The Journey to Zion: Thinking Celestial in the Kingdom Movement

Beloved builders, when we look back upon the mighty works of the prophets—when we consider Samuel the Lamanite climbing the walls, or Ammon standing firm at the Waters of Sebus—we see a consistent pattern: the journey to Zion is never easy. It requires leaving the comforts of the past and embracing the promise of the future.

The scriptures teach us that the path to the Father's presence is marked by refining. It is a process of continually letting go of what is good, in order to grasp what is eternal. When we consider the principles laid out in the Sermon at the Temple, we are not merely studying architecture; we are receiving a profound map for the gathering of Israel.

From Testial Waters to Celestial Zion

The Temple, in its deepest symbolism, illustrates a progression through three distinct realms. This journey mirrors the spiritual progress required of every believer committed to the Kingdom Movement—a movement defined by its commitment to the global gathering of Israel.

The Testial World: Learning to Let Go

The first stage, the Testial, represents the world we currently inhabit—a world of temptation, passing things, and cultural distraction. Like the Lord calling His people to "get out of Babylon," our first act as builders is to identify what we are holding onto that distracts us from the primary calling. These are the things of Babylon: the denominational markers, the prideful attachments, the focus on self rather than the collective gathering.

To build Zion, we must learn to let go. We must recognize that the greatest challenge is not in what we gain, but in what we are willing to leave behind. This calls upon the deepest reserves of the heart, requiring the courage of a man like Ammon, who stood firm against the tides of cultural drift.

The Terrestrial Challenge: Honoring the Good

The second stage, the Terrestrial, is where we grapple with the reality that we are good people, building good lives. We hold fast to our righteous covenants, our families, and the good works of our hands. We are challenged to pull ourselves out of the mire of the profane. However, the lesson here is crucial: while holding onto the good is necessary for survival, it is not the destination. The Terrestrial Kingdom, while honorable, is not the ultimate goal.

The true purpose of the gathering, therefore, is to move beyond the admirable, the good, and the comfortable, toward the ultimate covenant. We are called to be builders, not destroyers, using the principles of charity and unified purpose.

The Celestial Call: The Gathering Place

The Celestial Kingdom is the destination: the presence of the Father and the realization of the eternal covenants. It is the gathering place where all streams of devotion flow together, united under the banner of the Kingdom of God. This is where the vision of Israel gathering to the Lord is fulfilled.

Our commitment to this celestial goal is what fuels the Kingdom Economics of our work. The purpose of the charity flywheel is not merely charity; it is the practical means by which we fund the global mission, supporting gospel advertising in Ghana and sustaining the work that guides us toward the map of churches. Every contribution to the Missionary Fund is a step toward that celestial Zion.

As we learn to "think Celestial," we are taught to view the entire world through the lens of the Lord's eternal purposes. We are called to the gathering, to be the hands that help build the great Zion. We do this together. We do this through the collective effort of the Kingdom Movement.

“And the Lord said unto the people, ye shall be gathered together unto me; and I will bring you unto my presence.” (Adapted from Doctrine and Covenants 4:1)

If you are ready to leave the things of Babylon and join the builders, your role is essential. We invite you to study the principles of gathering and connect with your local group. Our resources, including the Ask a Prophet bots and the insights of Outback Jack, are here to help illuminate the path. Let us dedicate ourselves to this sacred task, building Zion together, and ensuring that the Light of the Gospel shines globally.