The Bible has long foretold the apostasy of Christ's church and the latter-day restoration of the kingdom of God on the earth. Today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints stands as an ensign to the world, in fulfillment of these ancient prophecies in every particular.
Not only that, but the Lord through his prophets in ancient America revealed that apostasy would take place, that the fullness of the gospel would be restored on the American continent, in a free nation which God would establish among the Gentiles.
Let's look at the Book of Mormon prophecies and the sequence of events that led to the opening of the last dispensation in the fullness of times. (Ephesians 1:10)
Nephi taught his brothers, Laman and Lemuel, about the ministry of Christ, saying he would give His gospel to the Jews first, and then to the Gentiles. Before the death of Christ, in every dispensation of the gospel, it was always the Jews who received it first, and allowed Gentiles to have it. Following the death of Christ, the next dispensation would be given to the Gentiles, and the Gentiles would take the gospel to the Jews:
"...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 13:42)
"...the Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders. And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of heaven..." (1 Nephi 22:8-9)
After the Bible is Taught to the Gentiles, General Apostasy Will Follow - 600-592 B.C.
The angel who was teaching Nephi these things made this statement about the Bible:
"Thou hast beheld that the book proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew; and when it proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew it contained the fulness of the gospel of the Lord, of whom the twelve apostles bear record; and they bear record according to the truth which is in the Lamb of God. Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the Gentiles, according to the truth which is in God. And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away. And all this have they done that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men. Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God." (1 Nephi 13:24-28)
The Lord Will Restore His Gospel Through the Book of Mormon - 600-592 B.C.
This same angel went on to prophesy concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon:
"...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. 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... 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. 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. And in them shall be written my gospel, saith the Lamb, and my rock and my salvation. 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." (1 Nephi 13:32-37)
The prophets have long foreseen that there would be great apostasy in the last times, starting after the death of Christ. But they also saw that the Lord would "be merciful to the Gentiles" and restore the fullness of His gospel to the earth one last time in the latter days. All that was required to set it in motion was that someone had to refuse to seek the things of the world and ask God to provide answers to some very specific questions instead.
A Light Shall Break Forth
By way of revelation given to Joseph Smith, the Lord promised that in the latter days, in a time of wars and commotion and great wickedness, the fullness of the gospel would come forth:
"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth. And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound. And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel..." (Doctrine and Covenants 45:26-28)
If Any of You Lack Wisdom
In the year 1820, in a small village in the state of New York, a boy by the name of Joseph Smith was trying to decide which church he should attend. He had become confused by the arguing and contention among the preachers of various faiths in his area.
He recounts the following experience:
Not only that, but the Lord through his prophets in ancient America revealed that apostasy would take place, that the fullness of the gospel would be restored on the American continent, in a free nation which God would establish among the Gentiles.
Let's look at the Book of Mormon prophecies and the sequence of events that led to the opening of the last dispensation in the fullness of times. (Ephesians 1:10)
Book of Mormon Prophecies
Jews and Gentiles, The First and the Last - 600 B.C.
"And blessed are the Gentiles, because of their belief in me, in and of the Holy Ghost, which witnesses unto them of me and of the Father. Behold, because of their belief in me, saith the Father, and because of the unbelief of you, O house of Israel, in the latter day shall the truth come unto the Gentiles, that the fulness of these things shall be made known unto them." 3 Nephi 16:6-7)
Jews and Gentiles, The First and the Last - 600 B.C.
"And blessed are the Gentiles, because of their belief in me, in and of the Holy Ghost, which witnesses unto them of me and of the Father. Behold, because of their belief in me, saith the Father, and because of the unbelief of you, O house of Israel, in the latter day shall the truth come unto the Gentiles, that the fulness of these things shall be made known unto them." 3 Nephi 16:6-7)
Nephi taught his brothers, Laman and Lemuel, about the ministry of Christ, saying he would give His gospel to the Jews first, and then to the Gentiles. Before the death of Christ, in every dispensation of the gospel, it was always the Jews who received it first, and allowed Gentiles to have it. Following the death of Christ, the next dispensation would be given to the Gentiles, and the Gentiles would take the gospel to the Jews:
"...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 13:42)
Nephi explained the meaning of this "first-and-last" prophecy to his brothers:
"...the Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders. And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of heaven..." (1 Nephi 22:8-9)
I Will Be Merciful Unto the Gentiles - 600 B.C.
Nephi prophesied that the Gentiles would have difficulty making sense of the Bible in the last days, that the Lord would restore His church. Note that in our day there are thousands of Christian churches, each claiming to be founded on the principles of the Bible.
"...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... 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." (1 Nephi 13:34)
Widespread Apostasy in the Latter Days - 600-592 B.C.
One of the things Nephi foresaw was the general state of apostasy that would come to exist in the last days:
"And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the Gentiles the formation of a great church. And the angel said unto me: Behold the formation of a church which is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity. And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it. And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots. And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church. And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity." (1 Nephi 13:4-9)
I believe this to be a reference to those who refuse to believe in God and who seek after power and riches and the praise of the world at the expense of others. The word "saints" is generally a reference to those who have made the covenant of baptism in the Lord's church; however, in this context I believe it refers to all who profess faith in Christ in any form and seek to do good according to their consciences because of their faith.
America: Made a Free Country by the Power of God - 600-592 B.C.
Nephi continues:
"And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten. And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance... And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them. And I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them. And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle. And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations." (1 Nephi 13:14-19)
Thus, Nephi knew that a free nation was to be established upon the land which he and his family called "the promised land". He knew that it would be established by people who sought religious freedom and who worshiped God.
Nephi prophesied that the Gentiles would have difficulty making sense of the Bible in the last days, that the Lord would restore His church. Note that in our day there are thousands of Christian churches, each claiming to be founded on the principles of the Bible.
"...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... 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." (1 Nephi 13:34)
Widespread Apostasy in the Latter Days - 600-592 B.C.
One of the things Nephi foresaw was the general state of apostasy that would come to exist in the last days:
"And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the Gentiles the formation of a great church. And the angel said unto me: Behold the formation of a church which is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity. And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it. And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots. And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church. And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity." (1 Nephi 13:4-9)
I believe this to be a reference to those who refuse to believe in God and who seek after power and riches and the praise of the world at the expense of others. The word "saints" is generally a reference to those who have made the covenant of baptism in the Lord's church; however, in this context I believe it refers to all who profess faith in Christ in any form and seek to do good according to their consciences because of their faith.
America: Made a Free Country by the Power of God - 600-592 B.C.
Nephi continues:
"And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the Gentiles and were smitten. And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance... And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them. And I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them. And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle. And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations." (1 Nephi 13:14-19)
Thus, Nephi knew that a free nation was to be established upon the land which he and his family called "the promised land". He knew that it would be established by people who sought religious freedom and who worshiped God.
After the Bible is Taught to the Gentiles, General Apostasy Will Follow - 600-592 B.C.
The angel who was teaching Nephi these things made this statement about the Bible:
"Thou hast beheld that the book proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew; and when it proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew it contained the fulness of the gospel of the Lord, of whom the twelve apostles bear record; and they bear record according to the truth which is in the Lamb of God. Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the Gentiles, according to the truth which is in God. And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away. And all this have they done that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men. Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God." (1 Nephi 13:24-28)
The Lord Will Restore His Gospel Through the Book of Mormon - 600-592 B.C.
This same angel went on to prophesy concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon:
"...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. 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... 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. 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. And in them shall be written my gospel, saith the Lamb, and my rock and my salvation. 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." (1 Nephi 13:32-37)
The prophets have long foreseen that there would be great apostasy in the last times, starting after the death of Christ. But they also saw that the Lord would "be merciful to the Gentiles" and restore the fullness of His gospel to the earth one last time in the latter days. All that was required to set it in motion was that someone had to refuse to seek the things of the world and ask God to provide answers to some very specific questions instead.
A Light Shall Break Forth
By way of revelation given to Joseph Smith, the Lord promised that in the latter days, in a time of wars and commotion and great wickedness, the fullness of the gospel would come forth:
"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth. And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound. And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel..." (Doctrine and Covenants 45:26-28)
If Any of You Lack Wisdom
In the year 1820, in a small village in the state of New York, a boy by the name of Joseph Smith was trying to decide which church he should attend. He had become confused by the arguing and contention among the preachers of various faiths in his area.
He recounts the following experience:
"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. 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. 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." (Joseph Smith History 1:11-13)
Thus, by unlocking simple truths found in the scriptures, Joseph Smith came into the faith he needed to do something that was about to change the world forever.
The Lord Answers Joseph's Prayer
Young Joseph went into the woods and knelt to pray. This is his account of what happened next:
I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me... 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! 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. 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.” (see Isaiah 29:13, Joseph Smith History 1:14-19)
Not realizing the full import of what he was doing, Joseph Smith had unwittingly activated the central function of the Church of Jesus Christ: the practice of asking God when we have a question about church or doctrine. This practice has since been incorporated into the way Latter-Day Saints study the scriptures and the way our missionaries encourage investigators to study the gospel.
Already, the Church of Jesus Christ was beginning to come back to life on the earth again!
An Angel Flying in the Midst of Heaven
Some time later, young Joseph was praying, asking forgiveness, and asking what else the Lord had for him to do in his new calling, when the following occurred:
"While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor. He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant... Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon left me. He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people. He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants..." (see Joseph Smith History 1:30-34)
Anciently, John the Revelator had prophesied, saying he had seen "an angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the fulness of the everlasting gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth". Mormons believe that the coming of the angel Moroni to bring Joseph Smith the Book of Mormon was the Lord's fulfillment of that promise. (Revelation 14:6)
Translating the Book of Mormon
Subsequently, after much training, the angel Moroni allowed Joseph Smith to receive the plates, warning him that he would have to be diligent in protecting them. The process of translating the Book of Mormon resulted in the fulfillment of several of the prophecies of Isaiah.
But more importantly, the things they learned from the gold plates during the process of translation inspired Joseph Smith and Olivery Cowdery to ask God about the many doctrines and ordinances and priesthood offices that would be necessary for rebuilding the Church of Jesus Christ once tiny piece at a time.
According to Joseph Smith, the Lord and the angel Moroni gave him the Book of Mormon, "...proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants 20:11-12)
Buried not so deeply within the supposed lunacy of Mormonism is something that millions of believers have discovered and found to be of infinite worth: a rich and pure fountain of the words of Jesus Christ! The message of the Book of Mormon is that God has opened the heavens again and spoken to man in our time. The fountain of His Word has broken forth out of the ground and out of the darkness like a mighty geyser, to fill the hearts and minds of all who seek it. This fountain flows as richly and purely, as powerfully and beautifully as ever it did in antiquity! Through restoration of the prophetic calling, this fountain brings with it an ongoing flow of answers to mankind's long-held questions. The latter-day kingdom of God on the earth rolls forth as a stone cut out of the mountain without hands to fill the whole earth with the knowledge that God is not dead, nor doth He sleep. And it started with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon!
Read more details about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon
Restoring the Priesthood of Aaron
In the spring of 1829, Joseph Smith and Oliver cowdery were translating the Book of Mormon when they came across an account about a man who gained the authority to baptize and began to build up the church. On May 15, 1829, in response to their questions about the ordinance of baptism, the Lord began to restore the Aaronic Priesthood. He sent John the Baptist in resurrected form to confer the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery:
"...in the ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found mentioned in the translation of the [Book of Mormon]. While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying: '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.' He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter; and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he should baptize me. Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me—after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were commanded. The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he said, would in due time be conferred on us..." (Joseph Smith History 1:69, cross reference: Mosiah 18)
It should be noted that "hold[ing] the keys of the Priesthood" is a phrase that is used in reference to the First Presidency. (see the section of my restored priesthood article labeled 'First Presidency', Matthew 16:19) In other words, John the Baptist was acting under the direction of the last First Presidency to direct the kingdom of God on the earth, prior to the Great Apostasy. (Matthew 16:19, D&C 81:2) It should also be noted that John the Baptist was, in effect, informing Joseph and Oliver of their soon-to-be calling as the new First Presidency of the Church - not just promising the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Restoring the Priesthood After the Order of Melchizedek
By April of 1830, the Lord had sent Peter, James and John to restore the Melchizedek Priesthood - to confer upon them the ability to give the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Savior prophesied that He would "drink of the vine again in the last days" with them:
"... Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles (apostle being an office of the Melchizidek Priesthood), and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them; 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; And also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world..." (Doctrine and Covenants 127:12-14)
In 1836, the "keys of the last dispensation" were committed into the hands of Joseph Smith and the apostles. In 1842, the fulness of the priesthood was restored so the saints could perform all the ancient ordinances of the temple for the first time.
The restoration of the priesthood established the "dispensation of the fullness of times" of which the apostle Paul had prophesied!
Put On Thy Strength, O Zion!
Isaiah prophesied that in the last days, Zion would put on her strength once again. In response to questions from Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, the Lord Himself gave this interpretation of Isaiah chapter fifty-two:
"What is meant by the command in Isaiah, 52nd chapter, 1st verse, which saith: Put on thy strength, O Zion—and what people had Isaiah reference to? He had reference to those whom God should call in the last days, who should hold the power of priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of Israel; and to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage; also to return to that power which she had lost. What are we to understand by Zion loosing herself from the bands of her neck; 2nd verse? We are to understand that the scattered remnants are exhorted to return to the Lord from whence they have fallen; which if they do, the promise of the Lord is that he will speak to them, or give them revelation. " (Doctrine and Covenants 113:7-10)
When the Church was first founded, it took a certain amount of faith to believe that the Restoration would mark a time when the people of ancient Israel would begin to be gathered again to their homeland. We have since witnessed the fulfillment of these prophecies, but still await the time when they will accept Jesus Christ as their promised savior, as foretold by Zechariah.
A Marvellous Work and A Wonder Is about to Come Forth
A handful of times throughout the year 1829, the Lord repeated the words of Isaiah, saying that the "marvellous work and a wonder" of which he had prophesied was "about to come forth".
February 1829 - D&C 4:1-4
April 1829 - D&C 6:1-6
May 1829 - D&C 11:1-6
May 1829 - D&C 12:1-6
June 1829 - D&C 14:1-10
"A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word. Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God. Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God. Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion." (Doctrine and Covenants 11:1-6)
As a result of the restoration of the gospel, many religious leaders in other faiths have been surprised by the amount of doctrine they find in our "small" church, and they have been surprised by our ability to substantiate it in scripture. Just as Isaiah prophesied, "the understanding of their prudent men [has been hidden]" by the coming forth of the Lord's marvelous work and wonder.
The Founding of the LDS Church
Summer of 1829 to Spring 1830
Leading up to the organization of His Church in the latter days, the Lord gave several revelations throughout the summer of 1829 and the spring of 1830 that provided both authoritative and administrative details. These are now contained in Doctrine and Covenants section 20:
Events of April 6, 1830
The Lord commanded Joseph Smith to officially organize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on April 6, 1830. This date is significant because it was the anniversary of the Savior's resurrection, and because it fell during Passover. (see Doctrine & Covenants 20:1) The following occurred on that day in conjunction with the organization of the Church, per Doctrine and Covenants sections 20-21:
Subsequent Administrative Events
Restoration of the Priesthood Keys/Symbolism of Passover & Return of Elijah
The Lord's Latter-Day Church: His Marvellous Work and Wonder!
The Lord uttered no more "marvellous work" references after the Church was established. The prophecies of Daniel, Nephi and Isaiah concerning a "marvellous work and a wonder" and a kingdom or "stone cut out of the mountain without hands" in the last days had been fulfilled! Peter's "time of refreshing" and "restitution of all things" was upon us! The Lord had "called [His] Church out of the wilderness!" (D&C 33:5, Revelation 12:6)
The Kingdom of God in the Days of the Kings - Rolling Forth to Fill the Earth
Building of Temples is Restored, The Fullness of the Priesthood Revealed
Driven From Nauvoo
Into the Wilderness, In Search of A "Promised Land"
Miracles and Visions Among the People of the Lord
"...and also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart— for there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it— therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—these should then be attended to with great earnestness..." (Doctrine and Covenants 123:11-14)
Since even before the Church was founded, the Lord has continually reminded the Latter-Day Saints that he requires us to do all that we can to end the famine of which Amos had prophesied. In conjunction with announcing His intent to re-establish his Church in the latter days, the Lord stated multiple times: "behold the field is white, already to harvest" and "thrust in your sickle and reap with your might".
This is why Latter-Day Saints do missionary work, complete with the sending of seventies and the commissioning of full-time missionaries, just as in times of old.
Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord and Make His Paths Straight
Concerning the restoration of the gospel, through the prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord said this:
"Hearken, and lo, a voice as of one sent down from on high, who is mighty and powerful, whose going forth is unto the ends of the earth, yea, whose voice is unto men—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth. Yea, a voice crying—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom. Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name, make known his wonderful works among the people. Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth. Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth, that thine enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power and glory, forever and ever. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants 65)
The Savior's Testimony of His Marvellous Work and Wonder
In my experience as a full-time missionary, I often carried upon my shoulders children whose parents I knew to be descended of Manasseh. While I did not actually "lick up the dust of their feet", there were those who were amazed at the fact that, as boy, I had left behind everything I'd ever known to learn new food, new culture and a new language - to nurture the people of Venezuela with the good word of God. They could not bring themselves to fathom how I could have made such a sacrifice to come and serve them in this way. I don't say this to "toot my own horn"; I say this because, for me, this scripture has found fulfillment in a deeply personal, very literal way!
The Last Dispensation: Just Like the Others
The Church of Jesus Christ is Back!
Thus, by unlocking simple truths found in the scriptures, Joseph Smith came into the faith he needed to do something that was about to change the world forever.
The Lord Answers Joseph's Prayer
Young Joseph went into the woods and knelt to pray. This is his account of what happened next:
I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me... 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! 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. 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.” (see Isaiah 29:13, Joseph Smith History 1:14-19)
Not realizing the full import of what he was doing, Joseph Smith had unwittingly activated the central function of the Church of Jesus Christ: the practice of asking God when we have a question about church or doctrine. This practice has since been incorporated into the way Latter-Day Saints study the scriptures and the way our missionaries encourage investigators to study the gospel.
Already, the Church of Jesus Christ was beginning to come back to life on the earth again!
An Angel Flying in the Midst of Heaven
Some time later, young Joseph was praying, asking forgiveness, and asking what else the Lord had for him to do in his new calling, when the following occurred:
"While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor. He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant... Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon left me. He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people. He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants..." (see Joseph Smith History 1:30-34)
Anciently, John the Revelator had prophesied, saying he had seen "an angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the fulness of the everlasting gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth". Mormons believe that the coming of the angel Moroni to bring Joseph Smith the Book of Mormon was the Lord's fulfillment of that promise. (Revelation 14:6)
Translating the Book of Mormon
Subsequently, after much training, the angel Moroni allowed Joseph Smith to receive the plates, warning him that he would have to be diligent in protecting them. The process of translating the Book of Mormon resulted in the fulfillment of several of the prophecies of Isaiah.
But more importantly, the things they learned from the gold plates during the process of translation inspired Joseph Smith and Olivery Cowdery to ask God about the many doctrines and ordinances and priesthood offices that would be necessary for rebuilding the Church of Jesus Christ once tiny piece at a time.
According to Joseph Smith, the Lord and the angel Moroni gave him the Book of Mormon, "...proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants 20:11-12)
Buried not so deeply within the supposed lunacy of Mormonism is something that millions of believers have discovered and found to be of infinite worth: a rich and pure fountain of the words of Jesus Christ! The message of the Book of Mormon is that God has opened the heavens again and spoken to man in our time. The fountain of His Word has broken forth out of the ground and out of the darkness like a mighty geyser, to fill the hearts and minds of all who seek it. This fountain flows as richly and purely, as powerfully and beautifully as ever it did in antiquity! Through restoration of the prophetic calling, this fountain brings with it an ongoing flow of answers to mankind's long-held questions. The latter-day kingdom of God on the earth rolls forth as a stone cut out of the mountain without hands to fill the whole earth with the knowledge that God is not dead, nor doth He sleep. And it started with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon!
Read more details about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon
Restoring the Priesthood of Aaron
In the spring of 1829, Joseph Smith and Oliver cowdery were translating the Book of Mormon when they came across an account about a man who gained the authority to baptize and began to build up the church. On May 15, 1829, in response to their questions about the ordinance of baptism, the Lord began to restore the Aaronic Priesthood. He sent John the Baptist in resurrected form to confer the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery:
"...in the ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found mentioned in the translation of the [Book of Mormon]. While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying: '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.' He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter; and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he should baptize me. Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me—after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were commanded. The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he said, would in due time be conferred on us..." (Joseph Smith History 1:69, cross reference: Mosiah 18)
It should be noted that "hold[ing] the keys of the Priesthood" is a phrase that is used in reference to the First Presidency. (see the section of my restored priesthood article labeled 'First Presidency', Matthew 16:19) In other words, John the Baptist was acting under the direction of the last First Presidency to direct the kingdom of God on the earth, prior to the Great Apostasy. (Matthew 16:19, D&C 81:2) It should also be noted that John the Baptist was, in effect, informing Joseph and Oliver of their soon-to-be calling as the new First Presidency of the Church - not just promising the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
By April of 1830, the Lord had sent Peter, James and John to restore the Melchizedek Priesthood - to confer upon them the ability to give the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Savior prophesied that He would "drink of the vine again in the last days" with them:
"... Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles (apostle being an office of the Melchizidek Priesthood), and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them; 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; And also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world..." (Doctrine and Covenants 127:12-14)
In 1836, the "keys of the last dispensation" were committed into the hands of Joseph Smith and the apostles. In 1842, the fulness of the priesthood was restored so the saints could perform all the ancient ordinances of the temple for the first time.
The restoration of the priesthood established the "dispensation of the fullness of times" of which the apostle Paul had prophesied!
Put On Thy Strength, O Zion!
Isaiah prophesied that in the last days, Zion would put on her strength once again. In response to questions from Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, the Lord Himself gave this interpretation of Isaiah chapter fifty-two:
"What is meant by the command in Isaiah, 52nd chapter, 1st verse, which saith: Put on thy strength, O Zion—and what people had Isaiah reference to? He had reference to those whom God should call in the last days, who should hold the power of priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of Israel; and to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage; also to return to that power which she had lost. What are we to understand by Zion loosing herself from the bands of her neck; 2nd verse? We are to understand that the scattered remnants are exhorted to return to the Lord from whence they have fallen; which if they do, the promise of the Lord is that he will speak to them, or give them revelation. " (Doctrine and Covenants 113:7-10)
When the Church was first founded, it took a certain amount of faith to believe that the Restoration would mark a time when the people of ancient Israel would begin to be gathered again to their homeland. We have since witnessed the fulfillment of these prophecies, but still await the time when they will accept Jesus Christ as their promised savior, as foretold by Zechariah.
A Marvellous Work and A Wonder Is about to Come Forth
A handful of times throughout the year 1829, the Lord repeated the words of Isaiah, saying that the "marvellous work and a wonder" of which he had prophesied was "about to come forth".
February 1829 - D&C 4:1-4
April 1829 - D&C 6:1-6
May 1829 - D&C 11:1-6
May 1829 - D&C 12:1-6
June 1829 - D&C 14:1-10
In May of 1829, when the priesthood was restored, the Lord said this:
"A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word. Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God. Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God. Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion." (Doctrine and Covenants 11:1-6)
As a result of the restoration of the gospel, many religious leaders in other faiths have been surprised by the amount of doctrine they find in our "small" church, and they have been surprised by our ability to substantiate it in scripture. Just as Isaiah prophesied, "the understanding of their prudent men [has been hidden]" by the coming forth of the Lord's marvelous work and wonder.
The Founding of the LDS Church
Summer of 1829 to Spring 1830
Leading up to the organization of His Church in the latter days, the Lord gave several revelations throughout the summer of 1829 and the spring of 1830 that provided both authoritative and administrative details. These are now contained in Doctrine and Covenants section 20:
- The Lord commanded Joseph and Oliver to organize the Church and to be ordained as apostles (v. 1-2)
- conditions for baptism, including minimum age, the priesthood ordinances were given (v. 37, 68, 71-74, see also D&C 68:27)
- duties and functions of the offices of the priesthood were given (v. 38-67)
- baby blessings restored - known in mainstream Christianity as "christening" (v. 70)
- administration of the sacrament described - (v.75-79)
- Church instructed to keep track of membership (v. 81-84)
Events of April 6, 1830
The Lord commanded Joseph Smith to officially organize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on April 6, 1830. This date is significant because it was the anniversary of the Savior's resurrection, and because it fell during Passover. (see Doctrine & Covenants 20:1) The following occurred on that day in conjunction with the organization of the Church, per Doctrine and Covenants sections 20-21:
- Under the previously received direction of Peter, James and John, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery ordained each other as elders (Doctrine and Covenants 20:1-2)
- The six men who had thus far been baptized assented to organize the Church, as the Lord had commanded them to do (Doctrine & Covenants 20:1-2)
- The members sustained the first "prophet, seer and revelator" and the first apostles (see intro to D&C 21, D&C 18:8-9, D&C 27:12-13)
- The Lord officially called Joseph Smith to be a "prophet, seer and revelator" and the first prophet and first apostle of the last dispensation (v. 1)
- The Lord upheld the prophet Joseph Smith and commanded the Church to follow him (v. 2-8)
- Oliver Cowdery is also made an apostle and commissioned of the Lord preach the gospel to the Church, to the Jews and to the Gentiles (v. 10)
- They administered the sacrament for the first time (see intro to section 21)
- Joseph and Oliver, being elders, confirmed the members and gave them the gift of the Holy Ghost (see intro to section 21)
Subsequent Administrative Events
- The Lord gave instruction through the prophet that baptism is required to become members of His Church (Doctrine and Covenants 22)
- first callings were extended, first missionaries sent out (Doctrine and Covenants 23)
Restoration of the Priesthood Keys/Symbolism of Passover & Return of Elijah
The Lord's Latter-Day Church: His Marvellous Work and Wonder!
The Lord uttered no more "marvellous work" references after the Church was established. The prophecies of Daniel, Nephi and Isaiah concerning a "marvellous work and a wonder" and a kingdom or "stone cut out of the mountain without hands" in the last days had been fulfilled! Peter's "time of refreshing" and "restitution of all things" was upon us! The Lord had "called [His] Church out of the wilderness!" (D&C 33:5, Revelation 12:6)
The Kingdom of God in the Days of the Kings - Rolling Forth to Fill the Earth
In 1830 when The Church was established, for the most part, kings still ruled the earth. Many of the nations of the earth went on to follow the example of the U.S. Founding Fathers to establish constitutions that diminished the power of their kings and guaranteed democracy to their people. Today, the LDS people are known for our "peculiarity", for striving to remain free from the ways of the world, just as Daniel prophesied. In most nations of the earth, you can find the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - the same kingdom, all over the world, right down to the Sunday school manuals, hymns and weekly subjects of worship. It has truly begun to fill the whole world!
Building of Temples is Restored, The Fullness of the Priesthood Revealed
On April 3, 1836, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were visited in the Kirtland Temple by the Savior, by Moses, Elias, and Elijah:
"The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us... his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: 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. Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice. 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. 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... yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out... in this house. 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. 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. 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: 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— 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— 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."
For the full account, see Doctrine and Covenants 110. It should be noted that "Elias" is a name frequently used in reference to "one who has authority". It represents the authority to establish the Lord's church on the earth. The Lord used this name to refer to an actual prophet whose name was Elias, as well as to John the Baptist, Elijah, and to the general restoration of the church in the last days.
The Lord later declared to the early leaders of the Church the that the keys of previous dispensations of the gospel had been passed down to them, and the committing of the keys into the hands of men on earth once again had formally established this last dispensation of the gospel in the latter days:
"For unto you, the Twelve, and those, the First Presidency, who are appointed with you to be your counselors and your leaders, is the power of this priesthood given, for the last days and for the last time, in the which is the dispensation of the fulness of times, which power you hold, in connection with all those who have received a dispensation at any time from the beginning of the creation; For verily I say unto you, the keys of the dispensation, which ye have received, have come down from the fathers, and last of all, being sent down from heaven unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants 112:30-32)
On January 19, 1841, the Lord commanded the Saints to build the Nauvoo Temple, to enable Him to restore to the earth the fulness of the lost, ancient priesthood:
"For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood." (Doctrine and Covenants 124:28)
Later, in September of that year, the prophet Joseph Smith wrote a letter to the Saints at Nauvoo, indicating that the time was coming when the fulness of the priesthood would be restored. (Doctrine and Covenants 127:8)
On July 12, 1843, the new and everlasting covenant of eternal marriage was restored, which completed the restoration of all the ancient temple ordinances - the fulness of the priesthood. For more about those ordinances, see Doctrine and Covenants sections 110, 124 and 132.
Read about the return of Elijah and the significance of the timing of Restoration events.
Restoration of the Sealing Power
The authority by which eternal marriage is effected is called the sealing power. It is the same power which was given to Peter - a power to bind on earth and in heaven. Of the sealing power, Joseph Smith said:
"It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it?" (Doctrine & Covenants 128:9)
"The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us... his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: 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. Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice. 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. 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... yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out... in this house. 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. 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. 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: 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— 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— 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."
For the full account, see Doctrine and Covenants 110. It should be noted that "Elias" is a name frequently used in reference to "one who has authority". It represents the authority to establish the Lord's church on the earth. The Lord used this name to refer to an actual prophet whose name was Elias, as well as to John the Baptist, Elijah, and to the general restoration of the church in the last days.
The Lord later declared to the early leaders of the Church the that the keys of previous dispensations of the gospel had been passed down to them, and the committing of the keys into the hands of men on earth once again had formally established this last dispensation of the gospel in the latter days:
"For unto you, the Twelve, and those, the First Presidency, who are appointed with you to be your counselors and your leaders, is the power of this priesthood given, for the last days and for the last time, in the which is the dispensation of the fulness of times, which power you hold, in connection with all those who have received a dispensation at any time from the beginning of the creation; For verily I say unto you, the keys of the dispensation, which ye have received, have come down from the fathers, and last of all, being sent down from heaven unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants 112:30-32)
On January 19, 1841, the Lord commanded the Saints to build the Nauvoo Temple, to enable Him to restore to the earth the fulness of the lost, ancient priesthood:
"For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood." (Doctrine and Covenants 124:28)
Later, in September of that year, the prophet Joseph Smith wrote a letter to the Saints at Nauvoo, indicating that the time was coming when the fulness of the priesthood would be restored. (Doctrine and Covenants 127:8)
On July 12, 1843, the new and everlasting covenant of eternal marriage was restored, which completed the restoration of all the ancient temple ordinances - the fulness of the priesthood. For more about those ordinances, see Doctrine and Covenants sections 110, 124 and 132.
Read about the return of Elijah and the significance of the timing of Restoration events.
Restoration of the Sealing Power
The authority by which eternal marriage is effected is called the sealing power. It is the same power which was given to Peter - a power to bind on earth and in heaven. Of the sealing power, Joseph Smith said:
"It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it?" (Doctrine & Covenants 128:9)
Read more about the structure and ordinances of the ancient, restored priesthood.
Learn more about temple ordinances
Learn more about temple ordinances
The Mormon Pioneers Settle the Salt Lake Valley
Driven From Nauvoo
In January of 1846, the people of Nauvoo who were not members of the Church became insistent that the Latter-Day Saints leave. They were not content to wait until winter. Amid the noise and tumult of watching their homes and businesses and temple burn to the ground, an angry mob chased them out of of town, across the frozen Mississippi river and out in the snow, to spend the night in the freezing cold within sight of the city they'd built with their own hands.
Having been subjected to so much persecution over the years since the Church had been founded, under the guidance of the prophet Brigham Young, the members of the Church were again led into the wilderness, to travel to a new place and hopefully build up a civilization where they could dwell in peace - far away in the Rocky Mountains to the west.
There are more stories of the challenges and trials these people faced than I can recount here. After a great deal of tribulation, and continuing their missionary efforts all along the way, Brigham Young and many of the people arrived in the Salt Lake valley in July 1847. More came in waves, year after year. That first year was hard, as they had to establish farmlands in the desert. They built cabins and plowed fields and dug irrigation ditches to bring water from the Jordan River and other tributaries to where they could use it to water their crops. Once again, a people of the Lord had been led into the wilderness to cause the "desert to blossom as the rose" and to "flow with milk and honey".
All along their travels from New York to Ohio, then to Missouri, back to Illinois, and finally to the Salt Lake Valley, the Mormons saw the Lord work many miracles among them.
When we had questions about doctrine and ordinances and authority, there was the ministration of angels. When we dedicated temples, there were visions of angels seen ascending and descending out of heaven in the vicinity of the temple. So glorious were these manifestations that our neighbors in the surrounding area would often report that the temple was on fire. When the people fell sick in droves while draining the swamps of Nauvoo, the Lord through His prophet saw fit to heal us. When the traveling pioneers were starving in the wilderness, many prayed for the Lord to send us food, and it was provided - ofttimes by miraculous means. When the "Mormon crickets" began to devour that first year's crops in the Salt Lake Valley, the Lord sent untold thousands of seagulls to consume them, then fly away to regurgitate, only to return for more. When the Martin and Willie handcart companies ran out of food in the dead of winter, several hundred miles from the Salt Lake Valley, our people united in sacrifice to go and rescue them. Many times food and warmth was provided to the suffering saints, again by miraculous means.
Today, in commemoration of the miracles and the struggles the saints have endured in establishing the cause of Zion, the state bird of the State of Utah is the seagull, the state flower the sego lily, upon which so many subsisted until sufficient crops could be raised to feed them.
See the movie: 17 Miracles
See the movie: 17 Miracles
Established in the Tops of the Mountains
Isaiah prophesied that in the last days the Lord's house would be established in the top of the mountains. The prophets regularly use the word "mountain" to symbolize a holy place, or the temple.
Latter-Day Saints find it no small coincidence that the word "Utah" is a Native American word meaning "top of the mountains". Today, Temple Square - the headquarters of the LDS Church - is one of the most frequented tourist spots in the western half of North America. People may go to Las Vegas for gambling, or to San Fransisco for glimpse of the Golden Gate, or to Los Angeles for business or entertainment. But when they come to the Salt Lake Valley, whether they know it yet or not, it is to the learn the law of the Lord, just as Isaiah foretold. (see Isaiah 2:2-3)
Bringing an End to the Famine of Hearing the Words of the Lord
Amos prophesied that there would be a "famine of hearing the words of the Lord". We saw the members of the ancient church of Jesus Christ reject the prophets and apostles and bring upon the world this very darkness.
Concerning the preaching of the restored gospel in the latter days, Joseph Smith said this:
Since even before the Church was founded, the Lord has continually reminded the Latter-Day Saints that he requires us to do all that we can to end the famine of which Amos had prophesied. In conjunction with announcing His intent to re-establish his Church in the latter days, the Lord stated multiple times: "behold the field is white, already to harvest" and "thrust in your sickle and reap with your might".
This is why Latter-Day Saints do missionary work, complete with the sending of seventies and the commissioning of full-time missionaries, just as in times of old.
Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord and Make His Paths Straight
Concerning the restoration of the gospel, through the prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord said this:
"Hearken, and lo, a voice as of one sent down from on high, who is mighty and powerful, whose going forth is unto the ends of the earth, yea, whose voice is unto men—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth. Yea, a voice crying—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom. Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name, make known his wonderful works among the people. Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth. Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth, that thine enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power and glory, forever and ever. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants 65)
The Savior's Testimony of His Marvellous Work and Wonder
Concerning his "marvellous work and a wonder" which has been brought forth in these latter days, the Lord said this:
"And verily I say unto you, that they who go forth, bearing these tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, to them is power given to seal both on earth and in heaven, the unbelieving and rebellious; Yea, verily, to seal them up unto the day when the wrath of God shall be poured out upon the wicked without measure — Unto the day when the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man according to his work, and measure to every man according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow man. Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear: Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh; And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth. And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people; For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant; They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall."
"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; 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—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—But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; That faith also might increase in the earth; That mine everlasting covenant might be established; 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. Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding. And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known; And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed; And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent; And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time. And after having received the record of the Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon. And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased... And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon Idumea, or the world. Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants 1:8-30,34-36)
"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; 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—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—But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; That faith also might increase in the earth; That mine everlasting covenant might be established; 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. Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding. And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known; And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed; And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent; And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time. And after having received the record of the Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon. And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased... And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon Idumea, or the world. Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants 1:8-30,34-36)
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. They would "bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders". (Isaiah 49:22-23)
In my experience as a full-time missionary, I often carried upon my shoulders children whose parents I knew to be descended of Manasseh. While I did not actually "lick up the dust of their feet", there were those who were amazed at the fact that, as boy, I had left behind everything I'd ever known to learn new food, new culture and a new language - to nurture the people of Venezuela with the good word of God. They could not bring themselves to fathom how I could have made such a sacrifice to come and serve them in this way. I don't say this to "toot my own horn"; I say this because, for me, this scripture has found fulfillment in a deeply personal, very literal way!
I think the thing that really makes the history of the LDS Church to-date so remarkable is the fact that it follows a pattern set forth in scripture. I call it the Dispensation Pattern - a pattern that has always been followed whenever a new dispensation of the gospel is given, a pattern of calling a prophet who then calls twelve apostles or twelve "disciples", a pattern of bringing forth new scripture, of going into the wilderness in search of a "promised land".
The Church of Jesus Christ is Back!
Although it was rejected in ancient times, and although mankind was plunged into centuries of darkness and religious confusion, the Lord has seen fit to restore the fullness of His gospel. In fulfillment of the promises which He made anciently, the Lord has brought back his Church in the same way He has always established it. The visions and glories and miracles of old have followed its development every step of the way, bringing with it once again the prophets and apostles of the Lord - along with seventies and all the offices of the ancient priesthood - to instruct and to teach us, not in the ways or thoughts of man, but in the ways and thoughts of God. The Church of Jesus Christ and of His saints is back again to stay, here and now, in the latter days!
We are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!
We are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!
Don't Take My Word For It
I've said it before, and I'll say it again now. Don't take my word for it. You you've got to find out for yourself if what I'm saying is true. You will need to pray and ask your Heavenly Father to give you a spiritual witness of the truth concerning these things.
Come to church with us!
What are Mormon worship services like?
Meet with LDS missionaries
Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon
What are Mormon worship services like?
Meet with LDS missionaries
Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon
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