"And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." 1 Nephi 19:23
There were many who contributed to the preparing for the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Reformers who sacrificed, and would not deny their beliefs in God and died in the cause.
"Following the Crucifixion of Christ an apostasy occurred. Leaders began to “teach for doctrines the commandments of men.”4 They lost the keys of authority and closed themselves off from the channels of revelation. That lost authority could not just be repossessed. It had to be restored by those who held the keys of authority anciently.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a remodeled version of another church. It is not an adjustment or a correction or a protest against any other church. They have their “form of godliness”6 and their goodness and value.
John the Baptist returned through the veil to confer the Aaronic Priesthood, “which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.”7 A companion ordinance, confirmation and the conferral of the gift of the Holy Ghost, required a greater authority.8
Soon thereafter, Peter, James, and John, Apostle companions of the Lord, restored the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood9—“the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.”10
The Restoration did not come all at once. In a series of visitations, other prophets came to restore the keys of the priesthood.11
With the authority restored, the organization was revealed. Apostles were ordained, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and First Presidency were organized as they had been anciently.12 The ordinances were revealed and authority given to perform them.
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ was translated and published. In it is “the fulness of [the] everlasting gospel.”
" President Boyd K. Packer "The Standard of Truth Has Been Erected"
Once the Priesthood was restored, and proper authority given, the Book of Mormon was translated. This teaches me that preparations needed to be made prior to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. We needed Priesthood keys, authority, and a living prophet to have God reveal to us His will, and scripture. I know Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith fulfilled what God wanted him to do, and it was all that we might have God's truth revealed, to make it possible to have all the ordinances available to us for our salvation, and that our families may endure forever.
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