The Bible has long foretold the apostasy of Christ's church and the latter-day restoration of the kingdom of God on the earth.
Amos - A Famine of Hearing the Words of the Lord
Anciently, the prophet Amos foretold the coming of a day when there would be a "famine of hearing the word of the Lord":
"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: 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." (Amos 8:11-12)
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?" (Amos 3:7-8)
Zechariah - Woe to The Idol Shepherd
Daniel - The Kingdom of God in the Days of Kings
The book of Daniel tells us that an ancient king by the name of Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that none of his soothsayers or wise men could interpret. God revealed the interpretation to Daniel:
"The king answered and said to Daniel... Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days." (Daniel 2:26-28)
Through the prophet Daniel, the Lord promised he would set up His kingdom in the latter days. It would be in a day of kings, at a time when the power of kings was diminishing. It's people would be "in the world, but not of the world", or, as Daniel puts it, "iron is not mixed with clay...they shall not cleave one to another". It would never apostatize or be destroyed:
"And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. 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. 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." (Daniel 2:43-45)
It is widely understood in Christianity that this is to be the kingdom which God would establish prior to His millenial reign, to prepare the way of His coming. It should be noted than whenever the Lord chose His people and set up among them the means to govern them, He did it by way of calling a prophet who then called other ecclesiastical leaders to help him. The Lord only established a conventional king among the Israelites (i.e. left his kingdom to other people) because they were hard enough in their hearts to demand it of their prophet, Samuel. (see 1 Samuel 8) In short, the kingdom which God has established among his people - multiple times - has always been His church, guided by his servants, the prophets. Daniel foresaw that the Lord would set up just such a kingdom one last time in the latter days!
A Marvellous Work and a Wonder
Isaiah prophesied that in the last days, the Lord would "proceed to do a marvellous work and a wonder". It would take place in a time when people "with their lips do honor [Him], but have removed heir heart far from [Him]":
"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 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." (Isaiah 29:1-14)
The Lord Will Set His Hand a Second Time
Isaiah gave the following prophecy concerning the last days:
"And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people... And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." (Isaiah 11:10-12)
The root of Jesse is a reference to the establishment of the Lord's priesthood authority, and the church of Jesus Christ is typified or symbolized by an ensign. (see Doctrine and Covenants 113:6-7, Isaiah 18:3) Latter-Day Saints believe Isaiah's prophecy of chapter eleven to be a prophetic foretelling of the Lord establishing his priesthood and His Church in the last days and of the literal gathering of Israel that began in conjunction with it. Note that he says "to it shall the Gentiles seek". Isaiah seems to have known that the church of Jesus Christ would be restored among the Gentiles in the latter days.
Read about the history of modern-day Israel
Isaiah prophesied of the then-future rebuilding of the temple following the Jews' return from exile in Babylon as well as the life and mission of Christ among many peoples, including the descendants of Jacob. This statement doubles as prophecy that the kingdom of God would be rebuilt by the gentiles and the descendants of Ephraim in all its former glory, that it would bring forth the words of the descendants of Jacob to shine as a light on Israel, that there would be no end of this kingdom on the earth:
"Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel. And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart, the bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars..." (Isaiah 9:7-10)
A New Covenant with The House of Israel
Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord told us He would "make a new covenant with the house of Israel". Latter-Day Saints believe this to be a reference to the fulfillment of the Law of Moses and also the re-establishment of His church upon the earth - an event that has been repeated multiple times throughout biblical history, including this specific instance at the meridian of time:
Elias Shall Come and Restore All Things
During His ministry, the Savior prophesied that one whom He called Elias would come to restore all things:
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things, as the prophets have written. And again I say unto you that Elias has come already, concerning whom it is written, Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me; and they knew him not, and have done unto him, whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. But I say unto you, Who is Elias? Behold, this is Elias, whom I send to prepare the way before me. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist, and also of another who should come and restore all things, as it is written by the prophets.(JST Matt 17:11-14)
I find it noteworthy that this prophecy was given at a time when the Savior was alive on the earth. All things were already - still - in place, and yet, the Savior prophesied of the coming of this Elias to restore all things.
Elijah Will Restore the Priesthood and Turn the Hearts of the Children to the Fathers
Malachi prophesied that in the last days, albeit with the help of others, Elijah would come to restore the fullness of the priesthood and turn the hearts of the children to the fathers:
"Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord... And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming." (JST Malachi 4:5-6)
Read about the priesthood and how it organized both the ancient and latter-day churches.
Peter and John: The Second Coming, The Restitution, A New Prophet Shall Come
In teaching the people of Israel, following the resurrection of the Savior, Peter and John reminded them that the prophets of old had long foretold of the coming of the Lord in great glory, following a "restitution" of all things and the calling of a new prophet - all events that were at the time still considered to be in the future:
"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; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 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. 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... Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days." (Acts 3:19-24)
What prophet was there after Jesus and Peter, who was "like unto Moses" in leading the Lord's people? Why would there need to be a restitution of things that were very evidently already available to the saints and the church at that time?
A Falling Away Before the Second Coming of Christ
The apostle Paul told the saints in his time not to worry about when the Savior would come again, and he gave them an event that had to happen before that time would come:
"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)
Some have believed that this falling away was merely a reference to the widespread iniquity foretold concerning the last days - iniquity we now see in great abundance. But later on in that same chapter, we have Paul saying, " ...the mystery of iniquity doth already work..." (2 Thessalonians 2:7)
Paul understood that the Church was already in danger of being plunged into what we now call the Great Apostasy. Look at some of his statements to the various areas of the Church all over the Old World:
To the Corinthians
Paul wrote, warning them about divisions in the Church and about placing their loyalties on the apostles and missionaries instead of on Christ:
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name." (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)
On his way back to Jerusalem for the Passover, Paul stopped at Miletus, where he warned the saints against the impending apostasy:
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears." (Acts 20;28-31)
Paul had spent three years among them, trying to prevent the church from apostatizing! He left with the forboding sense that, although he had managed to strengthen many, his labors to save the church had been in vain.
To the Galatians:
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." Galatians 1:6-7)
To Titus:
"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." (Titus 1:10-14)
Isaiah prophesied concerning the apostasy of the church that would occur at the meridian of time:
"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant." (Isaiah 24:5)
Some material paraphrased from "Turning from Truth" by Alexander B. Morrison
An LDS article - The Great Apostasy documented, beginning to end, in the New Testament
A "Dispensation of the Fullness of Times"
Paul taught the Ephesians, who had the Church among them, to look forward to a "dispensation of the fullness of times" when "all spiritual blessings" would be restored and all things would be gathered into one in Christ:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ... In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him..." (Eph 1:3-10)
Paul anticipated another dispensation of the gospel, of the things which had been "dispensed" by Christ during His mortal ministry.
An Angel Flying in the Midst of Heaven
The last of the apostles of the ancient church was called John the Revelator. He knew that the church of which he was a part was coming to an end, that, with the exception of the Bible, the gospel was about to be taken from the earth, but he foresaw a time when the Lord would re-establish it on the earth. He wrote:
"...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..." (Revelation 14:6)
The Cause of Apostasy
Every society since the dawn of time has shown a proclivity for defining its own morality, and its own religion. Indeed, in the eyes of society, morality and religion are only what the people say they are. Societies continually push God out of the picture - a history that has repeated itself dozens of times, and always to the detriment of the nation that does it.
The New Testament shows us an ancient Christianity that was too often plagued by the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture. Whenever a convert introduced a new idea, it seems the Church mulled over how best to incorporate that idea into the local doctrine. Gnosticism, docetism, Greek mythology, and even downright immorality were allowed to creep into the practices and tolerances of the early Church. Following the deaths of the apostles and with the exception of some reforms, this became the norm as part of a campaign to transform the Church of Jesus Christ into a universal "church of everyone". (see Matthew 7:13-14)
When the people of society have questions, they sit together in councils and "decide what to believe". Then, rather than having the benefit and conviction that come with the witness of the Holy Ghost, they argue and contend and use all manner of sophistry and deceit - even teaching their adherents not to study the scriptures on their own - to convince people to accept their doctrines.
Even today, we see our societies evolving after this same pattern. Religions come and go - a dime a dozen - but they are empty machinations of men, "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof". This has been the case for so long that the people of the world are beginning to lose interest in religion altogether. What's the point? Without the wisdom and power of God to guide us, religion cannot meet our complex spiritual needs.
God is the Moral Authority
But God is the absolute moral Authority in the universe, the author of all spiritual truth, and the central function of the Church of Jesus Christ has always been the practice of asking God what He believes.
While leading the Hebrews through the wilderness, Moses asked God what to do for water, and He made water come forth out of the rock. He asked God what to do for administrative help, and God authorized him to ordain seventy of the elders of Israel. Gideon asked for dry and wet fleeces, but expressed a willingness to do what the Lord had asked of him.
The Savior encouraged people to believe and ask, and they would receive. (Matthew 21:22). The Lord encouraged the ancient Jews to seek his face. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Jesus taught that the Father is of giving disposition, if we will just ask. (Luke 11:11-13)
Individuals can pray and ask Him what they should believe. (see James 1:5-6) When the whole Church has a question, they can pray and ask God, and he will reveal it to them, through His prophets and apostles. (see Amos 3:7)
Revelation: A Bedrock Foundation
The Church of Jesus Christ cannot function without its connection to heaven through divine inspiration and revelation. When we seek to change the ordinances and doctrines of God or resolve doctrinal questions without His input, we break the covenant of the gospel, and our connection to divine revelation is lost.
The Savior taught that revelation - both prophetic and personal - is so important that it is the rock upon which He has always built his Church. Regarding Peter's experience with personal revelation, the Savior said:
"...flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church..." (Matthew 16:17-18)
Has God Finished His Work Among Men?
So what became of the power of God on the earth? What became of the original doctrines, taught by the prophets of old? What became of the prophets and apostles and seventy, the miracles, the prophecies, the marvelous works and the wonders of heaven? Where are they now?
They were not lost on account of God capriciously deciding to cut off mankind and be done with His work among us. They were lost because of a crippling lack of faith among those who had covenanted to follow Christ - the same crippling lack of faith that is so prevalent in our society today. God will not do His work among us unless it be by faith - specifically by faith to ask for His help, His guidance, His love, His power, and His wisdom. The ancient church was taken from the earth because no one asked God, or cared what He taught. The world - and the Lord - would have to wait for someone to have the faith to just ask.
Inspired of God in the Meantime
We cannot, however, discount the work and faith of the many believers in Christ who have lived in the interim.
If not for the goodness and faith of millions of believers in Christ down through the centuries, America might never have been discovered, let alone become the great nation it has been. There has been much good done in the world that would not have been possible without these inspired people, doing their best to preserve and pass down what they knew to be the word and the will of God.
If it had not been for the faith of people like Eusebius, the early Christian historian, or Clement, the early bishop of Rome, King James and his translators, including William Tyndale, there would not have been sufficient religious education in the world to form the basis of the questions that led to the opening of the last dispensation in the fullness of times.
The Church of Jesus Christ: Lost, But Not Forever
The prophets of the Bible have been very clear: the Church was taken from the earth. It happened at the passing of John the Revelator. John was the last apostle, against whom the saints of his time revolted and refused to repent of their heresies. At his death, the plug was pulled, and the world went dark. The Church of Jesus Christ, with its prophets and apostles, was gone. (see Ephesians 2:19-20) The prophecy of Amos concerning "a famine of hearing the words of the Lord" began to have its gloomy, protracted fulfillment.
In their wake, the prophets and apostles left behind an organization that bore little resemblance to the original church in both structure and doctrine - the New Testament plainly attests to this. But they also left behind the promise that, with all its visions and prophecies and fullness and glory, the Church of Jesus Christ would come back again some day!
Also of Interest
What's in the Bible? The Importance of Scripture Study: They Are They Which Testify of Me
An LDS article about the writings of early Christian historian Eusebius
Christian Classics Ethereal Library - The Works of Eusebius Pamphilius
The Church of Jesus Christs makes its comeback in "Apostasy & Restoraton - Latter-Day"
Amos - A Famine of Hearing the Words of the Lord
Anciently, the prophet Amos foretold the coming of a day when there would be a "famine of hearing the word of the Lord":
"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: 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." (Amos 8:11-12)
Note that Amos was a Bible prophet, and that the people had the writings of the Old Testament up to the time of Christ. Following that, the New Testament was added and holy writ was compiled into what we still know today as the Holy Bible. Strictly speaking, the word of God has been available in the scriptures - only occasionally uninterrupted since the time of Amos. Amos was telling us that revelation through prophets and apostles - the source from whence these scriptures sprang - would be lost from the earth. His focus on the importance of ongoing prophecy and revelation is evident elsewhere in the Book of Amos:
Zechariah - Woe to The Idol Shepherd
The prophet Zechariah warned that, after the Savior's illegal trial and execution, He would raise up a false shepherd. In other words, there would be a powerful agent that would scatter and persecute both the Jews and Gentile converts to His Church. History shows us that Rome began to fulfill this prophecy in 70 A.D. Zechariah further warned that this and all false churches would be brought to their end at the last day.
"And the Lord said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd. For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which
shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young
one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still:
but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces. Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be
upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up,
and his right eye shall be utterly darkened." (Zechariah 11:15-17)
Daniel - The Kingdom of God in the Days of Kings
The book of Daniel tells us that an ancient king by the name of Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that none of his soothsayers or wise men could interpret. God revealed the interpretation to Daniel:
"The king answered and said to Daniel... Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days." (Daniel 2:26-28)
Through the prophet Daniel, the Lord promised he would set up His kingdom in the latter days. It would be in a day of kings, at a time when the power of kings was diminishing. It's people would be "in the world, but not of the world", or, as Daniel puts it, "iron is not mixed with clay...they shall not cleave one to another". It would never apostatize or be destroyed:
"And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. 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. 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." (Daniel 2:43-45)
It is widely understood in Christianity that this is to be the kingdom which God would establish prior to His millenial reign, to prepare the way of His coming. It should be noted than whenever the Lord chose His people and set up among them the means to govern them, He did it by way of calling a prophet who then called other ecclesiastical leaders to help him. The Lord only established a conventional king among the Israelites (i.e. left his kingdom to other people) because they were hard enough in their hearts to demand it of their prophet, Samuel. (see 1 Samuel 8) In short, the kingdom which God has established among his people - multiple times - has always been His church, guided by his servants, the prophets. Daniel foresaw that the Lord would set up just such a kingdom one last time in the latter days!
A Marvellous Work and a Wonder
Isaiah prophesied that in the last days, the Lord would "proceed to do a marvellous work and a wonder". It would take place in a time when people "with their lips do honor [Him], but have removed heir heart far from [Him]":
"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 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." (Isaiah 29:1-14)
The Lord Will Set His Hand a Second Time
Isaiah gave the following prophecy concerning the last days:
"And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people... And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." (Isaiah 11:10-12)
The root of Jesse is a reference to the establishment of the Lord's priesthood authority, and the church of Jesus Christ is typified or symbolized by an ensign. (see Doctrine and Covenants 113:6-7, Isaiah 18:3) Latter-Day Saints believe Isaiah's prophecy of chapter eleven to be a prophetic foretelling of the Lord establishing his priesthood and His Church in the last days and of the literal gathering of Israel that began in conjunction with it. Note that he says "to it shall the Gentiles seek". Isaiah seems to have known that the church of Jesus Christ would be restored among the Gentiles in the latter days.
Read about the history of modern-day Israel
Isaiah prophesied of the then-future rebuilding of the temple following the Jews' return from exile in Babylon as well as the life and mission of Christ among many peoples, including the descendants of Jacob. This statement doubles as prophecy that the kingdom of God would be rebuilt by the gentiles and the descendants of Ephraim in all its former glory, that it would bring forth the words of the descendants of Jacob to shine as a light on Israel, that there would be no end of this kingdom on the earth:
"Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel. And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart, the bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars..." (Isaiah 9:7-10)
A New Covenant with The House of Israel
Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord told us He would "make a new covenant with the house of Israel". Latter-Day Saints believe this to be a reference to the fulfillment of the Law of Moses and also the re-establishment of His church upon the earth - an event that has been repeated multiple times throughout biblical history, including this specific instance at the meridian of time:
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Jeremiah 31:31-33)
The Latter-Day Kingdom of God Will Be Established Among the Gentiles
Nursing Fathers, Nursing Mothers
Isaiah prophesied that in the last days the gospel would be given to the Gentiles, and they would be commissioned to do extensive missionary work. They would help people who are looking for God's truth:
The Gentiles Shall Receive the Priesthood
Paul taught that the Gentiles would be entrusted with and trust in "a root of Jesse" - a reference to Christ or to the authority of His priesthood:
"...a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust." (Romans 15:12)
Jews and Gentiles, The First and the Last
"And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last." (Luke 13:29-30)
"...and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." (Luke 21:24)
The Latter-Day Kingdom of God Will Be Established Among the Gentiles
Nursing Fathers, Nursing Mothers
Isaiah prophesied that in the last days the gospel would be given to the Gentiles, and they would be commissioned to do extensive missionary work. They would help people who are looking for God's truth:
"Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me." (Isaiah 49:22-23)
The Gentiles Shall Receive the Priesthood
Paul taught that the Gentiles would be entrusted with and trust in "a root of Jesse" - a reference to Christ or to the authority of His priesthood:
"...a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust." (Romans 15:12)
Jews and Gentiles, The First and the Last
"And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last." (Luke 13:29-30)
The Times of the Gentiles Be Fulfilled
Luke records the warning given by the Savior about the persecution against the Jews that would follow His crucifixion up through the restoration of the gospel among the Gentiles:"...and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." (Luke 21:24)
The Desert Shall Blossom as the Rose
Isaiah prophesied that in the last days, the desert would blossom as the rose and be as a place of refuge for the kingdom of God, that the gospel would be preached to the spiritually blind and deaf, that it would once again become a source of living water:
"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert." (Isaiah 35:1-6)
Put On Thy Strength, O Zion!
Isaiah prophesied concerning the literal gathering of Israel in the last days, saying it would happen concurrently with the restoration of the gospel - Israel "putting on her strength".
"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money... my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:1-10)
The Kingdom of God Will Be Small
The Bible tells us that in the latter days, the kingdom of God would be small when compared to other religions or with the rest of the world.
The Lord compared it to a mustard seed that starts out unbelievably small, but then slowly grows into something much greater:
"Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem." (Luke 13:18-22)
Jeremiah prophesied that missionary work would yield converts one at a time or in small groups, that even in families, only some would accept the kingdom of God while others would turn away:
"I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion" (Jeremiah 3:14)
Established in the Top of the Mountains
Isaiah also prophesied that in the last days the Lord's house would be established in the top of the mountains:
"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." (Isaiah 2:2)
Isaiah prophesied that in the last days, the desert would blossom as the rose and be as a place of refuge for the kingdom of God, that the gospel would be preached to the spiritually blind and deaf, that it would once again become a source of living water:
"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert." (Isaiah 35:1-6)
Put On Thy Strength, O Zion!
Isaiah prophesied concerning the literal gathering of Israel in the last days, saying it would happen concurrently with the restoration of the gospel - Israel "putting on her strength".
"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money... my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:1-10)
The Kingdom of God Will Be Small
The Bible tells us that in the latter days, the kingdom of God would be small when compared to other religions or with the rest of the world.
The Lord compared it to a mustard seed that starts out unbelievably small, but then slowly grows into something much greater:
"Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem." (Luke 13:18-22)
Jeremiah prophesied that missionary work would yield converts one at a time or in small groups, that even in families, only some would accept the kingdom of God while others would turn away:
"I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion" (Jeremiah 3:14)
Established in the Top of the Mountains
Isaiah also prophesied that in the last days the Lord's house would be established in the top of the mountains:
"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." (Isaiah 2:2)
Elias Shall Come and Restore All Things
During His ministry, the Savior prophesied that one whom He called Elias would come to restore all things:
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things, as the prophets have written. And again I say unto you that Elias has come already, concerning whom it is written, Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me; and they knew him not, and have done unto him, whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. But I say unto you, Who is Elias? Behold, this is Elias, whom I send to prepare the way before me. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist, and also of another who should come and restore all things, as it is written by the prophets.(JST Matt 17:11-14)
I find it noteworthy that this prophecy was given at a time when the Savior was alive on the earth. All things were already - still - in place, and yet, the Savior prophesied of the coming of this Elias to restore all things.
Elijah Will Restore the Priesthood and Turn the Hearts of the Children to the Fathers
Malachi prophesied that in the last days, albeit with the help of others, Elijah would come to restore the fullness of the priesthood and turn the hearts of the children to the fathers:
"Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord... And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming." (JST Malachi 4:5-6)
Read about the priesthood and how it organized both the ancient and latter-day churches.
Peter and John: The Second Coming, The Restitution, A New Prophet Shall Come
In teaching the people of Israel, following the resurrection of the Savior, Peter and John reminded them that the prophets of old had long foretold of the coming of the Lord in great glory, following a "restitution" of all things and the calling of a new prophet - all events that were at the time still considered to be in the future:
"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; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 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. 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... Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days." (Acts 3:19-24)
What prophet was there after Jesus and Peter, who was "like unto Moses" in leading the Lord's people? Why would there need to be a restitution of things that were very evidently already available to the saints and the church at that time?
A Falling Away Before the Second Coming of Christ
The apostle Paul told the saints in his time not to worry about when the Savior would come again, and he gave them an event that had to happen before that time would come:
"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)
Some have believed that this falling away was merely a reference to the widespread iniquity foretold concerning the last days - iniquity we now see in great abundance. But later on in that same chapter, we have Paul saying, " ...the mystery of iniquity doth already work..." (2 Thessalonians 2:7)
Paul understood that the Church was already in danger of being plunged into what we now call the Great Apostasy. Look at some of his statements to the various areas of the Church all over the Old World:
To the Corinthians
Paul wrote, warning them about divisions in the Church and about placing their loyalties on the apostles and missionaries instead of on Christ:
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name." (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)
On his way back to Jerusalem for the Passover, Paul stopped at Miletus, where he warned the saints against the impending apostasy:
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears." (Acts 20;28-31)
Paul had spent three years among them, trying to prevent the church from apostatizing! He left with the forboding sense that, although he had managed to strengthen many, his labors to save the church had been in vain.
To the Galatians:
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." Galatians 1:6-7)
To Titus:
"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." (Titus 1:10-14)
Isaiah prophesied concerning the apostasy of the church that would occur at the meridian of time:
"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant." (Isaiah 24:5)
Speaking to the Hebrews, Paul referred to the atoning sacrifice of Christ as "the blood of the everlasting covenant". (Hebrews 13:20)
Thus, the everlasting covenant is that covenant between God and His people which was made binding by the blood of Christ, or His atoning sacrifice, and Isaiah had prophesied of its being broken, rejected.
In the end, the Church of Jesus Christ died, in part because of being martyred at the hands of the Romans, but mostly because of internal strife and rebellion.
Some material paraphrased from "Turning from Truth" by Alexander B. Morrison
An LDS article - The Great Apostasy documented, beginning to end, in the New Testament
A "Dispensation of the Fullness of Times"
Paul taught the Ephesians, who had the Church among them, to look forward to a "dispensation of the fullness of times" when "all spiritual blessings" would be restored and all things would be gathered into one in Christ:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ... In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him..." (Eph 1:3-10)
Paul anticipated another dispensation of the gospel, of the things which had been "dispensed" by Christ during His mortal ministry.
An Angel Flying in the Midst of Heaven
The last of the apostles of the ancient church was called John the Revelator. He knew that the church of which he was a part was coming to an end, that, with the exception of the Bible, the gospel was about to be taken from the earth, but he foresaw a time when the Lord would re-establish it on the earth. He wrote:
"...they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life..." (Revelation 13:4-8)
"...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..." (Revelation 14:6)
The Cause of Apostasy
Every society since the dawn of time has shown a proclivity for defining its own morality, and its own religion. Indeed, in the eyes of society, morality and religion are only what the people say they are. Societies continually push God out of the picture - a history that has repeated itself dozens of times, and always to the detriment of the nation that does it.
The New Testament shows us an ancient Christianity that was too often plagued by the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture. Whenever a convert introduced a new idea, it seems the Church mulled over how best to incorporate that idea into the local doctrine. Gnosticism, docetism, Greek mythology, and even downright immorality were allowed to creep into the practices and tolerances of the early Church. Following the deaths of the apostles and with the exception of some reforms, this became the norm as part of a campaign to transform the Church of Jesus Christ into a universal "church of everyone". (see Matthew 7:13-14)
When the people of society have questions, they sit together in councils and "decide what to believe". Then, rather than having the benefit and conviction that come with the witness of the Holy Ghost, they argue and contend and use all manner of sophistry and deceit - even teaching their adherents not to study the scriptures on their own - to convince people to accept their doctrines.
Even today, we see our societies evolving after this same pattern. Religions come and go - a dime a dozen - but they are empty machinations of men, "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof". This has been the case for so long that the people of the world are beginning to lose interest in religion altogether. What's the point? Without the wisdom and power of God to guide us, religion cannot meet our complex spiritual needs.
God is the Moral Authority
But God is the absolute moral Authority in the universe, the author of all spiritual truth, and the central function of the Church of Jesus Christ has always been the practice of asking God what He believes.
While leading the Hebrews through the wilderness, Moses asked God what to do for water, and He made water come forth out of the rock. He asked God what to do for administrative help, and God authorized him to ordain seventy of the elders of Israel. Gideon asked for dry and wet fleeces, but expressed a willingness to do what the Lord had asked of him.
The Savior encouraged people to believe and ask, and they would receive. (Matthew 21:22). The Lord encouraged the ancient Jews to seek his face. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Jesus taught that the Father is of giving disposition, if we will just ask. (Luke 11:11-13)
Individuals can pray and ask Him what they should believe. (see James 1:5-6) When the whole Church has a question, they can pray and ask God, and he will reveal it to them, through His prophets and apostles. (see Amos 3:7)
Revelation: A Bedrock Foundation
The Church of Jesus Christ cannot function without its connection to heaven through divine inspiration and revelation. When we seek to change the ordinances and doctrines of God or resolve doctrinal questions without His input, we break the covenant of the gospel, and our connection to divine revelation is lost.
The Savior taught that revelation - both prophetic and personal - is so important that it is the rock upon which He has always built his Church. Regarding Peter's experience with personal revelation, the Savior said:
"...flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church..." (Matthew 16:17-18)
Has God Finished His Work Among Men?
So what became of the power of God on the earth? What became of the original doctrines, taught by the prophets of old? What became of the prophets and apostles and seventy, the miracles, the prophecies, the marvelous works and the wonders of heaven? Where are they now?
They were not lost on account of God capriciously deciding to cut off mankind and be done with His work among us. They were lost because of a crippling lack of faith among those who had covenanted to follow Christ - the same crippling lack of faith that is so prevalent in our society today. God will not do His work among us unless it be by faith - specifically by faith to ask for His help, His guidance, His love, His power, and His wisdom. The ancient church was taken from the earth because no one asked God, or cared what He taught. The world - and the Lord - would have to wait for someone to have the faith to just ask.
Inspired of God in the Meantime
We cannot, however, discount the work and faith of the many believers in Christ who have lived in the interim.
If not for the goodness and faith of millions of believers in Christ down through the centuries, America might never have been discovered, let alone become the great nation it has been. There has been much good done in the world that would not have been possible without these inspired people, doing their best to preserve and pass down what they knew to be the word and the will of God.
If it had not been for the faith of people like Eusebius, the early Christian historian, or Clement, the early bishop of Rome, King James and his translators, including William Tyndale, there would not have been sufficient religious education in the world to form the basis of the questions that led to the opening of the last dispensation in the fullness of times.
The Church of Jesus Christ: Lost, But Not Forever
The prophets of the Bible have been very clear: the Church was taken from the earth. It happened at the passing of John the Revelator. John was the last apostle, against whom the saints of his time revolted and refused to repent of their heresies. At his death, the plug was pulled, and the world went dark. The Church of Jesus Christ, with its prophets and apostles, was gone. (see Ephesians 2:19-20) The prophecy of Amos concerning "a famine of hearing the words of the Lord" began to have its gloomy, protracted fulfillment.
In their wake, the prophets and apostles left behind an organization that bore little resemblance to the original church in both structure and doctrine - the New Testament plainly attests to this. But they also left behind the promise that, with all its visions and prophecies and fullness and glory, the Church of Jesus Christ would come back again some day!
Also of Interest
What's in the Bible? The Importance of Scripture Study: They Are They Which Testify of Me
An LDS article about the writings of early Christian historian Eusebius
Christian Classics Ethereal Library - The Works of Eusebius Pamphilius
The Church of Jesus Christs makes its comeback in "Apostasy & Restoraton - Latter-Day"
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