“Chapter 20: The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Russell M. Nelson (2023)

“Chapter 20,” Teachings: Russell M. Nelson

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Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appearing to young Joseph Smith

Chapter 20

The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

I cannot speak of the Restoration in tempered tones. This fact of history is absolutely stunning! It is incredible! It is breathtaking!

From the Life of Russell M. Nelson

Less than a year after President Russell M. Nelson was ordained President of the Church, he spoke at a sacrament meeting in North Salt Lake, Utah, USA. He said, “I bear testimony that God lives, Jesus is the Christ, [and] this is His Church restored in these latter days to gather Israel and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.”

In a brief message, President Nelson focused specifically on blessings we can receive because of the restoration of the priesthood, which he called “one of the hallmarks” of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He taught:

“[On] May 15, 1829, John the Baptist came. And I hope you know your Bible history to know what happened to John the Baptist. As a resurrected being, he came and restored the Aaronic Priesthood. …

“Shortly thereafter, Peter, James, and John—Apostles in the meridian of time of the Lord Jesus Christ—came and restored the Melchizedek Priesthood.

“And on April 3, 1836, Moses came to confer the keys of the gathering of Israel. And then came Elias with the gospel of Abraham to restore the Abrahamic covenant promised by God to Abraham, repeated to Isaac, [and] reaffirmed to Jacob, or Israel. And then came Elijah the prophet to restore the sealing authority, by which we can be sealed in the temple and have our children sealed to us for time and all eternity.

“Does that make a difference in how you live your life? As a father, I laid one of my daughters in the grave just this last week. But [I] know that her spirit still lives and that one day just as sure as I’m standing here with you today, we will be united forever in the fulness of joy in the presence of God and Jesus Christ and other members of our family, without end—all because of the restoration of priesthood authority.”

Teachings of Russell M. Nelson

The Restoration provides knowledge and essential ordinances for exaltation

Following the Savior’s Resurrection and the death of His Apostles, the world plunged into centuries of darkness. Then in the year 1820, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith to initiate the Restoration of the Lord’s Church.

This wave of truth and righteousness is wondrous! It is not man-made! It comes from the Lord, who said, “I will hasten my work in its time [Doctrine and Covenants 88:73]. This wave is empowered by a divine announcement [that] consisted of only seven words: “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” [Joseph Smith—History 1:17]. Uttered by Almighty God, that announcement introduced a young Joseph Smith to the Lord Jesus Christ. Those seven words launched the Restoration of His gospel. Why? Because our living God is a loving God! He wants His children to know Him and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent! And He wants His children to gain immortality and eternal life! [see Moses 1:39].

For this glorious purpose, our missionaries teach of the Restoration. They know that some 2,000 years ago, the Lord established His Church. After His Crucifixion and the death of His Apostles, men changed the Church and its doctrine. Then, after generations of spiritual darkness, and as predicted by previous prophets, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ restored the Church, its doctrine, and its priesthood authority. Because of that Restoration, knowledge and essential ordinances for salvation and exaltation are again available to all people. Ultimately, that exaltation allows each of us to dwell with our families in the presence of God and Jesus Christ forever!

I cannot speak of the Restoration in tempered tones. This fact of history is absolutely stunning! It is incredible! It is breathtaking! How amazing is it that messengers from heaven came to give authority and power to this work?

Our Eternal Father and Jesus Christ made multiple appearances to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Under Their direction, other heavenly messengers came, each with a specific purpose. For example:

The angel Moroni revealed the Book of Mormon.
John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood.
Peter, James, and John restored the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Moses bestowed keys for the gathering of Israel.
Elias conferred keys of knowledge about Abraham.
Elijah restored keys of the sealing authority.

In addition, the Restoration added knowledge that Saints had anciently. The Lord provided a new book of scripture. To the Holy Bible, He added the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is a record of prophecies and the ministry of the resurrected Lord to the people of ancient America. It explains God’s great plan of happiness—the plan of salvation [see Alma 12:28–30]. The Book of Mormon is in full harmony with the Bible. Both sacred records affirm the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the importance of His Atonement.

The Restoration fulfills many biblical prophecies. For example, Isaiah prophesied that the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains [see Isaiah 2:2]. The exodus of [Latter-day Saint] pioneers to the mountains of western America is a fulfilling saga of sacrifice and faith. Isaiah also foretold that God will do “a marvellous work and a wonder” [Isaiah 29:14]. That is now being fulfilled by the sacred work of our growing army of missionaries.

Old Testament teachings about tithing have been restored. As a result, more tithe payers are blessed because of their obedience. References to Melchizedek are clarified by scriptures of the Restoration. Prophecies that the stick of Joseph (the Book of Mormon) and the stick of Judah (the Bible) would be as one in God’s hand have now been fulfilled [see Ezekiel 37:16, 19; Doctrine and Covenants 27:5].

The Restoration also clarifies New Testament scriptures. Its reference to baptism for the dead is now better understood [see 1 Corinthians 15:29; Doctrine and Covenants 128]. Ordinances for our deceased ancestors are now performed vicariously in … temples throughout the world! There is no other way to offer salvation to our ancestors who died without a knowledge of the gospel! John the Revelator’s vision of “another angel [flying] in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth,” foretold the mission of the angel Moroni and the Book of Mormon [Revelation 14:6].

The Book of Mormon is the centerpiece of the Restoration. It was written, preserved, and transmitted under the Lord’s direction. It was translated “by the gift and power of God” [Doctrine and Covenants 135:3]. The book of Doctrine and Covenants contains many additional revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Through him we have received more pages of scripture than we have from any other prophet. In what must have been a wistful moment, he said to the Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois, “I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught” [Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 522].

I thank God and His Son, Jesus Christ, for the Restoration and its power to propel a magnificent wave of truth and righteousness across the earth.

Study Question

What are some restored truths and ordinances that have had a significant impact on your life?

The Restoration is not completed yet

The Restoration is not completed yet. There is much that has to be done. The gospel will be preached to every kindred, nation, tongue, and people. The majority of the people will not be interested, but those who accept it will know that it’s true and they will be happy to follow the Lord.

So continue to have faith in God, and develop a knowledge that Jesus Christ is our Savior, [that] His Church has been restored in these latter days, [and] that many great and wonderful things will come … in all the nations of the world.

We’re witnesses to a process of restoration. … If you think the Church has been fully restored, you’re just seeing the beginning. There is much more to come. … Wait till next year. And then the next year. Eat your vitamin pills. Get your rest. It’s going to be exciting.

The Restoration is a work in progress. As we are all colleagues in that cause, our combined charge is to help to gather Israel and prepare the people of this world for the Second Coming of the Lord. This is the most important work in the world.

Study Question

How have you seen the Restoration of the gospel unfold in your lifetime?

The prime purpose of the restored Church is to help us follow Jesus Christ and qualify for eternal life

My dear brothers and sisters, we have heard much today about the Restoration of the Church—the very Church that our Savior, Jesus Christ, established during His earthly ministry. That Restoration began [in 1820] when God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the young Joseph Smith.

Ten years after this transcendent vision, the Prophet Joseph Smith and five others were called as founding members of the Lord’s restored Church.

From that small group assembled on April 6, 1830, has come a global organization of more than 16 million members. The good this Church accomplishes around the world to alleviate human suffering and provide uplift for humankind is widely known. But its prime purpose is to help men, women, and children follow the Lord Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and qualify for the greatest of all blessings—that of eternal life with God and their loved ones [see Doctrine and Covenants 14:7].

As we commemorate the event that was launched in 1820, it is important to remember that while we revere Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, this is not the church of Joseph Smith, nor is it the church of Mormon. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. He decreed exactly what His Church should be called: “For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” [Doctrine and Covenants 115:4].

What does it mean for you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth?

It means that you and your family can be sealed together forever! It means that because you have been baptized by one who has authority from Jesus Christ and have been confirmed a member of His Church, you can enjoy the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. He will guide and protect you. It means you will never be left comfortless or without access to the power of God to help you. It means that priesthood power can bless you as you receive essential ordinances and make covenants with God and keep them. What an anchor to our souls are these truths, especially during these times when the tempest is raging.

Study Questions

Why do you think having an organized Church is important in today’s world? How would your life be different without the restored Church of Jesus Christ?

A proclamation: “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”

As we anticipated this 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith’s First Vision, the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles wondered what we might do to commemorate appropriately this singular event.

That theophany initiated the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and ushered in the dispensation of the fulness of times.

We wondered if a monument should be erected. But as we considered the unique historic and international impact of that First Vision, we felt impressed to create a monument not of granite or stone but of words—words of solemn and sacred proclamation—written, not to be carved in “tables of stone” but rather to be etched in the “fleshy tables” of our hearts [2 Corinthians 3:3].

Since the Church was organized, only five proclamations have been issued, with the last being “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” presented by President Gordon B. Hinckley in 1995.

Now as we contemplate this significant time in the history of the world and the Lord’s charge to gather scattered Israel in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we, the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles, issue the following proclamation. Its title is “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World.” It is authored by the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is dated April 2020. To prepare for today, I previously recorded this proclamation in the Sacred Grove, where Joseph Smith first saw the Father and the Son.

“We solemnly proclaim that God loves His children in every nation of the world. God the Father has given us the divine birth, the incomparable life, and the infinite atoning sacrifice of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. By the power of the Father, Jesus rose again and gained the victory over death. He is our Savior, our Exemplar, and our Redeemer.

“Two hundred years ago, on a beautiful spring morning in 1820, young Joseph Smith, seeking to know which church to join, went into the woods to pray near his home in upstate New York, USA. He had questions regarding the salvation of his soul and trusted that God would direct him.

“In humility, we declare that in answer to his prayer, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph and inaugurated the ‘restitution of all things’ (Acts 3:21) as foretold in the Bible. In this vision, he learned that following the death of the original Apostles, Christ’s New Testament Church was lost from the earth. Joseph would be instrumental in its return.

“We affirm that under the direction of the Father and the Son, heavenly messengers came to instruct Joseph and reestablish the Church of Jesus Christ. The resurrected John the Baptist restored the authority to baptize by immersion for the remission of sins. Three of the original twelve Apostles—Peter, James, and John—restored the apostleship and keys of priesthood authority. Others came as well, including Elijah, who restored the authority to join families together forever in eternal relationships that transcend death.

“We further witness that Joseph Smith was given the gift and power of God to translate an ancient record: the Book of Mormon—Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Pages of this sacred text include an account of the personal ministry of Jesus Christ among people in the Western Hemisphere soon after His Resurrection. It teaches of life’s purpose and explains the doctrine of Christ, which is central to that purpose. As a companion scripture to the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies that all human beings are sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven, that He has a divine plan for our lives, and that His Son, Jesus Christ, speaks today as well as in days of old.

“We declare that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized on April 6, 1830, is Christ’s New Testament Church restored. This Church is anchored in the perfect life of its chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and in His infinite Atonement and literal Resurrection. Jesus Christ has once again called Apostles and has given them priesthood authority. He invites all of us to come unto Him and His Church, to receive the Holy Ghost, the ordinances of salvation, and to gain enduring joy.

“Two hundred years have now elapsed since this Restoration was initiated by God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Millions throughout the world have embraced a knowledge of these prophesied events.

“We gladly declare that the promised Restoration goes forward through continuing revelation. The earth will never again be the same, as God will ‘gather together in one all things in Christ’ (Ephesians 1:10).

“With reverence and gratitude, we as His Apostles invite all to know—as we do—that the heavens are open. We affirm that God is making known His will for His beloved sons and daughters. We testify that those who prayerfully study the message of the Restoration and act in faith will be blessed to gain their own witness of its divinity and of its purpose to prepare the world for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Beloved brothers and sisters, that is our bicentennial proclamation to the world regarding the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness. … Study it privately and with your family members and friends. Ponder the truths and think of the impact those truths will have on your life if you will hear them, hearken to them, and heed the commandments and covenants that accompany them.

We live in this unique and exciting time when the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ continues to unfold. I would encourage each of you to study, ponder, and teach from the bicentennial proclamation of the Restoration, introduced at the April 2020 general conference. … There is power in its declarations. It proclaims truths concerning the Godhead, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the First Vision, the organization of the Lord’s Church, the restoration of priesthood authority, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and modern-day prophets.

Study Questions

Which truths in the proclamation on the Restoration are especially meaningful to you? Why?

Invitations and Promises

Develop a knowledge of the Restoration

Continue to have faith in God, and develop a knowledge that Jesus Christ is our Savior, [that] His Church has been restored in these latter days, [and] that many great and wonderful things will come … in all the nations of the world.

Study, ponder, and teach from the bicentennial proclamation of the Restoration

I would encourage each of you to study, ponder, and teach from the bicentennial proclamation of the Restoration, introduced at the April 2020 general conference. … There is power in its declarations. It proclaims truths concerning the Godhead, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the First Vision, the organization of the Lord’s Church, the restoration of priesthood authority, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and modern-day prophets.