The Redemption of Zion

To my daughter, 

               Right now as we study the Doctrine and Covenants we are learning about the Lord’s direction for the Saints in 1831 to start building up the city of Zion in Independence, Missouri. This was to be the fulfillment of ancient prophecy that a holy city would be built. For example, the Savior told the Nephites this: “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” (3 Nephi 20:22). The Savior promised that in the last days—that’s our time—this city would be built up and the powers of heaven and Christ Himself would be there. This is what the Saints were starting to build—but as you know, the they were only able to be there for two years before they were kicked out of Jackson County where the Lord had told them the New Jerusalem would be built. The Lord told them at this time that the people had not fully been ready: “Therefore, in consequence of the transgressions of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion—That they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands” (Doctrine and Covenants 105:9-10). One day the Lord will indeed redeem Zion—meaning that the city of the New Jerusalem will be built up where He said it would—but that day for us is still in the future while the Lord waits for us to be prepared. 

                 Elder Bruce R. McConkie, an apostle who died the year I was born, said this about the above scripture: “A little season—how long will it last? Will it be two hundred years? or three hundred? Though the day of the Second Coming is fixed, the day for the redemption of Zion depends upon us. After we as a people live the law of the celestial kingdom; after we gain the needed experience and learn our duties; after we become by faith and obedience as were our fellow saints in the days of Enoch; after we are worthy to be translated, if the purposes of the Lord should call for such a course in this day—then Zion will be redeemed, and not before…. And so we wait, wondering the while how long the ‘little season’ is destined to last. As to its length, we cannot say. This much only do we know: the ‘little season’ is the appointed period of preparation for the Latter-day Saints. In it we must attain the same spiritual stature enjoyed by those who built the original Zion. Then and then only will we build our latter-day City of Holiness” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 616). So you and I now can work to prepare ourselves spiritually to be able to build up that city when the time comes.

               But don’t think that this event is too far in the future to make a difference in your life. President Eyring in a recent general conference spoke about the building up of Zion and the glorious things associated with it. He said this: “We know that the Savior will come to a people who have been gathered and prepared to live as the people did in the city of Enoch. The people there were united in faith in Jesus Christ and had become so completely pure that they were taken up to heaven.” This gathering will be to the city of Zion—the New Jerusalem—and only those who are righteously united in faith in Jesus Christ will be there. He then gave this awesome prophecy: “You sisters, your daughters, your granddaughters, and the women you have nurtured will be at the heart of creating that society of people who will join in glorious association with the Savior. You will be an essential force in the gathering of Israel and in the creation of a Zion people who will dwell in peace in the New Jerusalem.” That means that YOU can play a part in the creation this society and righteous people! President Eyring was speaking specifically to the women of the Church and taught of the important role you can play if you so choose. I hope that you can strive to be spiritually prepared for these future events. You can do this as you continue to study the scriptures, sincerely pray, keep the commandments, and strive to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost in order to make wise choices. Soon you will also be able to go to His holy house to perform work for your ancestors and feel of the Lord’s presence in the temple. I urge you to keep striving to stay pure and make righteous choices so you can play a part in the building up of Zion in the last days!

 

Love,

Dad