The Great Apostacy
Please allow me to share a very brief understanding about the Church of Jesus Christ in the Early Christian era. Following the resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, His Apostles and Disciples began traveling about the region sharing and teaching the Gospel of Christ to the chosen people of God (the Jewish people). However, in a vision (see Acts 10), the Apostle Peter was commanded to begin taking the gospel to the Gentiles (the non-Jews), as well as the Jews.
As the knowledge and teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ began to spread throughout the Roman Empire, Roman hostilities towards both Jews and Gentiles under their sovereign control also began to increase. Many Christians and Jews were persecuted and slaughtered by the Roman legions (e.g., all the Apostles of Jesus Christ were either martyred/or banished.) Many Jews and Gentiles fought back, but many were slaughtered by the Roman armies (it is estimated that the Roman vanquishing of Galilee resulted in an estimated 100,000 Jews killed or sold into slavery). (NOTE: Much of this history is recorded in the writings of the ancient Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus.) In the space of about 40 years, the foundation and organization of the Lord’s true church (including a full understanding of Heavenly Father’s Great Plan of Salvation) became marginalized and/or corrupted … and eventually, Divine revelation ceased.
Also, because of growing persecution and wickedness (in both the church and the world), the pure original Gospel of Jesus Christ became corrupted by both false religious leaders and conspiring government politicians. And, the earth began to fall into what became known as “the Great Apostasy” when these false leaders began to modify the original church and corrupted the purity of the pure Doctrine of Christ. In world history, much of this period of more than 1,000 years is referred to as “the Dark Ages” when “…the heavens were sealed.”
The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
However, I testify the fullness of the Everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ has since been restored to the earth in our day. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ have opened the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. In the Spring of 1820, a young boy (Joseph Smith, Jr.) was seeking answers to his questions concerning which of all the churches was true, and which he should join. While searching, he came across the words of the Apostle James …which 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). Young Joseph later wrote that “…never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine.” Armed with confidence, the boy Joseph decided to approach God the Father in humble prayer. A brief video dramatization of Joseph Smith’s First Vision experience is provided below. Please tap the following video image to watch this short but inspiring true historical event.
(NOTE: Be sure your audio is on! To enlarge an image, start the video, then hover over and tap the box in the lower right corner of the image. When finished, tap the Esc key to return this point. Repeat the process with the next image.)
After watching the inspiring short video above, please click below and listen to a beautiful and inspiring song (“RESTORED“) about the Glorious Gospel Restoration. (Music written and composed by Shawna Edwards.)
Now, after watching and listening to these videos and the music, please continue on and read a short summary of my personal testimony of Jesus the Christ and the glorious restoration of the Lord’s Kingdom on the Earth.
My Personal Testimony
Dear Family, Friends, and all whose who may read this, we are now living in “the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times.” Heavenly messengers have returned to the earth and restored Holy Priesthood authority/powers and blessings. In addition, our Heavenly Father’s “Gospel Plan of Salvation” and “the Doctrine of Christ” have been revealed (again). I believe Jesus Christ Himself sits at the head of His Church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and He is alive and well. He is the Creator, our Savior, our Redeemer, and literally, the resurrected and glorified Son of God the Eternal Father.
Like God the Father, Jesus Christ loves all of God’s children, and because of His Sacrifice and Obedience to God, He has made it possible for us to be completely forgiven of our sins and redeemed from the Fall of Adam. Thus, He has provided a way (if we are willing) for each of us to ultimately return and live with God (our Eternal Father in Heaven) again. “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (The Pearl of Great Price, Moses 1:39)
Of these things I am certain, and with conviction I testify they are true. I share this testimony openly with all who will read it. And I do it with full confidence and all sincerity. I know for myself they are true; and I know you too can receive this same assurance by the power of the Holy Ghost.
“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (The Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:4-5)
My name is Scott Alexander Edgar. I am a fellow servant in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and consider myself “a Follower and Disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.” If you would like to learn more, please visit the Come unto Christ web page. Also, please humbly consider approaching God the Father in sincere personal prayer concerning these true and sacred matters. God answers honest and sincere prayers. Seek to “Hear Him!“ And always remember, Jesus Christ is “…the light and the life of the World.” He wants us all to come unto Him. He is our Eternal Savior and Redeemer. Of this, I am certain!
Sincerely,
Scott A. Edgar
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