Why Mormons

Tag: Restoration

  • Why Do Mormons Believe Priesthood Authority Was Lost and Restored?

    Why Do Mormons Believe Priesthood Authority Was Lost and Restored?

    Latter-day Saints believe priesthood authority was lost and later restored because they believe Jesus Christ established His Church with divine authority, appointed apostles to lead it, and gave them power to perform ordinances in His name. According to this belief, while faith in Christ continued after the deaths of the original apostles, the specific authority to officially act for God did not continue uninterrupted.

    This belief is foundational to how Latter-day Saints understand ordinances, church leadership, revelation, and salvation. It explains why they emphasize living prophets, authorized baptism, temple ordinances, and a structured church organization. For them, restoration was not a rejection of Christianity, but a fulfillment of God’s plan to reestablish what was lost.

    Rather than viewing history as a failure, Latter-day Saints see apostasy and restoration as part of a divine pattern that respects human agency while ensuring God’s purposes ultimately continue.

    What Is Priesthood Authority?

    Priesthood authority is understood as the right and power given by God to act in His name for the benefit of others. It is not personal status, spiritual superiority, or political control. Instead, it is divine authorization to perform ordinances, lead the Church, and administer covenants that God recognizes as binding.

    Latter-day Saints distinguish clearly between personal spirituality and priesthood authority. A person may have sincere faith, moral integrity, and spiritual influence without holding priesthood authority. Authority, however, requires divine commissioning through proper ordination.

    Authority Is Given, Not Taken

    Priesthood authority cannot be claimed, earned, or assumed. It is not based on education, charisma, seniority, or popular support. According to Latter-day Saint belief, authority must come from God through an unbroken chain of ordination.

    This principle reflects the belief that God is a God of order, not confusion.

    Acting in God’s Name

    When ordinances such as baptism or confirmation are performed, Latter-day Saints believe they must be done by someone authorized to act in God’s name. Without that authorization, the act may be meaningful to participants but is not believed to be officially recognized by God.

    This distinction explains why priesthood authority matters deeply in Latter-day Saint theology.

    Priesthood Authority in the New Testament

    Latter-day Saints believe the New Testament clearly shows Jesus Christ giving authority to His apostles. He called them individually, instructed them, and empowered them to teach, baptize, heal, and govern the Church.

    This authority was not symbolic. Jesus gave specific responsibilities and keys that allowed apostles to act on His behalf.

    Apostles as Holders of Authority

    The apostles were not merely teachers or missionaries. They were witnesses of Christ’s resurrection and holders of priesthood keys—authority to direct the Church, establish doctrine, and perform ordinances.

    Jesus taught that what they bound on earth could be bound in heaven, indicating divine recognition of their authority.

    Authority Passed Through Ordination

    The New Testament describes authority being passed through the laying on of hands. This pattern shows continuity, order, and divine commissioning rather than spontaneous or self-appointed leadership.

    Latter-day Saints view this as evidence that authority was essential to Christ’s Church, not optional.

    The Role of Apostles in Maintaining Authority

    Apostles were central to preserving priesthood authority. They ordained leaders, resolved doctrinal disputes, and maintained unity among believers.

    As long as apostles lived, authority continued. When apostles were killed and no successors were ordained with the same keys, Latter-day Saints believe authority could not be preserved.

    Leadership Was Centralized, Not Decentralized

    Latter-day Saints believe Christ intended His Church to be guided by apostles, not fragmented into independent interpretations. Apostolic leadership provided doctrinal stability and divine oversight.

    Without apostles, authority became localized, inconsistent, and eventually lost.

    Loss of Authority After the Apostles

    After the deaths of the apostles, early Christians faced intense persecution, political pressure, and internal disagreements. Many faithful believers continued to worship Christ sincerely, but Latter-day Saints believe the structure Christ established could not be maintained without apostles holding priesthood keys.

    A Gradual Loss

    Latter-day Saints emphasize that authority was lost gradually, not suddenly. There was no single moment when everything disappeared. Instead, changes occurred over generations as leadership structures evolved without divine authorization.

    Faith Continued

    Importantly, Latter-day Saints do not believe faith vanished. Scripture was preserved, devotion to Christ endured, and moral teachings continued to influence societies.

    They believe God continued to inspire goodness even without full priesthood authority.

    Apostasy Does Not Mean Moral Collapse

    In Latter-day Saint belief, apostasy does not mean Christianity became evil or meaningless. It means that essential elements of Christ’s original Church—particularly authority and certain ordinances—were no longer present in their original form.

    This distinction allows Latter-day Saints to respect other Christians while still believing restoration was necessary.

    Respect for Christian History

    Latter-day Saints openly acknowledge that many devoted Christians preserved scripture, defended belief in Christ, and lived lives of deep faith during centuries without restored authority.

    They see these individuals as instruments in God’s broader plan.

    Biblical Warnings of Apostasy

    Latter-day Saints point to biblical passages that warn of a falling away or loss of truth before Christ’s return. These passages are interpreted as evidence that apostasy was foreseen rather than accidental.

    Such warnings suggest that God anticipated the need for restoration.

    Apostasy Was Foreknown

    Because apostasy was foretold, Latter-day Saints believe restoration was also part of God’s plan, not a reaction to failure.

    God allows human agency while ensuring His purposes ultimately prevail.

    Why Restoration Was Necessary

    If priesthood authority was lost, Latter-day Saints believe reform alone could not restore it. Reform can change beliefs or practices, but it cannot recreate divine authority.

    Only God could restore what was lost.

    Restoration Versus Reformation

    The Protestant Reformation preserved many important truths, but Latter-day Saints believe it did not restore priesthood authority or apostolic keys.

    Restoration required divine intervention, not institutional reform.

    Divine Recommissioning

    Priesthood authority had to come from heaven, not history. According to Latter-day Saint belief, only God could recommission servants with authority to act in His name.

    Restoration Through Heavenly Messengers

    Latter-day Saints believe priesthood authority was restored through divine messengers rather than human appointment. They believe John the Baptist restored authority to baptize, and that Peter, James, and John later restored higher priesthood authority.

    This restoration reconnected modern priesthood authority directly to ancient apostles.

    Continuity With Ancient Christianity

    Restored authority is believed to be the same authority Christ originally gave His apostles—not a new or modified version.

    This continuity is central to Latter-day Saint confidence in ordinances and covenants.

    Ongoing Authority in the Church

    Latter-day Saints believe priesthood authority continues today through living prophets and apostles. Authority is passed through ordination under proper keys, maintaining continuity and order.

    This allows ordinances to be consistent across cultures, nations, and generations.

    Order and Unity

    Priesthood authority ensures unity in doctrine, practice, and governance. It prevents fragmentation and conflicting interpretations from defining the Church.

    Unity is achieved through divine order rather than enforced conformity.

    Priesthood Authority and Jesus Christ

    Jesus Christ is the source of all priesthood authority. Latter-day Saints believe priesthood holders act in His name, under His direction, and for His purposes.

    Authority does not replace Christ—it points to Him.

    Christ-Centered Power

    The priesthood exists to testify of Christ, administer His ordinances, and invite people to follow Him. When authority is exercised properly, it reflects Christlike service rather than control.

    Common Misunderstandings

    A common misunderstanding is that Latter-day Saints believe God cannot work without priesthood authority. In reality, they believe God can inspire anyone, anywhere, at any time.

    However, ordinances that bind on earth and in heaven require authorization.

    Another misunderstanding is that belief in restoration condemns other Christians. Latter-day Saints strongly reject this idea and emphasize respect, gratitude, and shared devotion to Christ.

    Some assume priesthood authority implies superiority. Latter-day Saints teach that authority increases responsibility, not status.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Belief in the loss and restoration of priesthood authority explains why Latter-day Saints emphasize authorized ordinances, temple worship, and living prophets. It provides confidence that covenants are divinely recognized and spiritually binding.

    For believers, this doctrine affirms that God is consistent, orderly, and actively involved in guiding His Church. It reassures them that Christ continues to lead His people today, just as He did anciently.

    Priesthood authority matters not because of power, but because it represents God’s willingness to work through people to bless, heal, teach, and redeem His children.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Priesthood Authority
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Joseph Smith Papers – Priesthood Restoration Accounts
    https://www.josephsmithpapers.org

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org

  • Why do Mormons value church history so much?

    Why do Mormons value church history so much?

    Latter-day Saints value church history deeply because they believe God acts in real human history through real people, real places, and real events. Church history is not viewed as an optional background subject or merely a record of past leadership decisions. Instead, it is seen as an essential part of understanding how God works, how revelation unfolds, and how faith is lived over time.

    For Latter-day Saints, church history matters because their faith makes specific historical claims. Events such as the First Vision, the translation of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of priesthood authority, the organization of the Church, persecution, migration, and modern prophetic leadership are all rooted in identifiable moments in history. To understand the faith fully, members believe they must understand the story in which that faith emerged.

    Church history is therefore not just about remembering the past. It is about seeing God’s hand across generations, learning how divine guidance interacts with human weakness, and discovering how faith survives and grows amid uncertainty, opposition, and change.

    History as a Record of God’s Actions

    Latter-day Saints believe scripture itself is sacred history. The Bible is a record of God working through prophets, families, nations, and communities across centuries. Similarly, modern church history is viewed as a continuation of that same pattern rather than a separate or lesser category of information.

    Church history records how God called individuals, revealed doctrine, restored authority, and guided His people through complex circumstances. These records are not meant to replace scripture, but to demonstrate that God continues to interact with humanity in tangible ways.

    God Works in Time

    A core Latter-day Saint belief is that God works within time rather than outside of it. Revelation does not occur in a vacuum. It comes in response to questions, struggles, conflicts, and needs that arise in specific historical settings.

    Understanding history helps believers see why revelations were given when they were and how they addressed real situations faced by real people.

    Line Upon Line

    Latter-day Saints believe revelation comes “line upon line” and “precept upon precept.” Church history documents this gradual process. Doctrines, policies, and practices did not appear fully formed all at once. They developed as God revealed truth according to the readiness and circumstances of His people.

    Studying history helps members recognize patience, progression, and divine timing in God’s dealings.

    Learning From Successes and Mistakes

    One reason Latter-day Saints value church history is that it presents faith in a realistic, human context. Church leaders and members are not portrayed as flawless. Instead, history reveals growth, struggle, correction, and refinement.

    This approach encourages humility and maturity rather than idealized or simplistic faith.

    Faith With Honesty

    Modern Latter-day Saint scholarship increasingly emphasizes honesty and transparency. Members are encouraged to study original documents, journals, letters, and firsthand accounts rather than relying only on simplified narratives.

    This honesty reflects confidence that faith can withstand complexity. Latter-day Saints believe that acknowledging human imperfection does not undermine divine guidance—it highlights it.

    Growth Through Experience

    Church history shows that learning often comes through trial and error. Mistakes, misunderstandings, and even conflict are seen as part of spiritual development.

    For believers, this reinforces the idea that God works patiently with His people rather than abandoning them when they struggle.

    Strengthening Testimony Through Context

    Historical context helps explain why certain teachings, practices, or decisions emerged when they did. Without context, modern readers may misinterpret past actions or assume motives that did not exist.

    By studying history, Latter-day Saints seek clarity rather than confusion.

    Context Brings Clarity

    Understanding social, political, and cultural conditions of the past helps members distinguish eternal principles from temporary practices. This distinction is important for applying faith appropriately in the present.

    History helps believers see continuity without rigidity.

    Connection to the Restoration

    Church history is especially important because the Restoration itself is a historical claim. Latter-day Saints do not believe their faith emerged symbolically or metaphorically. They believe it began through literal events that occurred at specific times and places.

    Events such as the First Vision, angelic visitations, translation of scripture, and restoration of priesthood authority are all rooted in history.

    Faith Anchored in Events

    Because belief is tied to historical claims, studying history allows members to engage their faith intellectually as well as spiritually. They are encouraged to learn, ask questions, and seek understanding rather than relying on assumptions.

    This approach reflects confidence that truth can withstand examination.

    Preserving Memory and Identity

    History shapes collective identity. For Latter-day Saints, stories of early persecution, migration, temple building, missionary sacrifice, and global growth form a shared memory that connects members across cultures and generations.

    Church history helps answer the question: “Who are we, and why do we believe what we believe?”

    Shared Identity

    Members in different countries may have different cultures, languages, and experiences, but church history provides a unifying narrative. It connects converts in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe to pioneers in nineteenth-century America.

    This shared memory strengthens global unity.

    Church History and Personal Faith

    Studying history often leads members to reflect on their own faith journeys. Seeing how others wrestled with doubt, opposition, or uncertainty helps individuals feel less alone in their own struggles.

    History humanizes faith.

    Encouraging Personal Revelation

    Latter-day Saints believe learning about past revelation encourages present revelation. Reading how others sought and received divine guidance motivates individuals to pray, study, and seek confirmation for themselves.

    History becomes a bridge between past testimony and present discipleship.

    Inspiration From Predecessors

    Stories of sacrifice, endurance, and faith provide motivation during difficult moments. Pioneers, early missionaries, and modern leaders are remembered not as heroes without flaws, but as people who trusted God despite uncertainty.

    History as a Safeguard Against Simplification

    Valuing history helps prevent oversimplified narratives that can weaken faith when confronted with complexity. When members expect perfection or linear progress, unexpected information can feel destabilizing.

    Historical study prepares believers for nuance.

    Resilient Faith

    A faith that understands history is better equipped to face questions. Latter-day Saints increasingly emphasize that strong faith includes patience, curiosity, and willingness to learn.

    History teaches that God’s work is steady, not simplistic.

    Church History and Scholarship

    The Church has invested heavily in preserving, publishing, and studying historical documents. Projects such as the Joseph Smith Papers demonstrate a commitment to academic rigor and transparency.

    This openness reflects trust that faith and scholarship can coexist.

    Original Documents

    Access to original journals, letters, and manuscripts allows members and scholars to engage history directly. This approach encourages informed belief rather than secondhand interpretation.

    Faith and Reason Together

    Latter-day Saints generally reject the idea that faith requires ignorance of history. Instead, they see knowledge as strengthening discipleship when paired with humility and spiritual seeking.

    Addressing Difficult Topics

    Some aspects of church history are challenging, including persecution, internal conflict, changing policies, and controversial practices. Valuing history means confronting these topics rather than avoiding them.

    Latter-day Saints increasingly approach difficult history with empathy, context, and spiritual perspective.

    Complexity Does Not Equal Falsehood

    Members are taught that complexity is not evidence of deception. Human history is complex because people are complex.

    God’s involvement does not remove human agency or eliminate struggle.

    Church History and Jesus Christ

    For Latter-day Saints, the ultimate reason church history matters is because it points to Jesus Christ. They believe Christ is the head of the Church and that history records His ongoing guidance.

    Church history is Christ-centered rather than personality-centered.

    Christ at the Center

    Prophets, leaders, and members come and go, but Christ remains constant. History shows how His teachings, ordinances, and authority are preserved and restored.

    This focus helps members avoid placing ultimate trust in individuals rather than in Christ.

    Avoiding Faith Built on Myth

    Latter-day Saints increasingly emphasize that faith should be built on truth rather than myth. Idealized or incomplete stories may feel comforting initially, but they can create fragility.

    Honest history builds durable faith.

    Truth as a Foundation

    Members are encouraged to trust that God does not require deception to accomplish His work. Truth, even when complex, is seen as spiritually strengthening.

    Why Church History Is Studied So Actively Today

    Modern access to information makes historical literacy essential. Latter-day Saints recognize that members will encounter church history through many sources, not all of them accurate or fair.

    By valuing history, the Church encourages members to learn from reliable, contextualized sources.

    Informed Discipleship

    Studying history equips believers to engage conversations thoughtfully, answer questions respectfully, and navigate doubt with confidence.

    Common Misunderstandings

    A common misunderstanding is that studying church history threatens faith. Latter-day Saints increasingly teach the opposite: that faith grows when paired with honesty and learning.

    Another misunderstanding is that church history replaces scripture. Members see history as complementary, providing context and lived examples of scriptural principles.

    Some assume valuing history means focusing on the past instead of the present. In reality, history is valued because it informs present faith and future direction.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Valuing church history promotes informed faith, humility, resilience, and honesty. It helps believers see God’s patience, consistency, and mercy over time.

    For Latter-day Saints, church history testifies that God works through imperfect people to accomplish divine purposes. It reassures believers that uncertainty, struggle, and growth are not signs of failure, but part of a living, ongoing relationship with God.

    Church history matters because it shows that faith is not abstract—it is lived, tested, refined, and sustained across generations.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Church History
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Joseph Smith Papers – Historical Documents
    https://www.josephsmithpapers.org

    BYU Studies – Latter-day Saint History
    https://byustudies.byu.edu