D&C 97

In the early days of the Church, the term "Zion" was used many times in reference to a place. At the time of the revelation given to the Prophet which became section 97 of the Doctrine and Covenants, its reference was in Missouri. In the outline of the section we read -

"Many of the saints in Zion (Jackson County, Missouri) are blessed for their faithfulness;" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:Heading)

Later we read of "treks to Zion" as the saints moved west. It would again seem that Zion is a place. But the first scriptural reference of Zion seems to have more to do with a condition than place as we read of the people of Enoch that -

"...the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them." (Pearl of Great Price Moses 7:18)

It is in this revelation given to the Prophet that the Lord refers to a certain type of people saying -

"Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:8)

These people that are -

"...perfected in the understanding of their ministry, in theory, in principle, and in doctrine, in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth, the keys of which kingdom have been conferred upon you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:14)

The people that -

"...build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:15)

It is of these people the Lord declares -

"...for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:21)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote -

"...Zion is people. Zion is those whose sins are washed away in the waters of baptism. Zion is those out of whose souls dross and evil have been burned as though by fire. Zion is those who have received the baptism of fire so as to stand pure and clean before the Lord. Zion is those who keep the commandments of God." (Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of ManBruce R. McConkie)

In the last days there are warnings and great promises for Zion for -

"...vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it?
23 The Lord's scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;
24 For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works.
25 Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her.
26 But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:22 - 26)