Changed in a twinkling of an eye

[classylady]

My mother insists that because her patriarchal blessings says that she'll "be changed in a twinkling of an eye", that she is going to live to see the second coming of the Savior. That isn't my interpretation, but she is so insistent. Anyone have any thoughts of what "changed in a twinkling of an eye" means?

[pam]

I always hate to speculate on what something means in a patriarchal blessing. Sometimes you just don't know what inspired a patriarch to say something.

[slamjet]

Wow, that's difficult without reading the blessing to get context. Even then, the blessing reaches further than this mortal existence. So who knows. But do not go through death but to be changed in a twinkling of an eye, as far as I understand, is a very, very rare occurrence. And one of the qualifications, as far as I understand it, is the persons calling and election is made sure before hand.

[Traveler]

One of my friends believes that patriarchal blessings are not so much what will happen as much as what you better work very hard towards making sure happens - like if it doesn't - you really messed it up and will be heald accountable. If he is right; then we should not be bragging about our patriarchal blessings very much.

The Traveler.

[jayanna]

Weren't there three priesthood holders in the BOM who requested to stay on earth to continue to preach the gospel that were changed in the twinkling of an eye, so they could stay and teach others?

Maybe 3Ne. somewhere?

This means they were changed, which would suggest that she will be changed, but not necessarily in the millenium.

[classylady]

In 1 Corinthians 15:51,52 it says "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." I interpret that to mean after death, and then after the interval when we are in paradise/spirit prison, we will be resurrected, in which we are changed--"in the twinkling of an eye". Of course my mother sees that differently--she'll be changed immediately at death. I'm just wondering if there are any references, either scripturally or in church history where it is interpreted as my mother sees it?

[pam]

Weren't there three priesthood holders in the BOM who requested to stay on earth to continue to preach the gospel that were changed in the twinkling of an eye, so they could stay and teach others?

Maybe 3Ne. somewhere?

This means they were changed, which would suggest that she will be changed, but not necessarily in the millenium.

You are talking about the three Nephites. They were translated. If you read 3 Nephi chapter 28 it discusses them there.

[rameumptom]

I would say that her blessing may mean she will be translated at the 2nd Coming, but there may be other ways to interpret it, as well.

[Blackmarch]

Our patriarchal blessings are predicated on our obedience and rightiousness. Nor do I have any knowledge in the how, when, or where the change spoken of in the OP will take place, or does, supposing that she stays faithful to it... the only information given is that it will be quick.

[mnn727]

Death can happen in the 'twinkling of an eye' and it sure changes things for you.

Patriarchal Blessings are not guarentee's.

and

Some Patriarchs are more in tune with the Spirit than others.

Mines so generic it reads like a horoscope.

[rex8499]

Mine's pretty generic too.

Probably the best argument in your favor with your mother is that if her interpretation was correct, it means that essentially the time of Christs return is known to be within however many years she has left, and I don't think that Heavenly father would tip his hat that much. Not even Jesus knows.

[slamjet]

Not even Jesus knows.

That might be overstating it a bit.

[mordorbund]

She will never live to see this promise unfulfilled.

I'm guessing you're mom sees this blessing as a reference to Millenial prophecies in the D&C.

In that day an infant shall not die until he is old; and his life shall be as the age of a tree;

And when he dies he shall not sleep, that is to say in the earth, but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest shall be glorious.

[mnn727]

That might be overstating it a bit.

Not according to Scripture

[Madriglace]

Not according to Scripture

Math 24: 39

36¶But of that aday and bhour knoweth no man, no, not the cangels of heaven, but my Father only.

[Dravin]

I can understand why she interprets it that way, but if anyone has right (via revelation) to the proper interpretation of your Mother's patriarchal blessing it would be her, not us.

Edited March 16, 2011 by Dravin

[apexviper13]

My mother insists that because her patriarchal blessings says that she'll "be changed in a twinkling of an eye", that she is going to live to see the second coming of the Savior. That isn't my interpretation, but she is so insistent. Anyone have any thoughts of what "changed in a twinkling of an eye" means?

This is just saying how fast she'd be changed. It's not saying she'd see the 2nd Coming of Christ although nobody knows when He will come.

[Matthew0059]

Math 24: 39

36¶But of that aday and bhour knoweth no man, no, not the cangels of heaven, but my Father only.

CHRIST and the FATHER are one.

I doubt CHRIST could have told you the exact date of his Second Coming when he was in the midst of his earthly life- it wouldn't have been expedient. I doubt he doesn't know now (though that's not information HE'S going to share) that he's returned to his FATHER, the source of all light and truth.

Just sayin'.

[mordorbund]

Mark 13:32

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Inspired Version (Joseph Smith Translation):

But of that day and hour no one knoweth; no, not the angels of God in heaven, but my Father only.

Regarding the phrase "neither the Son", Elder McConkie (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary) points out that

These words are deleted from the Inspired Version; Jesus, of course, since he knows all things, knows the exact time of his return.