by C. Max Caldwell

This revelation of the Doctrine and Covenants was received in early March 1831, a time when "many false reports, lies, and foolish stories, were published in the newspapers, and circulated in every direction, to prevent people from investigating the work, or embracing the faith" (HC 1:158). In it the Lord called the Saints to hearken to his voice, and noted that he was pleading unto the Father for them (D&C 45:1-7). He then told them he would "prophesy, as unto men in days of old," and gave them what he had given his disciples in Jerusalem concerning events that would take place in that day, in the last days, and at his second coming.

Three events would take place during the time of the Savior's own generation: (1) the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed (verses 18-20); (2) the Jewish nation would be desolated and destroyed (verse 21); and (3) the Jews would be scattered among all nations (verse 24). History shows that these prophecies were fulfilled. Before the end of first century, Roman conquests brought about a literal and exact fulfillment of all that Jesus had described. Some who heard him prophesy lived to witness those events.

Many events would happen in the last days preceding the Lord's second coming:

1. The Jews shall be gathered to Jerusalem (verse 25).
2. There shall be wars and rumors of wars (verse 26).
3. Men's hearts shall fail them (verse 26).
4. There shall be claims of a delay in Christ's coming (verse 26).
5. The love of men shall wax cold (verse 27).
6. Iniquity shall abound (verse 27).
7. The fulness of the gospel shall be restored (verse 28).
8. Times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled (verse 30).
9. There shall be an overflowing scourge and desolating sickness (verse 31).
10. The wicked shall curse God (verse 32).
11. There shall be earthquakes and many desolations (verse 33).
12. There shall be displays of heavenly phenomena—sun, moon, stars (verses 40-44).

The Times of the Gentiles referred to in item 8 began with the taking of the gospel to the Gentiles by the apostles after the death of Christ. The second opportunity for the Gentiles came with the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith, to be preached first to the Gentiles and then to the Jews.

When the Savior comes a second time, he will make at least three general appearances:

1. He will appear to the Saints or covenant members of his church (verses 45-46, 56-57). The Savior likened those faithful members to the five wise virgins who had taken the Holy Spirit to be their guide (cf. Matt. 25:1-13).

2. He will appear to the Jews at Jerusalem (verses 47-53). When the Jews are engaged in a battle for survival, the Savior will appear and intervene in their behalf and they will recognize him as their Messiah.

3. He will appear to the world (verses 74-75). This appearance will not be to a select group, but rather will be of such magnitude that the wicked will be destroyed, leaving only the righteous to enjoy the millennial reign of the Savior. The second coming of the Savior will coincide with the resurrection of faithful covenant members of his Church who shall be caught up to meet him when he comes in his glory (verse 45). And the heathen who lived without the law will be resurrected, and also "they that knew no law" (verse 54).

The revelation known as section 45 then focuses on Joseph Smith's work on the Bible translation (verses 60-62), and also mentions wars abroad and at home (verse 63). The last verses call the Saints to gather "with one heart and with one mind…[to build] the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety" (verses 65-66).

(See Basic Beliefs home page; Doctrines of the Gospel home page; Scriptual Writings home page; Doctrine and Covenants home page; Overview of the Doctrine and Covenents home page)

Bibliography

Church Educational System. The Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual. Salt Lake City, 1981.

Cook, Lyndon W. The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Provo, 1981.

Otten, Leaun G., and C. Max Caldwell. Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants, Vol. 1. Springville, Utah, 1982.

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 1, Doctrine and Covenants Section 45

Copyright © 1992 by Macmillan Publishing Company