By What Name Shall We Call This Church?

            This week for my Come, Follow Me studies included one of my favorite chapters in the scriptures. It is important to me because it helped me to receive confirmation of the Church of Jesus Christ. In previous weeks I have discussed how Jesus Christ visited the inhabitants of ancient America after His resurrection and ascension into heaven. He appeared to the Nephites, taught the Sermon at the Temple (similar to the Sermon on the Mount), introduced the sacrament to them, and taught them about baptism, faith, repentance, prayer, and many other principles.

            One day the disciples of Jesus Christ were journeying in their travels to preach the gospel that had been taught to them. They were “gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and fasting” (3 Nephi 27:1). While they were praying, Jesus Christ appeared to them and asked them what they wanted to receive from them.

            They wanted the answer to an essential question: what do you want us to call your church? He wanted to know why this was such a problem for them that it would cause them to murmur and dispute among themselves. He asked if they had not “read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day” (3 Nephi 27:5).

            The Savior further explained that anyone who taketh His name and endureth to the end will be saved at the last day. Then he answered their question plainly.

Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.

And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name ten it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel (3 Nephi 27:7-8).

            After Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in the spring of 1820 and restored the Melchizedek Priesthood, Joseph was instructed to organize the Church of Jesus Christ on earth. The Lord revealed to Joseph the name that He wanted His church to be called: “For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (Doctrine and Covenants 115:4).

            In recent years President Russell M. Nelson learned that the Lord was not pleased because members of His church had allowed other people to call us Mormons and had even used the name ourselves. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was world famous, and the main website for the Church of Jesus Christ was lds.org. Over several months, almost every organization and website were renamed to remove the name “Mormon” and/or to insert the name of Jesus Christ. The famous choir is now known as the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and “The Church of Jesus Christ” pops up when I enter LDS.org.

            Elder M. Russell Ballard, now Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about the name of the Church.

I have thought a lot about why the Savior gave the nine-word name to His restored Church. It may seem long, but if we think of it as a descriptive overview of what the Church is, it suddenly becomes wonderfully brief, candid, and straightforward. How could any description be more direct and clear and yet expressed in such few words?

Every word is clarifying and indispensable. The word The indicates the unique position of the restored Church among the religions of the world.

The words Church of Jesus Christ declare that it is His Church [see 3 Nephi 27:8] ….

Of Latter-day explains that it is the same Church as the Church of Jesus Christ established during His mortal ministry but restored in these latter days. We know there was a falling away, or an apostasy, necessitating the Restoration of His true and complete Church in our time.

Saints means that its members follow Him and strive to do His will, keep His commandments, and prepare once again to live with Him and our Heavenly Father in the future. Saint simply refers to those who seek to make their lives holy by covenanting to follow Christ” (“The Importance of a Name,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 80).

            Other prophets and apostles have spoken about the name of the Church of Jesus Christ. In his first conference address after becoming the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke about the sacred association of the Church, its name, and its accompanying responsibilities.

This church does not belong to its President. Its head is the Lord Jesus Christ, whose name each of us has taken upon ourselves. We are all in this great endeavor together. We are here to assist our Father in His work and His glory, “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). Your obligation is as serious in your sphere of responsibility as is my obligation in my sphere. No calling in this church is small or of little consequence. All of us in the pursuit of our duty touch the lives of others (Ensign, May 1995, 71).

            The name of the Church is of great importance. It is THE Church of Jesus Christ and should bear His name. We live in the latter days, and we strive to follow Him and do His will. Therefore, we are Latter-day Saints. Thus, the name of the Church defines it: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

My Church, My Name

            After His Resurrection, Jesus Christ visited the people that were living in ancient America. He ordained twelve disciples, taught His gospel and organized His church before leaving. As His disciples journeyed and taught the gospel, they were also in an attitude of fasting and prayer. The Savior appeared to them and asked them what He should give to them. They told Him that they would like to know what they should call the church.

            The Lord asked them why this was such a problem for them. He reminded them that the scriptures say that they should take upon them the name of Christ and be called in His name. He told them to perform their labors in His name and to pray in His name to the Father. Then He gave instructions about the name of the church as found in the Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel (3 Nephi 27:8).

            We learn from this verse of scriptures that the Lord wants His church to bear His name. The Lord gave even more explicit instructions about naming His church to the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (Doctrine and Covenants 115:4).

            Another prophet, then-Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke about the name of the Church in the April 1990 General Conference: “Surely every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord is precious. So each word in this name must be important – divinely designated for a reason. If we study the key words in that name, we can better understand the name’s full significance.” He then proceeds to discuss each word.

Saints. Despite its use in ninety-eight verses in the Bible, the term saint is still not well understood. Some mistakenly think that it implies beatification or perfection. Not so! A saint is a believer in Christ and knows of His perfect love….

Latter-day. We live in those latter days, and they are remarkable. The Lord’s Spirit is being poured out upon all inhabitants of the earth….

Jesus Christ. By divine directive, the title of the Church bears the sacred name of Jesus Christ, whose church this is (See Doctrine and Covenants 115:3-4). He so decreed more than once. Nearly two thousand years ago, the Lord said, “Ye shall call the church in my name (3 Nephi 27:7-8).

The Church. The first two words of the name the Lord chose for His earthly organization are The Church. Note that the article The begins with a capital letter. This is an important part of the title, for the Church is the official organization of baptized believers who have taken upon themselves the name of Christ….

Therefore, just as we revere His holy name, we likewise revere the name that He decreed for His Church.

            As decreed by the Lord, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bears the name of the Savior. It is often differentiated from the Church that He founded during the Meridian of Times – The Church of Jesus Christ of Former Day Saints. The name of Jesus Christ is found in both names, and both Churches are/were built upon the gospel of Jesus  Christ.

Cult or Not

                    As there are two men known as "Mormons" currently running for the office of President of the United States, their religion has been much in the news.  Most news items are respectful to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but bigotry recently raised its ugly head.

                    Robert Jeffress, the lead pastor at First Baptist Church in Dallas and a supporter of Texas Governor Rick Perry, has been much in the news in recent days.  He told reporters at a Perry event on Friday, October 7, 2011, that Mormonism is a "cult" and that Mitt Romney was not a Christian.  Perry was apparently in Iowa at the time, and he tried to steer clear of this simmering problem by discussing Social Security.  On Saturday, October 8, 2011, Republican presidential hopeful Romney denounced this type of "poisonous language" being used against religious faiths.

                    CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper interviewed Robert Jeffress soon after he made the above referenced statement.  You can watch the interview and read an article about it by Frances Martel here .  In this interview, Cooper asked the anti-Mormon pastor to explain his previous statement.  "Cooper opened up with a broad question asking [Jeffress] to elaborate on what [he] considered a `cult,' and [Jeffress] explained quickly that he considered it a `theological cult as opposed to a sociological cult' because it was founded by a human being - Joseph Smith - and not a divine leader, as well as because they consider the Book of Mormon a new revelation that follows the New Testament.  `They have never been considered a part of historical Christianity,' he concluded, adding that `a lot of people say [they] are Christians, and they are not.'"

                    On Monday, October 10, 2011, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints responded to media calls about the comments of Robert Jeffress.  The official statement of the Church is as follows:  "We really don't want to comment on a statement made at a political event, but those who want to understand the centrality of Christ to our faith can learn more about us and what we believe by going to mormon.org."

                    Also on October 10, 2011, John Mark Reynolds posted an article for the Washington Post entitled "Why Evangelicals Must Stand Up to Anti-Mormon Bigotry."   It is a very interesting article about how we should choose our next President of the United States and why we should not choose a President because of his or her religion.  I particularly liked the statement:  "Evangelical Christianity does not place all power in the state and so rejects messianic leaders.  We want a president, not a prophet in office.  A Mormon cannot be my priest, but he can be my political leader."

                    Frances Martel interviewed Mike Huckabee, a prominent evangelical whose "faith made up a significant part of his political identity" in his GOP bid for the White House in 2008.  This interview took place several weeks prior to the current situation but Huckabee's statement is significant.  Huckabee "appreciated Texas Gov. Rick Perry's openness with his faith….  I want to know what a candidate believes … arguing that electing a religious candidate is not the problem but the greater risk is to elect someone who is not honest.'"

                    Huckabee named several prominent members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and said "I'd vote for them in a heartbeat."  Since Huckabee is "one of the most prominent voices on the religious right," it was good for him to say that "being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" would not be a "disqualifier."

                    As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am grateful for the integrity shown by Cooper, Reynolds, and Huckabee in rejecting bigotry.  I am grateful for all our friends from other religions and walks of life.

                    Like Huckabee, I believe that it is important for all Americans to "know what a candidate believes."  I believe that we deserve honesty and integrity in our candidates in order that we might make clear choices when we enter the voting booths.  I also agree with Romney that we do not need poisonous comments such as those of Jeffress springing up or playing a role in the GOP race for the White House.  We must be united in seeking to find the right person to replace Barack Obama as President of the United States.

                    I would like to add some enlightenment to this discussion.  Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often called "Mormons" because we believe in the Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  The name "Mormon" was a derogatory name when it was first given to the followers of Joseph Smith.  We do not resent being called Mormons, but we prefer to be called members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or simply Latter-day Saints.

                    I researched the meaning for the word "cult" and found the following definition:  "A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living communally under an authoritarian charismatic leader."  (See The American Heritage College Dictionary, p. 346.)

                    This definition does not describe The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its members for several reasons.  To begin with, none of our leaders are authoritarian in any way.  In fact, they would quickly be moved out of their positions if they became authoritarian.  Although many of them are "charismatic" and have pleasing personalities, they lead with love and concern for the members.  In addition, members of our church do not live in communes.  We live in homes and apartments very similar to other people in our neighborhoods and communities.

                    Although many people may consider it to be extreme for anyone to live without coffee, tea, alcoholic drinks, tobacco in any form, or illegal drugs, most intelligent people can quickly understand that all of these substances are bad for our health and lead to other problems as well.  Some people may consider it extreme to dress or behave modestly or to honor the Sabbath.  Although people may consider my lifestyle to be extreme, I could also consider their behaviors to be extreme or unreasonable.

                    This brings us to the "false" part.  I researched the word "Christian" and found this definition:  "Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus" (p 256).  It seems to me that we should be considered as Christians because the name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and we teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Many people consider members of our church to be "non-Christian" because our beliefs about Jesus Christ may be different from their own.  Other people consider us to be "non-Christian" because we have additional scriptures besides the Bible.  In fact, members of our church study four different books of scripture:  Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.  We believe that God speaks to all of His obedient children no matter where or when they live on earth.  We believe that He wants His children to write the words spoken to them in order to be able to refer back to them or to share them when so impressed.  In fact, having more than one book of scripture is very advantageous as each testifies of the truthfulness of the other books.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe and honor Jesus Christ as the Only Begotten Son of God and as Savior and Redeemer of all mankind.  We believe that Joseph Smith organized our church under the direction and with the authority of Jesus Christ.  We believe that Jesus Christ stands at the head of our church and leads it in these last days.  Thus the name:  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Now I will give some evidence that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cannot be a cult.  Cults tend to die out or prove to be untrue over a period of time.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began with a very small group of believers in New York in the year 1830.  It is now a worldwide church with over 14 million members, and it continues to grow.  The length of time - nearly 200 years - and the growth of the Church testify that it is not a cult.

  The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Christ contains a record of Jesus Christ appearing to the inhabitants of the American continents after His resurrection and ascension into heaven.  He was introduced by Heavenly Father: "Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name - hear ye him."  (See 3 Nephi 11:7; italics added.)

  The following scripture found in the Book of Mormon was the answer to my own prayers when I was seeking the truth.  While Jesus Christ was ministering among the Nephites, his disciples on the American continent wanted to know the name by which their church should be known, and Christ answered their question.

"And they said unto him:  Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter. 

"And the Lord said unto them:  Verily, verily, I say unto you, why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing?

"Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name?  For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;

"And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.

"Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.

"And how be it my church save it be called in my name?  For if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.

"Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you;

"And if it so be that church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it.

"But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return.

"For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you."  (See 3 Nephi 27:3-12.)

Even though many people claim that the Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Christ to be false scripture, no one has been able to prove that it is untrue in nearly 200 years of attempts.  In fact, more and more people read it, ponder its teachings of Christ, ask God if it is true, and testify that God confirmed its truthfulness.

In modern days, the Lord again instructed that His church should bear His name.  When the pioneers were moving to the Great Salt Lake Valley, Jesus Christ instructed, "Let all the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and those who journey with them, be organized into companies, with a covenant and promise to keep all the commandments and statutes of the Lord…." 

I have not personally seen God, but I have felt His presence with me many times.  I feel His presence now as I type these words, and I felt His presence confirming to me that the Book of Mormon is true.  Because of the assurances of the Holy Ghost, I testify that Joseph Smith was and is a true prophet of God and that he translated the Book of Mormon through the mercy and power of God.  I also give my testimony that Joseph organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through the authority and power of Jesus Christ - who proclaimed this church to be "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually."  (See Doctrine and Covenants 1:30.)    

Christ's Church Today

Jesus Christ established His true Church while He lived on earth. He wanted everyone to have the truths of His gospel and to receive the ordinances of it. He organized His Church in order that those truths and the ordinances could be administered with proper authority. It was through this organization that Christ could bring the blessings of salvation to all mankind.

After Christ ascended into heaven men started changing the ordinances and doctrines of His gospel. The Apostles were killed, exiled, or otherwise incapacitated, and apostasy took place. (See 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3.) Because of the apostasy, there was no direct revelation from God, and the true Church of Jesus Christ was no longer on the earth. Other men organized different Churches and claimed them to be the true Church of Christ, but they taught conflicting doctrines. This brought much confusion and contention over religion.

Ancient prophets foretold that the apostasy would take place and that the Lord's Church would be restored in the latter days. Christ told Isaiah, "I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and wonder" (Isaiah 29:14).

People lived in spiritual darkness for many years. About 1700 years after the time of Christ, people started to search for truths about God and religion. By careful study of the scriptures, people could see that the gospel of Christ was no longer upon the earth. Some realized that there was no revelation or true authority on earth. The time had arrived for the Church of Jesus Christ to be restored to earth.

One of the most important events in the history of the world happened in the spring of 1820 because it was time for the marvelous work and wonder spoken of by Isaiah to take place. Joseph Smith was searching for the true Church of Jesus Christ and went into the woods near his home to pray. With humility and real intent to know the truth, he asked Heavenly Father which church he should join.

In answer to his humble prayer, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared personally to Joseph Smith. The Savior told Joseph that he should join none of the churches because the true church was not on the earth. He also said that the creeds of the various churches presently on earth were "an abomination in his sight" (Joseph Smith-History 1:19; see also verses 7-18, 20). After this visit from the Father and the Son, there was direct revelation from heaven once more. The Lord chose a new prophet and the heavens opened again. Joseph was chosen to help restore the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and each of the chosen prophets continue to receive revelation to this day.

As part of the restoration of the gospel, God gave the priesthood to men once again. John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1829. (See Doctrine and Covenants 13; 27:8.) Later Peter, James, and John, who composed the office of the presidency of the Church in ancient times, came to Joseph and Oliver and gave them the Melchizedek Priesthood and the keys of the kingdom of God. (See Doctrine and Covenants 27:12-13.) Additional keys of the priesthood were restored later by other heavenly messengers such as Moses, Elias, and Elijah. (See Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16.) The priesthood was returned to earth. Men who hold this priesthood today hold the authority to perform ordinances of the gospel such as baptism as well as to direct the Lord's work on earth.

Under the direction of the Savior, His Church was organized on earth again on April 6, 1830. (See Doctrine and Covenants 20:1.) His Church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (See Doctrine and Covenants 115:4.) Jesus Christ stands at the head of His Church today just as He did in ancient days. Jesus Christ Himself has said that this Church is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased" (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30).

Joseph Smith was sustained as prophet and "first elder" when the Church was first organized. He was sustained as President when the First Presidency was organized. The framework of the Church was set up when it was first organized. As the Church grew, the organization of the Church continued to develop.

The Church was organized after the pattern of the ancient church. It has the same offices in the priesthood as were in the ancient church, including apostles, prophets, seventies, evangelists (patriarchs), pastors (presiding officers), high priests, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, and deacons.

Acting under the direction of the Lord, a prophet leads the Church today. He is also the President of the Church and holds all the necessary authority to direct the Lord's work on earth. (See Doctrine and Covenants 107:65, 91.) Two counselors assist the President. The Twelve Apostles are special witnesses of the name of Jesus Christ who teach the gospel and regulate the affairs of the Church all over the world. Other general officers of the Church have special assignments, such as the Quorums of the Seventy and the Presiding Bishopric. They serve under the direction of the First Presidency and the Twelve.

Because the Church is much larger than in the days of Christ, He has revealed additional units of Church organization. Wherever the Church is fully organized in an area, the local divisions are called stakes. Each stake is presided over by a stake president and two counselors. They are assisted by twelve high counselors. Priesthood quorums are organized under the direction of the stake president. Each stake is divided into wards. Each ward is presided over by a bishop and two counselors. Districts and branches, similar to stakes and wards, are organized in developing areas of the Church.

The Church today teaches the same principles and performs the same ordinances as were performed in the time of Christ. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (See Article of Faith 1:4.)

Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, which contains the plain and precious truths of the gospel, through the gift and power of God. He received other revelations, which are recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. Some of those important truths include the following: 1) Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are real beings with tangible, perfected bodies of flesh and bones. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. 2) We existed as spiritual children of God in a premortal life. 3) The priesthood is necessary to administer the ordinances of the gospel. 4) We will be punished for our own sins and not for Adam's transgression. 5) Children do not need baptism until they are accountable and are at least eight years old. 6) There are three kingdoms of glory in the heavens. People will be rewarded according to the desires of their hearts and according to their actions. 7) Through the sealing power of the priesthood, family relationships can be eternal. 8) Ordinances and covenants are required for salvation and are available for both the living and the dead.

The Church of Jesus Christ will never be taken from the earth again. Its mission is to take the truth to every person on earth. There are now members of the Church in almost every nation on earth.

American Prophet

December 23 marks the anniversary of the birth of Joseph Smith (1805-1844), the Prophet. He organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became its first president. Several other churches consider him to be their founder, and his followers regard him to be a prophet of God.

Joseph was born December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, the fourth child born to his parents, Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith. The family eventually included six sons and three daughters. The Smiths moved from Vermont to Palmyra, New York, before Joseph was eleven. Four years later the family moved to nearby Manchester where they continued to farm.

When Joseph was fourteen, there was an unusual excitement about religion. Joseph and other members of the family listened to many sermons from several different preachers. Each preacher claimed to have the truth, but they were all teaching different doctrines. Joseph was caught up in the excitement and wanted to join one of the churches, but he was confused as to which church he should join. While studying the scriptures one day, he read, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5). Joseph was aware that if anyone needed wisdom, he did, and he decided that he would ask God.

On a beautiful, clear morning in the early spring in 1820, Joseph went to a nearby wooded area to offer his first vocal prayer. After some early difficulties, he called upon God for help. He saw a pillar of light, brighter than the sun, in the air above him. The light gradually descended until it fell upon Joseph.

"When the light rested upon me 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!'" (Joseph Smith - History 1:17).

When Joseph recovered from his shock, he remembered the reason he had gone to the grove to pray. He asked the Personages which of all the sects he should join. He was answered that he must not join any of them because all of them were teaching false doctrine.

Joseph shared his vision of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with his family and other people. The members of his family believed him and accepted his report as the truth. When he told a preacher of his experience, the preacher ridiculed him, saying it was of the devil. Soon after his conversation with the preacher, Joseph became the object of great persecution. No amount of persecution or hatred could cause Joseph to disbelieve. "… I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me …. For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God and come under condemnation" (Joseph Smith - History 1:25).

Joseph prayed and received an answer from God. He did not join any of the churches and continued to be persecuted. On September 21, 1823, Joseph was again praying for direction when he received another vision. This time he was visited by an angel named Moroni. Moroni quoted scriptures and taught him many things before disappearing into heaven in a conduit of light. Moroni returned two additional times during the night and again the next morning. The reason for Moroni's visits was to instruct Joseph about a record written upon gold plates and recorded by the ancient inhabitants of the American continent. Moroni told Joseph that he would have to wait to receive the plates until the time was right. When it was the right time, Joseph would receive the plates for the purpose of translating the information written on them.

Many things happened in the next few years: Joseph's oldest brother, Alvin, died. Joseph married Emma Hale. Persecution continued as did the necessity for laboring to earn a living. During this same period of time, Moroni continued to instruct Joseph. At length the time to receive the plates arrived on September 22, 1827. Amidst increased persecution and several moves, Joseph translated the necessary information from the plates and returned the plates to Moroni.

"The ancient record thus brought forth from the earth as the voice of a people speaking from the dust, and translated into modern speech by the gift and power of God as attested by Divine affirmation, was first published to the world in the year 1830 as THE BOOK OF MORMON" (Final paragraph of "Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith" in the Book of Mormon).

Concerning this record, the Prophet Joseph Smith said, "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" ("Introduction" in Book of Mormon).

I have read the Book of Mormon many times myself. I have asked God to tell me if it is His word. I know the Book of Mormon to be true because the Holy Ghost has borne witness to me that it is true; therefore, I also know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God.

Joseph, his family, and his followers continued to be persecuted. Joseph with five associates organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fayette, New York, on April 6, 1830. He continued to be an instrument in the hands of God. He lived as a prophet of God for all of his remaining days on earth. He died as a prophet, along with his brother Hyrum, on June 27, 1844, about 5:00 P.M., when an armed mob with blackened faces broke into the Carthage, Illinois, jail and killed them. Each man was shot four different times.

John Taylor, the third president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wrote 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…. He lived great and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and … has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood…." (Doctrine and Covenants 135:3).

Prophet Speaks

One of my favorite hymns starts with these words, "Come, listen to a prophet's voice, and hear the word of God, and in the way of truth rejoice, and sing for joy aloud. We've found the way the prophets went who lived in days of yore. Another prophet now is sent this knowledge to restore." I had the opportunity to listen to a modern-day prophet on several occasions over the past weekend.

President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sustained as a prophet, seer, and revelator by more than 13 million members of the Church. I am one of those who believe that President Monson is the spokesperson for God.

President Monson related the story of the Ten Lepers from the New Testament. While Jesus Christ was walking from Jerusalem to Galilee, He passed through the midst of Samaria. As He entered into a certain village, He was met by ten men who were lepers. They stood afar off and called to Him, "Master, have mercy on us." When Christ saw them, He did have mercy on them and told them, "Go shew yourselves unto the priests." As the ten men traveled, they became clean from the leprosy. One of the men, when he saw that he had been healed, went back to Jesus. He fell on his face at the feet of Christ and thanked Him for the great blessing of being healed from leprosy. Jesus Christ asked the Samaritan man where the other nine men were, and then said, "Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole" (St. Luke 17:11-19).

Following this story, President Monson told us that we need to remember to give thanks because gratitude is the key that unlocks heaven and lets the blessings pour down upon us. You too can listen to a prophet's voice at lds.org under October 2010 General Conference.

Later in the conference President Monson told us that we should read the words from the conference. He also said that our peace and safety is found in keeping the commandments of God and that we should show increased kindness to each other.

An ancient prophet taught, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, [until] he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). I believe that President Monson spoke the words that we need to guide us for the next six months. I am grateful to live in a day when a prophet of God walks the earth once more.

Church of Jesus Christ Today

Jesus Christ established His only true Church while He lived on earth. He wanted everyone to have the truths of His gospel and to receive the ordinances of it. He organized His Church in order that those truths and the ordinances could be administered with proper authority. It was through this organization that Christ could bring the blessings of salvation to all mankind. After Christ ascended into heaven men started changing the ordinances and doctrines of His gospel. The Apostles were killed, exiled, or otherwise incapacitated, and apostasy took place. (See 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3.) Because of the apostasy, there was no direct revelation from God, and the true Church of Jesus Christ was no longer on the earth. Other men organized different Churches and claimed them to be the true Church of Christ, but they taught conflicting doctrines. This brought much confusion and contention over religion. Ancient prophets foretold that the apostasy would take place and that the Lord's Church would be restored in the latter days. Christ told Isaiah, "I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and wonder" (Isaiah 29:14). People lived in spiritual darkness for many years. About 1700 years after the time of Christ, people started to search for truths about God and religion. By careful study of the scriptures, people could see that the gospel of Christ was no longer on earth. Some realized that there was no revelation or true authority on earth. The time had arrived for the Church of Jesus Christ to be restored to earth. One of the most important events in the history of the world happened in the spring of 1820 because it was time for the marvelous work and wonder spoken of by Isaiah to take place. Joseph Smith was searching for the true Church of Jesus Christ and went into the woods near his home to pray. With humility and real intent to know the truth, he asked Heavenly Father which church he should join. In answer to his humble prayer, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared personally to Joseph Smith. The Savior told Joseph that he should join none of the churches because the true church was not on the earth. He also said that the creeds of the various churches presently on earth were "an abomination in his sight" (Joseph Smith-History 1:19; see also verses 7-18, 20). After this visit from the Father and the Son, there was direct revelation from heaven once more. The Lord chose a new prophet and the heavens opened again. Joseph was chosen to help restore the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and each of the chosen prophets continue to receive revelation to this day. As part of the restoration of the gospel, God gave the priesthood to men once again. John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1829. (See Doctrine and Covenants 13; 27:8.) Later Peter, James, and John, who composed the office of the presidency of the Church in ancient times, came to Joseph and Oliver and gave them the Melchizedek Priesthood and the keys of the kingdom of God. (See Doctrine and Covenants 27:12-13.) Additional keys of the priesthood were restored later by other heavenly messengers such as Moses, Elias, and Elijah. (See Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16.) The priesthood was returned to earth. Men who hold this priesthood today hold the authority to perform ordinances of the gospel such as baptism as well as to direct the Lord's work on earth. Under the direction of the Savior, His Church was organized on earth again on April 6, 1830. (See Doctrine and Covenants 20:1.) His Church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (See Doctrine and Covenants 115:4.) Jesus Christ stands at the head of His Church today just as He did in ancient days. Jesus Christ Himself has said that this Church is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased" (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30). Joseph Smith was sustained as prophet and "first elder" when the Church was first organized. He was sustained as President when the First Presidency was organized. The framework of the Church was set up when it was first organized. As the Church grew, the organization of the Church continued to develop. The Church was organized after the pattern of the ancient church. It has the same offices in the priesthood as were in the ancient church, including apostles, prophets, seventies, evangelists (patriarchs), pastors (presiding officers), high priests, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, and deacons. Acting under the direction of the Lord, a prophet leads the Church. He is also the President of the Church and holds all the necessary authority to direct the Lord's work on earth. (See Doctrine and Covenants 107:65, 91.) Two counselors assist the President. The Twelve Apostles are special witnesses of the name of Jesus Christ who teach the gospel and regulate the affairs of the Church all over the world. Other general officers of the Church have special assignments, such as the Quorums of the Seventy and the Presiding Bishopric. They serve under the direction of the First Presidency and the Twelve. Because the Church is much larger than in the days of Christ, He has revealed additional units of Church organization. Wherever the Church is fully organized in an area, the local divisions are called stakes. Each stake is presided over by a stake president and two counselors. They are assisted by twelve high counselors. Priesthood quorums are organized under the direction of the stake president. Each stake is divided into wards. Each ward is presided over by a bishop and two counselors. Districts and branches, similar to stakes and wards, are organized in developing areas of the Church. The Church today teaches the same principles and performs the same ordinances as were performed in the time of Christ. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (See Article of Faith 1:4.) Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, which contains the plain and precious truths of the gospel, through the gift and power of God. He received other revelations, which are recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. Some of those important truths include the following: 1) Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are real beings with tangible, perfected bodies of flesh and bones. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. 2) We existed as spiritual children of God in a premortal life. 3) The priesthood is necessary to administer the ordinances of the gospel. 4) We will be punished for our own sins and not for Adam's transgression. 5) Children do not need baptism until they are accountable and are at least eight years old. 6) There are three kingdoms of glory in the heavens. People will be rewarded according to the desires of their hearts and according to their actions. 7) Through the sealing power of the priesthood, family relationships can be eternal. 8) Ordinances and covenants are required for salvation and are available for both the living and the dead. The Church of Jesus Christ will never be taken from the earth again. Its mission is to take the truth to every person on earth. There are now members of the Church in almost every nation on earth.

Covenant People

God has made covenants with His children from the time of Adam and Eve. When people make covenants with God, they know exactly what God requires of them as well as the blessings they can expect from Him. Individuals and groups who make and keep covenants with God are known as His covenant people. Within the gospel of Jesus Christ, a covenant is a promise or a sacred agreement between God and a person or a group of people. The terms of any covenant with God are set by God and revealed to his prophets. God sets forth the commandment and names the blessing that is promised for obedience to that commandment. We either decide to obey the terms of the covenant and receive the blessing or to reject the covenant with its blessing and sometimes to receive a penalty for disobedience. Abraham was a very righteous man who became a great Old Testament prophet. He recognized that worshipping idols as his father did was wrong. He refused to follow his father's example and kept the commandments of God. Then God made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants because Abraham was so righteous. The covenant that God made with Abraham is known as the Abrahamic covenant. God promised to give Abraham numberless descendants. He promised that all these descendants would be entitled to receive the gospel, the priesthood blessings and all the ordinances necessary for exaltation. The descendants would in turn use the power of the priesthood to take the gospel to all nations. In this way, God would bless all the families of the earth through the descendants of Abraham. God promised that He would renew His covenant with all the generations of Abraham's posterity if they were righteous. There are two different groups of people who are included in the covenant between God and Abraham. The first group includes all of Abraham's righteous blood descendants. The second group includes all those who are adopted into Abraham's family by accepting and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. God told Abraham, "As many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed [lineage], and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father" (Abraham 2:10). (See also 2 Nephi 30:2.) People who are baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints enter into the covenant that God made with Abraham and renewed with Isaac and Jacob (see Galatians 3:26-29). If they are obedient, they inherit all the blessings of that covenant. Being part of the covenant people of the Lord brings many blessings as well as responsibilities. The blessings include the right to be guided by the Holy Ghost, the right for males to hold the priesthood, and the right for families to receive the blessings of the priesthood. The greatest blessing of all is to gain eternal life in the celestial kingdom. The Lord's covenant people have the great responsibility to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the inhabitants of the earth. The Church is fulfilling this responsibility by sending full-time missionaries out into the world as well as by the missionary work done by members. Taking the gospel to the world is an opportunity which belongs only to the Lord's Church and His covenant people. The Lord requires His covenant people to keep the covenant by keeping His commandments. He said, "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do as I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise" (Doctrine and Covenants 82:10). Without righteousness, the covenant becomes void. The fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is called the new and everlasting covenant and includes covenants made at baptism, during the sacrament, in the temple, and at any other time. This covenant is everlasting because God is everlasting and because the covenant will never change. God made the same covenant with Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and other prophets. It isn't a new covenant, but each time the gospel is restored to the earth, it is new to the people who receive it. (See Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 37:26.) Any person who accepts the new and everlasting covenant also agrees to repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, receive temple endowments, receive the covenant of temple marriage, obey the commandments, and follow Christ to the end of their life. In return for a righteous life, Heavenly Father promises exaltation in the celestial kingdom. (See Doctrine and Covenants 132:20-24.) Heavenly Father loves all of His children and desires to bless all of them. He gave commandments for the benefit of His children. His faithful sons and daughters will forever share the blessings and beauties of both earth and heaven.