During the year 1831, members of the newly organized Church of Jesus Christ learned a lot about the concept of Zion. They learned that the Old Testament prophet Enoch had established a city called Zion, and that his people “were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” (Moses 7:18). They also learned that God wanted them to establish a similar city, and that they should gather in Missouri for that purpose. (See Doctrine and Covenants 57:2.)
Naturally, they had many questions about how to fulfill this divine mandate. In September and October of that year, the Lord gave several revelations in which he provided further insight.
- Doctrine and Covenants 64 provides logistical instructions about the move, interspersed with practical guidance on how to establish a unified society: forgive, open your heart, and keep doing the small things which will lead to the great outcomes.
- Doctrine and Covenants 65 contains a novel reinterpretation of the Lord’s Prayer. When the Savior returns to earth, He will bring the kingdom of heaven with Him. At that time, He will “meet the kingdom of God which is set up on earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 65:5). When Jesus prayed, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, He was speaking of the establishment of Zion on earth to meet Him when He returns in glory.
- Doctrine and Covenants 66 is directed to an individual. 25-year-old William McLellin had recently joined the church, and this revelation gave him important guidance on the contribution he could make to this important work. “Keep these sayings,” the Lord counseled, “for they are true and faithful; and thou shalt magnify thine office, and push many people to Zion with songs of everlasting joy upon their heads” (Doctrine and Covenants 66:11).
We are still contributing to this effort today. Elder D. Todd Christofferson has taught:
In ancient times, God took the righteous city of Zion to Himself. By contrast, in the last days a new Zion will receive the Lord at His return. … This great and last dispensation is building steadily to its climax—Zion on earth being joined with Zion from above at the Savior’s glorious return.
“Preparing for the Lord’s Return,” General Conference, April 2019
Here are some of my favorite passages from this week’s reading with relevant blog posts and Book of Mormon connections.
Scripture Highlights and Related Blog Posts
Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-10
Ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
Blog Posts
📄 Forgiveness
Grudges and resentments are like dead weight which drag us down. Forgiveness is like dropping ballast from a balloon, allowing us to soar to new heights.
Book of Mormon connection: 1 Nephi 7:21
Doctrine and Covenants 64:33
Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
Blog Posts
📄 Be Not Weary
Continue working toward eternal goals — even when you feel tired or discouraged.
Book of Mormon connection: Alma 37:34
Doctrine and Covenants 65:5-6
Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth.
Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth, that thine enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power and glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Blog Posts
📄 “Bring Forth My Zion” – 1 Nephi 13:37
Our mission is to help establish Zion (the kingdom of God) on the earth, so that we will be prepared to receive Zion (the kingdom of God) when it comes down from heaven.
Book of Mormon connection: 1 Nephi 13:37
Doctrine and Covenants 66:3
Verily I say unto you, my servant William, that you are clean, but not all; repent, therefore, of those things which are not pleasing in my sight, saith the Lord, for the Lord will show them unto you.
Blog Posts
📄 “Clean But Not All”
We may be “clean but not all,” meaning that we still have more repenting to do. We need to recognize the areas in our lives that need improvement and rectify them with God’s help.
Book of Mormon connection: 3 Nephi 8:1, Moroni 10:33
Doctrine and Covenants 66:10
Seek not to be cumbered.
Blog Posts
📄 “Seek Not to Be Cumbered”
Be careful not to overcommit and not to overclutter your schedule. Make sure you’re not to busy for quiet time with God and family.
Book of Mormon connection: 1 Nephi 2:4, Alma 4:15-20
Doctrine and Covenants 66:12
Continue in these things even unto the end, and you shall have a crown of eternal life at the right hand of my Father, who is full of grace and truth.
Blog Posts
📄 What Does It Mean That the Savior Is “Full of Grace and Truth?”
Kindness, mercy, and compassion are not antithetical with honesty, integrity, and faithfulness. God possesses both attributes.
Book of Mormon connection: 2 Nephi 2:6
Questions to Ponder
Here are some questions and topics I intend to work on this week:
- What does it mean to “overcome the world,” and how can we do it? (Doctrine and Covenants 64:2)
- What is the role of behavior boundaries in church governance? (Doctrine and Covenants 64:12-13)
- How does tithing protect us against being “burned?” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:23-24)
- How is Zion “an ensign unto the people?” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:42)
- How can we “prepare…the way of the Lord?” (Doctrine and Covenants 65:1)
- What is a “crown of eternal life?” (Doctrine and Covenants 66:12)
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