Have you ever wondered why we don’t know exactly when Christ will return to the earth again?

As we read about church history this year, I’ve been surprised yet again by how many of these early Saints truly believed they were preparing for Christ’s imminent return.

It seems like many of them thought Christ would return during their mortal lifetime.

And yet… here we are, 200 years and many generations later, still preparing for Christ’s return.

The Saints were told in D&C 49:7–

“But the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes.”

Why did the Saints think Christ’s return was so soon, when it actually was quite far away still? Something that even their great-great grandchildren wouldn’t see?

I’ve been pondering on this for a while.

And I finally, in a roundabout way, rested on a thought that brought me back to my high school/college days.

When I had assignments due, I would always wait until the last minute to start. Always. The night before, I would be up all night getting stuff done.

In other words, I would procrastinate.

I am a pro-procrastinator.

And then, as I was still pondering on this, my brain made a connection that I had heard over and over, but it finally made complete sense.

What counsel have we been given time and time again?

Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance!

If I knew that Christ wouldn’t be coming to earth for 103 years, then I might not repent right now with as much urgency.

If I have no idea when He will be returning, then I can actually keep that sense of divine urgency my entire life.

He could be returning tomorrow or next week, so I want to make sure my life is in order.

Just like the the 10 virgins, we do not know when the bridegroom comes.

But I think a very important reason why is because our Savior knows that if we know, we would have an even greater temptation to lean into our mortal weaknesses and procrastinate the day of our repentance.

So today, I’m choosing to not procrastinate.

So that I won’t be caught comfortable, casual, and unprepared.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

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10 Responses

  1. I loved this thought! And I know, as an older person (66) and getting more elderly by the day, not knowing when my time is up, I just might end up meeting the Savior on the other side of the veil before He comes again! So, I repent and tend to do more the things I am supposed to do NOW, and not wait till tomorrow, because for me, tomorrow might not come!

    1. Thank you for sharing! We never know what tomorrow will bring, so we just have to try to be better today.

  2. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. They are interesting and meaningful. Teri

  3. I was inactive for a while, mostly being married to someone that wasn’t a member. I read in Alma about not proclaiming the day of my repentance. BAM, right to my brain, I certainly wasn’t ready. I counselled with my Bishop, no particular need but guidance. His advise start today and strengthen your testimony of the Atonement. I was really a toddler then about the Atonement. Now I might be a high schooler in the Atonement but I’m constantly striving for comprehension and wisdom. I suspect I will be to the end of my days. Every time I feel more knowledgeable I discover more to know!

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