We Believe: Doctrines of Mormonism: Zion

List of Doctrines on "Zion"

Author's Note: About the fall of Babylon (the wicked) and the establishment of Zion (the pure in heart): Babylon is frequently contrasted with Zion, the wicked contrasted with the pure in heart.
"Anciently Babylon was the chief capital city of the Babylonian empire," writes Bruce R. McConkie. "To the Lord's people anciently, Babylon was known as the center of iniquity, carnality, and worldliness. Everything connected with it was in opposition to all righteousness and had the effect of leading men downward to the destruction of their souls." (Mormon Doctrine, p. 68-69)
Bruce R. McConkie defines spiritual Babylon thus: "In prophetic imagery, Babylon is the world with all its carnality and wickedness. Babylon is the degenerate social order created by lustful men who love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. . . . [I]t is the false churches that build false temples and worship false gods; it is every false philosophy . . . that leads men away from God and salvation. . . . [I]t is every evil and wicked and ungodly thing in our whole social structure." (The Millennial Messiah, p. 424; DGSM:98)

893. Zion is the pure in heart.

894. Zion is wherever the organization of the Church of God is—where the pure in heart are gathered.

895. Zion and her stakes are to be places of peace and safety for the Saints of God.

896. Zion will prevail: no weapon that is formed against Zion shall prosper.

897. Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be established upon the American continent.

898. In the last days, the law of God will go forth from Zion.

893. Zion is the pure in heart.

Joseph Smith
Elder George Albert Smith
President John Taylor
President John Taylor
Elder Harold B. Lee
Joseph Smith
President Spencer W. Kimball
Related Witnesses
Elder John Taylor
Stephen L. Richards
President Spencer W. Kimball
President John Taylor
President John Taylor
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn. (Revelation dealing with the affairs of the persecuted Saints in Missouri, Aug. 2, 1833) D&C 97:21

Elder George Albert Smith

Will we make this Zion? Will we keep it to be Zion, because Zion means the pure in heart? CR1941Oct:99

President John Taylor

The Zion of God. What does it mean? The pure in heart in the first place. In the second place those who are governed by the law of God—the pure in heart who are governed by the law of God. (At Malad, Idaho, Oct. 20, 1881, JD26:109) TLDP:751

President John Taylor

The Zion of God must consist of men that are pure in heart and pure in life and spotless before God. At least that is what we have got to arrive at. We are not there yet, but we must get there before we shall be prepared to inherit glory and exaltation. Therefore a form of godliness will amount to but little with any of us, for he that knoweth the master's will and doeth it not shall be beaten with many stripes. It is "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father, which is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21) These are doctrines of the gospel as I understand them. And it is not enough for us to embrace the gospel and to be gathered here to the land of Zion, and be associated with the people of God, attend our meetings and partake of the sacrament of the Lord's supper, and endeavor to move along without much blame of any kind attached to us. For notwithstanding all this, if our hearts are not right, if we are not pure in heart before God, if we have not pure hearts and pure consciences, fearing God and keeping his commandments, we shall not unless we repent, participate in these blessings about which I have spoken and of which the prophets bear testimony. (In Assembly Hall, Feb. 12, 1882) (The Gospel Kingdom, pp. 89-90) TLDP:753

Elder Harold B. Lee

There are several meanings to the word Zion.
It may have reference to the hill named Mt. Zion or by extension in the land of Jerusalem. [See Micah 4:2.]
It has sometimes been used, as by the prophet Micah, to refer to the location of "the mountain of the house of the Lord"—as some place apart from Jerusalem.
Zion was so called by Enoch in reference to the "City of Holiness," or the "City of Enoch." [See Moses 7:18-19.] The Land of Zion has been used to refer, in some connotations, to the Western Hemisphere.
But there is another most significant use of the term by which the Church of God is called Zion, comprising, according to the Lord's own definition, "the pure in heart." (D&C 97:21) CR1968Oct:61-62

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses
And the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.
19. And Enoch continued his preaching in righteousness unto the people of God. And it came to pass in his days, that he built a city that was called the City of Holiness, even ZION.
20. And it came to pass that Enoch talked with the Lord; and he said unto the Lord: Surely Zion shall dwell in safety forever. But the Lord said unto Enoch: Zion have I blessed, but the residue of the people have I cursed. (The record of Moses : Enoch builds a city of holiness) Moses 7:18-19

President Spencer W. Kimball

Zion can be built up only among those who are the pure in heart, not a people torn by covetousness or greed, but a pure and selfless people. Not a people who are pure in appearance, rather a people who are pure in heart. Zion is to be in the world and not of the world, not dulled by a sense of carnal security, nor paralyzed by materialism. No, Zion is not things of the lower, but of the higher order, things that exalt the mind and sanctify the heart.
Zion is "every man seeking the interest of the neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God." (D&C 82:19) As I understand these matters, Zion can be established only by those who are pure in heart, and who labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish." (2 Nephi 26:31)
May I suggest three fundamental things we must do if we are to "bring again Zion," three things for which we who labor for Zion must commit ourselves.
First, we must eliminate the individual tendency to selfishness that snares the soul, shrinks the heart, and darkens the mind. . . .
Second, we must cooperate completely and work in harmony one with the other. There must be unanimity in our decisions and unity in our actions. . . .
If the Spirit of the Lord is to magnify our labors, then this spirit of oneness and cooperation must be the prevailing spirit in all that we do. . . .
Third, we must lay on the altar and sacrifice whatever is required by the Lord. We begin by offering a "broken heart and a contrite spirit." We follow this by giving our best effort in our assigned fields of labor and callings. We learn our duty and execute it fully. Finally we consecrate our time, talents, and means as called upon by our file leaders and as prompted by the whisperings of the Spirit. CR1978Apr:122-24

Related Witnesses:

Elder John Taylor

We can not build up a Zion unless we are in possession of the spirit of Zion, and of the light and intelligence that flow from God, and under the direction of the priesthood, the living oracles of God, to lead us in the paths of life. (In old Tabernacle, Aug. 31, 1875, JD18:78-79) TLDP:753

Stephen L. Richards

There is no fence around Zion or the world, but to one of discernment, they are separated more completely than if each were surrounded with high unscalable walls. Their underlying concepts, philosophies, and purposes are at complete variance one with the other. The philosophy of the world is self-sufficient, egotistical, materialistic, and skeptical. The philosophy of Zion is humility, not servility, but a willing recognition of the sovereignty of God and dependence on his providence. CR1951Oct:110

President Spencer W. Kimball

[O]ne important end result of our labors, hopes, and aspirations in this work is the building of a Latter-day Zion, a Zion characterized by love, harmony, and peace—a Zion in which the Lord's children are as one. (General conference, welfare session, April 1978) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 362) TLDP:754

President John Taylor

We are here to build up the church of God, the Zion of God, and the kingdom of God, and to be on hand to do whatever God requires—first to purge ourselves from all iniquity, from covetousness and evil of every kind, to forsake sin of every sort, cultivate the Spirit of God, and help to build up his kingdom; to beatify Zion and have pleasant habitations, and pleasant gardens and orchards, until Zion shall be the most beautiful place there is on the earth. . . . Zion shall yet become the praise and the glory of the whole earth. (In Bowery, June 1883, JD24:201) DGSM:98

President John Taylor

We will build up our Zion after the pattern that God will show us, and we will be governed by his law and submit to his authority and be governed by the holy priesthood and by the word and will of God. And then when the time comes that these calamities we read of, shall overtake the earth, those that are prepared will have the power of translation, as they had in former times, and the city will be translated. And Zion that is on the earth will rise, and the Zion above will descend, as we are told, and we will meet and fall on each other's necks and embrace and kiss each other. And thus the purposes of God to a certain extent will then be fulfilled. (At Ogden, Utah, March 21, 1880, JD21:253) TLDP:753

Joseph Smith

In regard to the building up of Zion, it has to be done by the counsel of Jehovah, by the revelations of heaven; and we should feel to say, "if the Lord go not with us, carry us not up hence." (Editorial in the Times and Seasons) HC5:65

894. Zion is wherever the organization of the Church of God is—where the pure in heart are gathered.

President Brigham Young
President Spencer W. Kimball
Related Witnesses
Bruce R. McConkie
President Spencer W. Kimball
President Brigham Young
President Lorenzo Snow
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Matthew Cowley
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, John Henry Smith

President Brigham Young

Where is Zion? Where the organization of the Church of God is. And may it dwell spiritually in every heart; and may we so live as to always enjoy the Spirit of Zion (In Bowery, Oct. 14, 1860, JD8:205) TLDP:752

President Spencer W. Kimball

Now as we sing together "Come to Zion," we mean come to the ward—not to Salt Lake City—come to the ward, the branch, the mission, the stake, and give assistance to build up Zion. We used to think that one had to be in Salt Lake City to be in Zion, but it has been interpreted differently. Sometimes all of America is Zion, and we think of Zion as being where the pure in heart are located. So we hope you will stay here and build up a beautiful France Zion. Italy is the Zion for the Italians, Spain for the Spaniards, Portugal for the Portuguese, and Germany for the Germans. Scandinavia is Zion for the Scandinavians, and Japan for the Japanese. ACR(Paris)1976:3

Related Witnesses:

Bruce R. McConkie

The place of gathering for the Mexican Saints is in Mexico; the place of gathering for the Guatemalan Saints is in Guatemala; the place of gathering for the Brazilian Saints is in Brazil; and so it goes throughout the length and breadth of the whole earth. Japan is for the Japanese; Korea is for the Koreans; Australia is for the Australians; every nation is the gathering place for its own people. ACR(Mexico City)1972:45

President Spencer W. Kimball

The gathering of Israel is now in progress. Hundreds of thousands of people have been baptized into the Church. Millions more will join the Church. And this is the way that we will gather Israel. The English people will gather in England. The Japanese people will gather in the Orient. The Brazilian people will gather in Brazil. So that important element of the world history is already being accomplished.
It is to be done by missionary work. It is your responsibility to attend to the missionary work. ACR(Sao Paulo)1975:73

President Brigham Young

When Joseph first revealed the land where the Saints should gather, a woman in Canada asked if we thought that Jackson County would be large enough to gather all the people that would want to go to Zion. I will answer the question really as it is. Zion will extend, eventually, all over this earth. There will be no nook or corner upon the earth but what will be in Zion. It will all be Zion. I remember that the lady was answered by asking her whether she thought the ark was large enough to hold those that were to go into it in the days of Noah? "Yes," was the reply. Then of course Zion will be just large enough to receive all that will be prepared to possess it, as the ark was. (In Bowery, July 28, 1861, JD9:138) TLDP:752

President Lorenzo Snow

President Smith was talking yesterday about the land of Zion. Yes, surely, this entire continent is the land of Zion, and the time will come when there will be Temples established over every portion of the land, and we will go into these Temples and work for our kindred dead night and day, that the work of the Lord may be speedily accomplished, that Jesus may come and present the kingdom to His father. He is coming soon, too. But we will not hear His voice until we build up Jackson County. Now we should make preparation for this. We are not only going to have Zion throughout this continent, but we will have it over the whole earth. The whole earth is the Lord's. (At St. George, Utah, May 8, 1899) MOFP3:313-14

President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose

(First Presidency)
The steps taken toward the building of a Temple in Alberta, Canada, indicating the purpose of the Church to extend the blessing of holy ordinances for the living and the dead of other lands than Utah and former dwelling places of Zion, [italics added] have awakened new interest and confidence in the cause of salvation. More Church edifices have been erected and such property acquired than ever before in our history, and we congratulate all who sense the importance of these movements on that which has been accomplished. (Christmas message published in Deseret News, Dec. 20, 1913, by the First Presidency) MOFP4:295

Joseph Smith

You know there has been great discussion in relation to Zion—where it is, and where the gathering of the dispensation is, and which I am now going to tell you. The prophets have spoken and written upon it; but I will make a proclamation that will cover a broader ground. The whole of America is Zion itself from north to south, and is described by the Prophets, who declare that it is the Zion where the mountain of the Lord should be, and that it should be in the center of the land. HC6:318-19

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Until the day cometh when there is found no more room for them; and then I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called stakes, for the curtains or the strength of Zion. (Revelation, Dec. 16, 1833) D&C 101:21

Matthew Cowley

In your homes where the priesthood of God exists, there is Zion. And to you whose lives are committed to righteousness, I say unto you, You are Zion. CR1952Apr:102

President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, John Henry Smith

(First Presidency)
Seventy-eight years have passed since then, [since 1833 when the Saints were driven from Missouri] and though the dispossessed and driven people have never returned to Jackson county, yet that spot is still to them Zion, the place to which they or their children will eventually wend their way to rear upon its consecrated soil the city and temple of God. All other gathering places of the Saints, including their present homes in the region of the Rocky mountains, are merely "stakes" of Zion. (Published in Deseret News by First Presidency, Nov. 4, 1911) MOFP4:238

895. Zion and her stakes are to be places of peace and safety for the Saints of God.

Elder George Albert Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Related Witnesses
Joseph Smith

Elder George Albert Smith

He [the Lord] has told us in great plainness that the world will be in distress, that there will be warfare from one end of the world to the other, that the wicked shall slay the wicked and that peace shall be taken from the earth. And he has said, too, that the only place where there will be safety will be in Zion. Will we make this Zion? Will we keep it to be Zion, because Zion means the pure in heart? CR1941Oct:99

Joseph Smith

And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;
67. And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.
68. And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.
69. And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.
70. And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand.
71. And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy. (The Lord calls upon the Saints to gather to Zion, March 7, 1831) D&C 45:66-71

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;
6. And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth. D&C 115:5-6

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses
And it came to pass that Enoch talked with the Lord; and he said unto the Lord: Surely Zion shall dwell in safety forever. But the Lord said unto Enoch: Zion have I blessed, but the residue of the people have I cursed. (The record of Moses : Enoch talks to the Lord face to face) Moses 7:20

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments. (Revelation, April 26, 1832) D&C 82:14

896. Zion will prevail: no weapon that is formed against Zion shall prosper.

President John Taylor and George Q. Cannon
President John Taylor and George Q. Cannon
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
President Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith
Abraham O. Woodruff
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
Related Witnesses
Daniel
Orson F. Whitney
Isaiah
President John Taylor

President John Taylor, and George Q. Cannon

(of the First Presidency)
God has said concerning Zion, that "no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord."
Our history is one continued illustration of the fulfillment of this word of our God. We can truthfully ask, where is the weapon that has been formed against Zion which has prospered? The God of heaven is on our side. He has made promises to Zion which cannot fail. He is mightier than all of earth's hosts, and by His wonderful providence can bring to pass, in His own way, the fulfillment of all the words of His inspired servants. Upon this foundation we can rest secure. No weapon that is formed against Zion can prosper. . . . (Epistle prepared for delivery in absentia at April general conference, 1886; published in pamphlet, May 1886) MOFP3:70-71

President John Taylor and George Q. Cannon

(of the First Presidency)
No weapon that is formed against Zion can prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against her in judgment shall be condemned. (From an epistle read at general conference in Oct. 1886) MOFP3:75

Joseph Smith

Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper;
10. And if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time. (Revelation given to Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon, Dec. 1, 1831) D&C 71:9-10

Joseph Smith

We ask thee, Holy Father, to establish the people that shall worship, and honorably hold a name and standing in this thy house, to all generations and for eternity;
25. That no weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who diggeth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself;
26. That no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house; (Prayer given to Joseph Smith by revelation, offered at dedication of Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836) D&C 109:24-26

President Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith

(First Presidency)
There never was a time probably in our history when the Latter-day Saints needed more than they do at present the assistance which God has promised to render to us. He has made precious promises to His Church; among them He has said that no weapon that is formed against Zion shall prosper. This will be fulfilled to the very letter. The Lord's word cannot fail. But it is for us, as a people, to place ourselves in such a condition that we can ask the Lord in faith for these blessings, and receive them at His hand. We should so live that He will feel bound by His promises to come to our aid and to fulfil His word to us. We have never appealed to Him in vain. (Letter to stake presidents, Dec. 2, 1889) MOFP3:176

Abraham O. Woodruff

No weapon that has ever been formed against Zion has prospered. The efforts of the evil one to destroy the work of the Lord have only tended to spread it abroad. The persecutions which have been heaped upon this people have been the means of cementing us together, drawing us more closely to God, and making us more united and powerful. It is the heritage of the saints of God to be misrepresented and persecuted by the insincere and the wicked; but their efforts have never blocked the progress of the work of our Eternal Father. On the contrary, the labors of our most bitter enemies have been among the main factors in spreading the work abroad. The Lord has turned the wrath of the wicked to his own glory. Had it not been for the persecution of the Latter-day Saints, the mustard seed would not have been cast abroad; but in the attempt to destroy the mustard stalk, to which the Savior compared the Gospel, they have scattered the seed, and it has taken root wherever it has fallen. . . . I thank God that it is not his purposes which have failed, but the purposes of man. This should be an encouragement to every Latter-day Saint and a strong testimony that this is the work of God. It ought to be a testimony also to those who have sought to bring to naught the purposes of God. CR1901Oct:11

President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose

(First Presidency)
After the excitement aroused by the outrageous and improbable stories against the elders and saints has subsided, investigation by rational persons ensues, the meetings held by our people are largely attended, conversions follow, or at least conviction that the people and principles so grossly maligned have been unjustly accused, and those who have figured in the falsehood stand condemned before their fellows. And thus the work goes on, in fulfillment of Divine promises and to the accomplishment of the warning of the world and the proclamation of the gospel of the Son of God, whose advent as the Babe of Bethlehem we delight to celebrate. Each Christmas day brings additional assurances that the word of the Lord to us in the beginning will certainly be fulfilled: "No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and the tongue that rises in judgment against you shall be condemned." (Christmas message published by the First Presidency in Deseret News, Dec. 21, 1912) MOFP4:278-79

Related Witnesses:

Daniel

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. (Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a stone cut from the mountain without hands) Daniel 2:44

Orson F. Whitney

The ancient Zion foreshadowed the Zion of the Last Days, with which it is destined to blend. In Enoch's day the Lord's people, consecrating to Him their all, became equal in earthly as in heavenly things; and the righteous unity resulting from that blest condition brought forth the peace and power of sanctity. So shall it be and more, when the Lord brings again Zion. (Saturday Night Thoughts, p. 117) TLDP:751

Isaiah,
quoted by Nephi, son of Lehi

President John Taylor

We are here to build up the church of God, the Zion of God, and the kingdom of God . . . to beautify Zion and have pleasant habitations, and pleasant gardens and orchards, until Zion shall be the most beautiful place there is on the earth. . . . Zion shall yet become the praise and the glory of the whole earth. (In Bowery, June 1883, JD24:201) DGSM:98

897. Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be established upon the American continent.

President Brigham Young
Marion G. Romney
Joseph Smith
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Elder Wilford Woodruff
Jesus
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Joseph Smith
President David O. McKay
Joseph Smith
Moroni, son of Mormon
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, John Henry Smith

President Brigham Young

This American continent will be Zion; for it is so spoken of by the prophets. Jerusalem will be rebuilt and will be the place of gathering, and the tribe of Judah will gather there; but this continent of America is the land of Zion. (In Bowery, July 5, 1857, JD5:4) TLDP:752

Marion G. Romney

Zion, as used in this scripture [Isaiah 2:2-3, means America. In fact, America is Zion. At times the term is used to include both the North and South American continents. In some references the word Zion is used to designate the area in and about Jackson County, Missouri, where the New Jerusalem will be built, which city is itself sometimes called Zion. From Zion the law of God shall eventually go forth into all the world. ("America's Fate and Ultimate Destiny," Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, 1976, p. 326) TLDP:752

Joseph Smith

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. (The tenth of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :10

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

In the day of regeneration, when all things are made new, there will be three great cities that will be holy. One will be the Jerusalem of old, which shall be rebuilt according to the prophecy of Ezekiel. [Ether 13:2-11One will be the city of Zion, or of Enoch, which was taken from the earth when Enoch was translated and which will be restored; and the city Zion, or New Jerusalem, which is to be built by the seed of Joseph on this the American continent. [3 Nephi 20:21-22; DGSM:99; MPSG1972-73:135

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

When Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, he learned that America is the land of Zion which was given to Joseph and his children and that on this land the City of Zion, or New Jerusalem, is to be built. He also learned that Jerusalem in Palestine is to be rebuilt and become a holy city. These two cities, one in the land of Zion and one in Palestine, are to become capitals for the kingdom of God during the millennium. (Church News, Nov. 21, 1931, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:71) DGSM:104

Elder Wilford Woodruff

The Lord has said by the ancient prophets, that in the last days there should be deliverance in Jerusalem and in Mount Zion; and by the mouth of the modern prophet, seer, and revelator, pointed out the location of Zion [on the American Continent, Articles of Faith :10], and commanded the Saints among the Gentiles to gather thereunto and build it up, while the Jews gather to Jerusalem. The safety of the Saints depends as much upon their fulfilling his commandments, as the safety of Noah and Lot depended upon their obedience to the commands of God in their day and generation. ("A Word to the Wise Is Sufficient," Millennial Star, June 1845, p. 3) TLDP:207-08

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

And I will gather my people together as a man gathereth his sheaves into the floor. . . .
22. And behold, this people will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob ; and it shall be a New Jerusalem. And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people; yea, even I will be in the midst of you. (The resurrected Jesus Christ foretells the fulfilling of his covenant regarding the New Jerusalem, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 20:18,22

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

While the Lord promised the children of Israel that they would be restored to their lands in Palestine, yet there are many predictions pointing to the gathering of scattered Israel first to this American Continent which the Lord has designated the land of Zion. It is here where all the descendants of the ten tribes are to come, while those of the house of Judah are to gather in Palestine. (The Restoration of All Things, p. 142) TLDP:209

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Wherefore I, the Lord, have said, gather ye out from the eastern lands, assemble ye yourselves together ye elders of my church; go ye forth into the western countries, call upon the inhabitants to repent, and inasmuch as they do repent, build up churches unto me.
65. And with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you.
66. And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;
67. And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.
68. And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.
69. And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.
70. And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand.
71. And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy. (Revelation, March 7, 1831) D&C 45:64-71

President David O. McKay

Zion means, literally, a "sunny place" or "sunny mountain." It first designated an eminence in Palestine on which Jerusalem is built. In the Doctrine and Covenants, Zion has three designations: First, the land of America; second, a specific place of gathering; and third, the pure in heart. ("Zion Shall Flourish," Instructor, Feb. 1959, p. 33) TLDP:751-52

Joseph Smith

Moroni, son of Mormon

Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake concerning a New Jerusalem upon this land.
5. And he spake also concerning the house of Israel, and the Jerusalem from whence Lehi should come—after it should be destroyed it should be built up again, a holy city unto the Lord; wherefore, it could not be a new Jerusalem for it had been in a time of old; but it should be built up again, and become a holy city of the Lord; and it should be built unto the house of Israel.
6. And that a New Jerusalem should be built upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type. (Moroni's abridgement of the writings of Ether, who wrote about 550 B.C.) Ether 13:4-6

President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, John Henry Smith

(First Presidency)
The Book of Mormon is replete with predictions of the glorious future of America. "The Land of Zion," where the New Jerusalem is to be built by a gathering of scattered Israel, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah, and the beginning of the Millennial Reign. It shows how such men as Columbus, the Pilgrim fathers, the patriots of the revolution, and the "Gentiles" of today—meaning the people of the United States and of European nations—have been and are being used by the Almighty to bring about the great consummation. (Published in Deseret News by the First Presidency, Nov. 4, 1911) MOFP4:233

898. In the last days, the law of God will go forth from Zion.

Isaiah
Marion G. Romney
Isaiah
Michah
Related Witnesses
Isaiah
HYMNS Written by Prophets
Applicable to this Topic
Parley P. Pratt
Parley P. Pratt
John Taylor

Isaiah,
quoted by Nephi, son of Lehi

And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.
3. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob ; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Nephi records the words of Isaiah from the brass plates, 559-545) 2 Nephi 12:2-3

Marion G. Romney

Isaiah

And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
3. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob ; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (Isaiah sees the latter-day temple and the gathering of Israel) Isaiah 2:2-3

Michah

And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob ; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (Micah prophesies, in the last days the temple shall built and Israel shall gather to it) Micah 4:2

Related Witnesses:

Isaiah
quoted by Nephi, son of Lehi

Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation; for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light for the people.
5. My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arm shall judge the people. The isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
6. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner. But my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. (The prophecies of Isaiah as found in the Book of Mormon) 2 Nephi 8:4-6
Hyrum Mack Smith
One great purpose of God in establishing Zion is to save the world, through its laws and institutions, from the curse of poverty and destitution. The object is to give to the world an entirely new social order, to establish a community in which even the poor would share the "fat things" with "the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble" (D&C 58:10). Zion is to be a place for the "supper of the house of the Lord"—a banquet hall—"unto which all nations shall be invited." There "the marriage feast of the Lamb" will be held when the time has come for God Omni potent to reign upon this Earth (Revelation 19:7-9. It is the New Jerusalem, consisting of the City of Zion and the "Jerusalem which is above," that is, "the Bride of the Lamb" (Revelation 21:2; Galatians 4:26; Ephesians 5:27). The two will be united when our Savior comes in His glory. "Blessed are they who are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." Yea, blessed are they who will be called to become citizens in the City of Zion. (The Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, Hyrum M. Smith and Janne M. Sjodahl, pp. 336-37) TLDP:751

HYMNS Written by Prophets Applicable to this Topic

Parley P. Pratt
The Morning Breaks, Verses 3,4,5
HYMNS:1
The Gentile fulness now comes in,
And Israel's blessings are at hand.
Lo, Judah's remnant, cleansed from sin,
Lo, Judah's remnant, cleansed from sin
Shall in their promised Canaan stand.
Jehovah speaks Let earth give ear,
And Gentile nations turn and live,
His mighty arm is making bare,
His mighty arm is making bare
His cov'nant people to receive.
Angels from heav'n and truth from earth
Have met, and both have record borne;
Thus Zion's light is bursting forth,
Thus Zion's light is bursting forth
To bring her ransomed children home.

Parley P. Pratt

An Angel from on High, 5th verse
HYMNS:13
Lo Israel filled with joy
Shall now be gathered home,
Their wealth and means employ
To build Jerusalem,
While Zion shall arise and shine
And fill the earth with truth divine,
While Zion shall arise and shine
And fill the earth with truth divine.

John Taylor

Go, Ye Messengers of Heaven
HYMNS:327
Go, ye messengers of heaven,
Chosen by divine command;
Go and publish free salvation
To a dark, benighted land.
Go to island, vale, and mountain;
There fulfill the great command;
Gather out the sons of Jacob
To possess the promised land.
When your thousands all are gathered,
And their prayers for you ascend,
And the Lord has crowned with blessings
All the labors of your hand,
Then the song of joy and transport
Will from ev'ry land resound;
Then the nations long in darkness
By the Savior will be crowned.

We Believe: Doctrines and Principles

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Zion

893. Zion is the pure in heart.

894. Zion is wherever the organization of the Church of God is—where the pure in heart are gathered.

895. Zion and her stakes are to be places of peace and safety for the Saints of God.

896. Zion will prevail: no weapon that is formed against Zion shall prosper.

897. Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be established upon the American continent.

898. In the last days, the law of God will go forth from Zion.