“Zion Shall Not Be Moved Out of Her Place”

Lesson 40

Sections 100–101, 103, 105

Theme

Zion shall be built by the Saints of God before the second coming of Christ.

Theme Analysis

1. Zion is defined as the pure in heart and where the pure in heart dwell.

   1. A pure people who will serve the Lord in righteousness will be prepared.

   2. The First Presidency, who hold the keys of the kingdom, will direct the work of establishing Zion.

2. The foundation of Zion was laid, but transgression delayed Zion’s establishment.

   1. Contentions, envyings, and lustful and covetous desires of individuals in the Church brought suffering and affliction.

   2. Many were slow to hearken and received lightly the Lord’s counsel.

3. “Zion shall not be moved out of her place” (D&C 101:17).

   1. Stakes are to be established for the “strength of Zion” (D&C 101:21).

   2. Before Zion is redeemed, Saints are to be “taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty,” and to become a great army (D&C 105:10).

   3. The center place of Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, will be redeemed and sanctified.

   4. These events are to prepare for the great millennial era and its attendant blessings.

Study Sources

Student Manual

Sections 100–101, 103, 105; Enrichment B, “Establishing Zion”

Use material from Historical Background and Notes and Commentary to teach each revelation in its historical context.

Standard Works

• D&C 100–101, 103, 105. Keeping in mind the theme of this lesson, read and ponder these sections.

• D&C 97:21. What does the term Zion mean? See also Doctrine and Covenants 100:16.

• D&C 58:4–7. Why did the Lord direct the Saints to begin the work of Zion early in this dispensation?

• D&C 64:34–36. What of the rebellious among those who seek to establish Zion?

• D&C 68:31. What problems were manifest among the early settlers in Zion?

• D&C 84:54–59. What additional difficulties are enumerated by this revelation?

• D&C 90:36–37; 97:10, 18–19. What will enable Zion to stand in the appointed place?

For additional references see topical guide, s.v. “Zion, Sion”; “Israel, Restoration of.”

Basic Library

• Teachings, p. 32. What is required of those who would dwell in Zion?

• Teachings, p. 34. What is Zion’s destiny?

• Discourses, pp. 113–14. When will the center place of Zion be established? What was the cause of the first expulsion?

• A of F, pp. 345–54. Overview of the theme of Zion. Gos. Doc, pp. 76–77. Under what conditions will Zion be established?

• DS, 3:76–79. Why was the building of the center place deferred? Will it yet be built?

• Spencer W. Kimball, in CR, Apr. 1978, pp. 119–24. Excellent counsel concerning the preparations made to again establish Zion.

Additional Sources

• Bruce R. McConkie, “Come: Let Israel Build Zion,” Ensign, May 1977, pp. 115–18. Discusses the phases of building Zion.

Some Suggestions for Presentation

(Ideas Other Teachers Have Used)

Zion Shall Yet Be Redeemed (Class Discussion, Scripture Analysis)

If Zion is yet to be established, how will it be accomplished? Discuss with the students the three phases of building Zion as outlined by Elder Bruce R. McConkie in his discourse, “Come: Let Israel Build Zion” (Ensign, May 1977, pp. 115–18). These phases of preparation and gathering are also discussed in the student manual, Enrichment B, “Establishing Zion.”

Have the students read Doctrine and Covenants 105:9–10, 26, 31. List on the chalkboard what must occur before the redemption of Zion. (The people will be taught more perfectly, gain experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty. The “Lord’s army” will become very great and sanctified.) Discuss how these things are being accomplished through the programs of the Church today.

Geographic Designations of Zion (Scripture Analysis, Discussion)

Refer to the student manual, Enrichment B, “Establishing Zion.” Have the students look up the scriptural citations, adding appropriate quotes as you list and discuss the various geographic applications of the term Zion. (Mount Zion, New Jerusalem, stakes of Zion, North and South America, the whole earth, and the Church.)

Building Zion (Chalkboard Illustration, Transparencies)

Read the statement of President Brigham Young from Transparency 19A, “How to Build Zion.” Point out that if Zion is defined as the pure in heart, or the places where the pure in heart dwell, then the process of building Zion must start with individuals and move outward. It is not something which is sent down and then changes individuals to conform to it. This is illustrated in Transparency 19B. Start with the inner circle. As you refer to each succeeding circle show how the next level is dependent on the preceding level. For example, you cannot have a Zion family unless there are Zion family members; there cannot be a Zion society without Zion communities, and so on.