Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"Smith, Joseph Fielding
History
Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"
Smith, Joseph Fielding
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- History
In April 1830, just before the organization of the Church, another
very important revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 20) was received on
Church government. In it the date for the organization of the Church
was designated as April 6. The Church was to be "regularly organized
and established agreeable to the laws of our country" by the will and
commandment of the Lord. These commandments were given to Joseph Smith
and Oliver Cowdery, who had been called and ordained to be apostles, or
special witnesses for Christ. Joseph Smith was to be the first elder of
the Church and Oliver Cowdery the second elder, and they were to ordain
each other to these callings, according to the grace of Jesus Christ.
Other matters of great importance revealed are as follows:
Mention is made of the matter of translation of the Book of Mormon,
which is said to contain the record of a fallen people, and the fulness
of the Gospel to the Gentiles and also to the Jews. By the opening
of the heavens, and the inspiration given to men who are called to
his holy work, the Lord has shown that "he is the same God yesterday,
today, and forever, and does inspire men and call them to his work in
this age and generation, as well as in generations of old.
By these great witnesses the world shall be judged, "even as many
as shall come to a knowledge of this work." Those who receive it in
righteousness shall receive a crown of eternal life, while those
who reject it shall be condemned. It is declared that the Lord has
spoken, and the elders of the Church have heard and bear witness so
that through their testimony man may know there is a God in heaven,
who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, the
same unchangeable Framer of heaven and earth and all things which are
in them. Man is created in the image of God, male and female, and is
commanded to love and serve him. Through transgression of his laws, man
became fallen, wherefore the Only Begotten Son was sent into the world
to suffer temptations--but gave no heed to them--was crucified, died,
and rose the third day and ascended into heaven to reign in power.
All who believe on him and are baptized and endure to the end, shall
be saved, no matter when they lived on the earth. Men everywhere must
repent and believe in Christ, worshiping the Father in the name of the
Son and endure in faith, or they cannot be saved. Justification through
grace is true, as also is sanctification, to all who love the Father
with all their might, mind and strength. The dangers of falling away
from grace are pointed out, with a warning to the members of the Church
to "take heed and pray always lest they fall into temptation."
Manner of Baptism Explained
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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