It seems to me to be difficult to interpret the Signs of the Times spoken of in Revelation and other books that prophesy of the events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
What prophecies do you think have been fulfilled, and what signs are we still waiting to see?
One thing that I think has come to pass (although it continues to be fulfilled) is signs in the heavens. Very rare events continue to happen regularly in the heavens. For instance, a few years ago when Mars was closer than it's been in a really long while.
__________________
If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen! - Samuel Adams
Instead of a checklist, think of it as a timeline of events. (this list is not even HALF the events)
Acts 2:17-18 (and in Joel), ordinary members receive gift of prophecy along with other gifts. Hinckley in Oct 2001 stated this has been fulfilled.
Vanity, unbelief, and pride enter the Church (2 Nephi 13, 2 Nephi 28, Mormon 8)
Lord's messengers/prophets (notice the lower-case p) persecuted by Church members and Church leaders. (Isaiah 28, Samuel the Lamanite, Lehi & Jeremiah)
Dissentions in the Church - Lord's messengers slain. (Abinadi)
Gathering of the prepared to be a Zion people (2 Nephi 5:5-7, Omni 1:12-13, 2 Nephi 14, Alma the Elder, brother of Jared, Lehi) and escape the impending destructions
Worldwide economic collapse that occurs 'as a thief in the night'
Power-grid failure due to collapsed economy
Plagues spread (bio-terrorism) in multiple locations, including Temple Square (1 Peter 4, D&C 112)
'Peace taken from the earth' - even familial cannibalism
Pope and false Prophet die on same day (2 Nephi 19)
First two earthquakes ... both probably above 8.0 on scale, second bigger than first
Other massive natural disasters including floods, fire-hailstorms, and famine
Nuclear Holocaust, starting with Iranians launching a nuclear missile from Libya onto Israel (Matthew 24: abomination of desolation)
Russia and China invade America (Isaiah: Assyria and Babylon)
"son of perdition" (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4) comes as anti-christ, deceives the masses
All people forced allegiance under the Beast, taking the mark that allows them to buy & sell. Those who refuse to worship anti-christ are dealt with one way or another. This never-before-seen persecution lasts 42 months.
On the other side of the world in Jerusalem, two prophets finish their testimony after 42 months, are slain, left for dead for 3.5 days, resurrected and taken up to Heaven.
Third and Fourth earthquakes, much bigger than first two, causing all continents to form into one as the just are resurrected.
Remainder of Israel's captives in Babylon delivered by the Lord and gathered to Zion (Limhi)
New Jerusalem being built in Independence Missouri as city of Enoch descends from Heaven
Extreme wind and fire cleansing kill off all wicked as righteous are caught up in rapture
Christ reigns on Earth
Too often we bask in our comfortable complacency and rationalize that the ravages of war, economic disaster, famine, and earthquake cannot happen here. Those who believe this are either not acquainted with the revelations of the Lord, or they do not believe them. Those who smugly think these calamities will not happen, that they somehow will be set aside because of the righteousness of the Saints, are deceived and will rue the day they harbored such a delusion. (Ezra Taft Benson, "Prepare for the Days of Tribulation," Ensign, Nov. 1980, 32)
__________________
Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land.
- D&C 38:29
Line, that is quite a list. Interesting interpretations... I admit that I had trouble following some of it. Especially this:
# Third and Fourth earthquakes, much bigger than first two, causing all continents to form into one as the just are resurrected. # Remainder of Israel's captives in Babylon delivered by the Lord and gathered to Zion (Limhi) # New Jerusalem being built in Independence Missouri as city of Enoch descends from Heaven
What do you mean by (Limhi) in the second bullet? How does Limhi fit into the timeline?
Good question! I believe the best source to look for the answer regarding Limhi is Heber C Kimball's prophecy, and then you'll see the Limhi parallels:
… After a while the Gentiles will gather to this place by the thousands, and Salt Lake will be classified among the wicked cities of the world. A spirit of speculation and extravagance will take possession of the Saints, and the result will be financial bondage.
Persecution comes next, and all true Latter-day Saints will be tested to the limit. Many will apostatize, and others will stand still, not knowing what to do. 'Darkness will cover the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people.'
The Judgments of God will be poured out upon the wicked to the extent that our elders from far and near will be called home. Or in other words, the gospel will be taken from the Gentiles and later on will be carried to the Jews.
The western boundaries of the state of Missouri will be swept so clean of its inhabitants that, as President Young tells us, when we return to that place, 'There will not be left so much as a yellow dog to wag his tail.'
Before that day comes, however, the Saints will be put to a test that will try the integrity of the best of them. The pressure will become so great that the more righteous among them will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes.
Then the Prophet Joseph and others will make their appearance and those who have remained faithful will be selected to return to Jackson county, Missouri, and take part in the upbuilding of that beautiful city, the New Jerusalem.
Heber C. Kimball, First Counselor in the First Presidency, May 1868, in Deseret News, 23 May 1931; see also Conference Report, Oct. 1930, p. 58–59.
Limhi's people (that were not destroyed but captured) were put under extreme bondage under the Lamanites. The people prayed day and night for deliverance, and months later, the Lord delivered them and led them to Zarehemla.
Heber C Kimball's prophecy along with Hymn #41 should source the 3rd bullet. I'll have to dig up the portion on the 3rd & 4th earthquakes, but here's what I have so far:
Revelations 11:13,19 (note these are after the 42 months)
Revelations 16:18-20 (note just after Armageddon)
It makes sense that during the Second Coming period the continents will be formed into one as it was before the days of Peleg (the earth was divided in the days of Peleg). It would then make sense that this would occur during the largest of the 4 earthquakes. Perhaps even the same time period when the just is resurrected in D&C 29:26.
__________________
Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land.
- D&C 38:29
