Zion shall not be
moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered. They that
remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances,
they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste
places of Zion-- And all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled.
And, behold, there is none other place appointed than that which I have
appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I
have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my saints-- Until the day
cometh when there is found no more room for them; and then I have other places
which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called stakes, for the
curtains or the strength of Zion. (D&C 101:17-21)
Behold, I say unto
you, were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the
church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now . . .
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. (D&C 105:2, 9)
In the above texts, we learn that Zion (in
context, the place) will not be moved, but the people could be scattered
if they transgressed the laws of God. Such a contingency is not only in the Doctrine
and Covenants but also the writings of Joseph Smith. Consider the following
from a letter of Joseph Smith:
We have nothing to fear if we are
faithful: God will strike through kings in the day of his wrath but what he
will deliver his people; and what do you suppose he could do with a few mobbers
in Jackson County, where, ere long, he will set his feet, when earth &
heaven shall tremble! (Joseph
Smith, Letter to Edward Partridge and Others, 30 March 1834)
