The Chamberlain Story has often told of the importance of the temple in the lives of members of our family. During this Easter and Passover season I have been thinking about the connection between Latter-day Saint temples and the ordinance of Passover, and how to prepare for the promise of peace that these may bring to those living at the time the Savior returns to the Earth. Readers may also find interesting my interpretation of the recent prophetic fulfillment of Revelations 7:9-10.

“Come, O Thou King of Kings”

According to a 2006 survey by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, 79% of Christians in the U.S. say they believe that Christ will return to Earth someday. However, they are in less agreement over the timing and circumstances of his return. Only 20% of the respondents in 2006 said they believed he would come in their lifetime.³

Latter-day Saints express great joy and longing for that day in many hymns. “Come, O Thou King of Kings, we’ve waited long for thee.” When Christ will “make an end to sin, and cleanse the Earth by fire”. However, one’s desire to live during this time in history may diminish when we realize this event will be preceded by a time of great tribulation.

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. (Matt 24:21-22)

When Christ comes in his glory, he will judge the people of all nations. On his right hand will be those who care for the needy and have compassion for others. The Father will prepare a kingdom for them. (Matthew 25:32-33) Good people of all religions, and even no religion, will be on the earth after the return of the Lord.

Nevertheless, it will be a terrifying time for those who live through these years of tribulation. However, a promise of peace is given to those who follow the Lord’s instructions, that the “destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel”. (D&C 89:21)

The Jewish holiday of Passover

The Jewish people have celebrated the holiday of Passover for over 3300 years. It is a celebration of God’s miracle that delivered the Children of Israel from bondage.

It was the tenth and final plague in Egypt, the death of the first born in every household. The Lord gave the Children of Israel some specific instructions. Their meal that night would be of lamb, cooked with fire, unleavened bread and bitter herbs. They were to mark the side and upper door posts of their home with the blood of the lamb.

They obeyed the Lord’s instructions (Exodus 12:14) and the plague passed over their homes, sparing them from this terrible affliction.

Passover is an eternal ordinance

In Judaism today, Passover is not only a memorial of Israel’s freedom from bondage, but it also looks forward toward the time of the coming of the Messiah. The Lord said unto Moses,  “And this day shall be unto you for a memorial.., and ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.” (Exodus 12:14)

During the family Seder dinner on Passover, the fifth ceremonial cup of wine is poured in honor of Elijah. It is left untouched, for according to tradition, Elijah will arrive one day as an unknown guest to herald the advent of the Messiah.¹

This tradition likely originated when the Old Testament Prophet Malachi promised that Elijah would return to the prepare the world for the coming of the Lord:

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. (Malachi 4:5-6)

The anticipated appearance of Elijah at Passover implies that before the coming of the Messiah, there may be another even greater “Passover” event. “But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth?” (Malachi 3:2)

“I will send you Elijah the prophet”

Latter-day Saints believe that Elijah the Prophet returned to the earth and restored the Keys of temple work to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers”. This happened on April 3, 1836. In the Jewish calendar, this is the 16th of Nissan, the second day of Passover.²

Elijah restored the temple ordinances and worship at that time through the Prophet Joseph Smith. This is the reason The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasizes family history. Members of the church often call the desire to do this work “the spirit of Elijah“.

Under direction from the Lord, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built their first temple in Kirtland, Ohio. They built it during a time of poverty at great sacrifice. The Latter-day Saints dedicated the Kirtland Temple to the Lord on March 27, 1836

There, one week later, three messengers, appeared to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. They restored all of the ancient covenants including the temple covenants. Jesus Christ appeared that day in his temple to accept the offering of the Saints.

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)

A latter-day promise of Passover

“The Word of Wisdom” is in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants. This revelation tells us that alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee were not good for the body and also gives other health related instruction. Section 89 was about “the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days” (D&C 89:2)

This section of the D&C ends with a promise to those who “keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments”. Living the Word of Wisdom while obeying the commandments qualifies one as worthy to enter the temple. It is there they will “find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures”.

This scripture contains a modern promise of Passover. Like the promise given in Egypt 3300 years ago, it is contingent on obedience to the Lord and following his instructions.

And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; Shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen. (D&C 89:18-21)

“Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom”

Latter-day revelation gives a different perspective to the event that many Christians refer to as “The Rapture” described in the Bible.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

The Doctrine and Covenants, instructs Latter-day Saints to prepare themselves so that they may meet the Lord at the time of his coming. It also instructs them to invite “all people” to prepare for this event:

Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: “Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord. Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour”. (D&C 113:10-11)

In Jesus’ parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins, all ten virgins were believers and wanted to meet the Bridegroom. However, the five foolish virgins, “while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him”. (Matt. 25:5-6) But sadly, their lamps were empty, they were not prepared and they were shut out.

The beginning of the millennium

Chapter 8 of John’s great revelation, foretells the opening of the seventh seal. This is the beginning of the seventh thousand year period, (D&C 77:7)  In other words, the following verse from The Book of Revelation tells of the beginning of the Millennium.

And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. (Revelationc 8:1)

Apparently, there will be a half-hour of silence after the Millennium begins and before the tribulation. A description of the tribulation period immediately follows this verse. Therefore, the tribulation and the Lord’s return will occur, not at midnight, but some time after 12:30 am of the Millennial Day.

“Those who are alive shall be quickened”

When Christ returns “the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air”. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Those who are prepared to meet the Bridegroom will be quickened, which means that they will no longer subject to mortal afflictions, including death. Mortals must be quickened before they can withstand the presence of the Lord.

When will those who are living be quickened? The following latter-day scripture tells us this will occur sometime “immediately after” the half hour of silence, and sometime before they are caught up to meet him. In other words, this may happen anytime during the tribulation period, perhaps even at the beginning.

There shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour; and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, the face of the Lord shall be unveiled; And the saints that are upon the earth, who are alive, shall be quickened and be caught up to meet him. (D&C 88:95-96)

How and when will we be quickened?

Some rather spectacular events will happen immediately at the end of the millennial half hour of silence (20.8 years). For the curtain of heaven will be “unfolded as a scroll”, and the face of the Lord unveiled. Apparently, there will be new “wisdom and great treasures of knowledge” revealed from heaven at the beginning of the tribulation period.

It seems reasonable that we may learn at that time what it means to quickened, and how and when this will happen. If one is quickened during the tribulation period, it gives new meaning to the often quoted scripture, “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear”. (D&C 38:30)

The ancient Passover blessed those within the homes marked with the blood of the lamb. The Latter-day Passover also may extend to those within their homes. “Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come”. (D&C 87:8)

The Hosanna Shout

The dedication of the Kirtland Temple in 1836 was accompanied by many spiritual manifestations, much like the day of Pentecost in the New Testament. It was the first Solemn Assembly (Joel 1:14-16) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These very special sacred gatherings include the Hosanna Shout. Those in attendance shout “Hosanna, Hosanna to God and the Lamb, Amen and Amen” while waving a white handkerchief.

The white handkerchiefs represent palm leaves and the shout of “Hosanna” is the welcoming of Jesus Christ to reign on the Earth. “Hosanna!”, means “God saves” or “Save now”.⁴

On the Sunday, before Passover, Jesus rode on a donkey during his victorious entry into Jerusalem. The people welcomed him by shouting “Hosanna” as they waved palm leaves and laid them along his path. Christians still remember this day as Palm Sunday.

“The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning” was written for and sung during the dedication of the Kirtland Temple in 1836. It is a popular LDS church hymn about the Hosanna Shout and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  (Don’t miss video at end of this post)

“Great multitude” giving Hosanna Shout prophecy

President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated three modern temples at locations of great significance in church history. These locations are Palmyra NY, Winter Quarters (near Omaha Nebraska), and Nauvoo, Illinois. These dedications were broadcast via satellite to meeting houses so that many members of the church could participate. A temple recommend showing temple worthiness was required to attend.

The Palmyra Temple is near the location of Joseph Smith’s first vision. President Hinckley dedicated this temple on April 6, 2000. An estimated 1.5 million members through out the United States and Canada attended and participated in the Hosanna Shout.

The Book of Revelation accurately describes the Hosanna Shout given by a large multitude.

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9-10)

These verses in Revelation were at the end of the sixth seal. Therefore, many have the opinion that the dedication of the Palmyra Temple on April 6, 2000 marked the beginning of the millennium. However, I do not believe this is correct.

Only one temple dedication fulfills the prophecy

Only one of these three temple dedications perfectly fulfills and completes the prophecy of “all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues”.  This was the temple at Nauvoo, Illinois.

The Nauvoo temple dedication broadcast was the first on an international scale. Its reach far exceeded any previous Church satellite broadcast. An expanded satellite system allowed it to go to areas of the world that have never before received any type of Church satellite broadcast, including Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Armenia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, and Romania.⁵

President Hinckley dedicated the Nauvoo temple, fulfilling the prophecy of Revelations 7:9-10, on June 27, 2002.

The time of this prophetic fulfillment is important because the next chapter, Revelation 8, tells of the opening of the 7th seal which is the beginning of the Millennium and the half hour of silence before the tribulation. This silence in heaven will by broken by the sound of 7 trumpets sounding one after another. “When he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. (Revelation 8:1-2)

“These are they which came out of the great tribulation”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold Sunday services in their chapels.  Therefore, temples are not open on Sundays. Members work in the temples during the week, serving day and night. The following verses seem to indicate that those who serve in the temples will be protected during the tribulation and that, after his return, the Lord will dwell among them.

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? Whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. (Revelation 7:13-15)

Other stories:

Chapter E6- Sir Isaac Newton: the Athanasian Creed and Bible Prophecy.  Isaac Newton wrote over 1.3 million words on the prophecies of the Bible and early Christian Church History. These writings were hidden until they were discovered in 1936. Newton believed that the Christian Church doctrine had been corrupted. As a result, this “Apostasy” would continue until just before the 7th trumpet and second coming of Christ. At that time, Newton believed, there would be a universal teaching of the truth through out the world. He implored those who are seeking truth to study the scriptures and ask God.

Chapter 22- Mary Ellis Chamberlain: The Mormons Return to Iowa. 
Mary Ellis’ father grew up near Palmyra New York in 1827 and heard news reports of the discovery of the Book of Mormon. Her brother was a preacher who spoke against the Mormons. Two missionaries were sent to Spencer Iowa to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the 1890s without purse or script. They received no compensation. They served with prayers and a promise that: “The honest in heart shall be prepared to receive thy testimony, to feed and clothe and give thee money”.

“The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning”

Disclaimer

The comments and opinions in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

© Copyright Dennis D. Chamberlain, All rights reserved. The Chamberlain Story, 2022.

References:

1- Elijah’s-cup (https://www.britannica.com/topic/)

2- A Look Inside My Mormon Jewish Passover. (https://forward.com/scribe/)

3- Christians Views on the Return of Christ, pewresearch.org

4- Palm Sunday April 10, 2022, https://nationaltoday.com/palm-sunday/

5- Nauvoo Illinois Temple Dedicated, The Ensign, 2002 09, Churchofjesuschrist.org