Joseph's work is the Savior's work
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Acknowledging the hand of the Lord in the Restoration, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve declared Sunday afternoon: "Through the inspired sacrifices of God's children through the ages, the foundation of that Restoration was laid, and the world is preparing for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Elder Hales related during his address how the Savior established the Church and called His apostles. "Most importantly, He laid down His life and took it up that all will rise again, thus carrying out the Atoning Sacrifice. But that was not the end."
The apostles were persecuted, some were martyred, and "the Lord's priesthood authority was no longer on earth, and the world fell into spiritual darkness. . . . Almost everyone was denied access to the scriptures, and most people were illiterate."
Making scriptures available was the first step in the Restoration, Elder Hales explained. The apostle then related the history of the Bible and the renaissance or "re-birth" that spread throughout Europe. He related how in 1455 Johannes Gutenberg invented the press with movable type, and for the first time it was possible to print multiple copies of the Bible at a cost many could afford.
Then followed such men as Martin Luther, John Calvin and others. "A reformation had begun," Elder Hales related.
Meanwhile, William Tyndale translated the New Testament and a portion of the Old Testament from Greek and Hebrew into English. "We express gratitude to all who lived in England and throughout Europe who helped kindle that light. By God's grace, the light grew brighter," Elder Hales said.
During this time, English King James the First agreed to a new official version of the Bible, the same one used by the restored Church today.
Religious persecution in Europe prompted many to seek freedom in new lands, which eventually led to a new nation on the American continent with religious freedom. There, a young man, Joseph Smith, questioned which of all the churches he should join. After reading from the Book of James, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God," he did as directed. In answer, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him.
"This humble farm boy was the prophet chosen by God to restore the ancient Church of Jesus Christ and His priesthood in these latter days. This Restoration was to be the last dispensation of the fulness of times, restoring all the priesthood blessings which man could possess on earth."
The Restoration, begun with the First Vision in 1820, continued with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the return of the Aaronic Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood to the earth. After the first copies of the Book of Mormon were published on March 26, 1830, Christ's true Church in these latter days was once again organized on April 6.
"The long night was finally over, and revelation streamed forth, resulting in additional scripture," Elder Hales said, speaking of the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.
In addition, he added, in the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836, the Savior appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, followed by Moses, Elias and Elijah, who gave additional priesthood keys to the Prophet.
"This gospel light would never again be taken from the earth. In 1844 Joseph Smith conferred all the keys of the priesthood upon Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff and their fellow apostles," Elder Hales related.
"I testify that the work of the Prophet Joseph Smith is the Savior's work," Elder Hales declared, adding, "The Lord expects us to be as faithful, as devoted, as courageous as those who went before us. They were called to give their lives for the gospel. We are called to live our lives for the same purpose. In these last days we have special reason to do so."
