The Restoration

Truth vs. Error

The truths of the plan of our Father in Heaven are eternal and unchanging.  They are the basis for all of His commandments.  Only through these truths can we find lasting happiness and prepare for eternal life.  It is essential that we find the truth, accept it, and live according to it.

The ideas of men are always limited and changing.  Human wisdom can never lead to a full understanding of eternal truth.  God is the only source of truth about the plan of salvation.

When Jesus Christ was on earth, he formed his church.  One reason he did so was to make sure that truth was taught.  He called apostles and prophets and gave them authority to teach his gospel and act in his name.  This authority is called the "priesthood."

After his death, Jesus continued to lead his church by revelation to his apostles and prophets.  These men held his priesthood authority.  They taught the truth and recorded these teachings in the scriptures.  In this way, the truths of God were taught clearly, without confusion.  

The original church of Christ had:

1. Prophets & Apostles
2. Priesthood Authority
3. Revelation

Without these three things, the church could not retain the truth.  

Apostasy

Jesus sent his apostles into all the world to teach his gospel and establish his church.  However, many people rejected and persecuted them.  Even church members fell into error and unrighteousness.

Because of the wickedness of the people, the apostles and many of the righteous church members were killed.  The Lord took the priesthood authority and his church from the earth.  There was no longer a church on earth directed by revelation.  Because men relied on human wisdom to understand the scriptures, many plain and simple truths were lost.

As a result, there has been great disagreement and confusion in the world about the truths of the plan of God.  Many false ideas of men have been taught as truth.  This general falling away from the truth is called the Apostasy.  The apostle Paul prophesied about this apostasy.   

1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  

2 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.    

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; --2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

The apostasy is the reason why there are so many different churches today.  Christ's church lost prophets and apostles who had the priesthood authority and who were guided by revelation.  Because of this loss, many people were left to their own interpretations of the scriptures, and confusion ensued.  

Fortunately, God had a plan to restore his true church to the earth.

The Restoration of Truth

To overcome the effects of this apostasy, God has proclaimed his truth to us in our day.  He has proclaimed it through living prophets, just as he did in Bible times.  God the Father and Jesus Christ visited Joseph Smith in the spring of 1820.  They came in answer to Joseph's prayer.

They told Joseph not to join any of the churches because the churches were teaching incorrect doctrines.  The people understood many Christian principles that helped them lead good lives, but they also misunderstood some basic and vital truths because these truths had been lost centuries before.

As a chosen prophet of God, Joseph Smith did some very important things to help us know the truth.  Through him, the Lord brought forth additional scriptures.  Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power and inspiration of God.

Joseph Smith recorded other revelations that he received from God.  Some of these revelations are found in two books of modern-day scripture called The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price.  These books of scripture show us that God continues to give revelation to guide his children.

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.  He did see God and Jesus Christ.  He did receive revelation from God.  He translated the Book of Mormon and also brought forth other important scriptures as a prophet of God.  

The Restoration of the Church

In addition to bringing forth important scriptures, Joseph Smith received the priesthood--the authority to act in the name of God.  John the Baptist, who had baptized the Savior, restored to Joseph the authority to baptize.  This authority is called the Aaronic Priesthood.   

A short time later, the apostles Peter, James, and John, whom Jesus had called to lead his Church, restored to Joseph the higher priesthood authority.  This is called the Melchizedek Priesthood.  Through this higher power and authority, the church is directed and rich blessing are brought into the lives of its members.

All necessary gospel ordinances are performed by the power of these two priesthoods.  By the authority of the priesthood, we are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  This gift enables us to receive personal inspiration and guidance from God.

After Joseph Smith had received the priesthood authority, the Lord commanded him to re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ on April 6, 1830.

Because Christ is the head of the Church, it is called the Church of Jesus Christ.  The name of the church today is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to distinguish it from the Church of Christ in ancient times.

The Lord testified that this is "the only true and living church upon the face off the whole earth."  D&C 1:30

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of Jesus Christ today.  It is complete, and contains everything the original church that Jesus Christ organized while he lived on the earth.

Learn more about the Restoration by clicking here.  Or here.

Membership in the True Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led today by a prophet and twelve apostles.  The Lord has called these men in our day just as he did in Bible times.  They receive revelation from God and have his priesthood.  Thus, they can teach his plan, perform his work, and direct his Church with authority.  They help clarify past confusion and misunderstanding by teaching the correct knowledge of the plan of salvation.  We accept these men as prophets of God.  We follow the guidance and direction the Lord gives us through them.  

The church today is led by Jesus Christ, just as it was originally.  He has called his prophet, Thomas S. Monson, to guide His Church today.  President Monson has two counselors, Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf.  

The First Presidency

The Church has twelve apostles, just as the original Church did.  They are: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard,  Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, David A. Bednar, Quintin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, and Neil L. Anderson. 

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

We must come unto Christ by belonging to his Church.  

2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.   

3 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.  

4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith. --Moroni 6:2-4

Only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can we find all the truths that will help us return to our Father in Heaven.  Only in the Church can we find the authority to perform the necessary gospel ordinances.  By being baptized and joining the true Church of Christ, we show that we accept Christ.  

I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today!  I know that it contains the fullness of His gospel.  Being a member of His church has brought me more blessings that I can even comprehend.  I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God and is lead by God.  I also know that his counselors and the twelve apostles are special witnesses of Jesus Christ.

Learn more about the prophets and apostles by clicking here.

Attending Church Meetings &
Partaking of the Sacrament
The Lord has commanded the members of his Church to meet together often.  A basic duty of Church members is to attend weekly worship services and take an active part in the Church.  Worship services are held regularly for the benefit of the members.


An important part of worship servicces in the Church of Jesus Christ is the ordinance of the sacrament.  Other groups sometimes call this ordinance "communion" or "the Lord's Supper."


The Savior introduced this ordinance during his last supper with the apostles before he was crucified.  From that time on, the followers of the Lord met each week on Sunday ("the Lord's day) to partake of the sacrament.


In the Church of Christ today, we use bread and water as sacrament emblems to represent the body and blood of Christ.  His followers partake of the sacrament in remembrance of his sacrifice for them.  


As with other ordinances, those who partake of the sacrament are making a covenant (or promise) with the Lord.  As our part of this covenant, we renew the promises that we make at baptism.  We will take upon us the name of Chirst, always remember him, and keep his commandments.


The Lord, in turn, promises that if we keep our covenants, we will always have his Spirit with us.  We will continue to enjoy the costant companionship of the Holy Ghost.


I am very grateful for the opportunity to renew my covenants with the Lord each week by partaking of the sacrament.  I feel the love that the Savior has for me.  I also feel his spirit and am better able to follow his example by remembering him each week.


In addition to partaking of the sacrament during worship services, the members teach each other the gospel.  They enjoy a sense of unity, mutual strength, and fellowship with other members.  Those who neglect these meetings miss blessings that the Lord has provided for us.


After becoming a member of the Church, attending worship services and partaking of the sacrament will bless your life.  Doing these things will help you keep the Sabbath day holy and know the truth more fully.  You will see the priesthood in action.  You will be strengthened in keeping the commandments.  You will better understand the plan of our Father and make the atonement of Christ more effective in your life.


I enjoy going to church.  Each week, my spirits are lifted.  My burdens are made lighter.  I learn how to become a better person.  I am also able to help others learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This is very fulfilling!


Please come and worship with us!  See for yourself what it is like.  If you are already a member, please invite a friend!  We have so much to share!