The Restored Gospel and Christian History (Religion 390R)

Course Objective: This course will help students understand the history of Christianity leading to the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Lesson 1: Introduction and Overview

Suggested Lesson Material

• 1 Nephi 10:18; Alma 22:13; Moses 5:58–59.

• Robert L. Millet, “The Eternal Gospel,” Ensign, July 1996, 48–56.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• The gospel and the plan of redemption were prepared from the foundation of the world and have been taught by all of God’s prophets from Adam to our day (see 1 Nephi 10:18; Alma 22:13; Moses 5:58–59).

Lesson 2: Dispensations, Apostasies, and Restorations: The Pattern and the Foreshadowing

Suggested Lesson Material

• “4. The Restoration,” Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2018).

• M. Russell Ballard, “Learning the Lessons of the Past,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 31–34.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “In every dispensation, God’s loving desire to bless His children is manifest in the miraculous restoration of the gospel truth to the earth through living prophets” (M. Russell Ballard, “Learning the Lessons of the Past,” 32).

Lesson 3: The Great Apostasy as Foreseen by the Ancient Prophets

Suggested Lesson Material

• Amos 8:11–12; 2 Nephi 28:1–14; 29:3–6.

• James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ (1916), 745–57 (“The Long Night of Apostasy”).

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• Ancient prophets foretold a period of apostasy where there would be a famine of hearing the word of the Lord (see Amos 8:11–12).

Lesson 4: The Imminent Coming of the Great Apostasy as Foretold by the Savior and His Apostles

Suggested Lesson Material

• Matthew 24:4–5, 9–11; Acts 20:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 1 Timothy 4:1–3; 2 Timothy 3:1–9; 4:3–4.

• Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84–87.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• The Savior and His Apostles prophesied of great apostasy.

Lesson 5: The Beginnings of the Great Apostasy as Witnessed by the Savior’s Apostles

Suggested Lesson Material

• 2 Thessalonians 2:1–15; 1 Corinthians 11:18; Galatians 1:6–7; 1 Timothy 1:5–7; 2 Timothy 1:15; 2 Peter 2.

• Neal A. Maxwell, “From the Beginning,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 18–20.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• The Savior’s Apostles witnessed a falling away from the truth in the early Church and warned the Saints against apostasy.

Lesson 6: External Forces: A Season of Intense Persecution

Suggested Lesson Material

• Matthew 5:10–12, 44; 24:9–13; John 6:66–69; Revelation 6:9–11.

• Church History in the Fulness of Times, 2nd ed. (Church Educational System manual, 2003), 3–6.

• M. Russell Ballard, “Restored Truth,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 65–68.

• Tad R. Callister, The Inevitable Apostasy and the Promised Restoration (2006), 15–23.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• Many of the early Christian Saints and the leaders of the Church were persecuted and martyred.

Lesson 7: Internal Apostasy: Rejection of the Gospel and the Apostles

Suggested Lesson Material

• 1 Timothy 1:3–7; 6:4–10, 20; 2 Timothy 4:3–4.

• Jeffrey R. Holland, “Prophets, Seers, and Revelators,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 6–9.

• James E. Talmage, The Great Apostasy (1958), 82–95 (“Causes of the Apostasy—Internal Causes”).

• Tad R. Callister, The Inevitable Apostasy and the Promised Restoration, 24–49.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “The apostolic and prophetic foundation of the Church was to bless in all times, but especially in times of adversity or danger, times when we might feel like children, confused or disoriented, perhaps a little fearful, times in which the devious hand of men or the maliciousness of the devil would attempt to unsettle or mislead” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Prophets, Seers, and Revelators,” 7).

Lesson 8: The Holy Bible

Suggested Lesson Material

• M. Russell Ballard, “The Miracle of the Holy Bible,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 80–82.

• Lenet H. Read, “How the Bible Came to Be, Part 2: The Word Is Preserved,” Ensign, Feb. 1982, 32–37.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “We are true and full believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His revealed word through the Holy Bible” (M. Russell Ballard, “The Miracle of the Holy Bible,” 82).

Lesson 9: The Loss of Many Plain and Precious Truths

Suggested Lesson Material

• 1 Nephi 13:20–29; 2 Nephi 28:1–15; Mormon 8:27–41.

• Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84–87.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• Many plain and precious truths were lost during the apostasy, causing many of Heavenly Father’s children to stumble (see 1 Nephi 13:29).

Lesson 10: The Reformation and the Reformers

Suggested Lesson Material

• Thomas S. Monson, “The Way Home,” Ensign, May 1975, 15–16.

• Boyd K. Packer, “The Cloven Tongues of Fire,” Ensign, May 2000, 7–9.

• Thomas S. Monson, “Led by Spiritual Pioneers,” Ensign, Aug. 2006, 3–8.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “The reformers were pioneers, blazing wilderness trails in a desperate search for those lost points of reference that they felt would lead mankind back to the truth Jesus taught” (Thomas S. Monson, “Led by Spiritual Pioneers,” 4–5).

Lesson 11: The Contributions of Key Reformers in Preparing for the Restoration

Suggested Lesson Material

• Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service (2018), 35, 45.

• Boyd K. Packer, “The Standard of Truth Has Been Erected,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 24–27.

• Arnold K. Garr, “Preparing for the Restoration,” Ensign, June 1999, 34–40.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “Those forerunners to Joseph Smith, the long-prophesied seer of the last days … , did not have access to the fulness of the gospel, but their efforts were vitally important in laying the foundation for him” (Garr, “Preparing for the Restoration,” 34).

Lesson 12: The Coming Forth of the Bible to the Common Man

Suggested Lesson Material

• D. Todd Christofferson, “The Blessing of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 32–35.

• Lenet H. Read, “How the Bible Came to Be, Part 5: Glimmers of Light in Darkness,” Ensign, June 1982, 38–46.

• Lenet H. Read, “How the Bible Came to Be, Part 6: No Price Too Great,” Ensign, July 1982, 42–50.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “William Tyndale was not the first, nor the last, of those who in many countries and languages have sacrificed, even to the point of death, to bring the word of God out of obscurity. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude” (D. Todd Christofferson, “The Blessing of Scripture,” 32).

Lesson 13: Preparing the Earth for the Restoration

Suggested Lesson Material

• Lenet H. Read, “How the Bible Came to Be, Part 7: The Sweet and Ripened Fruit,” Ensign, Aug. 1982, 48–55.

• Lenet H. Read, “How the Bible Came to Be, Part 8: The Power of the Word,” Ensign, Sept. 1982, 64–71.

• Robert J. Matthews, “A Bible! A Bible!” Ensign, Jan. 1987, 22–27.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “Let us now look at the momentous events that gave us the Bible in English—one of the most important of the instruments that helped to bring about the restoration of the gospel” (Matthews, “A Bible! A Bible!” 24).

Lesson 14: The Discovery and Preparation of America as the Cradle of the Restoration

Suggested Lesson Material

• 1 Nephi 13:10–19; 2 Nephi 1:5–9; 3:1–5; Ether 2:7–12; 13:1–12.

• Jeffrey R. Holland, “A Promised Land,” Ensign, June 1976, 22–26.

• L. Tom Perry, “God’s Hand in the Founding of America,” New Era, July 1976, 44–50.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• The Lord’s hand was in the founding of America so that the Restoration of the gospel could move forward.

Lesson 15: The Great Awakenings: Prelude to the Restoration

Suggested Lesson Material

• Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual, 9–12, 22.

• James E. Faust, “The Restoration of All Things,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 61–62, 67–68.

• David F. Boone, “Prepared for the Restoration,” Ensign, Dec. 1984, 17–21.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “Prior to the Restoration, the heavens had been closed for centuries. But with prophets and apostles upon the earth once more, the heavens were opened once again with visions and revelations” (James E. Faust, “The Restoration of All Things,” 67).

Lesson 16: The Restoration of the Gospel in the Meridian of Time

Suggested Lesson Material

• Ephesians 2:19–21; 4:11–14.

• Richard G. Scott, “Truth Restored,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 78–81.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “Our benevolent Father came from His vast creations to this earth to clarify truth, to disperse the intense clouds of spiritual darkness, to establish His true identity, to restore a fulness of truth, and to provide the only way to obtain secure, spiritual guidance” (Richard G. Scott, “Truth Restored,” 80).

Lesson 17: Joseph Smith: A Choice Seer

Suggested Lesson Material

• 2 Nephi 3.

• Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual, 15–27.

• Tad R. Callister, “Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 35–37.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• Joseph Smith was foreordained and chosen by God to be the prophet of the Restoration.

Lesson 18: Joseph Smith and the First Vision

Suggested Lesson Material

• Joseph Smith—History 1:5–26.

• Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual, 29–36.

• James E. Faust, “The Magnificent Vision Near Palmyra,” Ensign, May 1984, 67–69.

• Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2002, 78–81.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “God be thanked for His marvelous bestowal of testimony, authority, and doctrine associated with this, the restored Church of Jesus Christ” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith,” 81).

Lesson 19: Joseph’s Time of Angelic Tutoring and Preparation: 1823–29

Suggested Lesson Material

• Joseph Smith—History 1:27–54.

• Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual, 37–51.

• Presidents of the Church Student Manual (Church Educational System manual, 2013), 7.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “The monumental work of bringing forth the Book of Mormon was foretold by ancient prophets. … A work of such magnitude requires careful preparation” (Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual, 41).

Lesson 20: The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Suggested Lesson Material

• Isaiah 29:11–12; Joseph Smith—History 1:55–67.

• Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4–7.

• Neal A. Maxwell, “By the Gift and Power of God,” Ensign, Jan. 1997, 36–41.

• Jeffrey R. Holland, “Safety for the Soul,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 88–90.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “There are three ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. It is the keystone in our witness of Christ. It is the keystone of our doctrine. It is the keystone of testimony” (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” 5).

Lesson 21: The Organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Suggested Lesson Material

• Doctrine and Covenants 1; 20.

• Gordon B. Hinckley, “Four Cornerstones of Faith,” Ensign, Feb. 2004, 2–7.

• Donald Q. Cannon, Larry E. Dahl, and John W. Welch, “The Restoration of Major Doctrines through Joseph Smith: The Godhead, Mankind, and the Creation,” Ensign, Jan. 1989, 27–33.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “We have basic cornerstones on which this great latter-day Church has been established by the Lord” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Four Cornerstones of Faith,” 4).

Lesson 22: The Restoration Continues: Additional Scripture, the Priesthood, and Messengers with Keys from Earlier Dispensations

Suggested Lesson Material

• Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72; Doctrine and Covenants 110.

• Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Quorum of the First Presidency,” Ensign, Dec. 2005, 46–50.

• Boyd K. Packer, “The Twelve,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 83–86.

• Dallin H. Oaks, “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 49–52.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “The place of the President of the Church and that of the Quorum of the First Presidency in having responsibility for the entire Church in all the world is clearly set forth in these revelations recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Quorum of the First Presidency,” 46–47).

Lesson 23: The Restoration of Many Plain and Precious Truths

Suggested Lesson Material

• 1 Nephi 13:35–42.

• Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,” Ensign, Mar. 1998, 2–7.

• The First Presidency (1909), “The Origin of Man,” Ensign, Feb. 2002, 26–30.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “These last records … shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them” (1 Nephi 13:40).

Lesson 24: The Restoration Continues: The Ordinances of the Holy Temple for Both the Living and the Dead and the Doctrine of Eternal Marriage and Family

Suggested Lesson Material

• Doctrine and Covenants 128:1–25; 131; 132:3–25.

• D. Todd Christofferson, “The Redemption of the Dead and the Testimony of Jesus,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 9–12.

• David A. Bednar, “Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign, June 2006, 82–87.

• “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 145.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “The proclamation on the family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship” (Russell M. Nelson, “Celestial Marriage,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 93).

Lesson 25: Joseph Smith: The Great Prophet of the Final Restoration—His Legacy

Suggested Lesson Material

• Doctrine and Covenants 135.

• Neal A. Maxwell, “My Servant Joseph,” Ensign, May 1992, 37–39.

• Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Season for Gratitude,” Ensign, Dec. 1997, 2–5.

• Hugh B. Brown, “The Profile of a Prophet,” Ensign, June 2006, 34–39.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “[The Prophet Joseph Smith] was the instrument in the hands of the Almighty. He was the servant acting under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ in bringing to pass this great latter-day work” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Season for Gratitude,” 2).

Lesson 26: The Restoration Continues: The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times

Suggested Lesson Material

• Daniel 2:34–35, 44–45; Doctrine and Covenants 65:2.

• Gordon B. Hinckley, “At the Summit of the Ages,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 72–74.

• Russell M. Nelson, “The Gathering of Scattered Israel,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 79–81.

• Henry B. Eyring, “The True and Living Church,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 20–24.

Key Doctrine, Principles, and Concepts

• “This is the true Church, the only true Church, because in it are the keys of the priesthood” (Henry B. Eyring, “The True and Living Church,” 20).