Lecture 3 - The Restoration

1. In these later days Christ restored his church as it was in former times.

2. The bringing forth of the Book of Mormon plates was Christ’s work.

3. There are other instances in which metallic plates were used for recording important matters.

4. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.

5. Priesthood authority was divinely restored.

6. Shortly after the death of Joseph Smith, the church was reorganized.

7. It is a privilege to share in the blessings and work of Christ’s vhurch today.

RE 1. Head of Christ.

Christ is central to everything we believe and teach. He is the Son of God, and there is no salvation except through him. Full acceptance of Christ requires obedience to his gospel principles.

RE 2. The Church, Complete.

The church was a part of Christ’s plan for the salvation of man.

Are there any questions about this.

RE 3. Jesus Ascendeth to Heaven.

Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Acts 1:10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

The next few slides are presented in review. Jesus will return again, in the latter days.

RE 4. Pentecost.

Acts 1:4 And, being with them when they were assembled together, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it rested upon each of Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

Under the conviction and power of the Holy Spirit, these people moved forward to bear witness of Christ by word and deed.

RE 5. Christian Devotion.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul; neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all.

Acts 4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked; for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Acts 4:35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 4:37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

This is one of the many ways in which they showed their love for Christ and their fellow men.

RE 6. The Hirelings Flee.

John 10:12 And the shepherd is not as a hireling, whose own the sheep are not, who seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth the sheep and scattereth them.

John 10:13 For I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

John 10:14 But he who is a hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

As the years passed the clergy was no longer motivated by love, but by desire for money, honor, and power. This was a major factor that led to the apostasy.

RE 7. Amos 8:11,12.

The prophetic predictions of the apostasy.

RE 8. Mosheim’s Ececlesiastical History.

Here is evidence from historians that the prophecies referred to were fulfilled.

RE 9. Divisions of Protestantism.

Our church is no where to be found in this chart, since it did not originate as a Protestant church. We believe in the restoration of Christ’s church.

RE 10. Isaiah 11:11,12.

In spite of the darkness that had come, here was a promise that the Lord would make things right again, and restore his church.

RE 11. The Angel Flying Through The Midst of Heaven.

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Rev 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water.

Verse 6 is just one of several Scriptures in the Bible that show that Christ’s New Testament Church was to be restored in the Latter Days. Verse 7 tells that the restoration covers from 1830 until the beginning of the millennium, and that part of the angel’s message is yet to be forfilled.

RE 12. Zechariah 2:4.

Zec 2:4 And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein;

Two angels were conversing together regarding the rehabiliation of Jerusalem, which was soon to take place. Note that this information was to be given to a young man by the angel.

RE 13. Joseph Smith Reading the Bible.

Confusion resulted in the revivals that were being held in Western New York State at this time. Young Joseph wanted to know which church to join and he was visyed by an angel and told to join none of them.

RE 14. The Field and Sacred Grove.

The stakes in the foreground mark the site of the log house in which Joseph lived in 1820 and 1823 when the first and second visions were received. The frame home was built in 1827.

RE 15. Inside the Sacred Grove.

The exact spot where Joseph prayed is not known, but that spot is represented by this opening in the center of the grove.

RE 16. Joseph Smith’s First Vision.This Church was started by God the Father. He said the first words; "This is My beloved Son, hear ye Him".

RE 17. Church History, Vol. 1, page 9.

It was Jesus Christ who was about to speak now in answer to his prayer.

RE 18. Church History, Vol. 1, Page 9.

He was told to join none of them.

RE 19.Close-up of Joseph Praying.

Here we can draw a parallel between this vision and other similar experiences recorded in the Bible. Outstanding ones are: Angels appear to sheperds, The transfiguration of Jesus, and Paul’s vision on the road to Damascus.

RE 20. The Second Vision.

The Angel Moroni appeared to Joseph three times the night of September 22-23, 1823.

RE 21. Church History, Vol 1, page 12.

RE 22. Church History, Vol. 1, Page 12.

Here begins the account of what was told him. The angel said that God had a work for him to do.

RE 23. Church History, Vol. 1, page 13.

The second portion of his message made known the existence of certain gold plates and their whereabouts.

RE 24. Church History, Vol 1, page 13-14.

Several prophecies were referred to including the one mentioned in slide 12.

RE 24a. Joseph Views the PLates at Hill Cumorah.

Joseph went to the hill and found the plates, but was not allowed to take them. He was required to return each year for four years.

RE 25. Book of Mormon Plates.

This is apicture of a model of the plates. The inscriptions on the plates were reformed Egyptian. Each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long, and not quite as thick as common tin. The pages were bound together with three rings, and the volume was about six inches in thickness, part of which was sealed. With the plates was deposited the Urim and Thummim which consisted of two transparent stones in metal rims and attached to a breastplate.

RE 26. Breasyplate and Urim and Thummim.

This is a close-up of a model of the ancient Hebrew breastplate and the Urim and Thummim.

RE 27. Stone Box.

The plates were buried in a stone box on a hillside. This is typical of several stone boxes that have been found, some in the Middle East, and some on this continent. This indicates that it was noy unreasonable to have found the plates in a stone box, which had been buried in the ground.

Similiar to the one in which Joseph Smith found the Book of Mormon plates. Found buried near the entrance to the inner pyramid of El Castillo at Chicken Itza. In the box were found a priceless mosaic of precious stones and a Mayan Sac-Tun or Holy Stone. The Sac-Tun was reportedly used by Mayan priests to obtain revelations.

RE 28. Metallic Plates and Inscriptions.

These records of Darius the Great, King of Persia, were found in 1936. They are inscribed in gold and silver plates which were written about 516 B.C. When these were discovered, the metal was shining brightly.

RE 29. Stone Box and Plates.

This will give an idea as to what the stone box and plates might have looked like.

RE 30. The Gold Plates Found at Monte Alban, Mexico.

These gold plates found in America show that the ancients used such for their records. This gold plates found at Monte Alban, Mexico. Ornate gold jewelry taken from tomb seven at ruins of Monte Alban, Southern Mexico. Now on display at Oaxaca, Mexico.

RE 31. Joseph and Oliver Translating.

Because of persecution, Joseph and Emma moved from Palmyra to Harmony (now called Oakland), Pennsylvania, where Emma’s parents lived. In May of 1829 a school teacher named Oliver Cowdery became Joseph’s scribe.

RE 31a. John the Baptist Ordaining Joseph and Oliver.

Heb 5:4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

We see the importance of priesthood and its place in the Bible.

RE 31b. Susquehanna River.

An actual picture of the river in which Joseph and Oliver were baptised. This picture was taken at Oakland, Pennsylvania-which is the village about a mile east of Joseph and Emma’s home site (the spot pictured is typical of the spot where they were baptised, but is not the actual place).

RE 31c. Susquehanna Wilderness.

Somewhere is the beautiful valley of the Susquehanna River between Oakland, Pennsylvania and Broone County, New York. The Angels Peter, James, and John appeared to Joseph and Oliver in June, 1829, and restored the Melchisedec priesthood.

RE 31d. The Angelic Apostles Ordaining Joseph and Oliver.

The necessity of an authorized priesthood and the duties and powers of the Melchisedec priesthood.

Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

Heb 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

Heb 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

Heb 5:3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

Heb 5:4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron

RE 32. Peter Whitmer, Sr. Home near Fayette & Waterloo, N.Y. (restored- not original house).

Because of persecution, Joseph, Emma, and Oliver moved to Whitmers in June, 1829, where they lived until after the Book of Mormon came off the press in March 1830. While living there, the three witnesses beheld the gold plates. Here also the Church was organized and its first conference was held.

RE 32a. Three Witnesses Viewing The Plates.

Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Joseph view the gold plates and other artifacts, which were presented by the Angel Moroni. The testimony of the three witesses is in the front of the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris was not a good man and therefore is in the distance. They felt the plates with their own hands and heard a heavenly voice declaring that they were translated correctly.

RE 32b. The Three Witnesses.

Oliver (left), David, and Martin.

RE 32c Book of Mormon Manuscript.

The translating was finished in March of 1830. Joseph showed the plates to the eight witnesses.

RE 33. The Organization of the Church.

The church was organized on April 6, 1830, at Fayette, New York. They were told by reverlation the very day on which this should take place. Notice that in this important thing, Christ-not man- was the one who directed that should be done. Man merely obeyed the divine directive. Thus there was restored to earth the church of Jesus Christ with the same divinely called ministry, doctrinal principles, and spiritual power as in the New Testament times.

RE 34. The Church Complete.

The church which was restored was Jesus’s church, and that it was restored in its original, correct order. This accomplishment was not the product of human planning but was the work of heavenly powers, Jesus Christ himself directing its organization.

RE 35. Jesus on the Mount of Olives.

Mat 23:36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

In his day, Jesus was concerned that those who believed in him should be gathered together in one place. Likewise, in our day, even before the church was formally organized, the admonition was given to gather at the New Jerusalem or "Zion," which was later designated as Independence, Missoouri, and regions round about. This is an example of Christ directing through revelation today.

RE 35a. Palmyra to Kirtland and Missouri.

The Lord told the saints from the beginning that Zion was to be built. In February, 1831, Joseph and the Church Headquarters moved to Kirtland, Ohio and the next summer some of the saints began moving to Independence and Jackson County, Missouri, which is the place for Zion.

RE 35b. The Dedication of Zion.

Twelve hundred saints gathered into Jackson County, Missouri between 1831 and 1833, led by several teams of missionary elders who dedicated the Land of Zion on August 2, 1831, and the spot for the Temple on August 3. The dedication of the Land of Zion occurred at what is now 35th and Highland before Kansas City was founded.

RE 35c. The Saints Expelled.

In a little more than two years the saints were driven out of Jackson County at gunpoint because (1) their religion was so different, they beleived in modern reverlation, (2) they opposed slavery, (3) they were good to the Indians who had just been driven into Kansas, and (4) they were "Yankees" and this was only thirty years before the civil war.

RE 35d. Johnson Home Near Hiram, Ohio.

Joseph and Sidney Rigdon returned to Kirtland from dedicating the land of Zion, and later moved their families to Johnson’s farm near Hiram, Ohio, where they could work at correcting the Bible with greater peace. There are many versions of the Bible, and taht it is only natural that God would have had it corrected by his prophet to make an authentic version.

RE 35e. "And this is the Testimony, last of all...

While studing in the upper room in the Johnson home (possible at the far right), Joseph and Sidney had a vision into heaven in which they both saw God the Father and God the Son, and were enlightened concerning the three glories.

1 Cor 15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

1 Cor 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

1 Cor 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

1 Cor 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

1 Cor 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

RE 36. The Kirtland Temple.

The move to Kirtland was a step in the direction of gathering. This temple was built by the command of God (divine reverlation), and is the only building standing today for which such a claim is made.

RE 37. The Endowment at Kirtland.

This Temple was dedicated March 27, 1836. That evening 416 men of the School of the Prophets met, when suddenly angels appeared and an endowment was given.

RE 37a. Christ Appears in Kirtland Temple.

A week later Christ appeared on the pulpit of Kirtland Temple to Joseph and Oliver Cowdery, and promised a future endowment. Other prophets have also seen the LOrd, contrary to popular belief. ( Genesis 12:6; 17:1-29; 18:1; 26:2; 48:3-7; 2 Chronicles 1:7; 1 Kings 11:9: Isaiah 6:1; Acts 22:17-21; Reverlation 1:10-17).

RE 37b. Missionaries Under Endowmental Power.

After the endowment the elders from the School of the Prophets at Kirtland went out in all directions. They did missionary work in several countries and converted over 200,000 people in eight years, including 67,000 in England. This was the most spectacular missionary activity of any church in mordern history.

RE 38. Far West Region.

Because of religious persecution, the saints were driven out of Clay and Ray counties in Missouri in 1836, and out of Kirtland in 1838, so over 10,000 of them moved into the Far West area between 1836 and 1838. In late 1838 and early 1839 they were driven out of Missouri by the State militia. About 300 saints lost their lives as a result of this expulsion.

RE 38a. Nauvoo From the Air.

In the spring of 1839 the saints founded a city on the Mississippi River in Illinois, called Nauvoo. In six years it grew to 20,000- thelargest city in the west.

RE 39 Nauvoo, Illinios.

It was finally necessary for them to move out of Missouri into Illinois where they built this wonderful city. In its day, it was larger that the city of Chicago then was.

RE 39a. Mansion House.

Joseph and Emma’s first home in Nauvoo was a small log cabin called the Homestead House. Later, they had the Mansion House hotel built because of the endless visitors, and Joseph and his family occupied six rooms for a few months before his death. Nauvoo has been retored and it is an inspiring place to visit.

RE 39b. Joseph Smith’s Store.

Joseph made his own living by owning a store. Also, the upstairs of the store served as Church Headquarters. This is where Joseph lll was blessed to be his father’s sucessor.

RE 39c. Nauvoo Temple.

The temple on the hill was the pride of Nauvoo and the finest building in the western part of the United States at that time. It was never completed, and after the saints left, it was destroyed.

RE 40. Mob Violence at Carthage, Illinois.

This is the beginning of the martyring of Joseph Smith.

RE 41. Joseph Smith, Jr.

The unrest and opposition of the persecutors finally resulted in the martyrdom of Joseph Smith on June 27, 1844.

RE 42. Map of the U.U. Showing the Dispersion of the Church.

Certain leaders took followings with them to the various parts of the country. Many members followed no self-appointed leader, and the work of the Re-organization was soon started by divine direction. Finally in 1860, Joseph Smith lll, eldest son of the martyr, became the prophet-president of the church. He was called of God to so serve.

RE 42a. Brigham Young and His Doctrinal Changes.

1. Presidential sucession would be by lineage. Member the recent Joseph Smith lll sucession document. Brigham taught that the senior apsotle(himself) should automatically suceed to the Presidency.

2. Poligamy- Joseph and Hyrum were not poligamists(they had no polgamous children). Brigham had 27 wives and 56 children.

3. Concubinage- having a woman as a wife without marriage.

4. Celestrial marriage- being married in heaven. Jesus said there is no marriage there.

5. Secret temple ordinances- baptisms, mariages, and ordinations for the dead- these practices were unknown in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, which contains the fullness of the gospel.Therefore, they are false doctrines.

6. Temple garmments- All Mormons who go through their temples wear sacred underparments thereafter. Again, the Bible and Book of Mormon do not require such.

7. Plurality of gods- Every faithful Mormon man (not woman) becomes a god- Adam was the god of this world (God the Father).

8. Progression of gods- All the gods (including God and Christ) were men first and gradually progressed into godhead.

9. Blood atonement- since many revolted from the above teachings, Brigham taugt and practiced blood atonement to keep them in line. This meant that there were some sins, such as apostasizing, that the blood of Christ could not atone for- and therefore the offender must have his blood shed unto death.

10. Living oracles- that the word of the First Presidency (the oracles) is more authoritative than the Scriptures, and therefore, the Presidency can change any doctrine any time. This is the same doctrine as the infallibility of the Pope.

RE 43 Joseph Smith lll.

He presided over the church from 1860 to 1914.

RE 43a. Headquarters Returned to Independence.

After being ordained at Amboy, Illinois, in 1860, Joseph lll returned to Nauvoo. About 1863 the headquarters was moved to Plano, Illinois; and to Lamoni, Iowa in 1881, and then back to Independence, Missouri in 1906.

RE 44. Frederick M. Smith.

He presided over the church from 1915 until his death in 1946.

RE 45. Isreal A. Smith.

He became prophet-president of the church in 1946, and served until his death in 1958.

RE 46. W. Wallace Smith.

Ordained as prophet-president of the church in 1958, and served until 1978.

RE 46a. Wallace B. Smith.

Has led the church into apostasy and has caused the restoration movemnet to come forth, because of the false taeching under his direction.

RE 46b. Now the Church Continues.

These doctrines are important proofs that the church is true, as well as being important to the personal conversion of the hearers.

RE 46c. The Church Continues to Teach the Doctrines of Christ.

RE 46d. The Church Continues to Administer the Ordinances.

RE 46e. The Church Continues to Make Available the Gifts of the Holy Ghost.

RE 46f. The Church Continues to Help the Saints Enjoy the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

RE 47. The Auditorium, Independence, Missouri

RE 48. The Hope of the World.

The church of Jesus Christ has been restored to earth, and through it Christ is continuing his ministry to his people. This is the only hope of the world. It should be with grateful hearts therefore that we think of the wonderful works of God in this, our day.

RE 49. "Behold I stand at the Door,"

Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Christ stands at each one’s heart and asks to be admitted. It is through faith in Him, and acceptance of his guidance that we many come to God.