The Savior's Visits

We know of several visits that the Lord will make to the earth in preparation for the visit that ushers in the Second Coming.  One of these was recorded by Malachi in the Old Testament.  Malachi wrote, “The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant” (Malachi 3:1).  We read similarly in the Doctrine and Covenants that the Lord “shall suddenly come to his temple” (D&C 133:2).  The Savior testified, “I will suddenly come to my temple” (D&C 36:8).  We don’t know exactly what that means, but certainly this refers to a coming (and perhaps multiple comings) of the Savior that will take place before the coming. 

                Another scripture that speaks of Christ coming before the final coming is found in the Book of Mormon.  We read in the Savior’s words about the New Jerusalem: “And then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem.  And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst” (3 Nephi 21:25).  We know that the New Jerusalem will be built up in the last days before the Savior returns.  In some way that I think is literal, the Savior “will be in the midst” of the Saints who dwell there, showing that He will be on the earth before He comes in glory. 

                A third reference to the Savior’s visitations in the last days found in the scriptures is the teaching that Christ will come to the Mount of Olives.  Zechariah said, “And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west” (Zechariah 14:4).  As He reveals Himself to the Jews He will come to the Mount of Olives.  He confirmed this in the Doctrine and Covenants: “And then shall the Lord set his foot upon this mount, and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth shall tremble, and reel to and fro, and the heavens also shall shake” (D&C 45:48).

                Another common teaching about the Savior’s last day visits comes from Joseph Smith: “Not many years hence there shall be another gathering of high priests and righteous souls in this same valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman. At this gathering Adam, the Ancient of Days, will again be present….  In this council Christ will take over the reins of government, officially, on the earth” (see here).  There will be a great Sacrament Meeting in Adom-ondi-Ahman which the Lord Himself will attend.  This is probably what is referred to in D&C 27:5, “For the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon.” 

                There are likely many others as well.  I think the points is that as the events of the last days continues to unfold, the Savior will be very much involved, and when it is needed He will appear to the Saints and work preparatory missions for the true and final coming of the Lord.  Our job is to always be ready for whenever we may have the great privilege of seeing Him.