What Is the Restoration?
The Restoration is God's work of bringing back the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth.
Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He wants every person to have the opportunity to return to Him. When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, He established His Church. He taught the fulness of His gospel, called Apostles, gave them priesthood authority, and established sacred ordinances and covenants.
Following the deaths of the Savior's Apostles, priesthood authority was lost from the earth, and over time many gospel truths were changed or lost. Although many sincere people continued to seek and follow God, the Church that Jesus Christ established no longer existed in its original form.
In the early 1800s, a young man named Joseph Smith recognized the religious confusion around him and sincerely wanted to know which church he should join. Rather than relying solely on the opinions of others, he turned to God in prayer.
In answer to that prayer, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. They taught him that the fulness of the gospel had not remained on the earth and that Joseph would play a central role in its Restoration.
Through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored His Church, priesthood authority, sacred ordinances, continuing revelation, and many precious gospel truths that bless our lives today.
Why Was a Restoration Needed?
The Restoration was necessary because the priesthood authority that Jesus Christ gave to His Apostles was no longer on the earth after the Apostles died.
Without priesthood authority, the ordinances and covenants established by Jesus Christ could not continue with His divine authorization.
Over time, some doctrines and practices also changed, creating confusion among sincere believers who desired to follow God.
Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He did not abandon them. In His own time, He called another prophet and began restoring the gospel exactly as He had promised through ancient prophets.
What Was Restored?
The Restoration brought back many blessings that had been lost or were no longer available in their fulness.
These include:
- Priesthood authority
- The Church of Jesus Christ
- Continuing revelation through living prophets
- Sacred ordinances and temple covenants
- The Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ
- Additional scripture and revelation
- The opportunity for families to be sealed together forever
Together, these blessings help us draw closer to Jesus Christ and prepare to return to Heavenly Father.
Why Does the Restoration Matter Today?
The Restoration is not simply a historical event.
Its blessings continue today.
Because the priesthood has been restored, we can receive saving ordinances and make sacred covenants with God.
Because living prophets continue to receive revelation, we have guidance for our day.
Because the Book of Mormon has been restored, we have another witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Most importantly, because the gospel has been restored, we can fully follow Jesus Christ and prepare to return to God's presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph Smith pray?
Joseph Smith wanted to know which church he should join. Following the counsel found in James 1:5, he prayed and asked God directly.
What was restored?
Through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored His Church, priesthood authority, sacred ordinances, continuing revelation, and the fulness of His gospel.
Why is the Restoration important?
Because of the Restoration, we have the priesthood, living prophets, temples, the Book of Mormon, and the opportunity to make sacred covenants that help prepare us to return to Heavenly Father.
Scriptures to Study
- James 1:5
- Ephesians 4:11–14
- Acts 3:19–21
- Amos 3:7
- Joseph Smith—History 1:1–20
- Doctrine and Covenants 1
- Doctrine and Covenants 13
- Doctrine and Covenants 110
Final Thoughts
The Restoration is evidence of Heavenly Father's love for His children.
He did not leave the world without guidance or hope. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored His Church, His priesthood, and the fulness of His gospel so that we can make sacred covenants and prepare to return to God's presence.
The priesthood and the gospel are back.
As you prepare for the temple, remember that every ordinance and covenant points you to Jesus Christ and is made possible because of the Restoration.
We hope this article has helped you better understand the Restoration of the gospel and strengthened your testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored Church. Our prayer is that every resource we create points you toward the Savior and helps you prepare to make and keep sacred temple covenants.
Thank you for spending part of your temple journey with us.
— Scott & Riah Brough
Brough Made
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