Elder L. Tom Perry: Restoration pivotal moments, elements
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Throughout the world, thousands of missionaries are declaring that the gospel has been restored for the blessing of all who will listen and obey, said Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve. In his address Sunday afternoon, Elder Perry recounted the pivotal moments and elements of the Restoration that were brought forth through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The First Vision
The dispensation of the fulness of times was ushered in by a very special vision to a young man not quite 15 years of age who went to the woods to pray for answers to the questions he had in his mind concerning religion. While in prayer, young Joseph Smith was visited by the Father and the Son.
"This vision revealed unto us that God, our Father, and Jesus Christ, His Beloved Son, are two separate personages," Elder Perry said. "Each has a body of flesh and bones that is glorified and perfected, thus clearing up the misconception that had been in existence for many centuries concerning the concept of God."
The Book of Mormon
Knowing that doubt, disbelief and misinformation would immediately follow Joseph Smith as he recounted the First Vision, the Lord brought forth the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, Elder Perry said.
"This ancient volume of holy scripture is a sacred companion to the Bible, containing the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. It also provides convincing evidence to the world that Joseph Smith is truly a prophet of God."
Elder Perry called the translation of the Book of Mormon a miracle that gives further proof of the book's divine origin. With Oliver Cowdery's assistance, Joseph Smith was able to translate some 500 printed pages in about 60 working days.
The Priesthood
Joseph and Oliver were thrilled with the doctrines contained in the Book of Mormon, particularly the doctrine of baptism, Elder Perry said. They approached the Lord in prayer to learn how they could obtain the blessing of baptism for themselves. They were visited by the resurrected John the Baptist, who conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon the two men. Now possessing the authority of the priesthood, Joseph and Oliver baptized one another in the Susquehanna River.
"A short time later, the Apostles Peter, James and John appeared, placing their hands on the heads of these two fellow servants and conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood," Elder Perry said.
The Church of Jesus Christ
With the power to act in God's name restored, Joseph was commanded to formally organize the Church.
"On April 6, 1830, at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, N.Y., six men who had previously been baptized voted unanimously to organize, according to the commandments of God, the Church of Jesus Christ."
The gospel has been restored, Elder Perry concluded. "This is His Church. This is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
