With a year already beset by epic wildfires, a worldwide plague, and reports of earthquakes in “divers places,” some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are seeing a recent church magazine article by President Russell M. Nelson as confirmation that we are in the end-times. First, members should understand that the article, first published online in mid-March, is an artful repackaging of previous statements by President Nelson, some going back decades. Second, for statements from President Nelson to members addressing anxiety and stress in these historic times, there are better resources (see note at bottom of post).
President Nelson’s April 2002 article “The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” is part of a special series published in church magazines this year under the heading “200 Years of Light 1820-2020.” The Restoration is one of President Nelson’s favorite topics as is the Gathering of Israel and the Second Coming. Someone (either he or a member of the church magazines staff) had a lot of fun with copying and pasting portions of old conference addresses, devotionals, worldwide broadcasts, and church magazine articles from his decades of church service. The weird thing is that the article doesn’t indicate that these statements are pulled from previous publications, so I figured I’d provide the citations.
President Nelson’s April 2020 message is divided into four sections. In the first section, we see extensive quotations from an April 2013 general conference address, a February 1991 Ensign article, modifications of comments made at the 2019 Rome, Italy, temple dedication, and a brief snippet from a 2002 BYU devotional.
The first two paragraphs come from President Nelson’s April 2013 general conference address, “Catch the Wave.” Statements from the two talks are compared below, with the red text noting the quoted portions.
You and I get to participate in the ongoing Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is wondrous! It is not man-made! It comes from the Lord, who said, “I will hasten my work in its time” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:73). This work is empowered by a divine announcement made 200 years ago. It consisted of only seven words: “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (see Joseph Smith—History 1:17).
Uttered by Almighty God, that announcement brought a young Joseph Smith to the Lord Jesus Christ. Those seven words launched the Restoration of His gospel. Why? Because our living God is a loving God! He wants His children to gain immortality and eternal life!
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
This wave of truth and righteousness is wondrous! It is not man-made! It comes from the Lord, who said, “I will hasten my work in its time.”7 This wave is empowered by a divine announcement made 193 years ago. It consisted of only seven words: “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”8 Uttered by Almighty God, that announcement introduced a young Joseph Smith to the Lord Jesus Christ. Those seven words launched the Restoration of His gospel. Why? Because our living God is a loving God! He wants His children to know Him and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent!9 And He wants His children to gain immortality and eternal life!10
“Catch the Wave,” April 2013 General Conference
Then a statements is inserted from an old 1991 church magazine article, “In This Holy Land.”
The great latter-day work of which we are a part was established, on schedule, to bless a waiting and weeping world.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
The great latter-day work of which we are a part was established, on schedule, to bless a waiting and weeping world.
“In This Holy Land,” February 1991 Ensign/Liahona article
And then we jump back to President Nelson’s 2013 “Catch the Wave” general conference address.
I cannot speak of the Restoration in tempered tones. This fact of history is absolutely stunning! It is incredible! It is breathtaking! How amazing is it that messengers from heaven came to give authority and power to this work?
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article.
I cannot speak of the Restoration in tempered tones. This fact of history is absolutely stunning! It is incredible! It is breathtaking! How amazing is it that messengers from heaven came to give authority and power to this work?
“Catch the Wave,” April 2013 general conference
Next we move to modifications of statements that President Nelson made in association with his March 2019 dedication of the Rome, Italy, temple.
Today, the Lord’s work in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is moving forward at an accelerated pace. The Church will have an unprecedented, unparalleled future. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, … the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also Doctrine and Covenants 76:10).
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
“Things are going to move forward at an accelerated pace,” said President Nelson. “The Church is going to have an unprecedented future, unparalleled. We’re just building up to what’s ahead now.”
“President Nelson: ‘a hinge point in the history of the Church’” 27 December 2019 Church News article
The author quickly inserts a line from a December 2002 BYU devotional, “Christ the Savior Is Born.”
Remember that the fulness of Christ’s ministry lies in the future. The prophecies of His Second Coming have yet to be fulfilled.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article.
Remember that the fulness of Christ’s ministry lies in the future. The prophecies of His Second Coming have yet to be fulfilled.
“Christ the Savior Is Born” 10 December 2002 BYU devotional
And then moves back towards a concept from the Rome, Italy, temple dedication comments.
We are just building up to the climax of this last dispensation—when the Savior’s Second Coming becomes a reality.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
“Things are going to move forward at an accelerated pace,” said President Nelson. “The Church is going to have an unprecedented future, unparalleled. We’re just building up to what’s ahead now.”
“President Nelson: ‘a hinge point in the history of the Church’” 27 December 2019 Church News article
The next portion of President Nelson’s April 2020 article is under the heading “Gathering Israel on Both Sides of the Veil.” The vast majority of these quotations come from an October 2006 general conference address. Other quotes come from BYU devotionals given in 1988 and 2002, as well as three other general conference addresses. The last paragraph in this section comes from the October 2018 address “The Correct Name of the Church,” but it has a significant change.
As stated, most of the quotes in this section come from an October 2006 general conference address, “The Gathering of Scattered Israel.” Since these quotes were moved around a bit, I’m adding some other colors to show the matches.
A necessary prelude to that Second Coming is the long-awaited gathering of scattered Israel (see 1 Nephi 15:18; see also the title page of the Book of Mormon). This doctrine of the gathering is one of the important teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lord has declared: “I give unto you a sign … that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion” (3 Nephi 21:1).
We not only teach this doctrine, but we participate in it. We do so as we help to gather the elect of the Lord on both sides of the veil.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
As prophesied by Peter and Paul, all things were to be restored in this dispensation. Therefore, there must come, as part of that restoration, the long-awaited gathering of scattered Israel.15 It is a necessary prelude to the Second Coming of the Lord.16
This doctrine of the gathering is one of the important teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lord has declared: “I give unto you a sign … that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion.”17 The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign to the entire world that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.18 We not only teach this doctrine, but we participate in it. We do so as we help to gather the elect of the Lord on both sides of the veil.
“The Gathering of Scattered Israel” October 2006 general conference
The author adds a line from an April 2000 general conference address, “The Creation.”
As part of the planned destiny of the earth and its inhabitants, our kindred dead are to be redeemed (see Doctrine and Covenants 128:15).
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
And as part of the planned destiny of the earth and its inhabitants, here our kindred dead are also to be redeemed.42
“The Creation” April 2000 general conference
We are brought back to the October 2006 “The Gathering of Scattered Israel” address.
Mercifully, the invitation to “come unto Christ” (Jacob 1:7; Moroni 10:32; Doctrine and Covenants 20:59) can also be extended to those who died without a knowledge of the gospel (see Doctrine and Covenants 137:6–8). Part of their preparation, however, requires the earthly efforts of others. We gather pedigree charts, create family group sheets, and do temple work vicariously to gather individuals unto the Lord and into their families (see 1 Corinthians 15:29; 1 Peter 4:6).
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
Mercifully, the invitation to “come unto Christ”34 can also be extended to those who died without a knowledge of the gospel.35 Part of their preparation requires earthly efforts of others. We gather pedigree charts, create family group sheets, and do temple work vicariously to gather individuals unto the Lord and into their families.36
“The Gathering of Scattered Israel” October 2006 general conference
And then we leapfrog back to the April 2000 “The Creation” general conference address.
Families are to be sealed together for all eternity (see Doctrine and Covenants 2:2–3; 49:17; 138:48; Joseph Smith—History 1:39). A welding link is to be forged between the fathers and the children. In our time, a whole, complete, and perfect union of all dispensations, keys, and powers are to be welded together (see Doctrine and Covenants 128:18). For these sacred purposes, holy temples now dot the earth.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
Families are to be sealed together for all eternity.43 A welding link is to be forged between the fathers and the children. In our time, a whole, complete, and perfect union of all dispensations, keys, and powers is to be welded together.44 For these sacred purposes, holy temples now dot the earth.
“The Creation” April 2000 general conference
We then get a line from the more recent April 2018 general conference address, “Let Us All Press On.”
I emphasize again that construction of these temples may not change your life, but your service in the temple surely will.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
My dear brothers and sisters, construction of these temples may not change your life, but your time in the temple surely will.
“Let Us All Press On” April 2018 general conference
We next get a more ominous warning, which was given at the previously quoted Christmas BYU devotional in December 2002, “Christ the Savior Is Born.”
The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do (see Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7). Our safest insurance is to continue to be worthy of admission to His holy house. The greatest gift you could give to the Lord is to keep yourself unspotted from the world, worthy to attend His holy house. His gift to you will be the peace and security of knowing that you are worthy to meet Him, whenever that time comes.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do. Our safest insurance is to continue to be worthy of admission to His holy house. How blessed we are to have temples available. The greatest gift you could give to the Lord at this or any other time of year is to keep yourself unspotted from the world, worthy to attend His holy house. His gift to you will be the peace and security of knowing that you are worthy to meet Him, whenever that time shall come.
“Christ the Savior Is Born” 10 December 2002 BYU devotional
We return to the October 2006 general conference address “The Gathering of Scattered Israel” for a couple paragraphs.
In addition to temple work, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign to the entire world that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill the covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Genesis 12:2–3; 3 Nephi 21; 29). The Book of Mormon declares the doctrine of the gathering (see, for example, 1 Nephi 10:14). It causes people to learn about Jesus Christ, to believe His gospel, and to join His Church. In fact, if there were no Book of Mormon, the promised gathering of Israel would not occur.
Missionary work is also crucial to that gathering. Servants of the Lord go forth proclaiming the Restoration. In many nations our members and missionaries have searched for those of scattered Israel; they have hunted for them “out of the holes of the rocks” (Jeremiah 16:16); and they have fished for them, as in ancient days.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign to the entire world that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.18 We not only teach this doctrine, but we participate in it. We do so as we help to gather the elect of the Lord on both sides of the veil.
The Book of Mormon is central to this work. It declares the doctrine of the gathering.19 It causes people to learn about Jesus Christ, to believe His gospel, and to join His Church. In fact, if there were no Book of Mormon, the promised gathering of Israel would not occur.20
…
Here on earth, missionary work is crucial to the gathering of Israel. The gospel was to be taken first to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.”37 Consequently, servants of the Lord have gone forth proclaiming the Restoration. In many nations our missionaries have searched for those of scattered Israel; they have hunted for them “out of the holes of the rocks”; and they have fished for them as in ancient days.38
“The Gathering of Scattered Israel” October 2006 general conference
We then transition into talking about the Abrahamic covenant. The scripture quote provides a way for the author to bring in a statement from the November 1988 BYU Devotional, “Thanks for the Covenant.”
Missionary work connects people to the covenant the Lord made with Abraham anciently:
“Thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations;
“And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father” (Abraham 2:9–10).
Missionary work is only the beginning of the blessing. The fulfillment, the consummation, of those blessings comes as those who have entered the waters of baptism perfect their lives to the point that they may enter the holy temple. Receiving an endowment there seals members of the Church to the Abrahamic covenant.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
Missionary work is only the beginning of that blessing. The fulfillment, the consummation, of those blessings comes as those who have entered the waters of baptism perfect their lives to the point that they may enter the holy temple. Receiving an endowment there seals members of the Church to the Abrahamic covenant.
“Thanks for the Covenant” 22 November 1988 BYU devotional
Next are several more quotes from the October 2006 general conference address “The Gathering of Scattered Israel.”
The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a matter of individual commitment. All members of the Church have access to the doctrine, ordinances, priesthood keys, and blessings of the gospel, regardless of their location. People can be “brought to the knowledge of the Lord” (3 Nephi 20:13) without leaving their homelands.
True, in the early days of the Church, conversion often meant emigration as well. But now the gathering takes place in each nation. The Lord has decreed the establishment of Zion (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:6; 11:6) in each realm where He has given His Saints their birth and nationality. The place of gathering for Brazilian Saints is in Brazil; the place of gathering for Nigerian Saints is in Nigeria; the place of gathering for Korean Saints is in Korea. Zion is “the pure in heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21). It is wherever righteous Saints are.
Spiritual security will always depend upon how one lives, not where one lives.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a matter of individual commitment. People can be “brought to the knowledge of the Lord”39 without leaving their homelands. True, in the early days of the Church, conversion often meant emigration as well. But now the gathering takes place in each nation. The Lord has decreed the establishment of Zion40 in each realm where He has given His Saints their birth and nationality. Scripture foretells that the people “shall be gathered home to the lands of their inheritance, and shall be established in all their lands of promise.”41 “Every nation is the gathering place for its own people.”42 The place of gathering for Brazilian Saints is in Brazil; the place of gathering for Nigerian Saints is in Nigeria; the place of gathering for Korean Saints is in Korea; and so forth. Zion is “the pure in heart.”43 Zion is wherever righteous Saints are. Publications, communications, and congregations are now such that nearly all members have access to the doctrines, keys, ordinances, and blessings of the gospel, regardless of their location.
Spiritual security will always depend upon how one lives, not where one lives. Saints in every land have equal claim upon the blessings of the Lord.
“The Gathering of Scattered Israel” October 2006 general conference
The final paragraph in this “Gathering” section is an interesting quotation from the October 2018 general conference address “The Correct Name of the Church.” Instead of blessings being promised to those who use the correct name of the church, though, those blessings are offered to those who “have faith in Jesus Christ and access the power of His atonement.”
I promise that if we will do our best to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and access the power of His Atonement through repentance, we will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
My dear brothers and sisters, I promise you that if we will do our best to restore the correct name of the Lord’s Church, He whose Church this is will pour down His power and blessings upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints,17 the likes of which we have never seen. We will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.
“The Correct Name of the Church” October 2018 general conference
The third portion of President Nelson’s April 2020 message is a short section under the heading “The Second Coming.” Despite the brevity, it packs in quotes from three church magazine articles and two general conference addresses.
First we see a quote from an earlier referenced February 1991 Ensign article, “In This Holy Land.”
The Lord will return to the land that He made holy by His mission there in mortality. In triumph, He will come again to Jerusalem. In royal robes of red to symbolize His blood, which oozed from every pore, He shall return to the Holy City (see Doctrine and Covenants 133:46–48). There and elsewhere, “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5; see also Doctrine and Covenants 101:23).
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
But eventually the Lord will return to the land that He made holy by His mission there in mortality. In triumph, He will come again to Jerusalem. In flaming royal robes of red to symbolize His blood, which oozed from every pore, He shall return to the Holy City. There and elsewhere, “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together”
“In This Holy Land” February 1991 Ensign/Liahona article
Next we move to an April 2000 Ensign article, “Jesus the Christ: Our Master and More.”
His “name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
He will govern from two world capitals: one in old Jerusalem (see Zechariah 14) and the other in the New Jerusalem “built upon the American continent” (Articles of Faith 1:10). From these centers He will direct the affairs of His Church and kingdom.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
Then, “the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). He will govern from two world capitals, one in old Jerusalem (see Jer. 3:17; Zech. 14:4–7; D&C 45:48–66; D&C 133:19–21) and the other in the New Jerusalem, “built upon the American continent” (A of F 1:10; see also Ether 13:3–10; D&C 84:2–4). From these centers He will direct the affairs of His Church and kingdom. Then He “shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev. 11:15; see also Ex. 15:18; Ps. 146:10; Mosiah 3:5; D&C 76:108).
“Jesus the Christ: Our Master and More” April 2000 Ensign/Liahona article
Now moving to an older Ensign article, the December 1989 “Why This Holy Land?”
Another temple will yet be built in Jerusalem. From that temple He shall reign forever as Lord of Lords. Water will issue from under the temple. Waters of the Dead Sea will be healed. (See Ezekiel 47:1–8.)
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article.
Another temple will yet be built in Jerusalem. Water will issue from under the temple. Waters of the Dead Sea will be healed. All this and more will occur prior to the promised second coming of our King. From that temple He shall reign forever as Lord of Lords.
“Why This Holy Land?” December 1989 Ensign/Liahona article
And back to the April 2000 Ensign article “Jesus the Christ: Our Master and More.”
In that day He will bear new titles and be surrounded by special Saints. He will be known as “Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that [will be] with him [will be those who] are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14) to their trust here in mortality. Then He “shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
Then He “shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev. 11:15; see also Ex. 15:18; Ps. 146:10; Mosiah 3:5; D&C 76:108).
In that day He will bear new titles and be surrounded by special Saints. He will be known as “Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that [will be] with him [will be those who] are called, and chosen, and faithful” to their trust here in mortality (Rev. 17:14; see also Rev. 19:16).
“Jesus the Christ: Our Master and More” April 2000 Ensign/Liahona article
We then see quotes from a general conference address referenced earlier, “The Creation” from April 2000.
The earth will be returned to its paradisiacal state and be made new. There will be a new heaven and a new earth (see Revelation 21:1; Ether 13:9; Doctrine and Covenants 29:23–24).
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
At the Second Coming of the Lord, the earth will be changed once again. It will be returned to its paradisiacal state and be made new. There will be a new heaven and a new earth.48
“The Creation” April 2000 general conference
The final sentence in this section is a reworking of a closing line at the October 2018 General Priesthood Session.
It is our charge—it is our privilege—to help prepare the world for that day.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
While you sing, think of your duty as God’s mighty army to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. This is our charge. This is our privilege. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
“Ministering with the Power and Authority of God” April 2018 general conference
The last section of President Nelson’s April 2020 message is under the heading “Face the Future with Faith.” Fittingly, the vast majority of this section comes from his April 2011 general conference address, “Face the Future with Faith.”
Meanwhile, here and now, we live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith.
Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.
How you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth. The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people. As you walk in the Lord’s path of righteousness, you will be blessed to continue in His goodness and be a light and a savior unto His people (see Doctrine and Covenants 86:8–11).
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
We live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith.
…
Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution.”12 That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.
How you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth. The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people. As you walk in the Lord’s path of righteousness, you will be blessed to continue in His goodness and be a light and a savior unto His people.13
“Face the Future with Faith” April 2011 general conference
The next three paragraphs come from a worldwide devotional broadcast from BYU-Hawaii in January 2016. Many in the blogosphere better remember this talk, “Becoming True Millennials,” as the one where President Nelson declared the November 2015 exclusion policy as inspired.
Do whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth. Anchored in pure doctrine, you will be able to step forward with faith and dogged persistence and cheerfully do all that lies in your power to fulfill the purposes of the Lord.
You will have days when you will be discouraged. So pray for courage not to give up! Sadly, some whom you thought were your friends will betray you. And some things will simply seem unfair.
However, I promise you that as you follow Jesus Christ, you will find sustained peace and true joy. As you keep your covenants with increasing precision, and as you defend the Church and kingdom of God on the earth today, the Lord will bless you with strength and wisdom to accomplish what only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can accomplish.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
How will you accomplish the impossible? By doing whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth. As a True Millennial, anchored in pure doctrine, when you are asked to do impossible things, you will be able to step forward with faith and dogged persistence and cheerfully do all that lies in your power to fulfill the purposes of the Lord.6
You will have days when you will be thoroughly discouraged. So, pray for courage not to give up! You will need that strength because it will become less and less popular to be a Latter-day Saint. Sadly, some whom you thought were your friends will betray you. And some things will simply seem unfair.
However, I promise you that as you follow Jesus Christ, you will find sustained peace and true joy. As you keep your covenants with increasing precision, and as you defend the Church and kingdom of God on the earth today, the Lord will bless you with strength and wisdom to accomplish the impossible.
“Becoming True Millennials” 10 January 2016 worldwide devotional for young adults
We then go back to the earlier April 2000 general conference address, “The Creation.”
We are to be builders of an individual faith in God, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and faith in His Church. We are to build families and be sealed in holy temples. We are to build the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth (see Matthew 6:33). We are to prepare for our own divine destiny: glory, immortality, and eternal lives (see Romans 2:7; Doctrine and Covenants 75:5).
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
We are to be creators in our own right—builders of an individual faith in God, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith in His Church. We are to build families and be sealed in holy temples. We are to build the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth.56 We are to prepare for our own divine destiny—glory, immortality, and eternal lives.57 These supernal blessings can all be ours, through our faithfulness.
“The Creation” April 2000 general conference
In the closing two paragraphs of the April 2020 message, two common lines are given that President Nelson likes to use in closing remarks. Both are expressed in talks from the April 2019 general conference: “Closing Remarks” and “We Can Do Better and Be Better.”
The second-to-last paragraph has a statement by Joseph Smith from the Wentworth letter. President Nelson doesn’t usually have this much of the text, usually just the last bit.
I humbly testify to you that—as the Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed—the restored gospel of Jesus Christ “will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
I leave my love and blessing with you, assuring you that revelation continues in this, the Lord’s Church. It will continue until “the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”1
“Closing Remarks” April 2019 general conference
The final sentence is another line President Nelson uses in closing talks. This is from the April 2019 General Priesthood Session address “We Can Do Better and Be Better.”
We are engaged in the work of Almighty God. I pray for His blessings to be with each and every one of you.
“The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign/Liahona article
We are engaged in the work of Almighty God. Jesus is the Christ. We are Their servants. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
“We Can Do Better and Be Better” April 2019 general conference
Questions:
- What do you think of the “repackaging” of President Nelson’s statements? Do you think President Nelson put it together himself or members of the magazine staff?
- Do you think articles that repurpose quotes like these should include citations or statements recognizing the prior use?
- Do you think we’ll be seeing more of these repackaged articles by general authorities?
Complete list of talks and articles by President Russell M. Nelson cited in this post:
- “The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming” April 2020 Ensign article
- “President Nelson: ‘a hinge point in the history of the Church’” 27 December 2019 Church News article
- “Closing Remarks” April 2019 general conference
- “We Can Do Better and Be Better” April 2019 general conference
- “The Correct Name of the Church” October 2018 general conference
- “Ministering with the Power and Authority of God” April 2018 general conference
- “Let Us All Press On” April 2018 general conference
- “Becoming True Millennials” 10 January 2016 worldwide young adult broadcast
- “Catch the Wave” April 2013 general conference
- “Face the Future with Faith” April 2011 general conference
- “The Gathering of Scattered Israel” October 2006 general conference
- “Christ the Savior Is Born” 10 December 2002 BYU devotional
- “The Creation” April 2000 general conference address
- “Jesus the Christ: Our Master and More” April 2000 Ensign article
- “In This Holy Land” February 1991 Ensign article
- “Why This Holy Land” December 1989 Ensign article
- “Thanks for the Covenant” 22 November 1988 BYU devotional
Note: For more uplifting/comforting messages, see a video from President Nelson as well as his March 31st social media invitation to general conference. Also see the supplement to the April 2020 Ensign, “A Special Message for Unsettling Times,” compiled by church magazines staff.
Lead image is a screen capture from www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
Wheat & Tares 
Should the previous use be acknowledged? Yes. That is a matter of honesty. The current phrasing implies that this is a new message, which it isn’t. Thus, at some level, it is not what it promotes itself as being: a new message for the Church.
Is using (properly sourced) recycled messages a problem? Not necessarily. President Nelson is very busy, especially at this time. I can see that he intended to write a new article but couldn’t because of the press of other Church business. Reusing old content in a new form is a reasonable strategy to communicate with a worldwide audience, many of whom had not heard significant chunks of this material before. Although I personally don’t like the strategy because there is nothing new presented, it is reasonable under the circumstances.
If he wrote it himself (with or without staff assistance), then citations to his own previous statements are not needed.
If a staffer wrote it with a by-line or as a house article, then citations should have been provided.
If a staffer wrote it but the magazine imputes authorship to President Nelson, well, that’s a little murky. One supposes the staffer wrote by direction, so maybe that puts it in the first category above.
First Presidency messages as recycled material has been standard practice for many, many years. There’s nothing new here.
I am sure that my ward—maybe like other wards, chose this talk in particular to discuss for virtual meetings.
Our Stake President chimed in with this sentiment, “for this article to have been written for this month, brothers and sisters, President Nelson had to have submitted it months ago. Putting a magazine together is labor intensive. It has to be translated into various languages… and does ANYONE doubt our prophet knew we needed THIS message THIS month for THIS situation while the storm swirls around us?”
Without question, quotes should be cited and attributed to original source. To not do so is disingenuous at best and manipulative of faithful church members’ emotions at worst.
As for myself, this article‘a discussion was difficult to sit through and listen to during the virtual meeting. So many comments given on how we need to be so much more prepared and do so much more work because our families are at stake!
Ensign, you need to be honest in your dealings with your (vulnerable) fellow men.
“If he wrote it himself (with or without staff assistance), then citations to his own previous statements are not needed.”
I would beg to differ on that point. I understood that in academic circles at least it is standard practice to cite ones own previously published material. Otherwise there’s the whole murky field of self-plagiarism: http://en.writecheck.com/self-plagiarism.
I find the whole thing to be ethically very dubious. For sure it’s not the level of transparency I’d like to be able to expect (though sadly aware that’s it’s pretty much par for the course for church publications).
Mary Ann, I didn’t notice “repackaging.” Is that different from recycling? Or repurposing?
I am not sure if he (1) repackages, (2) recycles, or (3) repurposes the context of his sermons.
I don’t think President Nelson needs to reference his own talks if he recycles or repurposes, but if he repackages—I would like to see a timestamp and kosher certification.
I would expect a staffer was assigned to write and article subject to the President’s review and changes or approval — same process as that used by many politicians and their speech writers — and, by insider accounts, for at least ETB’s famous speech on pride. . Recycling prior materials for First Presidency messages in the Ensign has also been standard practice for decades. Earlier I have not noticed, however, the same wide-ranging scope of self-quotation that Mary Ann has identified. But for the scope in this case, it would not be in the least surprising if President Nelson were to express the same ideas he’s long been committed to in the same phrases he used before without even consciously quoting himself. Here the longer quotations suggest that is unlikely.
I expect the time needed in preparation of the magazine and the coincidence of this recycling of old subject matter with the pandemic is most likely accidental and not prescient so far as human knowledge is concerned. Yes, to Annie’s stake president, there are those who “doubt our prophet knew we needed THIS message THIS month for THIS situation while the storm swirls around us.” Of course, that doesn’t mean that the timing was not inspired by God, but if the prophet knew consciously when the article was first prepared, then the delay in action relative to missionaries around the world would seem unconscionable.
Ji, “First Presidency messages as recycled material has been standard practice for many, many years. There’s nothing new here.” We don’t have First Presidency messages anymore. The other articles in this “200 years of light” series seem to have plenty of citations.
Travis, I say “repackage” because the piece is a string of quotes with a few sentences and transitions added to make the text flow better. In my mind it’s like a special bundle pack instead of trying to find the parts individually.
Annie, I’ve been seeing a lot of comments like that in various forums as well. One question that’s often asked is “When did he write this?” Most people understand these articles are written months ahead. But now we can point to different paragraphs and say, “He said this one in 1991” or “He said this one in 2002” or “He said this one in 2011.”
This reminds me of the time my mission president plagiarized one of Boyd K. Packer’s talks almost word for word in our newsletter and didn’t think anyone would notice. And I don’t think anyone did–except me. And as an English grad student, it still bothers me to this day. (Not that “self-plagiarism” is the same thing).
I don’t know how I feel about the recycling of previous work, but I sincerely thank you, Mary Ann. for this post. Your research and documentation are very helpful in answering the question of when it was said, as you noted in your last comment.
I dislike the statements that it was said/written specifically for this month and our immediate concerns.
You did a really nice job giving us the background and citations. I guess I don’t see anything “wrong” with recycling old material and mixing it in with new material by the same author. However, that’s a dangerous game. While RMN’s messages seem to be pretty consistent over time (i.e.,the name of the Church should be…), there are other examples of certain GAs who have certainly changed their tune over time. We could cut and paste (Liahona style) previous talks with newer talks and the contradictions would be pretty concerning. Or, we would mix the words of prophet x from the 70s, prophet y from the 80s, prophet z from the 90s, etc. and we’d be pretty shocked at what was once acceptable and is now not said (“white and delightsome”, etc.).
I guess my point is that there is nothing wrong with this practice per se but I’m sure Church leaders wouldn’t want me doing the research and editing.
Mary Ann, you may be on to something here.
There is AI technology and software that formats and quarries topics for publication. It is used for promoting fast content—like low-level fake news stories. It is an easy way for editors publish content. No need for writers or writing.
I just read an article published on Twitter by Book of Mormon Central entitled, “Observations on the Timing of the First Vision.” It really says nothing. It drops names of famous personalities, historical achievements, technological progress, and ties these things to the First Vision—as if historical context makes the First Vision more legitimate or credible!
Read for yourself the closing paragraph:
[ “While there is still room for individual Latter-day Saints to tease out the exact degree to which God influenced the worldwide events leading up to the Restoration, there can be no doubt that such things take time. As Elder M. Russell Ballard has recently testified, “The Lord prepared the world for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ long before the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith in 1820.” It is therefore “appropriate to remember the numerous women and men over the course of centuries who were inspired by the Lord as He prepared the world for the Restoration that began when the Father and the Son appeared to young Joseph Smith, who was seeking forgiveness and direction in 1820.” ].
The more I read LDS publications with anonymous authorship, the more I’m suspicious that the institution employs this kind of technology. The edits can be characterized by (1) lack of ethos, (2) choppy transitions, (3) heavy cut-and-paste quotations.
I hope it’s just bad writing, but something smells artificial…
This is exactly why I let my subscriptions lapse over a decade ago. It’s all recycled. In church, all our talks and lessons are about talks. Even in general conference, the GAs constantly quote each other. I’m beginning to think we as a Church are no longer capable of original thinking.
I find this a bit troubling and indicative of the slight of hand that I think goes on a lot. The goal of this article was to make it seem prophetic, new and written for our current situation and miraculous. Mary Ann has slowed down the video and can point right to where you can see two rabbits, one in the hat and one under the table and showed us how the trick was done, the rabbit didn’t disappear from the hat and end up under the table. But the casual observer would be impressed by the trick thinking the rabbit moved. The justification for this kind of thing is always that it builds testimonies and creates faith for people, maybe that is true. But it seems like slight of hand to me. We also see this with the carefully worded statements that make it sound and lead people to thing the leaders have had interviews with Jesus, but they are not technically saying this.
I’m with felixfarulous. There’s something more insidious at work here than the kind of packaging Mary Ann and Travis mention. This sleight of hand that felixfarulous mentions is indicative of a larger issue, which is that the church, when it feels like it has to choose between honesty/truth and promoting/building the faith of the members, seems almost always to choose the latter. If truth is the first casualty of war, it may also be, ironically, the first casualty of religion (or at least the first casualty of correlation). The belief that we have a prophet on the earth today may indeed be comforting to many and I think that’s fine, but this kind of repackaging is another example, IMHO, of this whole “let’s build the people’s faith however we can” sort of thinking. I’ve never quite understood how we love to insist on the truth of certain things and on the importance of truth and then, whenever an inconvenient truth threatens the relatively fragile structure of faith, we all of a sudden vilify those truths and cling even more tightly to our “true” narrative. If the truth really will set us free, let’s get on with acknowledging truth and then try to reconstruct a more complex faith afterwards.
Isaiah said it best:
8 For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.
9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
You’ve done a great job on this and I definitely believe these messages should carry citations. It does give the impression of being prophetic and timed for recent events. The cut and paste indicates something far more generic..
Perhaps it’s a difference in readers rather than the Ensign, but while the Ensign’s failure to acknowledge that the article is compiled and slightly edited from earlier, even much earlier, materials, I am unable to see that “The goal of this article was to make it seem prophetic, new and written for our current situation and miraculous.” To me it looks instead like an article planned for the April Ensign in anticipation of April conference announced months previously as, in effect, a celebration of the Restoration and 200 years since the First Vision.
There is nothing in the article that I haven’t been hearing in Church and from general authorities since at least the 1960s. When it gets to signs of the times/anticipating the Second Coming, there is no timely mention of virus, disease, epidemic, or pandemic, but only a list of the same things noted prior to any knowledge of covid-19:
“Meanwhile, here and now, we live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith.”
So, to me it looks like a summary of what the Church and RMN have been preaching for a long time. It looks like nothing but coincidence that its publication in anticipation of a celebratory General Conference also coincided roughly with awareness of and attempts to slow the pandemic. I think I’ve seen other attempts to make something seem prophetic [E.g., RMN’s January 2016 talk labeling the November 2015 policy a revelation; maybe DHO’s Oct 2018 talk on The Plan and the Proclamation]. This doesn’t look like that to me. But I also don’t expect to see any official communication correcting the inference drawn by some as a result of coincidental timing and of assumptions of prophetic insight, hidden meaning, or claims of prophetic insight. I expect instead that the impression/inference will be let stand. It may even be reinforced, as RMN attempted in January 2016 to reinforce the November/December 2015 speculation of local Church leaders that the 2015 policy was attributable to revelation to President Monson. I hope not.
The part of the last-days scenario and immediacy that makes no sense is that according to Mormon theology there will be numerous restorations of Jerusalem(s) and temples etc. In fact, there will be multiple arrivals of Jesus in various locations and so-on-and-so-forth.
So…where are the contractors and how far along are they? Hmmmm.
There have been so many varied teachings by Mormons of note, including GAs, over the years, that I always wonder who is meant (and when) when someone says “according to Mormon theology.”
2. Yes. And to reiterate Hedgehog’s statement: when I quote (or paraphrase) myself in academic writing, I have to cite myself.
I understood that First Presidency messages were generally reprinted/recycled talks. I don’t think I ever thought they are now synthesized from snippets of many talks. That’s a very different thing than a reprint/summary of something old.
This really bothers me.
Just this morning a ward member posted on Facebook about how incredible/timely/etc. this message is. This is a deceptive practice and I don’t like it.
In the late 80s, Pres. Benson said something controversial at a BYU devotional. I don’t specifically recall what it was, but it caused a lot of speculation on campus and in the BYU newspaper – “Is he speaking as the prophet or as a man?”
Shortly after, there was an official announcement of what constitutes scripture – or “not speaking as a man”. 1 – the standard works. 2 – GA’s general conference talks. 3 – GA’s BYU Devotional talks. 4 – First Presidency messages published in the Ensign.
So, by this definition, the Ensign article is scripture. The fact that it quotes conference talks and other Ensign articles just makes it “double scripture”.
It also lacks anything like Joseph’s “prophetic imagination”.
I don’t like it for the same reasons @bdb doesn’t.
Well, I guess I was wrong to expect that the inference drawn by some as a result of coincidental timing and of assumptions of prophetic insight, hidden meaning, or claims of prophetic insight would be let stand. This looks like an acknowledgment that the article was not prescient about the pandemic or sheltering in place:
“Little did I know when I promised you at the October 2019 general conference that this April conference would be memorable and unforgettable, that speaking to a visible congregation of fewer than 10 people would make this conference so memorable and unforgettable for me,” President Nelson remarked Saturday morning April 4.
Thank you for going through the work to put this together Mary Ann. It reminds me of a lot of the old First Presidency Messages that were recycled materials (some of which more open about it than others). I feel like it is appropriate to share a “greatest hits” track for Russell M. Nelson to drive home his central points in one place, but I would have liked to know that it was a “greatest hits” compilation rather than an original article when I initially read the article. My other concern is that if it is magazine staff compiling the messages of general authorities and presenting it under their name, it would seem to show that the general authorities aren’t taking the role of the Church magazines seriously as a means of communicating with members on a regular basis. If it is his work completely, I still would have liked some sort of disclosure that it was built out of quotes from previous publications.
Joel Osteen is pk’g 60 to 70k stadiums a wk. Get a strong layer team to go against aclu and go against congress ten comments back in schools.
For me personally, I do not find it helpful to ask myself if I agree with the way the article was written. I find it more helpful to ask- what do the Prophet’s words say to me? What is he, and therefore, the Lord asking me to do better or differently? Am I doing it? Am I helping gather Israel on both sides of the veil? Am I helping prepare the world for the Second Coming?