…….subset from 7/23/2022 edit: grouping of 8 separate events of the GMW…..

The following 8 events (sequence partially based on 3 Nephi 21: 23-29 : 9/30/2020 update) …

(7/23/22 notes: I’m having a hard time understanding these 8 events and where they came from. 3 Nephi includes 1, and the gathering reference which covers 2,3,6 and 8 (4 and 5 related?)  and 7 is a mystery for now)

…are the portion of the great and marvelous work that has yet to take place.  It is the portion of the work that Jeremiah saw and prophesied that no longer would the Lord be known as the one who led the Children of Israel from Egypt…but he who delivered them from the north and restored them to their lands. (see Jeremiah 16:14-15 and 23:7-8) Pay attention to the reason stated in 2 Nephi 27:21 (show that I am able to do mine own work) for the great and marvelous work that is to follow 2 Nephi 27:26.  Notice that it is associated with the reason for leaving the book sealed until a latter date.  To me this means that the bringing forth of the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon is directly linked to the gathering of the House of Israel. (see 2 Nephi 25:17) The concept of the plain and precious truths lost in the bible and revealed/restore through the Book of Mormon (Maxwell Institute book: 1st Nephi: Joseph Spencer, BYU 2020) is the connection of Old and New covenants being interconnected not disconnected (Dispensationalist) as believed by most of Christianity today. (Old Testament (Salvation by Works failed and was done away)…. The New covenant of (Salvation by Grace is the path to salvation)…).  When the GMW starts it will be clear that God still remembers and honors the covenants of old and they flow directly into the new, all as one complete and continues work of salvation.

 

 I see the following events as portions of the same work of the Lords servants viewed from different sides, aspects of them making up the events to follow.

Event 1:

New Jerusalem built up; They, the Ten Tribes (or a remnant of the ten??), you, the Lamanites, and the believing of us, also carrying the blood of Israel, will jointly build the city to our God, the New Jerusalem, :3 Neph 20:22 ; 21:23, D&C 45:66; 57:1-3, Ether 13:6

 

I believe that this is also an event that is not well understood by many within the church. As the members of the House of  Israel gather in they will build up their gathering spots to include the Temples.  The Jews to the Old Jerusalem and the rest of the House of Israel to the American New Jerusalem. 3 Neph 16:16 : 3 Neph 20: 14 And the Father hath acommanded me that I should give unto you this bland, for your inheritance. 22 And behold, this apeople will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the bcovenant which I made with your father Jacob; and it shall be a cNew Jerusalem.

I believe most within the church know that a Temple in Independence needs to be built up but most think of it as one like the hundreds we already have throughout the world.  Some even speculate that the Community of Christ Temple could fulfill the prophecy. let's take a look at the type of temple to be built in Jackson County.  Let's start with an account by Orson Pratt;

 

"…we expect to build a temple different from all other temples in some respects.  …….  We expect to build a temple much larger, very much larger, according to the revelation God gave to us forty years ago in regard to that temple.  …… there will be 24 different compartments in the Temple that will be built in Jackson County.  "  (Orson Pratt. Journal of Discourses, Vol.24, p.24)

 

According to accounts dealing with this event we know that the Temple complex will be 24 units.  What else can we learn concerning these units?  John Taylor provides us with more information concerning this topic.  This piece is talking about the 1833 plat of Zion presented in the Times and Seasons news paper;

 

"The names of the temples to be built on the painted squares,…to be called, house of the Lord, for the presidency of the High and Most Holy priesthood,…  the sacred apostolic repository, for the use of the bishop.  ..  the holy evangelical house, for the high priesthood of the holy order of God. …. house of the Lord, for the elders of Zion, an ensign to the nations.  …  house of the Lord for the presidency of the high priesthood, after the order of Aaron, …  house of the Lord, for the high priesthood after the order of Aaron, …  house of the Lord for the teachers in Zion, …  house of the Lord for the deacons in Zion, helps in government.  Underneath must be written on each house, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.  .… it will require twenty four buildings to supply them with houses of worship, schools etc."  (JOHN TAYLOR. Times and Seasons, Vol.6, p.785-786.1845)

 

From this we learn the names of each unit and understand the use of each at a high level. There are questions around the layout and placement of the units (Temples/rooms).  let's look at a comment made by Ronald E. Romig;
 

"Though probably inaccurate, his statement does theoretically suggest that revisions may have led to an alternative method of locating the beginning point of the city. The "spot" may have become dissociated from the corner of the temple, and changed to the "Southeast" corner of the ten acre block for the temples of the Presidency.."  (Ronald E Romig. Regional Studies, Missouri, —Temple Lot, p.325)

 

The 1833 Plat of Zion that I have seen shows two 10 acre lots with 12 units (Temples/rooms) in each lot. As pointed out by Romig, the location of the individual units within the 10 acre lot is unknown.  I'm not sure the exact location is that important but rather the purpose or function of the units.
Brother Dyer provides an expanded view of the function of these units.  In an article dealing with educational systems he provides this view:

 

"… This complex will no doubt be erected to serve administrative purposes in the governing of the earth during the period of the millennium. … there were no separate school buildings. … There are no separate places of worship either, so the temple becomes the house of worship, the school, and the temple."  (Alvin R. Dyer. Education: Moving Toward and Under the Law of Consecration. BYU Studies, Vol. 10, No. 1, p.5 BYU 1969)

 

So, at that time, the vision of the Temples where different than what we have today. It may be advantages for us to keep in mind the evolution (and understanding of the purpose of Temples by the Prophet) the Temple went through when we compare Nauvoo to that which was built and put into use in Kirtland.  The main point that we need to keep in mind is that the people during this time will be living a higher law and the temples will be built specifically for use during the millennium.


Christ will also visit the Saints gathered here after the temple is built:


 

The Three Nephites are to play a role in this work. see 3 Neph 28. I'm guessing that many of the servant figure roles could be accomplished by the Three Nephites.

 
30 And they are as the Angels of God, and if they shall pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus they can show themselves unto whatsoever man it seemeth them good. 
31 Therefore, great and marvelous works shall be wrought by them, before the agreat and coming day when all people must surely stand before the judgment-seat of Christ;
32 Yea even among the Gentiles shall there be a agreat and marvelous work wrought by them, before that judgment day.

"The appearance at the city of New Jerusalem. The Lord “shall suddenly come to his temple” (D&C 133:2), a temple yet to be built in Jackson County, Missouri (see D&C 84:1–5; 97:10, 15–16). Elder Charles W. Penrose said that the Lord would make His appearance first among the Saints and “that appearance will be unknown to the rest of mankind. He will come to the Temple prepared for him, and his faithful people will behold his face, hear his voice, and gaze upon his glory. From his own lips they will receive further instructions for the development and beautifying of Zion and for the extension and sure stability of his Kingdom.” (Millennial Star, 10 Sept. 1859, pp. 582–83.) " :  http://www.ldsces.org/inst_manuals/dc-in/dc-in-200-g-i.htm#h

 

 

Event 2:
The remnant that believe in Christ as their Savior are gathered in 1 Neph 14:7, 2 Neph 10:5-9, 2 Neph 25:15-18, 2 Neph 30:7, 3 Nephi 20:18, 21:24, Ether 13:6-8, Hosea 1:11

D&C 57:1-3 Independence

‘Let Israel gather to the stakes of Zion in all nations. Let every land be a Zion to those appointed to dwell there. Let the fullness of the gospel be for all the saints in all nations. Let no blessing be denied them. Let temples arise wherein the fullness of the ordinances of the Lord’s house may be administered….

But still there is a center place, a place where the chief temple shall stand, a place to which the Lord shall come, a place whence the law shall go forth to govern all the earth in that day when [Christ] reigns personally upon the earth. And that center place is what men now call Independence in Jackson County, Missouri, but which in a day to come will be the Zion of our God and the City of Holiness of his people. The site is selected; the place is known; the decree has gone forth; and the promised destiny is assured.’ (Bruce R McConkie, New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 595)

 

Event 3:

:Lion of Jacob : Malachi 4:1-3, 1 Nephi 14:17, 3 Neph 16:15, 3 Neph 20:15-20, 21:12, Mormon 5:24, Micah 5:8   (Is the "..he shall be saved out of it" part of this gathering? Jer 30:7)

This is another event(s) that not many in the church understand (or is it that I'm confused).  I keep seeing a reoccurring theme that to me is very obvious. The Lion of Jacob theme is repeated with the gathering scene in D&C 133 associated with the return of the Lost 10 Tribes. Notice verse 28: "their enemies shall become prey unto them."   Many see the gathering of the remnant of the House of Israel that started with the restoration of the Gospel and has grown to current 13 million as the complete fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the restoration of the House of Israel in the latter days.  I see the Lion of Jacob theme as a key component of the Great and Marvelous work.  A time when the gathering is done with great power.  The commencement of the great and marvelous work starts with the wrath of God being poured out on the great and abominable church ( 1 Neph 14:17) which is the time of the lion of Jacob.  Follow the references on the wrath.
Looking at the scriptures associated with this event it appears as though the gentiles have an option on rather this applies top them or not. Most of the scriptures leave the option for them to repent and avoid the wrath of the Lord via this remnant of Jacob.  This cleansing work of the Lord, done in great power, will be a portion of the great and marvelous gathering of the House of Israel returning them to their prominent role in the salvation of mankind.  To date we have yet to see this component associated with any of the gathering that has taken place. Once the final gathering starts look for this theme to be a major piece of the work.

 

Event 4:

I will make the wilderness a pool: Isa 41:18-20, D&C 133:29

As a confirmation of what the world is witnessing is divine, the Lord will create a miracle for all the world to see.  As great as the gathering will be it will be accompanied by the miracle of water shooting forth from desert land to transform the location into a beautiful, green place.  Some have speculated that the lost ten tribes returned and that prophecy was fulfilled with the establishment of the State of Israel and the migration of Jews from Russia.  Not only do we have a problem of them being from the House of  Judah, but I believe that even as beautiful as those immigrants have been able to make Israel, it is yet a small thing compared to what the Lord has in mind for the transformation that will take place in the gathering lands of the House of Israel.

 

Event 5:

Lamanites shall Blossom as the rose: D&C 49:24

As a result of the gathering work the Lamanites will return to a place of prominence.

 

Event 6:

Return of the lost ten tribes "from the north countries," :D&C 133:26-34, 2 Neph 29 :13-14, Jeremiah 3:18; 16:14-15, 23:7-8;31:8-11

This topic requires further exploration.  It is clear to me that this is tied closely with the Lion of Jacob theme and the time when the wilderness will be a pool.  This event is also a key item in the restoration of all things including the restoration of the House of Israel in this the dispensation of the fullness of times.  As far as timing goes, looking at D&C 133, I would think that this will be late in the 2nd half of Danilels 7 year period so this might not be the best place to put it.   Many believe that the lost 10 tribes will not return as a group or body while others are looking for a cohesive group to return with their leaders and scriptures.  A rough poll conducted on the Yahoo site showed (10/23/2003) that 80% of the group looked for a return of the tribes as a group. let's examine this closer.


A quick review of history reminds us that the northern tribes of Israel were taken captive by Shalmaneser in 721 B.C. and then migrated to the north.  During this migration many of them fell behind and became part of the communities in the northern region.   Based on this knowledge some have said that the lost 10 tribes are being gathered in with the remnant that is now being gathered and we shouldn’t look for a group to return.  However let’s consider the teachings of Joseph Fielding Smith on this matter.  Elder Smith made it clear of His belief that the 10 tribes will return as a group led by their Prophet when the time was right.
 

"….. They who are in the north countries shall come into remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks and the ice shall flow down at their presence. And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep. Their enemies shall become a prey unto them, and in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land." In the scattering of Israel the descendants of Jacob were driven into all lands and climes and have mingled among all nations. There is, however, a body of these tribes hidden away, where they are we do not know, but the Lord says they shall come from the North. Isaiah has spoken of them (Ch. 43:15-21) and Jeremiah speaking of their return has said: "Therefore behold, the days come saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but the Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers." (Jeremiah 16:14.) Here the Lord says that these people have prophets among them, and Joseph Smith at a conference of the Church held in June, 1831, said: "John the Revelator was then among the ten tribes of Israel who had been led away by Shalmaneser, King of Assyria, to prepare them for their return from their long dispersion." This is the mission given to John portrayed in the symbol of the little book which he was given to eat, in the tenth chapter of Revelation. (See Sec. 77:14.)" (Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 2, p.35-36)

"You know, a lot of people have an idea that these tribes that are lost are not lost at all, they are just coming in among us all the time. They are not coming in among us all the time. We are gathering scattered Israel, but those tribes have not come yet. They will come when the Lord gets ready." (Joseph Fielding Smith. The Signs of the Times. p.44-45)

 

Brother McConkie adds that they will bring their scriptures with them when they return.

 

"But many lost scriptures already have been restored, and much more is yet to come. …. When the lost tribes of Israel return, they shall bring with them their scriptures." (Bruce R. McConkie. Mormon Doctrine. p.455)

 

Brother McConkie also states that they will come under the direction of the President of the Church who holds the keys for this great event.

 

"In due course the Lost Tribes of Israel will return and come to the children of Ephraim to receive their blessings. This great gathering will take place under the direction of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for he holds the keys of "the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north" (Bruce R. McConkie. Mormon Doctrine. p.458)


The church manual spells it out fairly clearly: (RMWilson  from the study group provides this comment:)

Enrichment D - pages 11 & 12 (in part)

(D-6) The Return of the Ten Tribes

At a conference held 3-6 June 1831 in Kirtland, Ohio, the Prophet Joseph Smith explained that John the Beloved was then ministering among the lost tribes of Israel, preparing them for their return to again possess the lands of their fathers (see History of the Church, 1:176" D&C 77:14).  Five years later, Moses appeared in the Kirtland Temple to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and committed to them the keys of the priesthood for "the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north" (D&C 110:11).  It is apparent from this passage that though the main body of ten of the tribes is lost, there are representatives of all twelve tribes scattered throughout the earth.  This statement can be explained as follows:

 1.  When Assyria attacked the Northern Kingdom, many fled to the safety of the Southern Kingdom. 2.  When the Lord led Israel out of Assyria, some remained behind (see Talmage, Articles of Faith, P. 325). 3.  As the ten tribes traveled north, some stopped along the way - many possibly being scattered throughout Europe and Asia. 4.  From time to time the Lord has hed groups of Israelites into other areas of the earth:  the Nephites and the Mulekites being two such groups (see 1 Nephi 22:3-5).  Concerning this scattering, Elder Joseph Fielding Smith wrote:  "One of the most interesting and significant parables ever written is that revealed to Zenos and recorded in the fifth chapter of Jacob in the Book of Mormon.  It is a parable of the scattering of Israel.  If we had the full key to the interpretation, then we would have in detail how Israel was transplanted in al parts of the earth."  (Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:56-57.) 5.  The scriptures teach that remnants of all the tribes of Israel were scattered among the nations of the earth and in the last days will be gathered out from among these nations and from the four quarters of the earth.  The remnant knows as the lost ten tribes will return as a body out of the north countries.  (See 3 Nephi 21:26-29; D&C 110:11; 133:26-32; 1 Nephi 22:3-4; 19:16; 3 Nephi 5:23-24; Deuteronomy 4:27; 28:29, 64; Jeremiah 16:14-15; 31:8; Ezekiel 11:15-17; Hosea 9:16-17; Daniel 9:7.) The Doctrine and Covenants clearly foretells the time when the prophets among these tribes shall lead the people back in a great and marvelous show of power (see D&C 133:26-34).  Jeremiah promised so marvelous would be this even that no longer would God be called the Lord who led Israel out of Egypt but the Lord who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north (see Jeremiah 16:14-15).  The appointed time will come when the lost tribes of Israel will return to Zion to receive their blessings at the hands of Ephraim.  "This great gathering will take place under the direction of the President of The Church of Jesis Christ of Latter-day Saints, for he holds the keys" (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 458).  The lost tribes, as well as all others who want to be numbered in the house of Israel and receive the blessings of the priesthood, must come to Ephraim, who holds the birthright blessings (see Genesis 48:15-22; 1 Chronicles 5:1-2; Jeremiah 31:9). Elder Wilford Woodruff taught that when the ten tribes returned, they would come to Ephraim to obtain the priesthood as well as their endowments and sealings (see Journal of DIscourses, 4:231-32; 18:127).  Elder Orson Pratt stated:  "God is determined to raise up Prophets among that people, but he will not bestow upon them all the fulness of the blessings of the Priesthood.  The fulness will be reserved to be given to them after they come to Zion." (In Journal of Discourses, 18:25.) (D-7) The Lost Tribes to Come to Zion When the ten tribes return, they will bring their rich treasures to the children of Ephraim (see D&C 133:30).  Part of this rich treasure will be the records, which they have kept all these centuries.  In them will be found the account of their miraculous escape from Assyria, their journey into the land to the north, their history, their prophets, and the appearance to them of the Savior after his resurrection (see 2 Hephi 29:12-13:3; 3 Nephi 16:1-3).

  I see this as being a major component of the portion of the Great and marvelous work yet to come forth. Looking at D&C 133 this event is part of the Lion of Jacob event.  In October 2003 I moved this event from just after the "The remnant that believe in Christ as their Savior are gathered in" to this location based on the timeline given in 3 Nephi 21:8-27

Also: This event fits with the Greater Exodus as explained by  Eddie Chumney (found on youtube 7/1/22)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg21MYS2m1E

 

https://yeshiva.hebroots.org/the-greater-exodus/

 

This is a temporary holding place for the known servant figure John. I didn’t want to place Him in the unknown servant figure area since we know who he is. This temporary placeholder for John is based on His role in the gathering of the lost tribes. He may move based on other roles that John may fill.

John the Beloved/Revelator:

What role will John play in these latter-days? There has been much speculation concerning this to include “every Last-days servant figure is John”.

So what do we know from scripture?

John has a mission to gather the lost tribes.

D&C 77:14

Q. What are we to understand by the little book which was
eaten by John, as mentioned in the 10th chapter of Revelation?
A. We are to understand that it was a mission, and an ordinance,
for him to gather the tribes of Israel; behold, this is Elias, who,
as it is written, must come and restore all things.

We must keep in mind that John isn’t the only one to have been assigned this role, the current Prophet/President of the church holds all keys to this the final dispensation to include the keys of the gathering. D&C 110: 11 “After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened unto us; and Moses appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north."

John is also to preach the Gospel again (in the latter-days?) Rev 10:11

What do we know from statements from modern day Prophets?

We know that John has been (and may still be) among the lost tribes:

"The Spirit of the Lord," the record says, "fell upon Joseph in an unusual manner, and he prophesied that John the Revelator was then among the Ten Tribes of Israel that had been led away by Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, to prepare them for their return from their long dispersion, to again possess the land of their fathers." (History of the Church, Vol. I., p. 176).

“Having spoken concerning the gathering of the ten tribes, I will refer again to their Prophets.  "Their prophets shall hear his voice."  Do not think that we are the only people who will have Prophets.  God is determined to raise up Prophets among that people, but he will not bestow upon them all the fulness of the blessings of the Priesthood.  The fulness will be reserved to be given to them after they come to Zion.  But Prophets will be among them while in the north, and a portion of the Priesthood will be there; and John the Revelator will be there, teaching, instructing and preparing them for the great work; for to him were given the keys for the gathering of Israel, at the time when he ate that little book while on the Isle of Patmos.  At that time, John was a very old man; but the Lord told him that he must yet prophesy before many kingdoms, and nations, and peoples, and tongues, and he has got that mission to perform, and in the last days the spirit and power of Elias will attend his administrations among these ten tribes, and he will assist in preparing them to return to this land.” (Journal of Discourses, Vol.18, p.25 - p.26, Orson Pratt, April 11, 1875)

What do we have inferred from other sources?

 

Event 7:

Restoration of the United Order/Law of consecration (D&C 105:34.)

Placement of this event is based on a statement made by Elder Romney.

“….The final words of the Lord in suspending the order were:  "And let those commandments which I have given concerning Zion and her law be executed and fulfilled, after her redemption."   (D&C 105:34.) Further implementation of the order must therefore await the redemption of Zion.  Here Zion means Jackson County, Missouri….”( Elder Marion G. Romney: IS SOCIALISM THE UNITED ORDER? ,April Conference 1966)

However I’m not sure that we won’t see applications of this prior to the restoration of Zion in Jackson county. 

In what form will it come? 

There is speculation concerning this event and how it will be manifest. Some look for a complete communal application where all things are held in common similar to how the FLDS or TLC has implemented this, where no one owns anything.  We know that the city of Enoch lived this law and they will be reunited in the latter-days.  Maybe this debate is a mute point and this law will be held off until the City of Enoch returns and they will show us how it is done.

Others are looking for a time when the laws mature to a point where individual ownership can be guaranteed along with protection of the solvency of a common shared entity. These laws need to protect both the entity and individual property.  One problem we have seen is when the state steps in and seizes all assets associated with an entity and then subdivides the assets as it sees best (as happened with the FLDS).  Maybe this could have been prevented if the order was set up using the guidelines of Elder Romney (as stated in the article above, I recommend all read the full article).  Elder Romney spelled out a system where personal ownership is preserved, the people actually held legal ownership for the items they have stewardship over.

There are also many other views including the view that the United Order was only a precursor to the current corporation of the presidency of the church and we will not see a reinstatement of the law.

 

Event 8:

Gathering of the wheat from among the tares, prior to the burning: Alma 26, D&C 86:5-7
The parable of the wheat and the tares should be one that we all know well.  Now is the direct application into the time line. I agree the gathering commenced during the restoration but this portion of the gathering, just prior to the burning, will be both physical and spiritual.  I also look for the physical gathering to mirror that which happened during the restoration period.

Alma 26:6-7  “…Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the astorm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.

… But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the aharvest, and they are his; and he will braise them up at the last day.”

 

 

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