Becoming a Zion person

I renewed my interest in Zion when someone left a comment on my blog recommending I read John Pontius’ Following the Light of Christ and the book, Visions of Glory. 

Since I have a fascination with near death experiences, Visions of Glory caught my interest immediately. I couldn’t put it down, and I read it with interest and received many spiritual confirmations. I understood things, like my interest in trees, their spirits, and rocks and nature and immortality and building Zion.

I’ve always wanted to be immortal, ever since I watched Bewitched in the 1960s. But that was only make-believe. I didn’t know much about being translated, or immortality.

Over the years I’ve studied the gospel, read books and had determined that  “translation” was 1)  a thing of the past, during the days of Enoch, the three Nephites and John the Beloved; and 2)  a thing of the future, for people who happened to be living when Christ came, and getting “twinkled.”

I understood that there were many people before the flood who were translated. But I didn’t know much about where they go and how they serve — or how they became translated. There were always a few stories about one of the three Nephites. It’s all pretty magical.

I’ve known about the possibility to receive your calling and election made sure, and things like seeking the face of the Lord — something that Joseph told us to do.  Years ago, my husband had read a lot about the mighty change of heart and the need for a baptism of fire. (And I watched him receive a lot of flack about that when he brought it up with church members.)

I’ve known for a long time that all the ordinances must be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise — that the ordinances in themselves do not save you. And I usually keep quiet about that.

After Visions of Glory I read Journey to the Veil, Studies in the Book of Mormon (Gileadi), Following the Light of Christ, and now, The Triumphe of Zion.  I’ve always longed for that space of time called the Millenium, where there is a terestrial society of peace and no pain or death and no evil. But as I get older, I’ve come to think that maybe that won’t happen in my lifetime.

I just didn’t know that I could and should strive to become a Zion person right now, while living in the telestial earth. I’m not talking about building the city Zion, but becoming a Zion person.

“Even to this day, Zion is a misty concept that hardly has a place in our imagination, let alone in our daily planner…the instant one realizes that Zion is a possibility, one has no choice but to identify himself with the program…  (Pontius, The Triumphe of Zion)

Of course, I am trying to be righteous, and have overcome many trials, but after reading these books, I feel compelled to strive for that Zion quality of the Millenial order. I realize that translation is a process for many, perhaps those before the flood and those in the city of Enoch. If I am to live during the frightening things that will occur on the earth, I would hope to be in the process of that translated body. I like to work hard, and the idea of never tiring is beginning to sound good at my age.

You must think I am crazy. To the world, yes. But others must feel this way too. This desire to seek the higher blessings, from baptism of fire to calling and election to conversing with the Lord face to face.

I’m locating my place on that path or ladder and I  appreciate John Potius’ books that explain so much of this process and commandment. His writings help me see my opportunities, even though I identified the ladder years ago in Gileadi’s book, Isaiah Decoded. It has always seemed out of my reach, for another time.

“When we as individuals enjoy the full effect of every ordinance and covenant available to us, we will become a Zion individual —  not just in the Millenium — but now, in this life, in this pre-millennial world.

We are the seeds that the Sower has scattered upon the landscape of mortality. Those seeds that take root in this dispensation and weather the storms that refine and define us will attain their divine birthright and bring forth the full fruit, and we will become Zion.”          (Pontius, Triumphe of Zion)