Zion--not A Mormon Idea

[LynnR]

Though there's no question about it, the LDS brothers and sisters have been faithful stewards of that grand truth, Zion. Still I'm convinced--Zion is not a Mormon idea. And I'm not trying to pick a fight. I just believe the concept of Zion is found all thoughout scripture.

Granted, I don’t ever recall hearing a sermon on Zion while growing up in our small Baptist church back home. The concept of Zion, for sure, is not particularly a Protestant idea.

But the Bible is full of Zion!

There are over forty-seven direct references to Zion in the book of Isaiah alone. It’s safe to say--Isaiah saw Zion! In fact, Isaiah sees Zion and Babylon at odds in the endtime.

For example,

The Lord forgives Zion’s inhabitants their iniquity (Isa.33:24), but he does not forgive Babylon’s iniquity till they die (Isa.22:14). The Lord lays a sure foundation in Zion (Isa.28:16), but he removes Babylon’s foundation (Isa.28:16). The Lord protects Zion in his day of judgment (Isa.4:5,6:37; 32-35;51:16), but he does not protect Babylon in that day (Isa.13:6-19;14:21,22;15:4,9). Zion enjoys peace and an absence of fear (Isa.33:18-20;54:14), but fear and terror overtake Babylon (Isa.13:8;19:16,17;21:3,4). The Lord comforts Zion (Isa.51:3), but he discomforts Babylon (Isa.15:5;16:2;23:10-12). Zion’s children gather home safely (Isa.30:29;49:7-23;51:11), but Babylon’s children scatter and die (Isa.13:14-18;21:14,15;47:15). The Lord delivers Zion (Isa.25:9;33:15,16;46:13), but he destroys Babylon (Isa.13:19-22;14:23;15:1). The Lord redeems Zion (Isa.1:27;35:9,10;62:12), but he punishes Babylon (Isa.13:9,11;22:5,14;47:3). Zion’s land gloriously regenerates (Isa.51:3;60:13), but Babylon’s land decays and dries up (Isa.14:23;15:6;19:5-7). Zion sings with joy (Isa.12:6;51:3,11), but Babylon weeps and laments (Isa.14:31;15:2-5;23:1,6). Zion rules in the earth (Isa.2:2-4;16:1;18:7), but Babylon’s rule in the earth ends (Isa.14:5,6,21;17:3;47:1,5). The Lord exalts Zion (Isa.52:1;60:12-22;62:2,3), but he humiliates Babylon (Isa.20:4;23:9;47:1-3).

The Lord clothes Zion in robes of glory (Isa.49:18;52:1;61:3), but he strips Babylon naked (Isa.47:2,3). Zion, jubilant, spreads abroad and inherits nations (Isa.54:1-3), but Babylon, speechless, ceases to rule kingdoms (Isa.47:5,8). Zion gathers and gladdens the Lord’s outcasts (Isa.56:7,8), but Babylon shows them no mercy (Isa.47:6). The Lord empowers Zion (Isa.52:11), but he renders Babylon powerless (Isa.47:13). The Lord ransoms Zion from catastrophe (Isa.51:11-16;54:15-17;59:20), but Babylon, unable to ransom herself, he visits with disaster (Isa.47:11-13). Zion lives through the devouring fire (Isa.33:14-16;43:2:66:14-16), but Babylon burns up (Isa.47:14,15). --Avraham Gileadi, The Last Days, p.257

Wow!

It bears repeating—Zion is not a Mormon idea!

God knows of Zion. The Jews know of Zion. Saints far back in antiquity know of Zion. Old Testament prophets know of Zion. Jesus knows of Zion. The early church knows of Zion. Our Pilgrim fathers, boarding the Mayflower, know of Zion. Protestants, in general, today do not know of Zion.

I wish we did. We're missing out on so much.

Lynn

[bunnzy]

Mormons believe in the bible.

everything you just said supports our teachings of Zion. We did not 'invent' it, and i dont think we have ever claimed to

[19nazzy]

It bears repeating—Zion is not a Mormon idea!

So?

As bunnzy said, we believe in the Bible. So we believe in Zion, that may not make it our idea but we're one of the very few sects of religion that still believe in it.

[LynnR]

So?

As bunnzy said, we believe in the Bible. So we believe in Zion, that may not make it our idea but we're one of the very few sects of religion that still believe in it.

"...we're one of the very few sects of religion that still believe in it..."

That was my point.

I was complimenting you for being such good stewards of the grand theme--a theme that's not necessarily "Mormon" in origin but nevertheless one that you have preserved down through time.

Lynn

[avatar4321]

"...we're one of the very few sects of religion that still believe in it..."

That was my point.

I was complimenting you for being such good stewards of the grand theme--a theme that's not necessarily "Mormon" in origin but nevertheless one that you have preserved down through time.

Lynn

I think its about time we stopped "preserving" it and started living it.

[rickg]

the answer is "yes"

[LynnR]

I think its about time we stopped "preserving" it and started living it.

Actually living Zion in our day.

Now that's a good thought.

Lynn

[19nazzy]

"...we're one of the very few sects of religion that still believe in it..."

That was my point.

I was complimenting you for being such good stewards of the grand theme--a theme that's not necessarily "Mormon" in origin but nevertheless one that you have preserved down through time.

Lynn

It seemed as though your whole point was that Zion was not our idea. But you have clairified that so ok.

[Doctor Steuss]

Actually living Zion in our day.

Now that's a good thought.

Lynn

Indeed.

[bunnzy]

I think i should clarify what Zion actually is.

It was a place (Enoch's city, etc...)

It will be a place (Jackson county, missouri)

but more importantly... it means 'pure in heart' So if we are pure in heart, or we work on getting our families, wards, stakes, etc... to be pure in heart, we are creating Zion.

[MorningStar]

Interesting! Is there anything else you think we've preserved well?

:)

[Tsuzuki]

God knows of Zion. The Jews know of Zion. Saints far back in antiquity know of Zion. Old Testament prophets know of Zion. Jesus knows of Zion. The early church knows of Zion. Our Pilgrim fathers, boarding the Mayflower, know of Zion. Protestants, in general, today do not know of Zion.

Occultists also know of Zion.

<blockquote>"By the Waters of Babylon we have sat down and wept, but we have ever remembered Zion, and that Memorial is a Witness testifying that we shall yet return with exultation into the House of our Father."

<div align="right">- Golden Dawn Celebration of the Equinox</div></blockquote>