PRE-ZION
STANDARDS For HOLINESS And GODLINESS
To Be Adopted By The KINGDOM OF ZION
PRE-ZION
STANDARDS OF HOLINESS AND GODLINESS
1)
All lands shall be consecrated unto God, held in a private Common Law Apostolic
Fraternal Foundation, and in no man's name (D&C 51:6; 82:14-17; 104:54-57).
The land is held for God or the Lord's Anointed who must be appointed to grant
inheritances, and it will be his job to set the house of God in order (D&C
112:23-26) and grant inheritances, not ours (D&C 85:7). By revelation, we
shall locate all lands, and they will and must be isolated waste places (D&C
101:16-22, 75; 86:3; 64:24; 103:11-13; Isaiah 51:1-3, 11; 52:7-10) with no jurisdictional
overlap (minimum of 3 miles from any incorporated city) and separated from all
Gentiles (minimum of 20 miles to the closest neighbor if possible). All water
sources shall ideally be from free flowing springs with no pumping required and
a history of no flow reductions. One hundred percent of all water rights should
be owned including the rights to generate power if possible. But a local source
of power generation must be located. We are not to gather in haste but to let
all things be prepared before us (D&C 101:68; 133:15) and all lands shall
be purchased with money (D&C 101:70-75; 63:24-31). Now Zion has and always
will be at odds with the
World or Babylon (Matthew 6:24; John 7:7; 15:18-24;
D&C 101:76-95; 98:22-48). 2)
One must personally cancel, rescind or legally discharge all Contracts and Debts
(Matthew 6:12; 18:23-35; D&C 101:78-80; 104:78-80; 19:35; 64:27-32; 72:13-15;
TPJS, p.22) with all Babylonian style Governments (3 Nephi 13:24; Alma 1:1; James
2:10) including all
Agencies, Subdivision or Incorporated Entities and Companies,
whether Profit or Non-profit. In other words, driver licenses, marriage licenses,
social security numbers, welfare, social security benefits, retirement payments,
unions, pensions, child support, workmen's compensation, medicare, insurances,
mortgages, liens, judgments, tickets, fines, warrants, or any additional just
obligations. If there is any obligation unrighteously held against you or your
family or there is a question on any specific case, it is to be brought to the
Elders of that Community that they may give counsel or judge the course you should
or they are to take. The Community shall limit its
business with gentiles to
things we can not produce ourselves and we can not survive without (Revelation
18:11-15; D&C 82:22). A time will come when we will have nothing to do with
Babylon, for Babylon shall be destroyed (D&C 64:23-24; 86:1-7; 133:4-15; Revelation
14:8; 18:2-24; D&C 101:72-95; Isaiah 13:19-22). 3)
One must make solemn Covenants with God and the Community (D&C 136:1-4) that
they wish to join remembering the sacredness of this Covenant (D&C 42:30;
78:11) and the penalty for breaking this Covenant (D&C 104:3-6). One must
also solemnly Covenant that they will abide by the Counsel of the Council of Elders
(Prov 11:14) through the Unanimous
Common Consent of the Body (D&C 28:13;
107:27-32), or they must choose to withdraw and remove themselves from this Council
or Community if they are unable to come into harmony and unity. Any one removing
themselves from one Community to another shall carry a Letter of
Certification
as to having been in good standing (D&C 20:84; 72:17-19, 25-26). Free Agency
is, however, an eternal law, and God will not, nor can we, deprive any man of
their agency (D&C 98:8-10; 2 Nephi 2:27). 4)
We believe in living and keeping all of the laws (TPJS, p.51-54, 251-252), principles
(D&C 105:5), precepts (Psalms 119:104; D&C 98:12), oaths (Matthew 5:30),
vows (Deuteronomy 23:21-23), covenants (D&C 54:6; 132:5-8), doctrines (John
7:16-17), ordinances (D&C 136:2-4; 1 Corinthians 11:2), and commandments of
God (Alma 7:22-23) as contained in the Old and New Testaments (Article of Faith,
Verse 8), Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 27:35; Isaiah 29:24), Doctrine and Covenants
(D&C 10:62), Pearl of Great Price (PoGP Introductory Note, paragraph 1-3),
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (TPJS Introduction, Paragraph 2-
3),
Lectures on Faith (D&C Explanatory Introduction, paragraph 17), Unpublished
Revelations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Vol.1 and in the
Temple Endowment or wherever they may be found (2 Timothy 3:16). We will live
by all the Laws of God (D&C 105:32) and indeed, we seek to live by every word
that proceeds forth from the mouth of God (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:3-4; D&C
84:43-44; 98:11-15) and will do His will in all things (Moses 5:5; D&C 101:43-62).
Members shall all seek to live, or within a reasonable time, be living the New
and Everlasting Covenants (D&C 35:24) in its fullness (D&C 132:2-12) to
remain a sovereign member in the community. This includes the Law of Obedience
and Sacrifice, as we find it defined in the Scriptures (Genesis 1:28; 2:16-18;
Moses 5:11; Genesis 3:16-19; see also Moses 4:22-25 & the Temple Endowment;
Ephesians 5:22-23; Esther 1:22; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7; 1 Corinthians
7:3-4; 11:3-4, 8-9, 11-12; 1 Timothy 3:4-6; D&C 121:36-37; Proverbs 31:10;
Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:17; Numbers 30:1-16 Plural Celestial Marriage (D&C
132:3-6, 11, 21-25, 61-65; 131:1-4; Unpublished Revelations, Part 80, 88, &
89) and the Law of Consecration as administered in the original Temple Endowment
or KoZ Endowment one day (D&C 132:3-6, 21-24). If anyone is found guilty of
a capital offence to God, they shall be turned over to those having jurisdiction
at that time (D&C 134:8-10) or as the Council of Elders shall decide. 5)
There will be no signs, tokens, fads or customs patterned after Babylon brought
onto consecrated ground and openly displayed (Micah 4:1-2). God shall never allow
us to start building the Kingdom as long as we continue to practice the false
traditions of our fathers
(Deuteronomy 5:7; 6:5; Leviticus 18:30; D&C 93:39).
This would include all (pagan) holidays (Jeremiah 10:1-6), customs (Leviticus
18:30), priestcraft (2 Nephi 26:29), lawyercraft or kingcraft (Luke 11:45, 52;
Alma 10:14-15), physiciancraft (D&C 42:43-52), professorcraft (2 Timothy 3:7),
and all manner of idolatries (3 Nephi 30:1-2) as they are currently celebrated
or practiced. Organized sports (1 Timothy 4:8), women painting their faces without
need or in excess (Jeremiah 4:30; 1 Peter 3:3), all forms of jewelry (Isaiah 3:18-23;
2 Nephi 13:16-23),
fine apparel (Mormon 8:36-39) or anything that makes men
or women feel like they are better than someone else or causes them to feel puffed
up inside with pride (2 Nephi 28:9-15) unto bringing envying and strife (1 Corinthians
3:3; Galatians 15:26; James 3:13-18; Mormon 8:36-41) into our midst. We shall
keep the Feasts, Holy Days, and Customs that were commanded by the Lord; the Sabbath
Day (D&C 68:29), Feast of the Passover or Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:13-20),
Feast of Pentecost or Harvest (Exodus 23:16), Feast of Tabernacles or Ingathering
(Exodus 23:16; Leviticus 23:34-41), Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27-31), Ordinance
of Prayer (D&C 68:33, Temple Endowment), and shall teach our Children the
Law (D&C 68:25-28). 6)
Zion's medium of exchange will be based on its own system and will conform with
all Celestial Laws, being a just weight and measurement (Micah 6:10-12, Deuteronomy
25:13-16) and not a fraudulent non-backed pretend paper money (Luke 16:9-13).
It shall forever be forbidden that usury or interest be added, charged or paid
on anything to anyone (Deuteronomy 23:19-20; Exodus 22:25; Ezekiel 22:12-13).
Only the community treasury, Bishop's Storehouse, may receive or hold secret combinations
printed notes for extended periods on the Order's property with Members only temporally
bringing notes onto the property. For they must be converted into lawful money
or supplies as soon as reasonably possible (Matthew 22:17-21). 7)
We acknowledge that even our bodies are owned by God (D&C 93:29-35) and He
has commanded that we keep them clean and undefiled, for they are Temples unto
God (D&C 93:35; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Alma 7:21). Knowing these are some
of the chains Lucifer uses to bind those who would be his, we cannot let such
evil come in and stand among us. All who would gather (D&C 101:67-69), Oh
house of Israel, unto Zion, shall have overcome all afflictions, habits, and shall
covenant not to partake or abuse anything that pollutes or defiles the body, such
as birth control (Genesis 1:28; 49:15-17), abortions (Exodus 21:22-23), any chemical
food additives (Daniel 1:1-17), all habit forming substances (D&C 89:5,8-9,
12-15, 17), or anything that falls short of the Spirit of the Word of Wisdom (D&C
89:1-21; 59:15-20) or Laws of Moses (Torah). Visitors shall also respect us and
not desecrate our holy ground by bringing anything that is prohibited with them.
This would include, but is not an all-inclusive list, all forms of illegal and
dangerous drugs (D&C 89:10), alcohol (D&C 89:5-7), tobacco (D&C 89:8),
caffeine (D&C 89:9), and like substances (D&C 89:5-9). We know of a surety
that the day is coming when man will live a higher law and there will be no death,
and no one will eat the flesh of beasts or fowls, as it was in the beginning.
Meats of domesticated animals and fowls shall be partaken of only sparingly (D&C
89:12), and they should not be partaken of only in times of winter or of cold
(unseasonably cool temperatures) or famine (D&C 89:13, 49:18-19, 21, Leviticus
11:1-8). While approved fish, under the law, being exempt (Leviticus 11:9-12;
John 21:10-13) from these three limiting restrictions. All wild animals are to
be used only during times of famine and excess of hunger (starvation, D&C
89:14-15; Leviticus 11:13-23). 8)
Christ said, "It's what comes out of the man's mouth that defiles the man
(Matthew 15:11; Mark 7:20)." Taking the Lord's name in vain (D&C 63:60-62;
Exodus 20:7), dishonoring thy Father and Mother (Leviticus 20:9), blasphemies
(Colossians 3:8; Matthew 12:31; D&C 132:27), profanities (Leviticus 18:21)
or vulgarities (Matthew 5:33-37) on holy consecrated ground is a lack of reverence.
It defiles us, as well as the place (TPJS, p.129). It sets the worst kind of example
for our families and to the world that look to Zion for examples of Holiness and
Godliness,
and most of all God. The Lord has never blessed an unholy or ungodly people (1
Corinthians 6:9-10; Psalms 2:1-6). 9)
We acknowledge that history has proven that when man sins in his mind and is surrounded
with temptations, it leads to greater sinning. The Lord has commanded we keep
our bodies morally clean and properly covered (Deuteronomy 22:5; Mosiah 10:5;
D&C 42:40). Therefore, the dress Standard shall be to the wrist, ankle and
neck (Joseph Smith - History
1:31). Our clothing shall be plain and of our
own making (D&C 42:40; Leviticus 19:19). We shall live by all of His Standards
forever (1 Corinthians 11:14-15; Deuteronomy 22:5; D&C 45:9), and not Ours
or the Gentiles (Mormon 8:36-40). Proper under Garments (Isaiah 51:1; D&C
82:14; Revelation 16:15) shall be worn to prevent sheer or tight fitting clothing
from over exposing our bodies. We shall prohibit all forms of pornography in books,
magazines, movies, music or pictures. This would prohibit all televisions and
radio stations from the property or
community. This, however, is not to limit
education, informational news, entertainment, music or communications. We shall
be morally clean (Galatians 5:16-23). There shall be no adultery (Matthew 5:27-28,
31-32; Mark 10:2-12; 3 Nephi 12:27-28, 32; Leviticus 20:10; D&C 42:24-26,
74-77, 80; 63:16; 132:41-44, 61-63), fornication (D&C 42:77), bestiality (Leviticus
20:15-16), homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13; Romans 1:24, 26-27), incest (Leviticus
20:11-12, 17, 19-21), rape (Deuteronomy 22:23-27), prostitution/whoring (Deuteronomy
23:17), orgy (Leviticus
18:17-18), sodomy (Deuteronomy 23:17), masturbation
(Jeremiah 3:9;38:9), petting/necking and immodest behavior (Jacob 2:28). God's
Standards for behavior has, is and always will be the same (Mor 9:9). 10)
The institution of Marriage is one of the most sacred and holy covenants one may
make unto God (D&C 49:15), each other and your fellow man (Matthew 19:10-12;
Mark 10:7-9; D&C 132:5-25; TPJS, p.300-301). We shall not have dating of the
youth (one on one), but group socials and supervised gatherings are allowed. However,
suggestive dancing and like behavior will not be allowed. The proper order of
Courtship is that the man or women goes to Heavenly Father first, seeking His
counsel or consent. If given, then the Man (if he has a wife or wives) must then
seek to have his Wife of Wives or Husband fulfill the Law of Sarah (D&C 132:65,
59, 61-64; Isaiah 47:1-15) or the Women (if she is married) should seek her Husband's
counsel and together concerning this other Women she feels that belongs in their
Family and Kingdom. This is done that all things be done in righteousness. The
Man or Women should next go to their own Father or guardian (only if possible
and reasonable) that they may honor thy Father and Mother (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy
5:16; Matthew 15:4, 19:19; Luke 18:20; Ephesians 6:2; 1 Nephi 17:55; Mosiah 13:20)
and that they might have the opportunity to receive the same revelation and to
receive their counsel. They then should go to the Father or guardian of the person
they are interested in courting (only if possible and reasonable) to make their
interest known and honor the other person's Father and Mother that they might
also receive the same opportunity to receive the same revelation and to receive
their counsel. Then and only then, after everything has been done most proper
having righteously sought the Lord's will first and then having paid proper respect,
would they even let the other person know of their interest. It is also not accounted
unto righteousness for a man having a wife or wives to spend his time chasing
around for new wives. It is a man's obligation to set his own house in order and
his many stewardships with his wife or wives and children (Deuteronomy 21:15-17)
and let the single women seeing his good works, seek and ask to enter into his
family or as God may inspire and command the man. Marriages should be solemnized
by one of the Priesthood Patriarchal Fathers (or another if desired) with the
proper priesthood authority in the proper place appointed (D&C 124:38-39)
and (if seeking to be one day sealed) by the revelation and permission of the
one who holds the keys (D&C 132:7; TPJS, p.336). Divorces must be by just
cause according to the Scriptures (Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12). And if not,
the offending party must make restitution as counseled by the Council of Elders
and sustained unanimously by the common consent of the Body or leave the Community.
There shall be no Bills of Divorcement excepting for fornication (Matthew 5:31-32;
19:7-9; Mark 10:2-12; 3 Nephi 27:31-32, 12:31-32) and murder (Alma 39:5), and
we shall live by the spirit of the full Law of Obedience (1 Peter 3:1-10; Genesis
3:16). Marriages between kinsmen or kinswomen, as defined in the Law (Leviticus
18:6-19; 20:14), shall also make restitution as counseled by the Council of Elders
and sustain unanimously by the common consent of the Body or leave the Community. 11)
We shall all have equal equity and fairness with all things in common according
to our just wants and needs (D&C 78:3-8; 82:17-19; 51:2-3; Mosiah 18:29) with
no discrimination being tolerated (D&C 101:77). This, however, does not preclude
segregation of races as God commands (Genesis 24:3; Deuteronomy 32:8; Nehemiah
13:1, 3; Hosea 7:8; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 17-18; 2 Nephi 5:20-23; Alma 3:9-14).
As we set standards for one man, it is applicable to all men unless by counsel
and unanimous common consent an exception is approved that does not stand in defiance
to the Spirit of God's wisdom and Law. If we have sustenance on one table, it
shall be found equally on all tables that desire it (D&C 49:19-20). No one
person or group shall be above another in voice, needs or possessions. However,
those who fail to go by the Standards or set order, whether in voice or deed,
shall make full restitution (D&C 58:42-43; 64:8-13; 42:88-93) as counseled
by the Council of Elders and by a unanimous common consent of the body or leave
the Community (D&C 93:30-32; 134:10). It is our goal to obtain the Heavenly
Gift (4 Nephi 1:3; Ether 12:8; Hebrews 6:4-6). 12)
In all things, whether social, economic, political or ecclesiastical or in work
or play, we shall be organized (D&C 102:1-34; 104:1-2) according to the Scriptures
with Stewardships (D&C 51:2-3; 104:11, 54-57, 67-77). And it is needful that
all Stewardships are called according to revelation (D&C 70:9; 104:54-57),
sustained by the counsel of the Council of Elders and the unanimous common consent
of the Body (D&C 104:20-21). There shall be an accounting of all stewardships
(D&C 70:4; 72:22) by and by, by ones who are called to see all are righteous,
just and profitable stewards (D&C 42:53-55; 72:16). This should be at least
once every 90 days, and they are to receive a certificate when needed (D&C
72:17-19, 24-26). If one is found to be an
unprofitable steward (D&C 101:90),
they shall be taken before the Council of Elders and then the Body. And if proven,
their stewardship may be give to another (D&C 51:4-5; 104:3-18) that all might
be just and profitable stewards (D&C 72:22). All must find a stewardship needed
that they are able to do and that will be profitable, or leave the order and community.
In a Branch or Stake of Zion, all shall consecrate all Surplus Property (D&C
119:1-2; 70:7-10) and be a fully tithed people (D&C 119:3-4; 64:23; 85:3),
or they shall not be allowed to abide among us (D&C 119:5-7). 13)
The Idle Worker is a curse unto the community and an abomination in the eyes of
the Lord (D&C 42:42; 68:30). It is the one thing that will breed unto the
destruction of any family or community that is living with all things in common
and the Law of Consecration
(D&C 75:28-29). History is full of examples
of those who failed to cast out the Idle Worker and lost the whole order (D&C
68:31-32). By the spirit, we shall discern just, honest and fair expectations
(D&C 88:123-125) being long suffering (D&C 121:34-46) while keeping each
other's
abilities, talents and needs in mind. 14)
Individuals or families interested in gathering unto a United Order of a Branch
or Stake of Zion (D&C 104:48), shall:
First: submit themselves to a selected council of Elders that is chosen by the
unanimous common consent of the body to interview prospective new members. They
shall inquire into the person's worthiness in all things that they deem necessary.
It is the obligation of each individual to lay before the Elders all things needful
in open honesty that we may help each other to reach our highest potential happiness
and be profitable stewards. Whether it is an Individual or Family wishing to join,
it must be by unanimous revelation to the council of Elders that they are worthy
before God and ready to enter this sacred Order of Covenant. Many times a trial
time period is required. Second:
They must Covenant (D&C 82:15) to receive and live all of the ordinances and
covenants of the New and Everlasting Covenant. After so covenanting, they are
presented to the community and must be received by a unanimous vote in the affirmative. Third:
As in accordance with religious societies, they must have approved a list of all
personal items they wish to bring onto the order, while during their trial period.
These are the only things they will be allowed to take with them if they leave
the order for whatever reason
(D&C 134:10). Fourth:
If the day is reached when everyone is mutually assured they have become members,
they will then be adopted into this Brotherhood of the Messiah and will forever
be considered family. They are to go and do as Christ did and taught. "Sell
all that you have, give it to the poor, and then come and follow him" (Matthew
19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22). Not that they need do this, but by prayer and
counseling with their Brethren may the most correct course be revealed. If the
day ever comes that one is proven still later that they do not have the heart,
will and desire, or ability to live God's Laws, they will wish to take back all
that they came with or have been subsequently given. It is evil to try to reclaim
that portion which you have donated unto the support of the needy and poor (D&C
42:30-31, 37-38; 51:4-6) or tithes donated unto
the Priesthood (D&C 119:3-4).
They may, however, remove any Inheritance granted by Covenant and Deed (D&C
42:30) as in all personal property or personal dwellings they have funded the
erection, but this shall never include the Land. We do not want your earthly possessions.
We only want to gather those of like-mindedness (Matthew 24:28; Luke 17:26-37;
PoGP, Joseph Smith - Matthew 1:27-31), who are the Elect of God (D&C 50:40-42)
and want to live as such (D&C 104:59).
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The Pioneers went through great harship in their quest to build Zion