“Joseph Found the Light. So Can You.” New Era, Apr. 2020.
Poster
Joseph Found the Light. So Can You.
The Beginnings of the Restoration
When 14-year-old Joseph Smith walked into the woods near his home, he had deep questions he wanted to ask God. His questions would lead to the First Vision.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the First Vision—when Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph to answer his prayer. That event launched the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel, including God’s priesthood and the Lord’s true Church. The Restoration is one of the most important events to happen since the Savior Jesus Christ performed His Atonement. And that Restoration is still going on today!
1820
Early Spring, 1820
At age 14, Joseph is confused about which religion to join. He goes into the woods to pray, and in response, God the Father and Jesus Christ appear to him. They tell him that none of the churches are true.
1823
September 21, 1823
The angel Moroni appears to Joseph and tells him about the gold plates and the work Joseph is called to do.
1827
September 22, 1827
Joseph receives the gold plates from Moroni that he would later translate.
1829
May 15, 1829
John the Baptist confers the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Some time later, Peter, James, and John confer the Melchizedek Priesthood upon them.
1830
March 26, 1830
After seven months of printing work, the Book of Mormon is made available to the public.
April 6, 1830
Jesus Christ’s Church is organized again upon the earth. Joseph Smith is sustained as prophet, seer, revelator, translator, and Apostle of Jesus Christ.
1836
March 27, 1836
The dedication of the Kirtland Temple in Ohio marks the first temple in this dispensation. Important priesthood keys were restored here.
1846
May 1, 1846
The Nauvoo Temple is dedicated. While it was under construction, Jospeh Smith received revelations about the functions of temples, including proxy baptisms, marriage for eternity, and the endowment ordinance.