Gospel Principles
Unit 5: The Church of Jesus Christ
Chapter 17: The Church of Jesus Christ Today
Comments and Resources

'Elder Hugh B. Brown stated:  "The announcement of the reestablishment of the Church of Jesus Christ by his own personal appearance was followed by visits from other heavenly beings who restored the priesthood and authorized and supervised the reorganization of the Church....  The mission of the Church thus restored is to preach the gospel and administer in its ordinances among all nations preparatory to the second advent of our Savior."  ("This Church is Christianity Restored," Improvement Era, June 1964, p, 490; also in Conference Report, Apr. 1965, pp.  40-41.)

"The greatest event that has ever occurred in the world since the resurrection of the Son of God from the tomb and his ascension on high, was the coming of the Father and of the Son to that boy Joesph Smith, to prepare the way for the laying of the foundation of His kingdom, not the kingdom of man - never more to cease nor to be overturned" (Joseph F. Smith, as quoted in Preston Nibley, Joseph Smith the Prophet, p. 28)

"What then is our message for all men?  It is the message of the Restoration...

"The message of the Restoration includes three great truths, truths which must be accepted by all mankind if they are to save themselves.  These are, first, the divine Sonship of Christ; second, the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith; and third, the truth and divinity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (Bruce R. McConkie, "Who Hath Believed Our Report," Ensign, Nov 1981, p. 46)

	During the study of this topic, we will learn how the church was restored, the mission of the Church, and some of its history and progress since the restoration. 

Resources:
Gospel Principles, chapter 17.
A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, chapters 2, 5. 27.
Jesus the Christ, chapter 41
Truth Restored, chapters 3, 4, 14.

Scriptures :
1 Nephi 13:32-42; 15:1-16
  32 Neither will the Lord God suffer that the Gentiles shall forever remain in that awful state of blindness, which thou beholdest they are in, because of the plain and most precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church, whose formation thou hast seen. 
  33 Wherefore saith the Lamb of God: I will be merciful unto the Gentiles, unto the visiting of the remnant of the house of Israel in great judgment. 
  34 And it came to pass that the angel of the Lord spake unto me, saying: Behold, saith the Lamb of God, after I have visited the remnant of the house of Israel and this remnant of whom I speak is the seed of thy father wherefore, after I have visited them in judgment, and smitten them by the hand of the Gentiles, and after the Gentiles do stumble exceedingly, because of the most plain and precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church, which is the mother of harlots, saith the Lamb I will be merciful unto the Gentiles in that day, insomuch that I will bring forth unto them, in mine own power, much of my gospel, which shall be plain and precious, saith the Lamb. 
  35 For, behold, saith the Lamb: I will manifest myself unto thy seed, that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto them, which shall be plain and precious; and after thy seed shall be destroyed, and dwindle in unbelief, and also the seed of thy brethren, behold, these things shall be hid up, to come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power of the Lamb. 
  36 And in them shall be written my gospel, saith the Lamb, and my rock and my salvation. 
  37 And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be. 
  38 And it came to pass that I beheld the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the book of the Lamb of God, which had proceeded forth from the mouth of the Jew, that it came forth from the Gentiles unto the remnant of the seed of my brethren. 
  39 And after it had come forth unto them I beheld other books, which came forth by the power of the Lamb, from the Gentiles unto them, unto the convincing of the Gentiles and the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the earth, that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are true. 
  40 And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved. 
  41 And they must come according to the words which shall be established by the mouth of the Lamb; and the words of the Lamb shall be made known in the records of thy seed, as well as in the records of the twelve apostles of the Lamb; wherefore they both shall be established in one; for there is one God and one Shepherd over all the earth. 
  42 And the time cometh that he shall manifest himself unto all nations, both unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles; and after he has manifested himself unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles, then he shall manifest himself unto the Gentiles and also unto the Jews, and the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. 

1 Nephi 15:1-16
  1 And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been carried away in the spirit, and seen all these things, I returned to the tent of my father. 
  2 And it came to pass that I beheld my brethren, and they were disputing one with another concerning the things which my father had spoken unto them. 
  3 For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought. 
  4 And now I, Nephi, was grieved because of the hardness of their hearts, and also, because of the things which I had seen, and knew they must unavoidably come to pass because of the great wickedness of the children of men. 
  5 And it came to pass that I was overcome because of my afflictions, for I considered that mine afflictions were great above all, because of the destruction of my people, for I had beheld their fall. 
  6 And it came to pass that after I had received strength I spake unto my brethren, desiring to know of them the cause of their disputations. 
  7 And they said: Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken concerning the natural branches of the olive-tree, and also concerning the Gentiles. 
  8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord? 
  9 And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us. 
  10 Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the hardness of your hearts? 
  11 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said? If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you. 
  12 Behold, I say unto you, that the house of Israel was compared unto an olive-tree, by the Spirit of the Lord which was in our father; and behold are we not broken off from the house of Israel, and are we not a branch of the house of Israel? 
  13 And now, the thing which our father meaneth concerning the grafting in of the natural branches through the fulness of the Gentiles, is, that in the latter days, when our seed shall have dwindled in unbelief, yea, for the space of many years, and many generations after the Messiah shall be manifested in body unto the children of men, then shall the fulness of the gospel of the Messiah come unto the Gentiles, and from the Gentiles unto the remnant of our seed 
  14 And at that day shall the remnant of our seed know that they are of the house of Israel, and that they are the covenant people of the Lord; and then shall they know and come to the knowledge of their forefathers, and also to the knowledge of the gospel of their Redeemer, which was ministered unto their fathers by him; wherefore, they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved. 
  15 And then at that day will they not rejoice and give praise unto their everlasting God, their rock and their salvation? Yea, at that day, will they not receive the strength and nourishment from the true vine? Yea, will they not come unto the true fold of God? 
  16 Behold, I say unto you, Yea; they shall be remembered again among the house of Israel; they shall be grafted in, being a natural branch of the olive-tree, into the true olive-tree. 


2 Nephi 25:6-20
  6 But behold, I, Nephi, have not taught my children after the manner of the Jews; but behold, I, of myself, have dwelt at Jerusalem, wherefore I know concerning the regions round about; and I have made mention unto my children concerning the judgments of God, which hath come to pass among the Jews, unto my children, according to all that which Isaiah hath spoken, and I do not write them. 
  7 But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my plainness; in the which I know that no man can err; nevertheless, in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass. 
  8 Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine own people; for I know that they shall be of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them. 
  9 And as one generation hath been destroyed among the Jews because of iniquity, even so have they been destroyed from generation to generation according to their iniquities; and never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord. 
  10 Wherefore, it hath been told them concerning the destruction which should come upon them, immediately after my father left Jerusalem; nevertheless, they hardened their hearts; and according to my prophecy they have been destroyed, save it be those which are carried away captive into Babylon. 
  11 And now this I speak because of the spirit which is in me. And notwithstanding they have been carried away they shall return again, and possess the land of Jerusalem; wherefore, they shall be restored again to the land of their inheritance. 
  12 But, behold, they shall have wars, and rumors of wars; and when the day cometh that the Only Begotten of the Father, yea, even the Father of heaven and of earth, shall manifest himself unto them in the flesh, behold, they will reject him, because of their iniquities, and the hardness of their hearts, and the stiffness of their necks. 
  13 Behold, they will crucify him; and after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings; and all those who shall believe on his name shall be saved in the kingdom of God. Wherefore, my soul delighteth to prophesy concerning him, for I have seen his day, and my heart doth magnify his holy name. 
  14 And behold it shall come to pass that after the Messiah hath risen from the dead, and hath manifested himself unto his people, unto as many as will believe on his name, behold, Jerusalem shall be destroyed again; for wo unto them that fight against God and the people of his church. 
  15 Wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered among all nations; yea, and also Babylon shall be destroyed; wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered by other nations. 
  16 And after they have been scattered, and the Lord God hath scourged them by other nations for the space of many generations, yea, even down from generation to generation until they shall be persuaded to believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind and when that day shall come that they shall believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and clean hands, and look not forward any more for another Messiah, then, at that time, the day will come that it must needs be expedient that they should believe these things. 
  17 And the Lord will set his hand again the second time to restore his people from their lost and fallen state. Wherefore, he will proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men. 
  18 Wherefore, he shall bring forth his words unto them, which words shall judge them at the last day, for they shall be given them for the purpose of convincing them of the true Messiah, who was rejected by them; and unto the convincing of them that they need not look forward any more for a Messiah to come, for there should not any come, save it should be a false Messiah which should deceive the people; for there is save one Messiah spoken of by the prophets, and that Messiah is he who should be rejected of the Jews. 
  19 For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah cometh in six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the angel of God, his name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 
  20 And now, my brethren, I have spoken plainly that ye cannot err. And as the Lord God liveth that brought Israel up out of the land of Egypt, and gave unto Moses power that he should heal the nations after they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents, if they would cast their eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them, and also gave him power that he should smite the rock and the water should come forth; yea, behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved. 

Isaiah 29
Nephites shall speak as a voice from the dust The apostasy, restoration of the gospel, and coming forth of Book of Mormon are foretold Compare  2 Nephi 27. 

Daniel 2
Nebuchadnezzar s dream is revealed to Daniel The king saw a great image; a stone cut from the mountain without hands destroyed the image; and the stone grew and filled the whole earth The stone is the latter-day kingdom of God. 

Acts 3:19-26
  19  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 
  20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 
  21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 
  22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 
  23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 
  24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 
  25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 
  26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. 


Revelation 14:6-11
  6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 
  7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 
  8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 
  9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 
  10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 
  11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 


D&C 1:17-23; 27:5-13; 110
D&C 1: 17-23
  17 Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments; 
  18 And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets 
  19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh 
  20 But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; 
  21 That faith also might increase in the earth; 
  22 That mine everlasting covenant might be established; 
  23 That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers. 
 

D&C 27:5-13
  5 Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim; 
  6 And also with Elias, to whom I have committed the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, concerning the last days; 
  7 And also John the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias; 
  8 Which John I have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto the first priesthood which you have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron; 
  9 And also Elijah, unto whom I have committed the keys of the power of turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, that the whole earth may not be smitten with a curse; 
  10 And also with Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your fathers, by whom the promises remain; 
  11 And also with Michael, or Adam, the father of all, the prince of all, the ancient of days; 
  12 And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them; 
  13 Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; 

D&C 110
Visions manifested to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery in the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, April 3, 1836. HC 2: 435 436. The occasion was that of a Sabbath day meeting. The Prophet prefaces his record of the manifestations with these words: In the afternoon, I assisted the other Presidents in distributing the Lord s Supper to the Church, receiving it from the Twelve, whose privilege it was to officiate at the sacred desk this day. After having performed this service to my brethren, I retired to the pulpit, the veils being dropped, and bowed myself, with Oliver Cowdery, in solemn and silent prayer. After rising from prayer, the following vision was opened to both of us. 
1-10, The Lord Jehovah appears in glory and accepts the Kirtland Temple as his house; 11-12, Moses and Elias each appear and commit their keys and dispensations; 13-16, Elijah returns and commits the keys of his dispensation as promised by Malachi. 
  1 The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. 
  2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. 
  3 His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: 
  4 I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father. 
  5 Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice. 
  6 Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name. 
  7 For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house. 
  8 Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house. 
  9 Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which my servants have been endowed in this house. 
  10 And the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people. Even so. Amen. 
  11 After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened unto us; and Moses appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north. 
  12 After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed. 
  13 After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said: 
  14 Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come 
  15 To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse 
  16 Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors. 


JS-H 1
Joseph Smith tells of his ancestry, family members, and their early abodes An unusual excitement about religion prevails in western New York He determines to seek wisdom as directed by James The Father and the Son appear and Joseph is called to his prophetic ministry. (Verses 1-20.) 
Some preachers and other professors of religion reject account of First Vision Persecution heaped upon Joseph Smith He testifies of the reality of the vision. (Verses 21-26.) 
Moroni appears to Joseph Smith Joseph s name is to be known for good and evil among all nations Moroni tells him of the Book of Mormon and of the coming judgments of the Lord, and quotes many scriptures The hiding place of the gold plates is revealed Moroni continues to instruct the Prophet. (Verses 27-54.) 
Joseph Smith marries Emma Hale He receives the gold plates from Moroni and translates some of the characters Martin Harris shows characters and translation to Professor Anthon, who says: I cannot read a sealed book. (Verses 55-65.) 
Oliver Cowdery serves as scribe in translating the Book of Mormon Joseph and Oliver receive the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist They are baptized, ordained, and receive the spirit of prophecy. (Verses 66-75.) 


Articles of Faith 1:6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. 


Topical Guide: <http://scriptures.lds.org/en/tg/contents>
               Dispensations               
               Ensign
               Israel, Mission of
               Israel, Restoration of
               Millennium, Preparing a People for Restoration
               Restoration of the Gospel

Bible Dictionary:  <http://Scriptures.lds.org/en/bd/contents> 
                   Restitution; Restoration.'


Concept 1: Introduction

'When Jesus lived on the earth, he established his Church, the only true Church.  He organized his Church so the truths of the gospel could be taught to all people and the ordinances of the gospel could be administered correctly with authority.  Through this organization, Christ could bring the Blessings of salvation to mankind.

After the Savior ascended into heaven, men changed the ordinances and doctrines that he and his Apostles had established.  Because of apostasy, there was no direct revelation from God.  The true Church was no longer on the earth.  Men organized different churches that claimed to be true but taught conflicting doctrines.  There was much confusion and contention over religion.  The Lord had foreseen these conditions, saying there would be "a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: .... They shall....seek the word of the Lord and shall not find it" (Amos 8:11-12).

Discussion

What does it feel like to go without food or Water?

Amos 8:11-12. "  11  Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: 
  12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it."  

What kind of famine is spoken of in this scripture?  Compare the famine to the period of time before the Restoration.



Concept 2: The Lord Promised to Restore His True Church

'The Savior promised to restore his Church in the latter days.  He said, "I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder" (Isaiah 29:14).

For many years people lived in spiritual darkness.  About 1700 years after Christ, people were becoming more and more interested in knowing the truth about God and religion.  Some of them could see that the gospel Jesus taught was no longer on the earth.  Some recognized that there was no revelation and no true authority and that the church that Christ organized did not exist on the earth. The time had arrived for the Church of Jesus Christ to be restored to the earth.

Discussion

Isaiah 29:14. "Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. "
What is the "marvelous work" spoken of in Isaiah?'


Concept 3: New Revelation from God

'In the spring of 1820, one of the most important events in the history of the world occurred.  The time had come for the marvelous work and wonder of which the Lord had spoken.  As a young boy, Joseph Smith wanted to know which of all the churches was the true Church of Christ.  He went into the woods near his home and prayed humbly and intently to his Heavenly Father, asking which church he should join.  On that morning a miraculous thing happened.  Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.  The Savior told him not to join any church because the true Church was not on the earth.  He also said that the teachings of present churches were "an abomination in his site" (Joseph Smith - History 1:19; see also 1:7-20). Beginning with this event, there was again direct revelation from the heavens.  The Lord had chosen a new prophet.  Since that time the heavens have not been closed.  Revelation continues to this day through each of his chosen prophets.  Joseph was to be the one to help restore the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Discussion

 Joseph Smith- History 1:7-21

 7. I was at this time in my fifteenth year.  My father's family was proselyted to the Presbyterian faith, and four of them joined that church, namely, my mother, Lucy; my brothers Hyrum and Samuel Harrison; and my sister Sophronia.

 8. During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit.  In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.

 9. My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant.  The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error.  On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.

10. In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done?  Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together?  If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?

11. While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

12. Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine.  It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart.  I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.

13. At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to "ask of God," concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.

14. So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt.  It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty.  It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.

15. After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God.  I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak.  Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.

16. But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction--not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being--just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

17. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air.  One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

18. My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join.  No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)--and which I should join.

19. I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof."

20. He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time.  When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven.  When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home.  And as I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, "Never mind, all is well--I am well enough off." I then said to my mother, "I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not true."  It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me?  Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?

21. Some few days after I had this vision, I happened to be in company with one of the Methodist preachers, who was very active in the before mentioned religious excitement; and, conversing with him on the subject of religion, I took occasion to give him an account of the vision which I had had.  I was greatly surprised at his behavior; he treated my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil, that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and that there would never be any more of them.'



Concept 4: Authority from God Was Restored

'In restoring the gospel, God again gave the priesthood to men.  John the Baptist came in 1829 to ordain Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood  (Ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood along the bank of the Susquehanna River, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1829. HC 1:39 42. The ordination was done by the hands of an angel, who announced himself as John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament. The angel explained that he was acting under the direction of Peter, James, and John, the ancient apostles, who held the keys of the higher priesthood, which was called the Priesthood of Melchizedek. The promise was given to Joseph and Oliver that in due time the Priesthood of Melchizedek would be conferred upon them. See also Section 27:7, 8, 12. D&C 13; "Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness. "  D&C 27:8 "Which John I have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto the first priesthood which you have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron;").  
Then Peter, James, and John, the presidency of the Church in ancient times, came and gave Joseph and Oliver the Melchizedek Priesthood and the keys of the kingdom of God. 
(D&C 27:12-13   "12 And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them; 
  13 Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth;"). 
 
Later, additional keys of the priesthood were restored by heavenly messengers such as Moses, Elias, and Elijah. 
(D&C 110:11-16 "11 After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened unto us; and Moses appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north. 
  12 After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed. 
  13 After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said: 
  14 Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come 
  15 To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse 
  16 Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.'

Discussion

What does the restoration of the Priesthood mean to you?  What is the effect of the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood on the Lords work? 



Concept 5: Christ's Church Was Organized Again

'On 6 April 1830, the Savior again directed the organization of his church on the earth (D&C 20:1 "The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April.").  His Church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (D&C 115:4 "For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.").  Christ is the head of his Church today, just as he was in ancient times.  The Lord has said that it is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased " (D&C 1:30).

Joseph Smith was sustained as prophet and "first elder" of the Church 
(D&C 20:2-4 "  2 Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church; 
  3 And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand; 
  4 And this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, both now and forever. Amen.").  
Later the First Presidency was organized, and he was sustained as President.  When the Church was first organized, only the framework was set up.  The organization was completed during the next several years.

The Church was organized with the same offices as were in the ancient Church.  That organization included Apostles, prophets, seventies, evangelists (patriarchs), pastors (presiding officers), high priests, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, and Deacons.  These same officers are in his Church today (Articles of Faith 6 "We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth").

A prophet, acting under the direction of the Lord, leads the Church.  This prophet is also the President of the Church.  He holds all the authority necessary to direct the Lord's work on earth (D&C 107:65,91, "Wherefore, it must needs be that one be appointed of the High Priesthood to preside over the priesthood, and he shall be called President of the High Priesthood of the Church; " 
91. "And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses ").  
Two counselors assist the president.  Twelve Apostles, who are special witnesses of Jesus Christ, teach the gospel in all parts of the world.  Other general officers of the Church with special assignments include the Presiding Bishopric and the Quorums of the Seventy.

The offices of the priesthood include Apostles, seventies, patriarchs, high priests, elders, priests, teachers, and deacons.  These are the same offices that existed in the original Church.

The Church has grown much larger than it was in the days of Jesus.  As it has grown, the Lord has revealed additional units of organization within the Church.  When the Church is fully organized in an area, it has local divisions called stakes.  A stake president and his two counselors preside over each stake.  The stake has twelve high councilors who help do the Lord's work in the stake.  Melchizedek Priesthood quorums are organized in the stake under the direction of the stake president (see Chapter 14, "Priesthood Organization").

Each stake is divided into smaller areas called wards.  A bishop and his two counselors preside over each ward.  In areas of the world where the Church is developing, there are missions, which are divided into smaller units of districts, branches, small branches, groups, and families.

Discussion

Read the testimony of Joseph Smith contained in the preface to Doctrine and Covenants 20.'
  "Revelation on Church Organization and Government, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, April 1830. HC 1: 64 70. Preceding his record of this revelation the Prophet wrote: We obtained of him [Jesus Christ] the following, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation; which not only gave us much information, but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which, according to his will and commandment, we should proceed to organize his Church once more here upon the earth. 

1-16, The Book of Mormon proves the divinity of the latter-day work; 17-29, The doctrines of creation, fall, atonement, and baptism are affirmed; 29-37, Laws governing repentance, justification, sanctification, and baptism are set forth; 38-67, Duties of elders, priests, teachers, and deacons are summarized; 68-74, Duties of members, blessing of children, and mode of baptism are revealed; 75-84, Sacramental prayers and regulations governing church membership are given.'



Concept 6: First Principles and Ordinances Were Restored

The Church today teaches the same principles and performs the same ordinances as were performed in the days of Jesus.  The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion,  and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.  (see Articles of Faith 1:4 ).  These precious truths were returned in their fulness when the Church was restored.

Through the gift and power of God, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, which contains the plain and precious truths of the gospel.  Many other revelations followed and have been recorded as scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price (see chapter 10, "Scriptures").

Discussion

Article of Faith 4
"4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."

What does the fourth article of faith mean to Church members? Discuss what it means to you.'



Concept 7: Other Important Truths Were Restored

'Other important truths that the Lord restored include the following:

1. Our Heavenly Father is a real person with a tangible, perfect body of flesh and bones.

2. We existed in premortal life as spirit children of God.

3. The priesthood is necessary to administer the ordinances of the gospel.

4. We will be punished for our own sins and not for Adam's transgression.

5. Children do not need to be baptized until they are accountable (eight years old).

6. There are three degrees of glory in the heavens, and people will be rewarded according to their actions on earth.

7. Family relationships can be eternal through the sealing power of the priesthood.

8. The temple endowment and sealings are available for both the living and the dead.'



Concept 8: The Church of Jesus Christ Will Never Be Destroyed

'Since it's restoration in 1830, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown rapidly in membership.  There are members in nearly every country in the world.  The Church will continue to grow.  As Christ said, "This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations "  (Joseph Smith Matthew 1:31).  The Church will never again be taken from the earth.  It's mission is to take the truth to every person.  Thousands of years ago, the Lord said he would "set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people,...and it shall stand for ever" (Daniel 2:44).


Discussion

D&C 84:76 "But, verily I say unto all those to whom the kingdom has been given from you it must be preached unto them, that they shall repent of their former evil works; for they are to be upbraided for their evil hearts of unbelief, and your brethren in Zion for their rebellion against you at the time I sent you."

	What can you do to help spread the kingdom of God?

Additional Scriptures

Revelation 14:6; Daniel 2:44-45; Isaiah 2:2-4; 2 Nephi 3:6-15 (Restoration foretold)

Revelations 14:6
  6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,  
Daniel 2:44-45
  44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 
  45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. 

Isaiah 2:2-4
  2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 
  3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 
  4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 

2 Nephi 3:6-15
   6 For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins. 
  7 Yea, Joseph truly said: Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers. 
  8 And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work. 
  9 And he shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel. 
  10 And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land of Egypt. 
  11 But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins and not to the bringing forth my word only, saith the Lord, but to the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth among them. 
  12 Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord. 
  13 And out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord. 
  14 And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for this promise, which I have obtained of the Lord, of the fruit of my loins, shall be fulfilled. Behold, I am sure of the fulfilling of this promise; 
  15 And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation. 



D&C 110; 128:19-21; 133:36-39, 57-58 (restoration of the gospel)


D&C 110
Visions manifested to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery in the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, April 3, 1836. HC 2: 435 436. The occasion was that of a Sabbath day meeting. The Prophet prefaces his record of the manifestations with these words: In the afternoon, I assisted the other Presidents in distributing the Lord s Supper to the Church, receiving it from the Twelve, whose privilege it was to officiate at the sacred desk this day. After having performed this service to my brethren, I retired to the pulpit, the veils being dropped, and bowed myself, with Oliver Cowdery, in solemn and silent prayer. After rising from prayer, the following vision was opened to both of us. 
1-10, The Lord Jehovah appears in glory and accepts the Kirtland Temple as his house; 11-12, Moses and Elias each appear and commit their keys and dispensations; 13-16, Elijah returns and commits the keys of his dispensation as promised by Malachi. 

D&C 128:19-21
  19 Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them! 
  20 And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets the book to be revealed. A voice of the Lord in the wilderness of Fayette, Seneca county, declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the book! The voice of Michael on the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting the devil when he appeared as an angel of light! The voice of Peter, James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna county, and Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the fulness of times! 
  21 And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time, all declaring their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope! 

D&C 133: 36-39, 57-58
  36 And now, verily saith the Lord, that these things might be known among you, O inhabitants of the earth, I have sent forth mine angel flying through the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel, who hath appeared unto some and hath committed it unto man, who shall appear unto many that dwell on the earth. 
  37 And this gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. 
  38 And the servants of God shall go forth, saying with a loud voice: Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come; 
  39 And worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters 
      "  "  "
  57 And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity 
  58 To prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth, and for the Lord's errand in the day when the weak shall confound the wise, and the little one become a strong nation, and two shall put their tens of thousands to flight. 


Ephesians 2:20 (Jesus Christ the cornerstone of the Church)   
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 

D&C 20:38-67  (duties of officers of the Church)

Matthew 24:14 (Gospel to be preached to all nations)'
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 




-----------------
Moroni 10:4-5
"4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 
  5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

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