High School History 2.35 Joseph Smith & The Restoration

The divine appointment of Joseph Smith. Throughout history the world has been preparing for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the divine appointment of Joseph Smith, as prophet, seer, and revelator, this final dispensation has been prepared to receive and accept the fullness of the gospel. This year we have studied many historic events. From the birth of the Savior, through periods of spiritual darkness, the world has been enlightened by the lives and influence of good men who fought for religious freedom. The world prepared for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Prophet Joseph restored the fullness of the gospel to all mankind.

Declarations of Freedom Most recently we have learned of the far reaching influence of the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 and its influence as a symbol of liberty and protection in the exercise of personal rights. The 1320 Declaration of Arbroath asserted Scotland's position as an independent kingdom. A little more than four hundred years later in 1776, the Declaration of Independence loudly proclaimed that all men are created free and equal and possess the same inherent, natural rights.

The necessity of a religious republic. John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” It is important for us to understand that our constitutional system was solidly established not only as a republic, but as a religious republic. It is necessary to understand that only a religious people can be free. It is only among a righteous people that freedom and order can exist together.

Prophetic Voices From the days of Adam the prophets have looked forward to the time when the dispensation of the fulness of times would be ushered in and the Lord would “gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth,” which are necessary for his second coming and millennial reign. (Ephesians 1:10). The restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the establishment of Zion are the two great events in the history of mankind that precede the second coming of Jesus Christ.

America was chosen and prepared for the restoration of the gospel. The discovery and colonization of America was an important part of the preparation in the restoration of the gospel. Many believe that early colonists came to America only for economic reasons and ignore the importance of the Puritans who were seeking religious liberty.

The Great Awakening Many courageous men and women contributed to the religious environment of America. The Great Awakening began around 1739 and continued for almost two decades. The effort to restore righteousness and religious zeal expanded through the thirteen colonies. This awakened a desire to unite religious freedom with democratic order.

President Joseph Fielding Smith said “The discovery [of America] was one of the most important factors in bringing to pass the purpose of the Almighty in the restoration of his Gospel in its fullness for the salvation of men in the latter days.” Discuss why this was necessary.

Discuss the importance of a religious republic. In 1776 the Declaration of Independence announced to the world the unanimous decision of the thirteen American colonies to separate from Great Britain. Its true revolutionary significance was the declaration of the sovereignty, or the power, of the people. These rights were founded on the eternal principle that this freedom is inherently possessed by all men. The idea of independence was gained after a long fight for freedom. Our constitutional system was solidly established not only as a republic, but as a religious republic. It is necessary to understand that only a religious people can be free.

Second Great Awakening Concurrent with the American Revolution and the establishment of the Constitution, was the Second Great Awakening that brought about a reorientation of Christian thinking. Many new beliefs were introduced into our new nation including the idea that there was a need for the restoration of New Testament Christianity. During this time of revivalism, itinerant preachers held religious camp meetings among settlers in frontier towns. This period of religious revival promoted a time of moral reform and humanitarianism. This religious awakening lasted for more than forty years and included the time of Joseph Smith’s first vision.

“A Marvelous Work and a Wonder” The appointed hour, foretold by all the holy prophets, came in the spring of 1820 when God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. With this glorious vision the prophetic words of Isaiah began to be fulfilled, wherein he testified that the Lord would do “a marvellous work and a wonder” among the children of men. (Isaiah 29:14).

The Prophet Joseph Joseph Smith, called of God, laid the foundation that his successors have built upon. Through the inspiration of heaven, the Prophet translated the Book of Mormon, received the holy priesthood, and organized the Church of Jesus Christ once again among mortal man. Through him the keys of the priesthood were restored.

Spiritual Timing This spiritual timing is evidence of the Lord’s hand in directing the Restoration of the gospel. The restoration of Lord’s true Church could not have taken place among the religious intolerance of Europe. The Book of Mormon would not have been printed and published prior to the advances of industry. God directed the affairs of history so that America was the appropriate place for the restored gospel to be received by his chosen prophet, seer, and revelator, Joseph Smith.

The First Vision The first vision was a pivotal event in the rise of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Joseph F. Smith, nephew of the Prophet and sixth President of the Church, elaborated on the importance of the First Vision: “The greatest event that has ever occurred in the world, since the resurrection of the Son of God from the tomb and his ascension on high, was the coming of the Father and of the Son to that boy Joseph Smith, to prepare the way for the laying of the foundation of his kingdom—not the kingdom of man—never more to cease nor to be overturned. Having accepted this truth, I find it easy to accept of every other truth that he enunciated.”

Spring of 1820 In the spring of 1820, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith. This vision, which marked the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel, is the most important event since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith’s humble prayer led to the restoration of gospel truths, priesthood authority, and saving ordinances. “That one revelation answers all the [questions] regarding God and his divine personality.... His interest in humanity through authority delegated to man is apparent. The future of the work is assured. These and other glorious truths are clarified by that glorious first vision” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 93).

Reason and Relate Discuss the following scripture: Isaiah 29:14 “Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.”

Reason and Relate Discuss the following: What you have learned from the prophet Joseph Smith? How has the Restoration of the gospel benefitted your life?