I tried an interesting experiment while I listened to the talks during this most recent General Conference. The idea for the experiment is not original with me. I am sure we have all heard it suggested many times. The experiment is to listen to the speakers with a particular question in mind and see how many of the talks address this question in one way or another.
I was preparing to teach a Sunday school lesson on the Restoration of the Gospel for the week following Conference. So I intentionally looked for principles and information about the Restoration as the General Authorities spoke.
What I found was amazing and enlightening. Not every talk addressed the Restoration, but many did, either directly or indirectly. It seemed that the Restoration was a major theme of the Conference.
Below are teachings about the events and the principles of the Restoration that I gleaned from comments in talks by the various General Authorities.
Elder M. Russell Ballard (Saturday morning)
- What is the role of the priesthood in the Restoration of the Gospel?
"During the glorious days of the Restoration and the reestablishment of the Church of Jesus Christ in the world today, John the Baptist; Peter, James, and John; Moses; Elias; and Elijah came to the earth and restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith all of the keys and authority of the priesthood for the work of God in these latter days.
"It is by these keys, this authority, and this power that the Church of Jesus Christ is organized today, with Christ at the head directing His living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and assisted by duly called and ordained Apostles."
- What is the difference between the authority and the power of the priesthood?
"The power of the priesthood is a sacred and essential gift of God. It is different from priesthood authority, which is the authorization to act in God’s name. The authorization or ordination is given by the laying on of hands. The power of the priesthood comes only when those who exercise it are worthy and acting in accordance with God’s will."
- What does the priesthood have to do with our salvation?
"The same priesthood power that created worlds, galaxies, and the universe can and should be part of our lives to succor, strengthen, and bless our families, our friends, and our neighbors—in other words, to do the things that the Savior would do if He were ministering among us today.
"And the primary purpose of this priesthood power is to bless, sanctify, and purify us so we can live together with our families in the presence of our heavenly parents, bound by priesthood sealings, participating in the marvelous work of God and Jesus Christ in forever expanding Their light and glory."
President Henry B. Eyring (Saturday morning)
- What did Joseph Smith's experience in the Sacred Grove teach us about our ability to come unto Christ?
"Every covenant servant of His within His kingdom on earth and in the spirit world will receive His guidance by the Spirit as they bless and serve others for Him. And they will feel His love and find joy in being drawn closer to Him.
"I am a witness of the Resurrection of the Lord as surely as if I had been there in the evening with the two disciples in the house on Emmaus road. I know that He lives as surely as did Joseph Smith when he saw the Father and the Son in the light of a brilliant morning in a grove of trees in Palmyra."
- How does keeping the commandments draw us closer to the Savior?
"My promise to you who pray and serve the Lord cannot be that you will have every blessing you may wish for yourself and your family. But I can promise you that the Savior will draw close to you and bless you and your family with what is best. You will have the comfort of His love and feel the answer of His drawing closer as you reach out your arms in giving service to others. As you bind up the wounds of those in need and offer the cleansing of His Atonement to those who sorrow in sin, the Lord’s power will sustain you. His arms are outstretched with yours to succor and bless the children of our Heavenly Father, including those in your family.
"There is a glorious homecoming prepared for us. We will then see fulfilled the promise of the Lord we have loved. It is He who welcomes us into eternal life with Him and our Heavenly Father.
"We will on the Day of Judgment stand before the Savior, face to face. It will be a time of joy for those who have drawn close to Him in His service in this life. It will be a joy to hear the words: 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.' I so testify as a witness of the risen Savior and our Redeemer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
Elder John B. Dixon (Saturday afternoon)
- How is the growth of the Restored Church like that of Christ's original church?
"During the early days of the Church, in the meridian of time, the gospel was taken to the house of Israel only; then revelation came to Peter, the senior Apostle, that the time had come to take the gospel beyond Israel and unto the Gentiles. The 10th and 11th chapters of Acts help us understand the process and pattern whereby this needed expansion of the Church to more of God’s children was made known to its presiding officers and the general membership.
"An example of the expansion of the Church at that time was the conversion of Paul, who became the great Apostle to the Gentiles. He had a vision while on the road to Damascus, where he saw a light and heard a voice, repented of his sins, and was called of God (see Acts 22:6–18) and then became a tremendous force in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
"Now let us move 1,800 years forward to the time of the Restoration of the gospel, or the restitution of all things prior to the Second Coming. I testify that through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Church has been restored and continues to move forward under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Their mandate to take the gospel to the world is the same as that of the Apostles of old.
"In 1978, following the established pattern of revelation through the senior Apostle, President Spencer W. Kimball, came a revelation, this time on extending priesthood blessings to all worthy males across the world. This means that in our day all of Heavenly Father’s children worldwide can partake of all of the blessings of the restored gospel. How appropriate to the kingdom of God on earth in the days approaching Christ’s Second Coming."
- How is the Church in Africa today like the Restored Church in Joseph Smith's day?
"As a people, West Africans believe in God, have absolutely no shame in declaring and sharing their belief with others, and have tremendous leadership capacity. They are coming into the Church by the hundreds, and every week or so a couple of wards or branches are created somewhere in the Africa West Area with, in nearly every case, all-African priesthood and auxiliary leadership.
"Across Africa, to join a Sunday School, auxiliary, or priesthood class is a sacred experience, where the Church curriculum is followed and there is great gospel understanding, teaching, and learning by the Spirit.
"It has been said of Africans that they have very little of that which matters least and a great deal of that which matters most. They have little interest in enormous homes and the finest cars but great interest in knowing their Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and in having eternal families. As a natural result of their faith, the Lord is lifting them in meaningful ways."
Elder Russell M. Nelson (Saturday afternoon)
- With which seven words was the Restoration introduced to Joseph Smith?
"This wave of truth and righteousness is wondrous! It is not man-made! It comes from the Lord, who said, 'I will hasten my work in its time.' This wave is empowered by a divine announcement made 193 years ago. It consisted of only seven words: 'This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!' Uttered by Almighty God, that announcement introduced a young Joseph Smith to the Lord Jesus Christ. Those seven words launched the Restoration of His gospel. Why? Because our living God is a loving God! He wants His children to know Him and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent! And He wants His children to gain immortality and eternal life!"
- What is the ultimate purpose of the Restoration?
"For this glorious purpose, our missionaries teach of the Restoration. They know that some 2,000 years ago, the Lord established His Church. After His Crucifixion and the death of His Apostles, men changed the Church and its doctrine. Then, after generations of spiritual darkness, and as predicted by previous prophets, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ restored the Church, its doctrine, and its priesthood authority. Because of that Restoration, knowledge and essential ordinances for salvation and exaltation are again available to all people. Ultimately, that exaltation allows each of us to dwell with our families in the presence of God and Jesus Christ forever!"
- What are some Biblical prophesies that were fulfilled by the Restoration?
"The Restoration fulfills many biblical prophecies. For example, Isaiah prophesied that the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains. The exodus of Mormon pioneers to the mountains of western America is a fulfilling saga of sacrifice and faith. Isaiah also foretold that God will do 'a marvellous work and a wonder.' That is now being fulfilled by the sacred work of our growing army of missionaries."
- Why is the Book of Mormon the centerpiece of the Restoration?
"The Book of Mormon is the centerpiece of the Restoration. It was written, preserved, and transmitted under the Lord’s direction. It was translated 'by the gift and power of God.' The book of Doctrine and Covenants contains many additional revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Through him we have received more pages of scripture than we have from any other prophet. In what must have been a wistful moment, he said to the Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois, 'I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught.'"
Elder Robert D. Hales (Priesthood session)
- What does it mean that Joseph Smith "sealed his testimony with his blood?"
"The Prophet Joseph Smith restored the Savior’s gospel, sealing his testimony with his blood."
The Prophet Joseph gave his life as proof of his testimony and his faith. He would rather die than deny what he knew and the experiences he had. Believing that he was going to Carthage to die, he had nothing to lose and everything to gain, in the eyes of the world, if he had admitted that he was a fraud and that he had made up the stories about seeing God and Jesus and angels and receiving revelations. Surely he would not have knowingly gone to his death to perpetuate a confidence game from which he would no longer profit. Though he wanted to live and tried to save his own life during the attack on the jail, he did not do so at the expense of his integrity and his testimony of the truth. There can be no more binding or unassailable testimony than that which is offered by a man who is about to die.
When moments of question and doubt have surfaced in my life and challenged my faith in the Restoration, I remember that Joseph went to his death for his testimony. I ask myself why a man would die for a lie. I do not have an answer. I do not believe a rational man would do such a thing. Therefore, Joseph's martyrdom is a symbol to me of his sure conviction of what he experienced and what he taught. I take strength from this knowledge. Why did Joseph have to die? So that the rest of us could know with surety that he spoke the truth.
Elder Neil L. Anderson (Sunday morning)
- When the gospel was restored, what must the early saints have thought of the commandment to take the gospel to all the world?
"As the Church of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth 183 years ago, the Lord’s charge to His small band of disciples echoed His words spoken centuries before: 'The voice of warning shall be unto all people.' 'For, verily, the sound must go forth … into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.'
"'All people'? 'All the world'? 'The uttermost parts of the earth'? Was it possible?
"The Savior reassured His Latter-day Saints, but could they foresee the reach and destiny of this marvelous work? They must have wondered if miracles really would accompany them in spreading the gospel.
"Again, faith overcame doubt, and thousands were baptized. In England, Elder Wilford Woodruff found an entire community awaiting his arrival. The Spirit of the Lord fell upon them, and he baptized 45 preachers and several hundred members during his first month at Benbow farm."
- What miracles have occurred to enable us to fulfill the commandment to spread the gospel?
"For those using the Internet and mobile phones, there are new ways to invite others to 'come and see.' Let’s make sharing our faith online more a part of our daily life. LDS.org, Mormon.org, Facebook, Twitter—all provide opportunities.
"To share the gospel, young members in Boston started several blogs. Those who joined the Church began their learning online, followed by discussions with the missionaries. This experience also helped the youth have greater faith in talking about the gospel in person. One of them said, 'This isn’t missionary work. This is missionary fun.'"
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (Sunday afternoon)
- Why did Elder Holland say that he had learned more about the gospel form Joseph Smith than from any other prophet?
"I know that Joseph Smith, who acknowledged that he wasn’t perfect, was nevertheless the chosen instrument in God’s hand to restore the everlasting gospel to the earth. I also know that in doing so—particularly through translating the Book of Mormon—he has taught me more of God’s love, of Christ’s divinity, and of priesthood power than any other prophet of whom I have ever read, known, or heard in a lifetime of seeking."
- What truths has Joseph Smith given us about the gospel?
In October 2009 General Conference, Elder Tad R. Callister outline key doctrines that Joseph Smith revealed as part of the Restoration of the gospel:
"First, he learned that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are two separate, distinct beings."
"The second great truth Joseph Smith discovered was that the Father and the Son have glorified bodies of flesh and bones."
"The third truth that Joseph Smith learned was that God still speaks to man today—that the heavens are not closed."
"The fourth truth that Joseph Smith learned was that the full and complete Church of Jesus Christ was not then upon the earth."
"Through Joseph Smith was restored the doctrine of the gospel being preached to the dead in the spirit world to those who did not have a fair chance on earth to hear it."
"Many teach that there is one heaven and one hell. Joseph Smith restored the truth that there are multiple heavens."
"Yes, Joseph Smith did see angels and visions—because he was the instrument in God’s hands to restore the same Church of Jesus Christ as existed in primitive times—all of its powers as well as all of its doctrines."
Joseph restored knowledge of " the doctrines of the premortal existence, baptism for the dead, and eternal marriage."
"Through Joseph Smith have been restored all the powers, keys, teachings, and ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation. You cannot go anywhere else in the world and get that. It is not to be found in any other church. It is not to be found in any philosophy of man or scientific digest or individual pilgrimage, however intellectual it may seem. Salvation is to be found in one place alone, as so designated by the Lord Himself when He said that this is 'the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.'"
Elder Dallin H. Oaks (Sunday afternoon)
- In what ways are the organization and practices of the Restored Church comparable to Christ's original church?
"Like all other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints study the life of our Savior as reported in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I will review examples and teachings contained in these four books of the Holy Bible and invite each of us and all other Christians to consider how this restored Church and each of us qualify as followers of Christ."
"Jesus taught that baptism was necessary to enter the kingdom of God."
"Jesus began His preaching by inviting His listeners to repent."
"Throughout His ministry Jesus gave commandments. And He taught, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.'"
"Jesus’s teachings were not meant to be theoretical. Always they were to be acted upon. Jesus taught, 'Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man.'"
"Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places. The Savior taught this principle and how we should be reminded and strengthened to follow it when He instituted the ordinance of the sacrament (communion, as others call it). We know from modern revelation that He commanded His followers to partake of the emblems in remembrance of Him."
"Jesus taught that 'men ought always to pray.'"
"The Savior called Twelve Apostles to assist in His Church and gave them the keys and authority."
"Jesus taught that God created male and female and that a man should leave his parents and cleave to his wife."
"In the familiar parable of the lost sheep, Jesus taught that we should go out of our way to seek after any of the flock who have strayed."
"As part of loving one another, Jesus taught that when we are wronged by persons, we should forgive them."
"Most Christians give to the poor and the needy, as Jesus taught."
"In His last biblical teaching, our Savior directed His followers to take His teachings to every nation and every creature."
"As part of His great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect' (Matthew 5:48). The purpose of this teaching and the purpose of following our Savior is to come to the Father, whom our Savior referred to as 'my Father, and your Father; and … my God, and your God.'"
Elder Christoffel Golden, Jr. (Sunday afternoon)
- What does the Restoration teach us about the nature of God?
"We respectfully submit that at the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its power to save is a correct understanding of the Father and the Son.
"The importance of this most fundamental principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ is confirmed by the First Vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820. The Prophet wrote: 'I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!'
"This experience by the boy Joseph, followed by many other visions and revelations, reveals that God actually exists; the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are two separate and distinct beings; man is created in the image of God; our Heavenly Father is literally the Father of Jesus Christ; God continues to reveal Himself to man; God is ever near and interested in us; and He answers our prayers."
General Conference is as much to prepare us to teach others as it is to teach us the things we need to know. What we feel is as important as what we hear.
My testimony is that if we approach General Conference with a question, that question will be answered in manifold ways, not only by the words of the speakers but by the words of Christ spoken to our hearts by the power of the Holy Ghost.
My testimony is that if we approach General Conference with a question, that question will be answered in manifold ways, not only by the words of the speakers but by the words of Christ spoken to our hearts by the power of the Holy Ghost.
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