Satan Loosed for
a Short Season

Now we come to the end of the Nephite history. The record states that after a couple of hundred years of "prosperity in Christ," the people began to degenerate, dividing again into Nephites and Lamanites. Eventually, the Nephite nation, because of its open rebellion against God, was obliterated in a terrible battle with the Lamanites. (4 Ne. 1:23,38; Morm. 6:17; 8:9.)

This resembles what is prophesied to happen at the end of the millennial reign of Christ. Satan "shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth..." (Rev. 20:8), and "men [will] again begin to deny their God..." (D&C 29:22). Then "Michael...shall gather together his armies, even the hosts of heaven. And the devil shall gather together his armies; even the hosts of hell, and shall come up to battle against Michael and his armies. And then cometh the battle of the great God; and the devil and his armies shall be cast away into their own place...." (D&C 88:112,114.)

We note, however, one important difference between the two eras. Anciently, the Lamanites who destroyed the Nephites were not righteous; whereas in the latter days, Michael's forces will consist of the saints of God. (88:114.) Not everyone will fall when Satan rallies his last campaign at the end of the millennium. To the contrary, those numbered among Michael's army will be classified as "the hosts of heaven." (88:113.) Notwithstanding this difference, Book of Mormon history provides us with some valuable insights as we ask ourselves how anyone could fall, having lived in such a blessed state.

Will the final downfall of many at the end of the world begin with pride as it did the Nephites? (4 Ne. 1:24-26.) Will Satan-inspired secret combinations again be at the root of the degradation? (4 Ne. 1:42.) Collective pride results in secret combinations,⁽¹⁾ and secret combinations "bringeth to pass the destruction of all people...." (8:22,25.)

Mormon's sorrow over his fallen people seems to apply to the situation that will unfold at the end of the millennium. He lamented, "They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their shepherd, yea, they were led even by God the Father. But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they." (Morm. 5:17,18.)