I've written about the issue of the "fullness of the Gospel" being rejected by the Gentiles on this blog in connection with a discussion of the Book of Mormon remnant and 3 Ne. 16: 10. There is another mention made of this matter by the Lord in a prophecy He spoke to His Apostles at Jerusalem. That prophecy was restored by revelation through Joseph Smith.
The Lord explained to His Apostles that:
-Men's love to one another would wane.
-Iniquity would increase.
-The Times of the Gentiles would come in and the Gospel light would be restored to them.
-The Gentiles would not be willing to receive it, however.
-They would turn their hearts away from Christ.
-They would prefer the precepts of men.
-Then, because the Gentiles refused to accept His fullness, the Times of the Gentiles would be fulfilled.
-Nevertheless, there would be a few disciples who would stand in holy places and not be moved by the overflowing scourge poured out.
(D&C 45: 27-32.)
In the prophecy, the Lord returned to His parable of the Ten Virgins. For those who would take the Holy Spirit for their guide, and because of that "have not been deceived" they will abide the day and not be hewn down by the judgments to be poured out. (D&C 45: 56-57.)
This revelation to Joseph Smith was in March 1831. It anticipated more would be given as the scriptures were revised. Matthew Chapter 24 was translated later that same year and appears in The Pearl of Great Price, as "Joseph Smith-Matthew." The latter-day tribulations begin with verse 31. There the warning again refers to the widespread latter-day deception. Even His "elect" will be vulnerable to being misled. However, before His return His ministering angels will preserve and gather those few who "treasureth up [His] word." (JS-Matt. 1: 37.)
The Lord's prophecy focuses on two things His elect will have to rely on: Angels and the Holy Spirit. These two are the last days source through which His elect will find safety. Conspicuously absent are men, or perhaps more accurately, the arm of man.
Interestingly, the elect will be able to see this as it unfolds. (JS-Matt. 1: 39.) They will recognize it is like the time of Noah. (Id. v. 41-42.) Then again, if those who thought themselves wise actually knew when the thief was coming in the night to overtake them, they would not have remained asleep. (Id., v. 47.)
Taken in aggregate, it appears the Gentiles do have a fair chance given to them. We can understand the Lord's lament, "what more could I have done?" Still, there is always a difference between saying, "I am of Christ," and "receiving the testimony of Christ." (D&C 76: 100-101.)
