"Prepare ye the
way of the Lord," declared Jesus Christ in a
revelation to Joseph Smith in 1831. The Prophet, in turn, called on
the Saints to prepare themselves for the Lord's Second
Coming by letting "love to God and man predominate,
and reign triumphant in every mind," that "hearts may
become like unto Enoch's of old."
By revelation,
the Lord admonished Joseph "from the heavens and
declared His will concerning the human family." The Lord
gave His children "just and holy laws to regulate
their conduct, and guide them in a direct way, that in
due time He might take them to Himself." Joseph clearly felt
the urgency of preparation. "Let the saints remember
that great things depend on their individual exertion,
and that they are called to be co-workers with us and
the Holy Spirit in accomplishing the great work of the last
days."
If we diligently
share the Gospel
and learn "not to live to ourselves but to
God,"
Joseph taught, we will prepare ourselves and others to
be "ready for the Bridegroom" when He comes
again.
Enoch
A prophet who led the people of the city of Zion. Zion was taken to heaven because of the righteousness of those who lived in it (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Enoch," 74).
Gospel
God's plan of salvation, made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The gospel includes the eternal truths or laws, covenants, and ordinances needed for mankind to enter back into the presence of God. God restored the fulness of the gospel to the earth in the nineteenth century through the Prophet Joseph Smith (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Gospel," 96–97).
Bridegroom
Jesus Christ is symbolized in the scriptures as the Bridegroom. The Church is His symbolic bride (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Bridegroom," 35).
