The Apostacy and The Restoration — Missionary Training Center talk
The Apostacy and The Restoration — MTC talk
- Investigators must understand that there was an apostasy to appreciate the need for a restoration. Catholics will believe that the church continued unchanged from the days of Christ. Protestants will believe that the church continued but lost its way, and changes (reforms) were needed to find the truth again. Nonbelievers will not care one way or the other. But all must be taught that 1) the Church of Jesus Christ was established 2) Christ was rejected 2) his apostles were rejected 3) with the rejection of Christ and his apostles, priesthood authority came to an end 4) the doctrine of Christ became distorted.
- There is no better way to teach the apostasy than from the Book of Mormon. No only is the truth taught, but it introduces the Book of Mormon and its pure truth into the lives of investigators.
- Imagine teaching the rejection of Christ and the subsequent apostasy by reading 2 Nephi 10:3 with an investigator. Read 10:3-5. If these people were willing to crucify their God, they and their descendants would have no problem in rejecting Christ’s apostles, their authority, and their doctrine.
- Imagine teaching the rejection of the apostles by reading 1 Nephi 11:33-36. Read those.
- Beautiful truths can also be introduced from the Bible which testify of the spiritual darkness that enveloped Christianity after a very short period of time. Isaiah described it in these words: This people…precepts of men. 29:13 .
- Yes, the teachings of Christ were preserved and how grateful we are for the Bible, the New Testament and its principles. But the interpretation of those principles and doctrines became distorted, misinterpreted, the philosophies of men became the order of the day. Decisions and interpretations were made by men, by councils, by synods, by conventions, by private interpretation. There were many sincere and well-meaning souls, but the foundation of apostles and prophets, upon which the Lord said his Church must be built, had eroded.
- The Book of Mormon in the Book of Mormon describes a time at about 300 A.D. when wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people. How beautiful to testify that the same situation existed after Christ’s crucifixion, and a similar result was had. Again, using the Book of Mormon to testify.
- Some will ask why the Lord would set up the church, only to see if falter in such a short period of time. Surely that was not His plan? It was men who made that decision. There is no compulsion or force in the Lord’s plan. A few centuries without apostles and prophets made all appreciate the blessing of having them restored.
- It then becomes our joy and privilege to open the beauties of the restoration to our investigators. How wonderful to read D&C 1:30, testifying that prophets and apostles are on earth again, as it the pure and true doctrine of Christ.
What are some of the beauties of the restoration that will touch hearts?
- Why Joseph Smith? A 14 year old? Surely a pope or a cardinal or a minister or scholar? No. Mark 2 talks about new wine in new bottles. Uncluttered, not indoctrinated. Like Abraham, Joseph was one of the great and noble spirits. With the exception of Jesus only, Joseph has done more for the salvation of mankind than any other man that has lived. He lived great, he died great, in the eyes of God and his fellowmen.
- Why in the 1800’s? The climate was right in America. A of F 11 – we claim the privilege.. The possibility of that only existed in America. State religions, governmental decrees, and ancient tradition were the order of the day in the rest of the world. Read 1 Nephi 13:30
- What do we learn from the First Vision?
. a. God lives! Not dead or uninterested or preoccupied or absent!
. b. God loves His son! BELOVED, how tenderly
. c. Father and Son are distinct! Dispelled centuries of error and distortion and falsehood. What else would a father and a son look like?
. d. MEN! Bodies, parts, passions! Pointing to the other! Passions? My beloved son. WE look like them, we are His offspring.
. e. True nature! Glorified, exalted, immortal, perfect, bright
. f. Joseph’s name! 1st word spoken after centuries of silence. He knows us. He cares!
. g. Only 8 words! Why? Surely the Father is in charge, front and center. Why not? Deference to the Son, respect, he respected stewardship.
. h. God answers prayers! Why were they there? A sincere, humble prayer.
. i. Church was not on the earth! Draw near me with their mouths, but hearts… Countless sincere, devoted souls, but they were off track.
. j. Control nature! Standing above me in the air. They operate in realms and spheres that we cannot even conceive of. A quiet display of their omniscience.
. k. English! Native tongue? No interpreter! Fluently. How much do they love us?
. l. Joseph mature beyond his years! What would an average 14 year old do? And what about his question – which church is right? Not which church should . I JOIN! I will go and do!
Click here to return to the Talks and Presentations index