65 Signs of the Times Leading Up to the Second Coming

by David J. Ridges

The return of the long-lost ten tribes, a new Jerusalem being built, heavenly messengers from beyond this life It may sound like fantasy, but according to the scriptures, all of these things will really come to pass before our Savior comes again. In fact, these signs were designed by the Lord to alert true believers to his imminent return. The question is, Will you recognize the signs? In this revised edition, David Ridges, author of the best-selling Gospel Studies Made Easier series, combines current events with ancient prophecy to illuminate how the signs of the times are already being fulfilled in our day. By carefully compiling his latest research and the words of modern prophets, Ridges presents these signs in a clear, easy-to-follow format, perfect for at-a-glance reference or more in-depth study. To help you understand them quickly, these signs are categorized 1. Fulfilled 2. Being Fulfilled 3. Yet to be Fulfilled Don t panic. Read 65 Signs of the Times and gain the peace of mind to take a positive approach to life in the last days.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Church

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2009

About the author

David J. Ridges taught for the Church Educational System for thirty-five years. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University and taught adult religion and Know Your Religion classes for BYU Continuing Education and spoke at BYU Campus Education Week for many years.

Ridges has served as a curriculum writer for Sunday School, seminary, and institute of religion manuals. His callings in the Church include Gospel Doctrine teacher, bishop, stake president, and patriarch. He and his wife, Janette, have served two full-time Church Educational System missions. They are the parents of six children and are enjoying a growing number of grandchildren. They reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so organized and detailed. I really enjoyed learning more about some of the signs!

[Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased and listened to the Audible version of the book. Apparently, It's a talk given to a live audience and not THE book. At the beginning of the talk he mentions the book that had already been published and that in this particular talk he would only discuss 38 of the signs rather than 65. It was only an hour long and I'm not sure why Audible doesn't offer the original book.

The author is an LDS professor who offers his interpretation of the various signs of the second coming mentioned in the Bible and whether or not they have taken place or are yet to happen. I found what was discussed about Israel to be the most interesting and compelling. I think everyone within the church is not entirely in agreement with each other on when it will take place.

This book is intended for an LDS audience.

[Jennifer Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and easy to understand

I love how he explains verses as you're going. It will say part of a verse then in parentheses he explains what that means then continues on with the verse. I also like how he stresses the signs of the times are to build your testimony, not cause panic.

[Ashleigh Son · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for those interested in identifying the signs of the times. I think there is a newer edition but this one covered all the good points for me. I like David J. Ridges. He is very devoted to sharing with others his wealth of knowledge and doesn't sound too preachy while he does it either.

[Dacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book explaining signs of the times

I love this book and have read it many times. I like how it’s broken down into categories of fulfillment and has scriptural references. It’s easy to read and understand.

[Connie Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a really long time to read this book. It's full of information that I didn't want to speed through. It's very well organized into chapters that are split into three different categories: Fulfilled, Being Fulfilled, and Yet to be Fulfilled. It found it very interesting, informative, and comforting.

This is mainly for people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I gave a copy to a man who is interested in this topic who is not of my faith. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Second Coming of our Savior Jesus Christ will find good information in here.

[Stephen Greco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how this book was organized and that most of the signs include scripture references. That is important to me. I feel that quite a few of the signs provided in the book were almost the same and should have counted as one sign and not two. I not agree everything but that is ok. There was one thing in particular with no scripture reference that I didn't particularly agree with. Overall i loved all of the references and scriptures explained. Since there are so many scripture references this book is a good reference that I will probably refer to in the future.

[Elda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enlightening!

I appreciate the enlightenment this book has given me. It encourages me to continually strive to live a righteous life. I may not be perfect but as mentioned here, we don’t need to be perfect but we do need to be “on the road” to get there. I recommend this book to all those who are interested in learning more about some of the signs we can look for before the coming of our Savior.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the order and scripture references in this book. He's really great at making scriptures make sense. It was a great place to get a brush up on signs of the times, all in one place. His new book is 100 signs of the times. I didn't know about that one when I bought this one but this was still good. I am glad I read it.

[Arick Karpstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signs of the times

This book is the first I have read that took the time to organize the many prophecies in order. That made the easy to understand and to understand the timeliness better. It's best to be prepared for the second coming both spiritually and temporarily. And foremost trust in God with faith in his holy prophets.

[Angela Whiteley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting, especially the last 15 or so signs that were listed. The first ones listed didn't give me much new information and were harder to read. Great overview for someone new to the topic.

[Jennilynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was so much information in this book that it felt very overwhelming at times. It was organized well and that made it easier to digest small portions. Very interesting material which gave hope instead of fear.

[Denise J Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This book really helps to understand what has and will be fulfilled by watching the signs. I learned a great deal. I’m glad that I can strive to be clean but not perfect and still live with God again. Gives me hope. Enjoy

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Good review of the signs of the Lord’s return. Beats of all, it includes the sweet assurance that we can look forward with joyful anticipation to His arrival. We will be worthy if we are striving to do good and to improve every day, desiring to become like him.

[Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Examines various indicators that reflect significant changes in society, culture, and the world. The book analyzes political, economic, environmental, and social signs, discussing their potential impact on the future and the challenges facing humanity.

[David Barney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative. It is always good to reviews the signs of the times we live in.

[Tenille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was laid out well and I loved having all the supporting scriptures right there!

[Scarlet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super Interesting book.

[Bob Conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful explanation of the Second Coming.

I throughly enjoyed the references, the clear explanations, and hope it left with me. I quick weekend read for all.

[Cnelsonquilt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very straight forward and easy to follow book about a topic that can be confusing. There is so much speculation about this topic. It's a relief to have the facts and scriptures to explain the events of the second coming. It's easy to read and very orderly.

[Brandon Minster · Rating 2 out of 5]

How do you write a chapter called "How Good Do You Have to Be in Order to Have a Good Second Coming?" and NOT include the word "repent" even ONCE?

[Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information

This book helps in putting the events of the last days into an accessible format. Although not necessarily a timeline, it does help us to see and understand what prophecies have been fulfilled, what ones are currently being fulfilled, and what still has to happen before the second coming of our Savior.

[Benjamin Allred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to review the signs of the second coming.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with the intent of reminding myself in some kind of logical order, what the signs of the times were, especially that specifically referred to the 2nd Coming Event. Ridges continued to present the "party line" that "No One will know" when the Savior comes and I suppose when you get down to the nitty gritty, we won't know the specifics such as July 17th, 2020 at 10 a.m. PST, but we will know roughly because Jesus will do three pre-visits to specific bodies of people. The Main Event of the 2nd Coming when "every knee shall bow" etc, will be after those visits. The purpose for my inquiry was due to false doctrine being taught in Sunday School, that the prophets would not know first that the Savior was coming (which was my contention based on Amos 3:7). Ridges reiterates this even though he also mentions the prophecies of the three pre-visits. So I ask, in light of the Lord not doing anything without revealing it to His prophets first, how could a prophet not know the Savior is coming? He might not know now, but according to other doctrines and scriptures (which are actually also noted in this book), he will know because he will be setting up a huge conference for a "thousand thousands" saints (living and dead) with prophets (living and dead) and Father Adam, who will turn over the keys of the Earth to the Savior. That's a pretty strong conclusive prophecy that the prophets will know in advance, when the Savior is coming. In my mind, it doesn't matter that it's not the World 2nd Coming Event for everyone. When the Savior comes to the Saints, they will be prepared and they will know He is coming because they're invited to the meeting. This is an event that opens the 2nd Coming events. I'm tired of Saints thinking that no one will know that He is coming until the millisecond that the Savior descends through the clouds for the Main World Event and that is NOT true. Sorry. I'll get off my soap box.

[Michelle Llewellyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

About ten years ago I read 50 Signs of the Times by the same author. I highly recommend this 2009 updated reissue for anyone fascinated by the great changes taking place right before our eyes as the earth is prepared for that great and dreadful day.
This book is already outdated! Keeping in mind the recent change in missionary age, the completion of a temple in Kansas City, the dwindling numbers of LDS youth dating, courting and receiving the blessings of temple marriage and the instant streaming of world events literally accessible in the palms of our hands, the author remains stuck in the last century concerning events that are yet to be fulfilled. That's OK. Not bad for a Cedar Fort publication. Read this book and take careful notes.
I made a list of everything "Yet to be Fulfilled" back in 2006: New Jerusalem in Missouri and the great sacrament meeting that will occur there, missionary work and temple building led by two prophets in the Holy Land, a great earthquake and a hailstorm. Nothing fulfilled yet but I continue to keep a sharp lookout. I just wish I knew where singles fit into all this because without temple marriage or children to keep me busy, the future millennium looks pretty bleak with no righteous partner to share it with!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, a clear and concise collection of known signs leading up to the second coming of Christ. It was easy to follow and to understand, and each sign is clearly listed as either Fulfilled, Being Fulfilled, or Yet To Be Fulfilled -- which makes it really easy to keep track of where things stand right now, for those who were curious. :-)

I'd heard of all these in the past, in studies during Sunday School and Seminary...but I admit, I had forgotten several of them, and I liked getting a bit of a refresher.

The book didn't go into great depth on any one sign, it mostly covered the gist, the basics. It was more about generally acknowledging what the signs are and how they fit in to our current society. And while some of the signs themselves may seem bleak, the overall message is a very hopeful and even sometimes cheerful one.

A great resource, I'd definitely recommend it as a clarifying tool for anyone studying the subject on any level!

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reviewing 65 of the signs of the times set forth in the scriptures. This book is very straightforward and easy to understand. I can tell the author is a presenter since the book reads basically like a PowerPoint presentation with the commentary added. The author dispels rumors and corrects myths by expounding scripture and quoting modern prophets. He doesn't guess at things we do not know about. He also does his best to use these signs to booster faith and not instill fear. We should look forward with faith.

D&C 45:35 "And I said unto them: Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled."

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written with explanations but most of the signs listed were rather vauge, ie wars and natural disasters will increase, people refuse to believe the signs are happening, the church will be restored, etc. There were a few things that the author pointed out that I had not considered before such as there being both a gathering of the ten tribes and a leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north. This distinction in the scriptures seems to imply that there are two different undertakings. Also I had not considered that the second coming will come during the beginning part of the seventh seal being loosened. The author quotes liberally from modern and ancient scripture to back what he says and his interpretation seems correct.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ran out and bought this book on Christmas Eve just as the Healthcare bill was being voted on by the Senate. As soon as I got home, I opened it to "constitution hanging by a thread" and expected to be scared out of my mind. Instead, something else happened...I had peace that all would be okay.

This book is a very good, insightful and helpful read. It categorizes the 65 signs into "fulfilled", "being fulfilled" and "yet to be fulfilled". It uses scripture quotes, prophet quotes and author opinion for each sign.

All and all, I learned so much about the signs spoken of in the scriptures in a language I could understand.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great layout and it is easy to read. The author backs up every sign with scriptural references. There were the "well-known" signs: gathering of Israel, constitution hanging by a thread, etc. There were also some signs that I have never heard of: a great hailstorm will destroy the crops of the earth and a temple in Egypt. A few things I really appreciated that he did were: he made it clear that the signs of the Second Coming are not meant to scare us and we shouldn't try to make a "sign timeline" - we just aren't sure the exact order that events will occur. This book is very interesting and thorough, but just remember that it is not official doctrine.