What does it mean to be a Savior on Mt. Zion?
Obediah 1:21 - And Saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord's
Geographically Mount Zion refers to the mountain on which King Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem. The term can also refer more generally to the city of Jerusalem or even the entire land of Israel. In modern-day revelation, it also applies to the term "New Jerusalem" which will be built on the American continent and also the Celestial Kingdom of God.
Doctrine and Covenants 84:2 - 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 the city of New Jerusalem.
Articles of Faith #10 - We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American Continent....
Doctrine and Covenants 76:66 - These are they who are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all.
The word Savior can refer to one who rescues, or delivers, and saves someone or something. Jesus Christ was called a 'Savior' because he saved us from eternal death and sin. We can become Saviors by bringing the gospel to our kindred dead and allowing them the opportunity to participate in temple covenants that they otherwise would not have.
The prophet Joseph Smith taught that Latter-day Saints can be "as saviors on Mount Zion" by participating in the great work of salvation for the dead.
“But how are they to become saviors on Mount Zion? By building their temples, erecting their baptismal fonts, and going forth and receiving all the ordinances, baptisms, confirmations, washings, anointings, ordinations and sealing powers upon their heads, in behalf of all their progenitors who are dead, and redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection and be exalted to thrones of glory with them” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 473).
President Gordon B. Hinckley explained:
“Just as our Redeemer gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for all men, and in so doing became our Savior, even so we, in a small measure, when we engage in proxy work in the temple, become as saviors to those on the other side who have no means of advancing unless something is done on their behalf by those on earth” (Ensign, Nov. 2004, 105).
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
“Temple work enables us to do for others what they cannot do for themselves. It is a labor of love that permits our forefathers to continue their progress toward eternal life” (“Seeking the Good,” Ensign, May 1992, 88).
