Jesus Christ’s Church Is Restored

Everyone can enjoy the blessings of Jesus Christ’s Church on the earth today.
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The Ancient Church

One oil painting on wooden panel. Depicts Jesus instructing the Twelve in a rocky landscape beneath a tree. The light suggests early evening. Rmenamts of a small campfire are evident. Jesus extends his right arm while the standing and sitting apostles look at him with a variety of expressions and assumed poses. The subject and title are taken form Matthew Chapter 10.
Jesus Christ Establishes His Church
  • A key part of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry was organizing His Church.
  • He called the Twelve Apostles to teach and spread the gospel.
  • He gave the Apostles authority to act in God’s name, which is known as the priesthood (see Matthew 10:1–10).
The Church of Jesus Christ Is Lost
  • After Jesus was crucified, His Apostles faced dissent and persecution, in some cases leading to their deaths.
  • Some people misused religion to try to increase their own power or splintered off into new sects that misinterpreted the Savior’s teachings.
  • Over time, the priesthood was taken from the earth and many important truths were lost.
Attempts at Reformation
  • In the 1500s, people like Martin Luther and John Calvin recognized the incomplete state of Christianity and tried to reform existing churches.
  • Many new religions were organized to sincerely follow Jesus Christ and His original teachings.
  • Unfortunately, these religions still lacked the priesthood authority from God to perform ordinances such as baptism or the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

Joseph Smith Was Called as a Prophet

Joseph Smith's First Vision
Joseph Smith’s First Vision
Despite efforts made during the Protestant Reformation, a full restoration, directed by a prophet chosen by God, was needed.

The time for that restoration came in 1820 when a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith began to feel, in his words, “great uneasiness” about the welfare of his soul and which church he should join (Joseph Smith—History 1:8).

One day, as he studied the Bible, Joseph read: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).

This scripture had a powerful effect on Joseph, prompting him to find a quiet grove of trees where he prayed with all his heart for God’s direction. He wrote this account of what happened next:
I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. … When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, telling him that his sins were forgiven and that he should join none of the churches. Instead, Joseph had been chosen as God’s prophet who would restore Jesus Christ’s true Church to the earth.

The Restored Church

Through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored the same Church He had established in ancient times, which meant:

The Church was reestablished with a prophet and Twelve Apostles.
  • Disciples of Christ could be baptized into His Church with proper priesthood authority from God and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
  • Important religious ceremonies known as priesthood ordinances were restored to the earth, including the power to unite families together for time and all eternity.
Perhaps most notably, a messenger from heaven revealed to Joseph the existence of the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ. This book of scripture was written by prophets in the ancient Americas, and Joseph translated the book through divine inspiration.

Through the Book of Mormon and modern-day revelation from God, important truths about God’s plan for us and our purpose on earth were revealed. These revelations include:
  • A deeper understanding of the role of Jesus Christ.
  • The knowledge that we lived with God before we came to earth.
  • The knowledge we are here to become more like our Heavenly Father and return to live with Him again.
  • The reassurance that we can live together as families forever.
A church congregation singing hymns
Today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to be led by a living prophet and Apostles. Their teachings for these “latter days” include increasing our focus on the Savior, caring for the poor, ending personal conflict in our lives, and strengthening families. Thanks to their prophetic guidance and wisdom, millions of people around the world can experience the blessings of Jesus Christ’s restored Church.

Learn More about Jesus Christ’s Church

Like Joseph Smith, each of us can receive answers to our prayers. Talk to missionaries to learn about a God who loves you and wants to help you find truth.