MORMON BELIEFS

Gathering of Israel, Zion built

In response to a request by John Wentworth concerning the beliefs of the Mormon Church, the Prophet Joseph Smith responded with thirteen statements. These statements are the basic beliefs of the Mormon Church and are referred to as the Articles of Faith. They are considered to be official doctrine and scripture for the Mormon Church. It must be understood though, that they are 'not a complete summary of Church doctrine. Through living prophets, the Church is guided by continuous revelation and inspiration.'1

Article of Faith #10 in the Mormon Church states: "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."2

The literal gathering of Israel is in reference to the descendants of Jacob, whose name was later changed to Israel. The Book of Mormon refers to these people as 'members of the house of Israel', or 'the covenant people of the Lord', or 'the children of the covenant'.3 This Article of Faith states that 'we believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes'. The Savior teaches of the scattering of Israel in the scriptures and states that they were "scattered forth upon the face of the earth because of their unbelief", or their wickedness.4

As with all scriptures, there is symbolism in all the teachings Christ taught. This is no different, as in that the Savior refers to Israel as being gathered in reference to people gaining a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

However, in the early days of the Mormon Church, part of the gathering of Israel was the temporal commandment the Lord gave to the members of the Church in joining the body of Saints in North America; which may have been Missouri, Illinois or the Salt Lake Valley. In the future another temporal gathering will occur, as members of the house of Israel are gathered to the lands of their inheritance. President Spencer W. Kimball, a modern day prophet for the Mormon Church explained it this way, "The gathering of Israel is effected when the people of the faraway countries accept the gospel and remain in their native lands…"5 This is referred to as the spiritual gathering of the people. The Book of Mormon emphasizes the importance of teaching the covenants of God and the significance of 'coming unto Christ' for all mankind.

Mormons believe that the Prophet Joseph Smith was foreordained to bring forth the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon in these latter-days. President Joseph Fielding Smith, another latter-day prophet stated that: "Every person who embraces the gospel [of Jesus Christ] becomes of the house of Israel…The great majority of those who become members of the Church are literal descendants of Abraham through Ephraim, son of Joseph. Those who are not literal descendants of Abraham and Israel must become such, and when they are baptized and confirmed they are grafted into the tree and are entitled to all the rights and privileges as heirs."6

The mission of the Mormon Church is to invite all to come unto Christ. This mission is accomplished through proclaiming the gospel through missionary work; redeeming the dead through temple work, and perfecting the Saints.

The latter part of this Article of Faith states, "…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. Mormons believe, and it states in the Book of Mormon7, what will happen to this land of inheritance in the last days. The New Jerusalem will be built and the original city of Jerusalem will also be restored and the Jews will be given this land as an inheritance.7

The Savior also states that His people will be gathered and He will establish Zion again among them. In the Mormon Church, Zion is often referred to as 'a condition of heart and mind' rather than a specific place.7 However, in the last days before Christ comes, a city named Zion will be built to which the tribes of Israel will gather (Doctrine and Covenants 103:11-22; 133:18)

When Christ comes again it will mark the beginning of the Millennial Era. This will be the end of the mortal trial of man on this earth. Mormons believe that the wicked will be removed from the earth and the righteous will be caught up in a cloud while the earth is cleansed. It is not known when Christ will come again, however, he has given us signs to watch for that will indicate that the time is close (Doctrine and Covenants 29:11; 43:29-30)

For more information about the beliefs of the Mormon Church please see the following websites:

Mormon Church

Basic Beliefs