The Returning Planet is the City of Enoch

For many years, I’ve studied the prophesied signs of the last days—not merely as abstract theological ideas but as real, physical, observable events. Among the most misunderstood signs is the “grand sign” Joseph Smith taught would precede the return of Christ: a visible object in the heavens. The world, he said, would call it “a planet, a comet.” But what if it’s more than that? What if the returning celestial object is the City of Enoch?

This is not speculation without roots. In Moses 7, we read of a righteous people taken up with their city—Zion—because of their exceeding faith and unity. Joseph Smith later taught that Enoch’s city didn’t vanish spiritually, but physically departed, lifted with a portion of the earth, leaving behind a chasm now filled with water—the Gulf of Mexico.

Think of it: a city, complete with buildings, foundations, and a large chunk of terrain, translated into heaven—not into oblivion, but into orbit.

This city still exists. It has “assumed an aerial position within the limits of our solar system.” And the day will come when it returns.

“The Lord said unto Enoch: Then shalt thou and all thy city meet them there … and they shall see us.” (Moses 7:63)

We will see Zion. All the world will. As it draws near, scientists will be baffled. At first, they will say, “It’s a rogue planet…a comet…an asteroid.” But it will become increasingly clear that this object is inhabited—and it is not alone. It is the Lord’s vanguard.

⚡ When Worlds Collide

Many scoff at the idea that a planet could come close to Earth without destroying it. But proponents of the Electric Universe have long taught that electromagnetic forces may play a larger role than gravity in such interactions. If two charged planetary bodies come close, the result will not merely be gravitational chaos, but electrical discharges of great power—plasma arcs, auroras, earthquakes, and fire from the sky.

Scriptures call it “hail and fire mingled with blood” (Rev. 8:7). Ancient prophets call it the sign of the Son of Man. I believe it is the City of Enoch, returning in radiant glory.

And who are its citizens? Translated beings. Our brothers and sisters. Zion of old.

To Be Caught Up or Burned

When Zion returns, it will not land immediately. It will hover in the skies. And the righteous will be caught up to meet it. Those not caught up will be consumed.

“They that come shall burn them … the righteous must be caught up to meet the City of Enoch or be burned at His coming.”
(Thoughts on the End of the World)

The return of this city will bring not only joy to the prepared but dread to the world. The brightness of the Lord’s presence, coupled with the cosmic effects of Enoch’s approach, will fulfill every prophecy of shaking heavens, splitting mountains, and a blood-red moon.

A Final Fulfillment

As the old hymn says, “Zion is fled.” But not forever. She will return. And when she does, the heavens will shake, the trumpets will sound, and all people shall see the Lord.

We live in that day. The city that once lifted off from the Gulf of Mexico may soon reappear in the skies above. And when it does, may we be found among those who lift up our heads and rejoice, knowing our redemption draweth nigh.