Restoration (Mormonism)

In Mormonism, the Restoration was a period in its early history during which a number of events occurred that were understood to be necessary to restore the early Christian church as demonstrated in the New Testament, and to prepare the earth for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. In particular, Mormons believe that heavenly (either resurrected or translated) beings appeared to Joseph Smith, Jr. and others and bestowed various Priesthood authorities to them. A partial list of the restored authorites is given in the table below.

Related Topics:
Mormonism - Christian - New Testament - Second Coming - Jesus - Christ - Joseph Smith, Jr. - Priesthood

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Administering AngelRecipient(s) OrdainedAuthority GivenWhen

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John the BaptistJoseph Smith & Oliver CowderyAaronic Priesthood: Preach the Gospel, baptize, adminster Levitical duties and ordain others to this Priesthood

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The Apostles Peter, James and JohnJoseph Smith & Oliver CowderyApostle and Melchezidek Priesthood: Propound doctrine and ordinances and organize & lead the church; Confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost, bless, ordain others to this Priesthood

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ElijahJoseph SmithSeal (marry) husband & wife and parents to children for eternity

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MosesJoseph SmithGather the Twelve Tribes of Israel

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EliasJoseph SmithDispensation of the Gospel of Abraham

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According to Mormonism, in essence, all the Priesthood "keys" (or authority) necessary to establish Jesus Christ's church with authority to administer the Gospel and its ordinances were given to Joseph Smith who then organized that church to continue in perpetuity. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the largest Mormon group, believe that their church is the "only true and living church upon the face of the earth". By implication, no restoration would be necessary if a legitimately established church already existed. Thus, Mormons believe there was a Great Apostasy that preceded the Restoration. Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon church, prayed about which church to join. In a vision, two personages instructed him not to join any churches, for "all their creeds were an abomination." For Support Mormons cite Galatians 1:6-8 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3 concerning prophesy of the Great Apostasy.

Related Topics:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Great Apostasy

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Coinciding with the restoration of the Priesthood, Mormons believe that Joseph Smith received many revelations, visions and visitations of heavenly messengers to instruct him in order to enable him to fulfill his responsibilities in propounding doctrine and re-establishing ordinances. The majority of this history is recorded in one of the Mormon's scriptural cannons, The Doctrine and Covenants. Additional details and background of the Church in Joseph Smith's era is presented in the Church's seven volume set The Documentary History of the Church.

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In regards to the restoration of Priesthood authority, Joseph Smith dictated the following passage found in Doctrine and Covenants 128:20-21:

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:And again, what do we hear?...The voice of Peter, James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna county, and Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the fulness of times! And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time, all declaring their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope!

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In reflecting upon the responsibilities of teaching the constant revelations he received, he stated:

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:It is my meditation all the day, and more than my meat and drink, to know how I shall make the Saints of God comprehend the visions that roll like an overflowing surge before my mind.

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Among other scriptures, Mormons cite Acts 3:21 as evidence that a restoration was contemplated. The King James Version reads: "...the heaven must receive Jesus Christ until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."

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