Claim. After people (the 124 Couples) were restored as world representatives, the land still required restoration — the 1965 designation of 120 holy grounds in 40 nations completed the territorial side of the providence.
Elaboration. SMM explains the providential need: “What are the 120 Couples? They are the representatives of 120 nations. However, from the viewpoint of heavenly structure, although the ancestors, families, and representatives of the world were established, we still have no territory. … Since we have no territory, although we formed an organization of people in front of God, we still do not have the foundation upon which He could sanctify this defiled land. I therefore established 120 holy grounds in forty nations” (3.2. Dedication ceremony and designation of 120 holy grounds, 158-129, 1967.12.26). The numerical correspondence is principial: “The 120 Couples symbolize 120 nations. From this day forward, we need to establish 120 holy grounds” (ibid, 16-7, 1963.12.21). The holy-ground designation is therefore the missing terrestrial half of the people-restoration sequence: representatives of nations were Blessed and their corresponding territory was sanctified.
See also. restoration