Friday, March 19, 2021

Joseph Smith's Letter to Edward Partridge et al (30 March 1834) and the Contingent Nature of the Promises about Zion

  

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)