Part 1: Events leading to Zion

In light of the parable of the watchtower in D&C 101:43-62, which has weighed heavily on my mind the last couple years, I share this with you all.

This history is certainly not complete and further not the whole/entire story. But I thought that it would be interesting to put together a short timeline with some basic - but incomplete - answers. I am curious what others would add and what they would remove (or even what they disagree with).

Where did the Book of Mormon take place?

3 Nephi 20: 14-15 (Thursday, September 16, 2010)  Where were they at the moment Christ spoke to them? That affects things, doesn't it? Was it Guatamala? Or the United States?
...
The other way is to take other sources that presumably knew, and accept what they said about the location. I've already quoted from both Moroni and Joseph Smith about the location. Both have placed the events in the area now known as the United States. Moroni's description of the Book of Mormon, and its people, was as follows: "He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang." (JS-H 1: 34.) I presume Moroni knew, and that Joseph had no reason to misstate what he said. It would appear that the continent referred to by Christ using the words, "this land" was North America. And the promise from the Father, made by covenant, was with "the former inhabitants of this continent." 

Why were the Gentiles initially blessed?

3 Nephi 20: 27-28 (Tuesday, September 21, 2010)
3 Nephi 20: 27-28  ...unto the pouring out of the Holy Ghost through me upon the Gentiles, which blessing upon the Gentiles shall make them mighty above all, unto the scattering of my people, O house of Israel. And they shall be a scourge unto the people of this land. Nevertheless, when they shall have received the fullness of my gospel, then if they shall harden their hearts against me I will return their iniquities upon their own heads, saith the Father. 

The reason the gentiles received access to the Holy Ghost was to fulfill the purposes of the Father. The remnant would reject the Gospel, and as a result merit judgment. Judgment would come through the gentiles. For that to occur, the Holy Ghost needed to inspire gentile successes. 

The Spirit would be responsible for such great gentile success that they will be made "mighty above all, unto the scattering of my people." That is, no other people will be able to prevail against the gentiles of North America while the Holy Ghost was with the gentiles. They will be a "scourge" upon the remnant as a result of the Father's judgments implemented by Christ, using the Holy Ghost.  

What were the Gentiles eventually offered?

3 Nephi 20: 27-28 (Tuesday, September 21, 2010)  The Spirit will entitle the gentiles to be offered the fullness. They will qualify by their acts and obedience. When you receive light and stay true to it, you are offered more light. The gentiles will accept and pursue more light, and will merit an opportunity to receive thefullness of the Gospel. 

Gentiles did have the fullness of the Gospel, which requires the fullness of the priesthood that was offered while Joseph Smith was here. It was given sometime between 1829 and 1832, and removed before 1841. (See prior post and D&C 132: 45 and D&C 124: 28.)  

How was the "Fullness" rejected the first time (prior to 1841)? Who rejected the "Fullness"?

3 Nephi 20: 27-28 (Tuesday, September 21, 2010)  When the gentiles were offered the fullness, they displayed little interest in it. Joseph remarked: "I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God; but we frequently see some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions: they cannot stand the fire at all. How many will be able to abide a celestial law, and go through and receive their exaltation, I am unable to say, as many are called, but few are chosen." (DHC 6: 184-185; see also D&C 121: 40.) 

Why was the Church offered the "Fullness" a second time?

Remnant, part VII (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)  When Joseph had made a sufficient "offering" and "acknowledgments," the Lord gave another opportunity for the Saints to receive again what had been taken from them, that is the "fullness of the priesthood." (D&C 124: 1, 28.)
To be permitted to undertake this, however, there would be a limited time appointed. After that appointment, the church would be rejected. (D&C 124: 31-32.) The time is not specified, but the work was to be undertaken by sending "swift messengers," (D&C 124: 26) and gathering all the Saints together with their gold, silver, antiquities, and precious things to construct this Temple. (D&C 124: 26-27.)

The Saints gathered to Nauvoo and by 1844 the population had swollen to 12,000. There were shops, brick homes, stores, and a Masonic Hall constructed in Nauvoo. There was a gunsmith shop, a university, library and wide streets. Unlike other frontier towns with adobe and log homes, Nauvoo boasted brick houses and affluence. This community was superior to anything else along the western boundary of the United States at the time.

When Joseph and Hyrum were killed on June 27, 1844, the Temple walls were not completed and no portion had been dedicated. After Joseph's death, the Saints rededicated themselves to finish the Temple. The exterior walls were completed in December, 1844 and the final sunstone put into place with some considerable difficulty.

How did the Gentiles reject the "Fullness" this second time?

I site other sources for these events in part 4.

3 Nephi 20: 27-28 (Tuesday, September 21, 2010)  When the Saints were given a final opportunity to receive the offered fullness extended to all, they needed to show their willingness to accept it by completing the Nauvoo Temple within a short time. They were given long enough to complete it, and if it was not completed in that appointed time, they would be rejected. (D&C 124: 32.) We have seen how the Saints proceeded to build Nauvoo and their own homes rather than the Nauvoo Temple from 1841 to June, 1844 when Joseph and Hyrum were killed. (See The Remnant Part VII.) 

When Joseph was taken, the Temple walls had not yet been completed to the second floor. 

When the Twelve prayed in the Temple on February 8, 1846 that the Lord would bless the Saints to be able to complete the Temple, the Temple caught fire the next day.
Repairs and further work allowed a dedication to finally take place at the end of April, 1846, nearly two years after Joseph's death.The dedicatory prayer petitioned the Lord to "take guardianship into Thy hands," but by September the keys to the Temple doors were handed to a mob which had overrun Nauvoo. It was the position of Elder Hyde that the Saints performed as they were required "by the skin of our teeth," thereby escaping rejection by the Lord. (This was discussed in The Remnant Part VII.)

What is the official view on Nauvoo and its temple?

Remnant, part VII (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)  From the time of Nauvoo until the present day, every President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints either lived in Nauvoo between January 1841 and June 1844, or descended from those who lived there during the time. (Although some were called on missions and abandoned families who resided there for some of that time.)

Church history takes the view that Nauvoo was a triumph, and the Saints succeeded in accomplishing all that was required of them, and more. The stories of heroism, sacrifice and devotion that focus on the Nauvoo era are endless.  

Those families who trace their geneology to ancestors in Nauvoo at that time defend the notion that the they are specially favored as families, and are among the noble and great chosen to lead others in mortality because of their great devotion and sacrifice.

What else must the Gentile Church reject to finally merit the coming judgments?

3 Nephi 20: 27-28 (Tuesday, September 21, 2010)  The prophecy of Christ, as commanded by the Father, foretells that if the gentiles do reject the fullness, then the Father will "return their iniquities upon their own heads." Meaning that the gentiles will, by reason of their rejection of what was offered them, merit condemnation for ingratitude. (D&C 88: 33-35.) They remain "filthy still" because that which would have cleansed them was not received in gratitude. It was rejected. When a people reject the Lord, the Lord, being governed by law, must reject them. 

This is the reason the coming judgments are necessary. Where much is given (and we were offered everything) then much is expected.(Luke 12: 47-48.) When everything is rejected, then the punishment merited reflects complete rejection of the Lord. You must keep this in mind as you read the judgments Christ prophesies upon the gentiles.

What event is likely to precede many of the afflictions? What other signs will parallel those events?

Zion (Thursday, February 23, 2012)  When there is an abomination that renders desolate in the Temple, you will also see afflictions. You will see those who claim they are Christ, or they are Christ's true living prophet-- though they are not. You will see signs and wonders, including great building projects and the astonishing ability to speak in every language across the world in a single time, but that will not deceive those who take the Holy Spirit for their guide. They will be able to distinguish between the truth and error. Heaven will be shaken. Angels will gather those who follow Christ rather than trust the arm of flesh, and ultimately Christ will return and the world will be wasted at His coming. Though there will be some fragment, like the days of Noah, there will be those who have been gathered by the angels. Those few will be preserved.

Who will eventually play the primary role in the coming dispensation and the building of the New Jerusalem?

3 Nephi 20: 27-28 (Tuesday, September 21, 2010)  The promise of a remnant holding authority and performing a central work in the establishment of Zion, as prophesied by the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, would be a dramatic change in course for the church. This is something that will occur in any event. Indeed, coalitions, conspiracies and man's arm will be powerless to prevent it. Unlikely history is the stuff of scripture.

As Elder Orson Pratt said almost since the beginning.

There must be a reformation. There will be a reformation among this people, but He will plead with the stronger ones of Zion, He will plead with this people, He will plead with those in high places, He will plead with the priesthood of this church, until Zion shall become clean before him. I do not know but what it would be an utter impossibility to commence and carry out some principles pertaining to Zion right in the midst of this people. They have strayed so far that to get a people who would conform to heavenly laws it may be needful to lead some from the midst of this people and commence anew in the regions round about in these mountains. (JD 15:355-360) 

This is plain preaching, and perhaps some of you will not like it. I cannot help it, these are the things that present themselves before my mind. There must be a reformation,there will be a reformation among this people (JD 15:361) 

Prophecies will be fulfilled. Despite vanity and foolishness, error and unbelief, prophecies will be fulfilled

How can we individually overcome our generation's sins and iniquity and truly receive to the LORD in the flesh?

3 Nephi 20: 27-28 (Tuesday, September 21, 2010)  And remember also that no matter what the collective gentile conduct may be (or fail to be), the Lord approaches each of us individually.The Book of Mormon is intended as the final opportunity for gentile salvation. The church is under condemnation for failing to remember its contents and take them seriously. (D&C 84: 54-58.) That scourge needn't be applied to you, if you will "repent and remember the new covenant" offered to you. There is, for any gentile who will repent and take the covenants offered in the Book of Mormon, an opportunity to yet become associated with the remnant and an heir of the preservation and salvation offered to them. 

As we survey the condition of the gentile church today, there seems to be less and less made of the Book of Mormon's contents. The Correlation Department's teachings are insubstantial and becoming even less so. However, you have the Book of Mormon in front of you. You don't need anyone to prepare a manual for you. You have the text itself.

Has the LORD provided any help in navigating and understanding the Book of Mormon?

3 Nephi 20: 27-28 (Tuesday, September 21, 2010) Prayerfully study the most correct volume of scripture we possess. It is a lifeline extended by the Lord to us. However, it cannot do you any good if you fail to act on its contents. Do the works, and you will know the doctrine. I suspect our universal failure to know doctrine today is because we do not live as we should. Understanding doctrine is tied to living it. The more you live it, the more you will comprehend it. (John 7: 16-17.) The less you live it, the more elusive it becomes to you. 

What must be restored prior prior to the Second Coming of the LORD?

3 Nephi 20: 25-27 (Monday, September 20, 2010)  The phrase "turning the hearts of the children to the fathers" is a reference to the restoration of sealing authority, allowing a connection between man living on the earth, and the fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). In this dispensation, that restoration occurred when Joseph Smith was given the sealing authority and priesthood whereby he could ask and receive answers. (D&C 132: 45-47.) As discussed earlier, this was sometime between 1829 and 1833, though I think it was more likely the earlier date as I have explained. Coincident with receiving this authority, Joseph's calling and election was made sure. (D&C 132: 49.) ... This priesthood, having the hearts of the recipients turned to the fathers, and the promise of exaltation, are interconnected. 

Abraham not only held this authority, but received the promise that all who received the Gospel after him would become his descendants.From the time of Abraham to the present, every saved soul has had their heart turned to him, become his son or daughter, and receive that same priesthood. (Abraham 2: 10-11.) When Joseph received this, he was not merely sealed up to eternal life, but he became part of the family of Abraham. 

How did the Prophet Joseph Smith use the "Sealing Power"?

3 Nephi 20: 25-27 (Monday, September 20, 2010)  The sealing authority used by Joseph in December, 1832, was to seal others up to eternal life. (See D&C 88: 2-4.) This promise had been previously conferred upon Joseph in that portion of Section 132... In fact, Joseph's use of that authority in December, 1832 on behalf of others is evidence that the promise to him recorded in Section 132 was necessarily received earlier than December, 1832. If it had not been received earlier, there would have been no need to make the statement in D&C 132: 49 to Joseph, because of what is in Section 88. Why tell Joseph his calling and election was sure in 1843 if it had happened already in 1832? This is another reason you can know Section 132, although recorded in 1843, was in fact a revelation received by Joseph much earlier. It was reduced to writing in 1843 at Hyrum's request. 

The reference to "turning the hearts of the fathers to the children" made by Elijah was not because Elijah conferred those keys upon Joseph in the Kirtland Temple (D&C 110: 16), for they arrived years earlier than 1836. Elijah was confirming that the keys were now all returned so the hearts of the children could turn to the fathers, and in turn the father's hearts to the children. (D&C 110: 15.) And, so as to signify he was a true messenger, Elijah also showed a sign by his hand to Joseph whereby Joseph could recognize a true messenger.(D&C 2: 1.)

What if the LORD has again bestowed the keys and the Sealing Power on a new dispensation head?

Parable (Monday, October 29, 2012)"  I saw a great mountain, and upon the top thereof was the glory of the fathers. To reach the top, all were required to enter through a narrow pass. In the pass was a great beast, cruel and pitiless.

The Lord brought people whom he had chosen to the mouth of the pass, and there He told them to wait for him, and He went away. The people did not wait for Him, but began to move forward into the narrow pass. The beast killed some and injured others, and none were able to pass through.

After great losses, many deaths and terrible suffering, the people chosen by the Lord withdrew and departed from the mountain. After four and five generations, the Lord again brought some few back to the pass and again told them to stay at the mouth of the pass and wait on Him. But again there were those who tired of waiting, for they could see in the distance the glory of the fathers, and they desired to be there. These, being overtaken by their zeal, did not wait, but moved into the pass where again the beast killed or hurt them.

Among those who waited, however, was a man who knelt and prayed, and waited patiently for his Lord. After a great time, the Lord came to this man and took him by the hand, and led him into the pass where the great beast guarded the way. As the Lord led, however, the beast was ever occupied with attacking others, and therefore its back was turned to the Lord and the man. And so they passed by unnoticed, safely to the top. 
The Lord brought people whom he had chosen to the mouth of the pass, and there He told them to wait for him, and He went away. The people did not wait for Him, but began to move forward into the narrow pass. The beast killed some and injured others, and none were able to pass through. 

After great losses, many deaths and terrible suffering, the people chosen by the Lord withdrew and departed from the mountain. After four and five generations, the Lord again brought some few back to the pass and again told them to stay at the mouth of the pass and wait on Him. But again there were those who tired of waiting, for they could see in the distance the glory of the fathers, and they desired to be there. These, being overtaken by their zeal, did not wait, but moved into the pass where again the beast killed or hurt them. 

Among those who waited, however, was a man who knelt and prayed, and waited patiently for his Lord. After a great time, the Lord came to this man and took him by the hand, and led him into the pass where the great beast guarded the way. As the Lord led, however, the beast was ever occupied with attacking others, and therefore its back was turned to the Lord and the man. And so they passed by unnoticed, safely to the top. The Lord sent the man to the fathers, who when they saw the man inquired of him, "How came you to be here and yet mortal; the last who came here were brothers who had been slain, and you are yet alive?" And the man answered: "I waited on the Lord and He brought me here safely."

What must be gathered in the next dispensation?

Twelve Oxen (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)  The Temple of Solomon had a "sea" for washings of the priests. The description of that "sea" is found in 1 Kings 7: 23-26. Significantly the "sea" sat upon the backs of twelve oxen. (verse 25.) Three were facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. 

In the time of the First Temple, these twelve oxen foreshadowed the scattering of Israel to the four corners of the earth. The destruction of the First Temple completed the scattering, which began at the death of Solomon, who was responsible the construction of the First Temple. When he died, the kingdom was divided north and south. The northern kingdom contained ten tribes, which would be taken into Assyrian captivity at about 725 b.c., and then be lost to history as they scattered northward. The remaining two tribes of the south were taken captive by Babylon at 600 b.c., and then a "remnant" returned. They were finally dispossessed of their land at 70 a.d. by the Roman destruction of Jerusalem, and scattered throughout the Roman Empire.

We also build fonts in Temples with twelve oxen bearing the font of water used for baptisms for the dead. These twelve oxen are also divided into groups of three facing north, west, south and east. Now, however, the oxen signify the gathering of scattered Israel. They also signify by their number, three, the concept of presidency or organization under restored priestly authority. The circle of twelve also are a symbol of restored, reorganized Israel in the latter-days to once again exist as a united people upon the earth.

As a recap, where and when has the LORD already labored in the vineyard?

Themes from Jacob 5 (Friday, April 20, 2012)  3. The Lord has occasionally come to the vineyard. On one occasion He labored directly within the vineyard, choosing to mingle with the scattered branches and to personally minister among them. This produced a period of production throughout the vineyard. However, it was short-lived. The vineyard lapsed into bitter fruit everywhere. There came a point where the entire vineyard produced nothing but bitter fruit, in every part of the Lord's possession. 

When that time came, the Lord determined to labor a "last time" in the vineyard, and to bring a "few servants" to assist. Again this return would involve His personal appearance, but it took the form of periodic appearances with His servants, as in the First Vision and Section 76. When He appears He confers authority. Joseph and Sidney both "received of His fullness" when He ministered to them. (D&C 76: 20.) Indeed, no one can behold His glory and not receive of His fullness. (D&C 84: 22.) To receive His priesthood, He must redeem from the fall (Ether 3: 13) and thereby receive Him. (D&C 84: 35.) This is not an apperance in the heart, but is rather a personal appearance. The idea it is something merely in the heart is an old sectarian notion and is false. (D&C 130: 3.)

What must happen next in our history (as defined in Jacob 5)?

Themes from Jacob 5 (Friday, April 20, 2012)  4. In the Lord's last labor in the vineyard, the commencement of the work does not signal the end of His involvement. Once begun, He will continue to labor with the tree to encourage it to produce fruit. He will send servants who will labor with all their might to bring the fruit about. However, it will be the tree's response and not the Lord's nor His servants' work that will bring again the natural fruit. This will take a long time before the roots are able to take hold again. The grafted branches will require pruning and additional work before they respond and return to respect and take nourishment from the natural roots. What was shocking and hard to bear with will need to be accepted in humility and gratitude before the natural fruit can appear once more. 

5. When the natural fruit begins to appear, the Lord will begin to trim away the bad to make way for the good to prevail. Therefore, those who fight against the natural fruit will be cut down. Even those who entertain high positions will be struck down if they oppose the return of the Lord's natural fruit. (See, e.g., D&C 85: 7.) The Lord of the vineyard controls which branches are allowed to survive with His tree, and not the tree itself. The inclination to produce the lofty and high minded remains the tendency of the tree. But those unwanted and unproductive branches will be cut away, burned, and not allowed to interfere with the natural fruit.

What must some personally receive before the LORD HIMSELF chooses once again to bring Zion to this very fallen world?

3 Nephi 20: 25-27 (Monday, September 20, 2010)  In Christ's statement to the Nephite audience, He confirmed that they were "the children of the prophets" because they followed the prophets' teachings. Therefore, because of their obedience they were "of the house of Israel" and had realized that status because "of the covenant which the Father made with your fathers." That covenant was given "unto Abraham" promising to Abraham: "And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed." All those after the day of Abraham who received this priesthood and sealing would become the seed of Abraham. They become heirs of the promise, and children of Abraham. They are sealed up to eternal life and therefore their hearts have turned to the fathers. 

Christ was sent to these Nephites because, "The Father having raised me up unto you first, and sent me to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities; and this because ye are the children of the covenant." Realizing the promises, and being visited by the Lord are also connected. When enough are ready to enter into this order, have their hearts turned to the fathers, receive the covenant, then the Lord will bring again Zion.

Who will gather Zion when the time comes?

Zion (Thursday, February 23, 2012)
The angels will be the ones responsible for that gathering. (See D&C 77: 11, Mark 13: 27.) This presents an apparent impediment to those who either don't believe angels minister to mankind, or who believe they only minister to church leaders, or who think them possible, but have never been administered personally by them.

3 Nephi 21: 27-28 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)  There will be gatherings, and a great gathering, and at last a distribution of the survivors into their respective promised lands. Between the time of the great upheavals, and the time of the final distribution, there will be a season in which there will a great gathering in the "Mountains" (2 Ne. 12: 2) where it will be a fearsome, even terrible thing for the wicked to contemplate. (D&C 45: 68-70.) This will be in "the tops of the mountains." (Micah 4: 1; 2 Ne. 12: 2; Isa. 2: 2.) This will be where the New Jerusalem will exist. This will be before the final distribution into the various places of inheritance of the Lord's people.

Before the return to the lands of inheritance, however, there will be terrible days, the likes of which have only been seen in the final pages of the Nephite record.(Mormon 6: 6-22.)

Who will constitute the main body of Zion?

3 Neph 16: 11 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)  What an interesting picture begins to emerge. Gentile rejection, but a tiny group of Ephriamite servants whose lives are lived so as to bestow blessings upon others. 

The main body in the New Jerusalem coming from the remnant, who are to build the City of the New Jerusalem, yet within that City a functioning group of Ephraimites who will crown others with glory. All this preparatory to the Lord's return to a City set upon a hill which cannot be hid. To a location in the tops of the everlasting mountains, where all will gather from every nation.

How many members does it take to have a functioning group of "Ephraimites" in the midst of a city composed of the "Remnants"?

What will be required of those that the Angels invite to join Zion?

Zion (Thursday, February 23, 2012)  This gathering will require a kind of social order we are unprepared to live. We cannot be "one" in the sense required for Zion in our present social, political, economic and educational systems. It requires a kind of inter-dependence and cooperation we find repulsive. Even those in the commune on Isaac Morely's farm, after converting to Mormonism, couldn't live the united order and have all things in common. It was this experience, prior to conversion, that led to the revelations about the united order. It fell apart. We've never had a successful long-term experience trying to live within that kind of system.

Who will be involved in the final gathering in the next dispensation?

3 Nephi 21: 27-28 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)  When it begins in earnest and for the last time, it will be universal. There won't be an effort among one part of the vineyard which isn't mirrored by similar efforts in other parts of the vineyard. All the natural branches will be returned and reunited with the natural roots, as all are gathered again into one. 

The Father will determine the timing. The Son will implement the plan. The process will require everyone, in every scattered part of the vineyard, to "come unto Christ." Unless they "come unto Christ," they will not be gathered and cannot be saved. 

When they are brought again into their original state and begin to bear fruit, "they may call on the Father in [Christ's] name" with His approval and blessing. Without that, the "gathering home" cannot become a reality. 

The Father's work will be "among all nations" because it will involve the judgment and destruction of all nations. (D&C 87: 6.)

What else must happen before the LORD's people will return to the lands of their inheritance?

3 Nephi 21: 27-28 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)  Before the return to the lands of inheritance, however, there will be terrible days, the likes of which have only been seen in the final pages of the Nephite record. (Mormon 6: 6-22.)

To recap, what is the choice before us?

3 Nephi 21: 27-28 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)  The choice is between the Lord, His offered redemption and protection, and destruction. The gentiles are now offered a choice while reenacting the same poor judgment that led to their own loss of opportunity. That needn't be true of individuals. It seems apparent that the prophetic message of the Book of Mormon foretells gentile arrogance and pride, collectively claiming they are on the road to Zion,while they are instead doomed to repeating the errors of prior civilizations of this continent. 

And also ...

A parting thought (Saturday, November 17, 2012)  In the Book of Mormon a people were "destroyed" when they lost control over their government. Their ability to preserve their own values, and choose the way they were governed was taken over by others. Most often it was from a different ethnic group, though not always. In the case of Amalackiah he was ethnically Nephite, but his values were Lamanite.

Once people were "destroyed" they were oppressed and suffered. Often they were oppressed with grievous taxes, and had religious liberties removed. Then they faced a choice: Either repent, in which case they came through the period of oppression with another chance. Or, if they were angry and rebellious, they would then be "swept away." 

Being "destroyed" is not at all the same as being "swept away." It is possible for people to have been destroyed and not even realize it.But when swept away they face extinction, and cannot help but notice it.