We’ll begin our study of the Doctrine and Covenants with the Restoration Proclamation. This document was published in 2020, two hundred years after the First Vision, where Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in a grove of trees in Palmyra, New York.
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints jointly issued this proclamation, which testifies of the love of God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the majesty of Their work of restoration in our day. Importantly, after listing several past events, the document affirms that “the heavens are open” and that “the promised Restoration goes forward through continuing revelation.”
Here are some other lessons I’ve learned from this proclamation:
Outline
- The universal love of God and the Atonement of Jesus Christ (paragraph 1)
- The First Vision (paragraphs 2-3)
- Restoration of priesthood authority (paragraph 4)
- Publication of the Book of Mormon (paragraph 5)
- Organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (paragraph 6)
- The Restoration continues (paragraphs 7-9)
Key Themes
- God loves His children in every nation.
- Jesus is our Savior, Exemplar, and Redeemer.
- Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son.
- He received priesthood authority from angels.
- The Book of Mormon complements the Bible and teaches us eternal truths.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ’s New Testament church restored.
- The heavens are open, and God is making His will known.
Book of Mormon Connections
- Nephi saw in a vision that “plain and precious” truths would be withheld and hidden from the world, but that the Book of Mormon would help to restore those truths.
- Lehi taught his son Joseph that another prophet, also named Joseph would bring forth God’s word in the latter days.
- Isaiah prophesied that because of widespread hypocrisy, God would do “a marvelous work and a wonder.” Nephi quoted that passage and applied it to the restoration of the gospel in our day. (See 2 Nephi 27, 2 Nephi 29.)
Applications
- Prayerfully study the message of the Restoration.
- Come unto Christ and His Church, and receive the Holy Ghost and the ordinances of salvation.
- Learn about life’s purpose by studying the Book of Mormon.
Recommended Posts
Blog Posts: December 31 – January 5
In Every Nation
The Restoration Proclamation begins by affirming “that God loves His children in every nation of the world.” One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to testify that Jesus Christ manifests himself unto all nations.” The Restoration is for everyone.
It Began with a Question
Many Book of Mormon prophets received knowledge by asking questions in prayer. The Restoration of the gospel began when Joseph Smith asked questions in prayer. Well-formed questions asked in faith can open our hearts and minds to receive revelation.
Authority Restored
Heavenly messengers gave Joseph Smith authority. God delegates different types of authority to different people, so that we can all contribute to His work. The heavenly messengers all lived previously on earth. Our work is not limited to our mortal lives.
By the Gift and Power of God
Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. A gift seems permanent, while power sounds more immediate. Both refer to capabilities received from God. Moroni said that when we do good, we work “by the power and gifts of God.”
Christ’s New Testament Church
During His mortal ministry, Jesus selected twelve disciples, whom He called apostles, to lead His church. They ensured that His doctrine was taught accurately, and they administered ordinances like baptism. The Savior has reestablished that church today.
My Ongoing Restoration
This week’s Come Follow Me lesson invites us to consider how the gospel is being restored in our personal lives. God is restoring His gospel to each of us, and that process requires that we continue to seek and receive personal revelation.
Leave a Reply