“Latter-days” is a term that is used within the Mormon Church to refer to the final dispensation of time on earth. This means that it is the time just previous to the Second Coming of Christ. Mormon doctrine teaches that we are currently living in the latter-daysThe earth, according to prophecy found in Revelation (see Revelation 5:1, and Doctrine and Covenants 77:6-7), has seven periods, each marked by different dispensations. These dispensations have been instituted through different prophets; the first by Adam, second by Enoch, the third by Noah, the fourth by Abraham, the fifth by Moses, the sixth by Jesus Christ, and, finally, the seventh by Joseph Smith.
When Joseph Smith restored Jesus Christ’s true church to the earth, the final dispensation of the earth began. At the end of this dispensation, Christ will come again.
Because Mormonism teaches that we are living in the latter-days, members of the Church are encouraged to watch for the signs of Christ’s coming. However, they are reminded not to fear the things that will come.