How to Study About the End Times

Why Study the End Times? 

When most of us think about the End Times, we associate it with fringe level thinking. This association has likely been facilitated by movies and their depiction of those warning about the End Times. I know from my experience that many "disaster" movies often feature a street preacher holding up a sign warning about the apocalypse. This street preacher is often depicted as homeless and even insane. The later (being insane) is further emphasized by the fact that even though society is devastated by the natural disaster, it still survives, indicating that the street preacher was wrong. This is unfortunate because studying about the End Times is a practice we should all engage in. 

In the scriptures, there are two main prophecies: First, is the initial coming of Christ. Second, is His Second coming. 

The Nephites took the study of Christ initial coming seriously. From the beginning pages of the Book of Mormon, Nephi writes that he has used the scriptures to teach about the coming of Christ. Many critics of the Book of Mormon point out that the overt Christology shows the Book of Mormon is a work of fiction, as they argue that the Old Testament does not discuss Christ is such expressly. Some even suggest the messiah figure of Christ developed after the Old Testament period. 

Whether or not the Old Testament people knew about the messiah in the same way as those in the Book of Mormon is not the point. The point is that the Nephite understanding of His coming was widely known and discussed, and His coming was known in explicit terms. And it could only be widely known and discussed because certain people were willing to study His coming, which they shared with others. 

The Nephites were likely unique in this regard and their study allowed them to "prepare their hearts and mind" for what was to come. 

Likewise, we should engage in the endeavor and seek to have our "hearts and minds" prepared for what is to come. 

Although the Old Testament is an ancient document, written thousands of years ago, it contains many prophecies about the end times. In addition to the Old Testament, we also have the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants. 

If the end times weren't important, then God would not have preserved its prophecy in the scriptures. 

Moreover, as LDS we have more access and knowledge about the end times than other Christian sect, putting us in a position to learn much and be prepared in much. 

What follows is a brief overview of how to utilize the scriptures to learn more about the end times, so you can be prepared like the Nephites were. 

Scriptures to Read

Although there is no set way to study about the end times, here is what I would recommend. I would first collect all the passages pertaining to the end times in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. The reason I would start here is because these books are relatively straightforward in their description of the end times, providing a solid basis of understanding. 

The following are passages that discuss end time events

Book of Mormon 

• 1 Nephi 
• 11-14
• 20-22
• 2 Nephi
• 3
• 6
• 25-30
• 3 Nephi 
• 16
• 20-21
• 24
• 25
• 29

Doctrine and Covenants 

• 1
• 5
• 29
• 33-25
• 38
• 43
• 45
• 49
• 56
• 58
• 61
• 63-64
• 84-88
• 90
• 97
• 101
• 103
• 109-110
• 112
• 113
• 116
• 119
• 124
• 133

After having established a firm foundation, I would then study Isaiah. You can start by first studying from the Book of Mormon to serve as an introduction. Afterwards, you can then read the entire book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. 

Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament as well as the Book of Mormon. In fact, when Christ visits the Nephites he commands them to search out the words of Isaiah, for "great are [his] words." 

Isaiah's words are great because no other prophet (except maybe John) discusses the events of the end times in such detail and depth. Some think that Isaiah's prophecies are historical. But this is incorrect. Most of his prophecies concern these latter days. Isaiah uses his geo-political knowledge to describe events that will befall us -- the world today. In fact, Nephi, who sees the vision of the end times, appends Isaiah's words to his own to provide a more complete picture. 

Although Isaiah is undoubtedly a challenge, there is one resource that can help. It's not perfect, but it will help set you on the proper course and help to distill the complex book into digestible parts. 

One source is Avraham Gileadi. He has published a few book that discuss and explain the prophecies of Isaiah. I recommend reading the Book of Isaiah. He also has a website where you can access his commentary on Isaiah for free. Another source is Verse-by-Verse Ministry, which features in-depth lesson about Isaiah (as well as other books of scripture). You can find it online or download the app. 

Again, these sources are not perfect, but they will provide an helpful basis and background to Isaiah that will help you to understand his words. Moreover, when any source you read, be critical about what you're reading and hearing. Don't just accept it as truth because a scholar and expert has said the passage means x. Use the Spirit to guide and be willing to change your understanding in light of new and better information. 

After reading Isaiah, there are a few options. One option is to read the remainder of the Old Testament prophets, as many of these provide prophecy for the end times. 

There is also the option of reading the Book of Revelation. Again, this book is dense and loaded with Hebraic symbolism, but you can get through it by working methodically. One method that has been helpful for me is to chart out the different groups mentioned and the different time periods. In my book I discuss how to do this. 

Another option is to read the words of Christ. Christ addressed the end times through parables and explicitly. Matthew 24 is an example where Christ is explicit in description of the end times. 

Moreover, when you read the scriptures, if you're reading them in the LDS version, then ignore the chapter headings. As I explained in my book, those headings are not doctrine and were provided to be an aide only. The headings unfortunately are inaccurate when it comes to end time scripture. So ignore them completely, or else you get confused and come away with an incorrect understanding. 

Lest We Forget

Our ability to understanding the scriptures is dependent how much of the Spirit we have. If we have repented and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, then we'll have the Spirit with us as a constant companion to teach us. The Holy Ghost won't necessary reveal what we desire with a snap of the figures. But it will aide us as we diligently seek for light and truth. If we desire to learn and are willing to make the sacrifices, then the Holy Ghost is activated in our lives. And the more we are able to align our eye to the glory of God, the more we'll be able to understand -- until we know the mysteries of God in full. 

If we haven't repented, then our ability to understand scriptures will be limited. Moreover, because much of end-time prophecy is cryptic and veiled, the only way you'll understand the passages is through inspiration and revelation of the Holy Ghost. And this makes sense: only those who have repented of all their sins should be given the knowledge of what is to come.