.
Unlike those books 50 odd years ago, this book helped me to feel the Spirit. It was joyful, positive, uplifting, inspiring and well researched. Lund didn’t sugar coat anything, but neither did he sensationalize or speculate. For the collection of quotations and sources alone the book is a treasure. But it is much more than that. It is centered around the Father’s Great Plan and our personal role in it. It has re-enforced my view that we live in a glorious time and should rejoice at the privilege of not only watching the prophecies unfold, but in personally participating in the preparation being done in anticipation of that glorious event!
How I would have benefitted had Skousen and Crowther been so inspired.
Now after fifty years of personal experience, including coming to trust Gerald N. Lund through reading many of his books of both fiction and doctrine, I was happy to find that he’s written, “The Second Coming of the Lord.” I got it for my birthday.
Unlike those books 50 odd years ago, this book helped me to feel the Spirit. It was joyful, positive, uplifting, inspiring and well researched. Lund didn’t sugar coat anything, but neither did he sensationalize or speculate. For the collection of quotations and sources alone the book is a treasure. But it is much more than that. It is centered around the Father’s Great Plan and our personal role in it. It has re-enforced my view that we live in a glorious time and should rejoice at the privilege of not only watching the prophecies unfold, but in personally participating in the preparation being done in anticipation of that glorious event!
How I would have benefitted had Skousen and Crowther been so inspired.
April 24, 2021
Gerald Lund's second {or updated} book on the second coming of Jesus Christ is a *great* resource on this topic. It's informative, extremely well researched {over 50 years of it}, organized so that each chapter can be read as a stand-alone by topic, and based almost solely on scripture and words of prophets, both old and modern. If Mr. Lund is telling you something that is based on his own personal feelings, he will let you know that.
I find reading prophesies about this topic to be a bit disquieting, and while this book has plenty of things to raise your anxiety level, it also really tries to drive home the message of a loving God who wants to forewarn and prepare us - a GOOD thing - of the signs of the last days and allows for hope and faith for the future. "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (D&c 38:30) It talks about both temporal and spiritual preparation, reminding us that while both are necessary, it is the spiritual component that is most needed.
You'll want to take notes on things you want to remember and refer to often because it's a lot to take in. This book has also been a great companion for my reading of the Doctrine & Covenants this year, which has numerous references to Christ's coming. The timing of the release of this book in 2020 is noteworthy as it takes into account some of the experiences that have transpired just in the beginning of the year alone with the pandemic and unprecedented {for me} social unrest.
This book is clearly a reminder and warning, but still infused with HOPE.
I find reading prophesies about this topic to be a bit disquieting, and while this book has plenty of things to raise your anxiety level, it also really tries to drive home the message of a loving God who wants to forewarn and prepare us - a GOOD thing - of the signs of the last days and allows for hope and faith for the future. "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (D&c 38:30) It talks about both temporal and spiritual preparation, reminding us that while both are necessary, it is the spiritual component that is most needed.
You'll want to take notes on things you want to remember and refer to often because it's a lot to take in. This book has also been a great companion for my reading of the Doctrine & Covenants this year, which has numerous references to Christ's coming. The timing of the release of this book in 2020 is noteworthy as it takes into account some of the experiences that have transpired just in the beginning of the year alone with the pandemic and unprecedented {for me} social unrest.
This book is clearly a reminder and warning, but still infused with HOPE.
August 23, 2021
This book spans much doctrine from the gathering of Israel (and beautiful parallels between leading Moses and the Israelites to the promised land and how we follow a modern prophet today) to a dive into the 7 seals, the parables of Christ’ separations at the last (wheat and tares, sheep and goats…etc), really, continual reference to the Olivet discourse.
Much of this book is helpful, though I tended to have a hard time with some of his very literal translations of some of John’s prophecies in revelations.
Overall a helpful book.
Much of this book is helpful, though I tended to have a hard time with some of his very literal translations of some of John’s prophecies in revelations.
Overall a helpful book.
July 11, 2022
I listened to this audio book and really appreciated the hopeful perspective on the second coming. Will definitely read again. I have a lot of full bookshelves so I don’t buy a lot of books until after I have read them once and want to be able to read it again. This book meets the bar of one that I will use as a personal reference.
Read
May 16, 2023Great resource to use when studying the Second Coming. Lund pulls together a lot of great resources in a well-organized way. And leaves on feeling hopeful about the future, with actionable steps to take to continue to be prepared with oil in our lamps.
April 24, 2025
Not what I thought it would be. A little too deep and too much thinking required for me right now, would love to come back someday and go through it when I feel like I have more time to give it more thought and consideration. Credit does need to go to the author though, very knowledgeable and a true scriptorian.
December 13, 2020
If 2020 did anything it helped motivate me to study the second coming. What I love about this book is that it doesn't skirt the intensity of the book of revelations yet allows hope and faith in the future. A great way to begin a study of the second coming.
October 25, 2021
Listening to this book was an experience. I obtained a hard copy because there were countless references I wanted to see and be able to access. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough.
March 28, 2022
What a fabulous book! I very much enjoyed reading this volume. I think the most worth are the chapters dealing with the preparation required for each of us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews