The Fulness of the Gospel

Long ago a remnant of Jews was "scattered among all nations" (D&C 45:16-24).  Christ prophesied this would happen.  When this dispensation opened, they remained in their scattered condition.  That group remains scattered today, and will so remain, until “the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (D&C 45:24-25). 

Before the times of the Gentiles were to be fulfilled, however, the Lord said he would make a last effort to extend unto them the fullness of the gospel.

“And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.

“And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound.

“And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fullness of my gospel;

“But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men.

“And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

“And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.

“But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die.

“And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another” (D&C 45:26-33).

The "times of the Gentiles is come in."  When the fullness has been offered and rejected, the times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled.  That rejection will be a prelude to the “overflowing scourge,” and the “desolating sickness” that shall cover the land.  Christ will spare his disciples, but the wicked will be destroyed.

This prophecy ties in with the prophecy Joseph Smith later gave on 23 July 1837 that I mentioned earlier (This Day in History). 

These things ought to be considered and should provide us encouragement to take our discipleship seriously.