Jesus warns of persecution and betrayal coming

[BroJones]

The words of Jesus recorded in Matt 24 struck me powerfully this week. Please consider with me what he prophesied regarding our day:

KJV: 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

And in a more modern NIV translation if you will:

6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

It is the part about being persecuted and betrayed by those we trusted that struck me most in this prophecy.
How will this betrayal occur? over what issues?

Some of us have actually experienced betrayal at the hands of those we trusted, and persecution.

Because I was outspoken on hard evidence regarding the falsity of the government story of 9/11 and the collapse of WTC7 and Towers, I found myself mocked and betrayed and yes, persecuted. I was mocked and ousted and shunned, frankly. It was so bad that my wife was in tears and we felt we needed to move out of our ward of over twenty years in Provo. We moved.

So I have just a taste I think of what Jesus was talking about. But clearly Jesus is prophesying of persecution on a much broader scale.

Let's face it, the whore Babylon seeks to fight against the good Woman (1 Nephi and Revelation and D&C warnings). Something will stir the Gadiantons, Babylon, against the Church in a major way and persecution and betrayal will follow. Then, " At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray.. each other". How will you be betrayed? or will you be a betrayer (I hope not)?

In the Aug 2010 Ensign, Pres. Packer speaking of Lehi's dream warned

All of the mocking does not come from outside of the Church. ... Be careful that you do not fall into the category of mocking.

What will cause this great turning in the eyes of the world, to a visible and deliberate mocking and persecution of the Mormons?
You can almost feel it coming, can't you?
What can I/we do to heed the words of Jesus -- to prepare to remain faithful, to not let our love grow cold?

[jbalm]

Why do you think it will be mormons who are persecuted? All disciples of Christ aren't mormons. All mormons aren't disciples of Christ. I tend to think that the persecution will come upon all who don't fall in line with some sort of government approved world religion.

[gr8ideas]

Perhaps those who have no oil in their lamps wil mock those who are not willing to share their oil because they would thus not have enough oil to last til midnight. I can think of nothing that will cause more angst in the church than the hungar of the unfaithful.

[taliesin]

Elder Nelson also prophesied about the same persecution in his talk in the April 2011 General Conference entitled "Face the Future with 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.” That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.

[BroJones]

I agree that other Christians will also be persecuted; but agree with Elder Nelson that "in the future" the Saints will be persecuted, and with Pres. Packer that not all that mocking/persecution will come from outside the Church -- some betrayal and mocking will come from other members. It is that part that I've reflected on again and again lately.

Elder Nelson also prophesied about the same persecution in his talk in the April 2011 General Conference entitled "Face the Future with 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.” That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.

Interesting expression, "crush you into silent weakness..." Apparently "silent weakness" is not a good thing in the face of persecution...

[BroJones]

President Benson speaks to this subject also:

Those of us who think “. . . all is well in Zion . . .” (2 Nephi 28:21) in spite of Book of Mormon warning might ponder the words of Heber C. Kimball when he said,
“Yes, we think we are secure here in the chambers of these everlasting hills . . . but I want to say to you, my brethren, the time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to that extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint from the face of an enemy against the people of God. Then is the time to look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall. For I say unto you there is a test, a Test, a TEST coming.” (Heber C. Kimball, 1856. Quoted by J. Golden Kimball, Conference Report, October 1930, pp. 59-60.)

and quoting Pres Benson again:

One of the greatest discourses that I have ever heard or read on how to avoid being deceived was given from this pulpit during the priesthood session of the October, 1960 semiannual conference by Elder Marion G. Romney. (Ibid., October 1960, 73-75.) I commend it to you for your close study and wish that there were time to reread it. During the talk Elder Romney stated that there was no guarantee that the devil will not deceive a lot of men who hold the priesthood. Then, after referring to a talk on free agency by President McKay, Elder Romney states, “. . . Free agency is the principle against which Satan waged his war in heaven. It is still the front on which he makes his most furious, devious, and persistent attacks. That this would be the case was foreshadowed by the Lord. . . .”

And then after quoting the scripture from the Pearl of Great Price regarding the war in heaven over free agency (Moses 4:1–4) Elder Romney continues:

“You see, at the time he was cast out of heaven, his objective was (and still is) `to deceive and to blind men and to lead them captive at his will.’ This he effectively does to as many as will not hearken unto the voice of God. His main attack is still on free agency. When he can get men to yield their agency, he has them well on the way to captivity.

“We who hold the priesthood must beware concerning ourselves, that we do not fall into the traps he lays to rob us of our freedom. We must be careful that we are not led to accept or support in any way any organization, cause or measure which, in its remotest effect, would jeopardize free agency, whether it be in politics, government, religion, employment, education, or any other field. It is not enough for us to be sincere in what we support. We must be right!”

Elder Romney then outlined some tests to distinguish the true from the counterfeit. Now this is crucial for us to know, for as President [John] Taylor said, “Besides the preaching of the Gospel, we have another mission, namely, the perpetuation of the free agency of man and the maintenance of liberty, freedom, and the rights of man.” (JD 23, 63.)

It was the struggle over free agency that divided us before we came here; it may well be the struggle over the same principle which will deceive and divide us again.

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[eric]

Dr. Jones, I feel we will have foreign troops on our soil to "help" out after the second Civil War becomes so bad we cannot secure our own borders and coasts. They will be acting under the auspices of the UN and other international bodies who will declare that you will step into line or face death - specifically be having your head lobbed off according to scripture. There will be other modes of death - but this one particularly strikes fear into the hearts of people in a public example sort of way, so this mode will be used for effect. Many others will, as well, but this one will to get everyone else to tow the line. The end result will be to destroy God's people - it has always been that way.

So, there will be massive persecution, there will be terrible betrayal in order to literally save one's neck, and there will be death on a large scale. We will pass thru interesting times.

[mes5464]

This is a very important thread. Thank you Dr. Jones.

[gert]

Thank you for your post.

[linj2fly]

Eric... I was thinking in the same lines...remembering history an instances of people betraying former friends in order to save their own lives or family's lives. An anecdote? Can't help but think of the level of conversion among the ammonites who were willing to 'suffer death in the most aggravating and distressing manner.' They did not 'look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection.'

[eric]

Eric... I was thinking in the same lines...remembering history an instances of people betraying former friends in order to save their own lives or family's lives. An anecdote? Can't help but think of the level of conversion among the ammonites who were willing to 'suffer death in the most aggravating and distressing manner.' They did not 'look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection.'

Yes, on the money! Only those who have a real and abiding faith in the resurrection will abide the day - with their heads, or without them.....

This, I believe is the great test that is coming that will sift the remnant from the body of those who call themselves Saints. Some days I envy the likes of John Pontius and others I know who are being taken before this comes. We each will have our trials to pass thru that will bring us the greatest growth for our individual circumstances.

[uglypitbull]

I agree that other Christians will also be persecuted; but agree with Elder Nelson that "in the future" the Saints will be persecuted, and with Pres. Packer that not all that mocking/persecution will come from outside the Church -- some betrayal and mocking will come from other members. It is that part that I've reflected on again and again lately.

This is already happening....just in my last two wards, there were ladies who ridiculed mothers that hadn't vaccinate their newborns or refused to feed their kids anything but organic or healthy foods, there were men who ridiculed those who actually did their home teaching every month (calling them brown-nosers, etc). I myself have been laughed at for not watching the Super Bowl or other sporting events on Sunday by my LDS friends (I could care less, but it still happened). How many people scoff at those who diligently stock away their food storage, then laugh and claim they "are coming to your house" if they find themselves in need?

No, I do not think this is coming....but already here. It may get much worse in the future, but this is already going on.

[jcricket6048]

Why do you think it will be mormons who are persecuted? All disciples of Christ aren't mormons. All mormons aren't disciples of Christ. I tend to think that the persecution will come upon all who don't fall in line with some sort of government approved world religion.

those who do not follow the same teaching that Jesus taught that man must be baptize by those who has authority are not of Him. He taught the same doctrine when he was resurrected and came the Nephites here in America. Remember in the New Testament there was some who were of Paul, some were of John, well they must of been done by those who has no authority to do so and yet we have the same thing today. For example, I was baptize in the Catholic Church, I was baptize in the Baptist church and so on so really if you are not of Me you are not mine disciple.

[JohnnyL]

Happening for a long, long time; but it will grow in breadth and depth, especially in Utah.

I think few can fathom what it will be like.

Faith will be a daily necessity.

[tmac]

I recommend John Pontius' book The Triumph of Zion.

[dlbww]

.

[LateOutOfBed]

In my opinion this is happening and will continue to grow until everyone is either of the church of God and true followers of Christ or they are of the Church of Satan and follow him. It's all about polarization now, the harvest is now, the wheat will be separated from the tares. It must needs be, all things must be fulfilled as prophesied before His return. It has begun.

-- Geoff

[BroJones]

Thanks so much for insightful comments!

Uglypitbull notes especially:

This is already happening....just in my last two wards, there were ladies who ridiculed mothers that hadn't vaccinate their newborns or refused to feed their kids anything but organic or healthy foods, there were men who ridiculed those who actually did their home teaching every month (calling them brown-nosers, etc). I myself have been laughed at for not watching the Super Bowl or other sporting events on Sunday by my LDS friends (I could care less, but it still happened). How many people scoff at those who diligently stock away their food storage, then laugh and claim they "are coming to your house" if they find themselves in need?

Yup.

Next question -- do you folks think you would get these mocking-comments if you lived, say, in the midwest?

That is, will the "internal" persecution of the humble followers of Christ be greater in say, Utah? something to think about...

[hopeNlove]

I live in Idaho and I can say I have been mocked for many reasons and I unfortunately have not handled it well.....the times I have stood up for myself I guess didn't come out very well. :ymsigh:

[sonofliberty]

Next question -- do you folks think you would get these mocking-comments if you lived, say, in the midwest?

That is, will the "internal" persecution of the humble followers of Christ be greater in say, Utah? something to think about...

Dr. Jones, this is a very interesting thread. Thanks for posting! I currently reside in Virginia but grew up in the midwest and still have family there. I have observed very little mocking in the wards I have attended and that family members attend. In fact, here in Virginia there have been a few who have hosted the occassional study group to learn more about the Constitution and I was quite impressed with the turn out. However, there are some here who do seem to take offense and others who just politely disagree when those who are awake to the awful situation discuss elections/voting, the Constitution, communism/socialism, secret combinations, conspiracies, etc. in Church or during Church activities.

[jbalm]

Why do you think it will be mormons who are persecuted? All disciples of Christ aren't mormons. All mormons aren't disciples of Christ. I tend to think that the persecution will come upon all who don't fall in line with some sort of government approved world religion.

those who do not follow the same teaching that Jesus taught that man must be baptize by those who has authority are not of Him. He taught the same doctrine when he was resurrected and came the Nephites here in America. Remember in the New Testament there was some who were of Paul, some were of John, well they must of been done by those who has no authority to do so and yet we have the same thing today. For example, I was baptize in the Catholic Church, I was baptize in the Baptist church and so on so really if you are not of Me you are not mine disciple.

Not buying it.

If mormons are persecuted more than other righteous people, it will be because they brought it upon themselves.

[natasha]

Perhaps those who have no oil in their lamps wil mock those who are not willing to share their oil because they would thus not have enough oil to last til midnight. I can think of nothing that will cause more angst in the church than the hungar of the unfaithful.

I was taught that the "oil" in their lamps was the gift of the holy ghost. So, it might not be that anyone would be "unwilling" to share...but that you can't share that. It is something each person must pursue on their own.

[Thomas]

I agree with Natasha on this point. We learn in D&C 45 the the oil is the ability to follow the Holy Spirit. It iss not something we can give away or share anymore than we can give away or share the ability to sing or run a marathon.

56 And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.

57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.

Those who follow the Holy Spirit would not mock or persecute others. This is not of Christ. It could well be that those who claim to be of Christ and have not the Holy Spirit, will mock those who do.

It sounds like there will be a split between the true followers of Christ and all the rest of the world.

One thing that interests me about Dr. Jones and his situation is that we must be willing to give our all to follow the Savior. We must also approach him with a broken heart and contrite spirit. Christ is the one who wil comfort us in our hour of need. The world and all the world holds will let us down in hour of need.

I think Christ will cause his follows to have things happen to them that will break their hearts so they will turn to him.

Joesph Smith said:( I'm paraphrasing here) We cannot expect to stand next to those who have given and sacrificed all, without having sacrificed all ourselves.

[shadow]

Next question -- do you folks think you would get these mocking-comments if you lived, say, in the midwest?

That is, will the "internal" persecution of the humble followers of Christ be greater in say, Utah? something to think about...

I see a lot of mocking from LDS truthers complaining that church members, including prophets, are happily sleeping under the shady trees of Babylon. You probably don't see such comments as mocking though because you're not the victim.

Uglypitbull commented that he's seen mocking from LDS's towards those who don't vaccinate. I think we've all seen mocking on this site from those who don't vaccinate towards those who do vaccinate, right? we see mocking from the home-shcoolers towards those who don't home-school. Or do we ignore that because we agree? We have people on this site who don't live in Utah accusing the church of sinning for sending sisters out on missions.

Mocking isn't simply a Utah thing and if you think it is then your bias is showing :ymblushing:

[EmmaLee]

...do you folks think you would get these mocking-comments if you lived, say, in the midwest? That is, will the "internal" persecution of the humble followers of Christ be greater in say, Utah? something to think about...

We've lived in the Midwest for the past 24 years (I'm originally from Arizona), and I can say there is a good deal of mocking in our ward here. But, our ward is made up of mostly transplants from out west - in fact, about 70% of our ward are people who've moved here recently from Utah/eastern Idaho. If you homeschool, or use herbal medicines, or don't want to gossip, or don't believe wealth (in and of itself) equals holiness, or have any beliefs that are even slightly outside the "check-list for righteousness" or "busyness equals righteousness" mentality, then you need to just keep it to yourself or you will be maligned. Unfortunately, a change in location doesn't change most people's hearts.

At the present time, I'm seeing much more mocking inside the Church than outside. I think in the near future that will become even more intense - unbearable for many people - and then after the cleansing, most of it will then come from outside the Church.

ETA: I agree with you completely, Thomas; well said. And you're right, Shadow; mocking isn't just a Utah thing. It's sadly, very well-spread.