The Need for Restoration
The need for the Restoration arose due to the Great Apostasy, a period after the original Apostles were killed when many pure and precious truths were lost or changed. This led to a fragmentation of Christian beliefs, which resulted in numerous denominations. The Apostle Paul hinted at the forthcoming apostasy when he warned the elders of Ephesus, "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:29). This Great Apostasy created a necessity for a restoration of Christ’s true Church, not just a reformation of existing practices. It was a time of darkness, a time when the light of the gospel seemed to dim.
The Restoration Begins
In the spring of 1820, a significant event unfolded that marked the commencement of the Restoration of the Gospel. Joseph Smith, then a 14-year-old boy, sought guidance on which church to join. Following the counsel in James 1:5, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God," Joseph went into a grove of trees to pray. In response, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him, initiating the restoration of divine truths and authority. This event is known as the First Vision. This was a time of light, a time when the heavens opened and God spoke to his children once again.
President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke passionately about the First Vision's significance during a General Conference, emphasizing its foundational role in the Restoration:
"No other event in all recorded religious history compares with it in importance, in brilliance, in promise, and in the assurance that man is not alone in his search for eternal truth."
The Book of Mormon and Priesthood Authority
One of the critical elements of the Restoration was the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. As another testament of Jesus Christ, it serves as a companion to the Bible and restores lost truths. The prophet Nephi saw our day and wrote,
"And because my words shall hiss forth, many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible" (2 Nephi 29:3).
The Book of Mormon stands as evidence of God’s hand in the Restoration process. This was a time of revelation, a time when God's word was once again spoken to his people.
Furthermore, the Restoration included the return of the priesthood authority, which had been lost during the Great Apostasy. John the Baptist and later Peter, James, and John appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, bestowing upon them the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods, respectively. This authority is essential for performing sacred ordinances like baptism and confirmation. This was a time of power, a time when God's authority was restored to his children.
Thought-provoking Questions
- How does the story of the First Vision inspire my personal relationship with Jesus Christ and God the Father?
- In what ways can I incorporate the teachings of the Book of Mormon into my daily life to draw closer to God
- How can understanding the restored priesthood power influence my service within my family, church, and community?