New Jerusalem and the Temple Lot

Tuesday night Skype/Streaming Scripture study
Brother Chris Moran

 

When you see the phrase “Temple Lot” being associated with the name Church of Christ, i.e. “Church of Christ (Temple Lot)”, does this seem strange to you? Do you think anything of it?
The Primary Function of the Church of Christ
Church of Christ Articles of Faith and Practice #14:
The primary function of the general church, of which each local church is a component part, is missionary and the building up and extension of the Kingdom of God in all the world. (Mat 24:14; Mark 16:15-18)
But we should also consider…
Church of Christ Articles of Faith and Practice #23:
We believe a temple will be built in this generation, in Independence, Missouri, wherein Christ will reveal himself and endow his servants whom he chooses with power to preach the gospel in all the world to every kindred, tongue and people, that the promises of God to Israel may be fulfilled. (Mic 4:1-2; Mal 3:1-4; 3 Ne 10:4; Eth 6:8)
Church of Christ Articles of Faith and Practice #24:
We believe that a New Jerusalem shall be built upon this land "unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph. . . " ". . . which city shall be built, beginning at the Temple Lot." (3 Ne 9:57-59, 10:1-4; Eth 6:6-8; Revelation to Joseph Smith given Sept, 22 & 23, 1832)
Regarding Revelations
A few of the following revelations that are cited herein were taken from the Book of Commandments. The Book of Commandments is a Church of Christ publication containing revelations received by Joseph Smith between 1828 and 1831. Not all in the Church of Christ ministry use it. It is not binding scripture within the Church of Christ and is not, as a book, a part of the Church of Christ scriptural standards.
In addition, some additional revelations below are taken from Revelation Book 1, which is a manuscript compilation of Joseph Smith revelations created circa May 1831 to July 1835 (not a Church of Christ publication).
The position of the Church of Christ is stated in Referendum Bill No. 1 of 1950:
The Rule of Faith of this Church of Christ shall consist of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and such revelations purporting to be of God, past, present, or future, that agree therewith.
We should consider revelations that have been received, using the Bible and Book of Mormon as our standard, with guidance from the Holy Ghost. Each revelation must be considered singly and must stand on its own merit as being harmonious with the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
Omni 1:44 – “And believe in prophesying, and in revelations, and in the ministering of angels, and in the gift of speaking with tongues, and in the gift of interpreting languages, and in all things which are good:”
3 Nephi 13:59 – “Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the Lord, and that shall say, The Lord no longer worketh by revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost;”
1 Corinthians 14:6 – “Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?”
2 Corinthians 12:7 – And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.”
Etc.
With spiritual gifts and the openness to revelation from the Lord comes the need for responsibility and discernment.
Temple Lot Revelations / Background
Taken from the Book of Commandments:
Revelation given February, 1831 – “If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries, and the peaceable things of the kingdom; that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal. Thou shalt ask and it shall be revealed unto you in my own due time where the New Jerusalem shall be built.” (Book of Commandments 44:46-47)
Revelation given March, 1831 – “Go ye forth into the western countries, call upon the inhabitants to repent, and inasmuch as they do repent, build up churches unto me; and with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you, and it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the most high God; And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it: And it shall be called Zion: And it shall come to pass, among the wicked, that every man that will not take sword against his neighbor, must needs flee unto Zion for safety. And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven: And it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.” (Book of Commandments 48:59-64)
Taken from Revelation Book 1 (not all early revelations were printed in the Book of Commandments):
Revelation given July 20, 1831 – “Hearken Oh ye Elders of my Church saith the Lord your God, Who have assembled yourselves together, according to my commandment in this land which is the land of Missouri which is the land which I have appointed & consecrated for the gathering of the Saints. Wherefore, this is the land of promise, & the place for the City of Zion. thus saith the Lord you God, If ye will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold the place which is now called Independence is the centre place, & the spot for the Temple is lying westward upon a lot which is not far from the courthouse. Wherefore it is wisdom that the land should be purchased by the saints & also every tract lying westward even unto the line running directly between Jew and gentile And also every tract bordering by the Prairies in as much as my Desciples are enabled to buy lands. Behold this is wisdom that they main obtain it for an everlasting inheritance” (Revelation Book #1, 93-94)
Revelation given September 22 and 23, 1832 – “A Revelation of Jesus Christ unto his Servant Joseph and Six elders as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high yea the word of the Lord concerning his church established in the last days for the restoration of his people as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon mount Zion which Shall be called the city New Jerusalem which city shall be built beginning at the Temple Lot which is appointed by the finger of the Lord in the western boundaries of the state of Missouri and dedicated by the hand of Joseph and others with whom the Lord was well pleased verily, this is the word of the Lord that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the Saints beginning at this place even the place of the temple which temple shall be reared in this generation for verily this generation shall not all pass away until a house shall be built unto the Lord and a cloud shall rest upon it which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord which shall fill the house” (Revelation Book #1, 149-156)
Regarding Zion
Though there are different opinions regarding Zion, it is in general the future dwelling place of God on earth with His followers and body of believers.
Regarding “this generation”
The word “shall” may imply a requirement from the Lord that was not fulfilled by the church. There are other opinions as well.
Consider Matthew 24:34 – “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”
What things does Jesus mention in Matthew 24?
Wars and rumors of wars
Nation rises against nation
Famines, pestilences, earthquakes
Persecution of Christians
Gospel preached in all the world
Abomination of desolation setup
End time tribulation
False Christs and false prophets
Sun darkened
Moon will not give light
Stars fall from heaven
Powers of heaven shaken
Son of Man comes in the clouds with great glory
Angels gather elect from four corners
Have all these things happened? The term “generation” in Matthew 24 may refer to the general church age following Christ. In the case of the Temple Lot revelation, “generation” could mean the age of the restoration, or between the time of the restoration of the Church of Christ and the second coming of Christ.
From The John Whitmer History
As noted in the Outline History of the Church of Christ, p. 45:
The following day [August 3, 1831 – CJM] eight elders viz: Joseph Smith, Jr., Oliver Cowdery, Signey Rigdon, Peter Whitmer, jun., Frederick G. Williams, William W. Phelphs, Martin Harris, and Joseph Coe, assemble together where the temple is to be erected. Signey Rigdon dedicated the ground where the city is to stand; Joseph Smith, jr., laid a stone at the northeast corner of the contemplated temple in the name of the Lord Jesus of Nazareth. After all present had rendered thanks to the great Ruler of the universe Signey Rigdon pronounced this spot of ground wholly dedicated unto the Lord forever: Amen.
(John Whitmer History, Chap. 9, pp. 33, 34, par. 2-9.)
Land Purchases
Edward Partridge purchased the Jones Flournoy property consisting of 63 and 43/160 acres in December 1831. After the Church members were driven out of Independence in 1833, the plot was divided into city lots and sold for taxes. This ‘Temple Lot’ remained in private hands outside the church for many years.
It wasn’t until 1866-1867 that members of this Church of Christ returned to Independence and began the re-purchase of the Temple Lot property.
Church of Christ Similarities to Israel
Note that Israel itself at one purchased and owned the piece of land upon which the first temple would be built.
2 Samuel 24:21-24 – “21 And Araunah said, Wherefore is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshingfloor of thee, to build an altar unto the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people. 22 And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him: behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood. 23 All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee. 24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”
2 Chronicles 3:1 – “Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.”
Note that Aranunah is also called Ornan in the above.
What does scripture say about a New Jerusalem and a future temple?
Ether 6:1-8 – “1 And now I, Moroni, proceed to finish my record concerning the destruction of the people of which I have been writing. 2 For behold, they rejected all the words of Ether; for he truly told them of all things, from the beginning of man; and how that after the waters had receded from off the face of this land, it became a choice land above all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord; 3 Wherefore the Lord would have that all men should serve him, which dwelt upon the face thereof; and that it was the place of the New Jerusalem, which should come down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lord. 4 Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake concerning a New Jerusalem upon this land; and he spake also concerning the house of Israel, and the Jerusalem from whence Lehi should come; after that it should be destroyed, it should be built up again a holy city unto the Lord; 5 Wherefore it could not be a New Jerusalem, for it had been in a time of old, but it should be built up again, and become a holy city of the Lord; and it should be built up unto the house of Israel; 6 And that a New Jerusalem should be built up upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for the which things there has been a type; for as Joseph brought his father down into the land of Egypt, even so he died there; 7 Wherefore the Lord brought a remnant of the seed of Joseph out of the land of Jerusalem, that he might be merciful unto the seed of Joseph, that they should perish not, even as he was merciful unto the father of Joseph, that he should perish not; 8 Wherefore the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built upon this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more be confounded, until the end come, when the earth shall pass away.”
3 Nephi 9:57-59 – “57 And it shall come to pass that I will establish my people, O house of Israel. 58 And behold, this people will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob; and it shall be a new Jerusalem. 59 And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people; yea, even I will be in the midst of you.”
Revelation 21:1-3 – “1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
3 Nephi 10:1-4 – “1 But if they will repent, and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall come in unto the covenant, and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance, and they shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob; 2 And also, as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city, which shall be called the New Jerusalem; 3 And then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in, which are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem. 4 And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst, and then shall the work of the Father commence, at that day even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people.”
The above verses tell us the following:
1. The continent of North America is a choice land
2. North America is the place of the New Jerusalem
3. The New Jerusalem will include a holy sanctuary of the Lord (or temple)
4. The remnant of the house of Joseph will build the New Jerusalem
5. The Gentiles will assist the remnant of Joseph and others that will come in building the New Jerusalem
6. After the building of the New Jerusalem is begun, the power of heaven will come down among them (Christ will return)
7. The Lord will reign in the midst of the New Jerusalem
8. The work of spreading the gospel to the remnant of Israel will then be directed by the Lord
9. Old Jerusalem will be built up again and become a holy city
10. The New Jerusalem will be the place of the future holy city that will come down out of heaven (Revelation 21:1-3)
Malachi 3:1-4 – “1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. 2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. 4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.”
We know that John the Baptist came and prepared the way before the Lord. John preached repentance in preparation for the Lord (also reference Isaiah 40:3-5). It is also believed by some that this was fulfilled a second time when the holy priesthood authority for the Church of Christ was bestowed on Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith through the laying on of hands of an angel (that some believe was John the Baptist based on Joseph Smith’s account).
Regarding “shall suddenly come to his temple”, some believe this to be our bodies (those that have received the gift of the Holy Ghost).
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – “16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
1 Corinthians 6:19 – “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
2 Corinthians 6:16 – “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
Others believe this to be a real and literal temple.
The word “temple” in Malachi 3:1-4 has the following Strong’s definition:
Strong’s Hebrew #1964 – heykal, hay-kawl’; prob. from 3201 (in the sense of capacity); a large public building, such as a palace or temple:-- palace, temple.
The word “temple” in 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians has the following Strong’s definition:
Strong’s Greek #3485 – naos, nah-os’; from a primary (to dwell); a fane, shrine, temple:-- shrine, temple.
If Malachi 3:1 was referring to the church body, then it would seem that it would say “and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his bride”, or “and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his church”.
Two Centers of Power (East/West)
Micah 4:1-2 – “1 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. 2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
Isaiah 2:1-3 – “1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
Joel 3:16-17 – “16 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. 17 So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.”
Isaiah 4:3-6 – “3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: 4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. 5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. 6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.”
Many of the verses above seem to convey that there will be two ‘commanding centers’ from which the Lord will reign, and direct His people. Where one is in the west (the New Jerusalem), and one is in the east (the Jerusalem of old). This is consistent with Ether 6:1-8 given previously.
Haggai 2:6-9 – “6 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; 7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. 9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.”
The “latter house” may refer to a third temple in old Jerusalem, or perhaps a temple in Independence. The first seems more likely as this was directed to Zerubbabel, the builder of the second temple at old Jerusalem.
Some additional verses to consider
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 – “3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”
Based on the above verses, it appears that this son of perdition, or antichrist, will sit in a future temple of God. Alternatively, it could be interpreted that this antichrist will exalt himself, just as God exalts himself in His (God’s) temple. Verse 4 may not necessarily be saying that the antichrist will sit in the temple of God.
Matthew 24:15-21 – “15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
There are different interpretations regarding Matthew 24:15. Some believe this was fulfilled in 70 A.D. at the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans. Others believe this is with reference to desecration of a future temple at the start of the great tribulation. Some believe it to be a combination of both. If it is with reference to a future event, it may imply that a future temple be built just prior to the great tribulation as it states “stand in the holy place”.
What does the word “mount” and “mountain” mean?
Strong’s Hebrew #2022 – har, har; a short. form of 2042; a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used fig.):-- hill (country), mount (-ain), x promotion.
Though it is not a literal interpretation, some believe that the term “mount” or “mountain” refers simply to the place of the Lord’s government and the term “in the top of the mountains” would refer to His government residing in the midst of other secular governments of the world.
Consider the topography of Independence:
Figure from Document “Environmental Conditions”, found on City of Independence, Missouri Website
The figure shows a great deal of variation in the elevation of the Independence, Missouri area (approximately 250 feet of variation in elevation in this particular cross-section). The Temple Lot is just west of Noland Rd. A clearing of this land (such as would happen at second coming of Christ) area would give one a better appreciation of the variation in the terrain.
This same document “Environmental Conditions” states:
A general description of the Independence area would indicate it to be gentle rolling hills, situated between the Big Blue River on the West and the Little Blue River on the east, and bounded on the north by the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River Valley.
And:
It is noted that most of the development of Independence thus far has been on the broad upland, area, where steepness of slope has not been a prevalent factor. However, in view of the large percentage of land classified as having a slope of ten percent of more, it will be important to consider conservation measures to protect and preserve the bluffs…
The accompanying map shows approximately 26 percent of the land area in the steep slope classification…
Consider Jerusalem:
(http://www.generationword.com/jerusalem101/8-old-ancient-core-of-jerusalem.html)
It is interesting to note that Independence, MO is very close to the geographical center of the United States.
Another possibility:
Just prior to the second coming and millennial reign of Christ, the Bible talks of great destruction that will result in modification of earth’s landscape (which may raise Independence with relation to its surroundings, but this is just speculation):
Revelation 6:12-17 – “12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”
Revelation 16:17-21 – “17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. 18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. 19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.”
A Choice Land
2 Nephi 7:27-32 – “27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, thus saith our God: I will afflict thy seed by the hand of the Gentiles; 28 Nevertheless, I will soften the hearts of the Gentiles, that they shall be like unto a father to them; 29 Wherefore, the Gentiles shall be blessed and numbered among the house of Israel. 30 Wherefore, I will consecrate this land unto thy seed, and they which shall be numbered among thy seed, forever, for the land of their inheritance: 31 For it is a choice land, saith God unto me, above all other lands; 32 Wherefore, I will have all men that dwell thereon, that they shall worship me, saith God.”
Ether 1:32 – “And the fullness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity; for behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God, or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decrees of God.”
Is it any surprise that the Lord would establish a future New Jerusalem on the choice land of America?
Who will direct building of the temple?
Isaiah 11:1-4 – “1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.”
The “Branch” = Jesus Christ
Zechariah 6:9-15 – “9 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 10 Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah; 11 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest; 12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: 13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. 14 And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD. 15 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.”
Psalm 127:1 – “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
Isaiah 66:1-6 – “1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. 3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. 4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. 5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. 6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.”
A temple cannot be built without direction from the Lord. The Lord may assist indirectly with the building of the New Jerusalem (a temple) prior to His second coming. The Lord may assist directly with building of a temple at old Jerusalem, after the Lord has returned. In either case, it will also take people that are spiritually prepared.
Are we seeking to bring forth Zion through our spiritual walk, keeping God’s commandments, and through prayer?
Consider the title of our Church of Christ publication, Zion's Advocate, and the BoM verse 1 Nephi 3:187
Regarding the new heaven and earth that is to come
Revelation 21:22 – “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”
Additional Revelation within the Church of Christ regarding Independence
Multiple people have had dreams and visions regarding a future temple in Independence, and Zion as residing in Independence. It is also said that the Temple Lot has been a sacred piece of land to past Native American generations.
A short portion of Apostle Archie Bell’s description of a dream he had on Sunday, July 9, 1972 is given below (taken from the Church of Christ publication The Hope of Zion):
I dreamed that the first step in the Redemption of Zion had begun. It seemed that the Temple Lot was the hub of what might be described as a circle. This circle did not take in all of the Greater Kansas City area. Something had happened before my coming on the scene, which caused those of the world inside this circle to move out. There was a line established around this circle, even though it was invisible, which prevented those who had moved out from returning. I noticed that some of those who had moved out did not go very far from the line after crossing it.
A statement from Elder A. White about a vision he had in 1885 regarding the redemption of Zion (taken from the Church of Christ publication The Hope of Zion):
Then I saw a narrow and very bright ring, which enclosed Independence and a portion of the surrounding country, the center of which seemed to be a little southwest of where I was standing, on a high spot of ground.

http://www.generationword.com/jerusalem101/8-old-ancient-core-of-jerusalem.html