One of the grand themes of the Book of Mormon is the “everlasting kindness” and “great mercies” of the Lord in watching over and lifting up Israel. Emanating from the chronicles of the Lord’s dealings with His people over the millennia, there is always the promise of the ultimate gathering together of the house of Israel in the last days and the establishment of an enduring theocratic society of Zion with the Lord Himself as lawgiver. The establishment of Zion in the last days will be evidence of the mercy and kindness of the Lord. This is confirmed as the Savior recites Isaiah concerning the house of Israel. The Lord’s people will overcome their past iniquities and participate in the building up of Zion. Scattered Israel, those without the gospel, will be gathered to Zion and endowed with truth (see Isaiah 33:20; D&C 82:14). The Savior emphasizes that He will forgive scattered Israel for her wickedness as she returns to Him in faithfulness. He reassures the people that He will not forget Israel and the covenant promises He has made. The city of Zion will be built up and the gospel taught. Righteousness will prevail. No one will harm Israel.
Declared Elder Matthias Cowley: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the organization through which the Lord is accomplishing the declaration of the Gospel in the last days, gathering Israel, administering the ordinances of salvation, and, in short, is accomplishing the work of redemption—that accomplishment which has been predicted by the mouths of all His holy prophets since the world began” (Matthias F. Cowley, Cowley’s Talks on Doctrine [Chattanooga: Ben. E. Rich, 1902], 45).