Review
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Title: The Second Coming of the Lord
Author: Gerald N. Lund
Publisher: Deseret Book
Genre: Religious Non-fiction
Year Published: 2020
Number of Pages: 462
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN-13: 9781629728209
Price: $29.99
(Reviewed by Richard Ji for the Association for Mormon Letters)
Almost 50 years ago, Gerald N. Lund, first wrote The Coming of the Lord. Since then, it has been continuously in print. This demonstrates a keen interest people have in the signs of the times preceding the Lord’s Second Coming. In his latest book, The Second Coming of the Lord, Lund has updated and expanded upon the work published decades ago. In fact, Lund would consider this book a complete rewrite. This new version of the book has almost twice the number of pages as the original. Lund notes in his preface that since the first publication, there have been 8 additional prophets. In addition, there have been many additional Apostles and counselors in the First Presidency. So, the resulting prophetic commentary results in a ‘treasure trove’ (p. viii) of insight including from the living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. This work is particularly timely as the world continues to struggle with COVID-19 and with natural disasters and calamities abounding. Lund includes reference to such events, so this publication is literally ‘hot off the press.’
The Second Coming of The Lord is comprised of 35 chapters divided into 6 parts. It also includes a preface, epilogue, bibliography, and index. These parts are:
Part I: Living in the Last Days
Part II: How Soon the End?
Part III: The Dreadful Day
Part IV: The Great Day
Part V: The Winding Up Scenes
Part VI: “If Ye are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear”
The Parts of the book run in sequential order from the present through the Millenium. It closes with chapters related to spiritual and temporal preparations. Due to the length of the book, some readers may find it advantageous to read specific parts or chapters rather than cover to cover. Each chapter can stand on its own and one’s understanding of that chapter will not necessarily be compromised by skipping preceding ones.
The Second Coming of the Lord is not a scholarly work per se. Lund’s intent does not seem to be to provide an overly theological analysis as much as it seems to be a digest. Lund has compiled scripture, words of past and present Apostles and Prophets, and other sources. He then provides commentary. Lund makes the information accessible to the reader by breaking down complex allegories, explaining metaphors, providing historical and cultural context, as well as defining keywords in contemporary terms. Each chapter is wrapped up with a summary and conclusions. He provides some examples of how signs of the times have been fulfilled, are being fulfilled, or how they might be in the future. So, my read on this seems to be a general articulation of the prophecies leading up and through the Millenium and then reconciling them with historical events or potential events. Because so much simply is not known or perhaps subjected to a myriad of interpretations, Lund makes it clear when his statements are conjecture and when they are fact.
Quoting from Elijah, ‘that the great and terrible day of the Lord is near,” (D&C 110:16), Lund notes that many focus on the ‘terrible’ aspects of events leading up to the Second Coming. But Lund draws more attention to the ‘great.’ He has five chapters on the terrible and eight chapters on the great. His point being that despite the expected turmoil, there is much to look forward to if one is ready. Hence the final Part of the book discussing physical and spiritual readiness.
What would have made this book more enjoyable for me would be if Lund had focused the content more on what we know and limited the amount of postulation. While questions and points raised were interesting, the counterbalancing length of the book diluted the potency of the message for me. Also, a chart summarizing the signs and events with an indication of one’s fulfilled/being fulfilled would provide the reader with more focus.
Reading The Second Coming of The Lord invoked a renewed desire to draw closer to the Lord and aid Him in preparing others for the great days ahead. It brought to remembrance the bigger picture of what is happening in the world around us. It was a timely reminder to not lose sight of the Lord’s warnings. Having the most current words of the Prophet and Apostles, combined with the inclusion of current events, makes this book timely and relevant. I would recommend having The Second Coming of The Lord in one’s library as a key reference resource on this subject.