Article of Faith 10
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
What 5 things are listed in this Article of Faith?
1. Literal gathering of Israel
2. Restoration of the 10 tribes
3. Zion will be built upon the American continent
4. Christ will reign personally upon on the Earth
5. Earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory
Part 1
for this part of the lesson create a puzzle with 12 pieces that says 12 Tribes6 of Israel
Literal Gathering if Israel
Give short background into the Israelites coming into bondage in Egypt.
What is the gathering of Israel
- To bring together the people of Zion
- There was a first gathering of Israel (read Exodus 12:31)
- Read paragraph from Gathering Scattered Israel: Then and Now, July 1998 Ensign.
After generations of servitude, the Israelites were miraculously delivered by Moses. Their migration from Egypt back to the land of Canaan took place over a 40-year period of travail in the wilderness. The exodus from Egypt and subsequent settlement of the promised land was the first gathering of the people now called Israel. Moses sought not only to restore them to their land but also to recommit them to their faith in God.
- After the first gathering God gave the people of Moses a commandment and a promise (read Deut 4:23, 27 {commandment}; Deut 30:3 {promise}) Also read another paragraph from Gathering Scattered Israel
The Lord informed the people through Moses that if they turned away from his commandments he would “scatter [them] … from the one end of the earth even unto the other” (Deut. 28:64). But he also promised that he would eventually “gather [them] from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered [them]” (Deut. 30:3).
- The second gathering is happening right now
Restoration of the 10 Tribes
How will the restoration go about to gather the tribes?
- Read 3 Ne 21:4, 9 & 26
- Read paragraph from Gathering Scattered Israel
The resurrected Savior outlined to the Nephites a sequence of events that would be a prologue to the gathering of Israel. First, the Gentiles would be established “in this land, and be set up as a free people”; then the gospel would be restored as a “marvelous work among them” and the converts from among the Gentiles would see that the “gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people.” The Lord says, “Verily … at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, even the tribes which have been lost” (see 3 Ne. 21:4, 9, 26).
- How will they be gathered? Who will gather them?
- How will they know what tribe they belong to? (parents and older siblings talk about your patriarchal blessing, which tells of what tribe you belong to)
- Where will they be gathered to?
Zion (New Jerusalem) will be Built Upon the American Continent
display a picture of a temple
Where will Zion be built?
- Refer back to 3 Ne 21:4 - - - "they should be established in this land . . ."
- Where is "this land"?
- What will it be called? (read 3 Ne 21:23)
- Why is important?
Part 2
Christ will Reign Personally Upon the Earth
use second coming picture
What needs to happen before Christ can come back?
- Reference to Elder Oaks talk Preparation for the Second Coming; he says,
Biblical and modern prophecies give many signs of the Second Coming. These include:
1. The fulness of the gospel restored and preached in all the world for a witness to all nations.
2. False Christs and false prophets, deceiving many.
3. Wars and rumors of wars, with nation rising against nation
4. Earthquakes in divers places.
5. Famine and pestilence.6. An overflowing scourge, a desolating sickness covering the land.
7. Iniquity abounding.
8. The whole earth in commotion.
9. Men’s hearts failing them.
- Gathering of the faithful
What will Christ do when he comes back?
- Once all of the things listed above have happened Christ "will return to the earth in power and great glory to reign personally during a millennium of righteousness and peace." (Elder Oaks, Preparation for the Second Coming)
What do you think the world will become like?
Earth will be Renewed and Receive its Paradisiacal Glory
How will the Earth be renewed?
- D&C 101:25; 1 Ne 22:15
- Explain that the first cleansing was by water, with Noah and the flood. Second cleansing is by fire by fire.
What does Paradisiacal mean?
- definition: a place of ideal beauty or loveliness; a state of delight
- What will the earth look like in a paradisiacal state?
