all-encompassingly

This article on Mormonism was written by Pamela. It is one of a series of informational posts about perceived mysteries or secrets of the LDS Church. –Admin

Joseph Smith

After the Savior ascended into heaven, men altered the ordinances and doctrines that he and his Apostles established. Because of apostasy, there was no direct revelation from God; the true Church was no longer on the earth. Men organized diverse churches that claimed to be true but taught differing doctrines. There was a great deal of confusion and debate over religion. Because of this ’spiritual darkness’, the church was removed from the earth. However, the Savior promised that He would restore His church to the earth in the Latter-days. This promise has been recorded numerous times in the scriptures.[1]

As a young boy of only 14-years of age, Joseph Smith yearned for the true Church of Jesus Christ. With the faith of a child and the instruction given in James 1:5, young Joseph prayed to know which church to join. In answer to that prayer, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. He was instructed to join none of the churches, because the true church was not on the earth at that time. This event has become one of the most significant events in the history of the world.

With the ‘First Vision’ to Joseph Smith in 1820, this was the beginning of direction revelation to man on earth. The Mormon belief is that Joseph Smith was foreordained and chosen to be the vessel in which the Lord would restore His gospel.

It is through the Prophet Joseph Smith that the Book of Mormon was brought forth and translated by the gift and power of God. Joseph Smith said that the Book of Mormon is, “The most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our [Mormon] religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

It is through the Prophet Joseph Smith that the Lord has accomplished His work: the organization of the true Church of Jesus Christ, the restoring of the priesthood and the organization of temple work.

“Give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.” These words were relayed to Prophet sealed his testimony with his blood when he was martyred with his brother Hyrum by an armed mob in 1844. John Taylor who was with the Prophet when he was killed stated the following: “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.”[2]

For more information on the Mormon Church or Joseph Smith please see the following websites:
Mormon Church
Joseph Smith

——–Footnotes——–
[1] “Holy Bible”, Isaiah 29:14, Abraham 3:22-23; “Book of Mormon”, 2 Nephi 3
[2] Doctrine and Covenants 135:3