Prepare to Meet God

Study notes and discussion questions from the April 2025 General Conference address.

“My dear brothers and sisters, last October, President Russell M. Nelson taught, ‘Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.’ When President Nelson speaks about the Second Coming, it is always with joyful optimism. However, a girl in Primary recently told me that she becomes anxious whenever the Second Coming is mentioned. She said, ‘I’m scared because bad things are going to happen before Jesus comes again.’”

Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When you hear these words do you feel anxious like the girl in Primary said she does? Why?

The Best Advice given by Jesus Christ is the following:

The Parable of the 10 Virgins

5 brought oil, 5 did not
When they went to buy oil the door was shut — What was their Oil? The oil of conversion (Bednar)

“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 … abide the day.”

If we are wise we will receive the truth of the gospel
Strive worthy to have the Holy Ghost
Take heed that no man will deceive you
Many will come as pretenders — trying to deceive the very elect.

The Parable of the Talents

5, 2, 1 — to each of his servants
5 and 2 gave money to the exchangers; 1 hid his talent

Why is this a parable for preparation for the Second Coming?

“He expects us to become the best version of ourselves. That we may start with differing abilities is irrelevant to Him. And it should be to us.”

Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

When he comes again he will divide the nations
Everyone perplexed — when did we do such things?
When you do it unto the least, you’ve done it unto me

Why is this a parable for preparation for the Second Coming?

“The lesson of the Savior’s parable of the sheep and goats is that we are to use the gifts we have been given—time, talents, and blessings—to serve Heavenly Father’s children, especially the most vulnerable and needy.”

His Invitation

“My invitation to the anxious Primary child I mentioned earlier, and to each of you, is to follow Jesus Christ and to trust the Holy Ghost as you would a cherished friend. Rely on those who love you and who love the Savior. Seek God’s guidance to develop your unique abilities, and help others, even when it isn’t easy. You will be ready to meet the Savior, and you can join President Nelson in being joyfully optimistic. In doing so, you help the world prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and you will be blessed with sufficient hope to enter the rest and joy of the Lord, now and in the future.”