The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has claim to be the the only church that is recognized by the Savior as his church. It had its beginnings in 1820 when both our Father in Heaven and Christ appeared to a 14 year old boy named Joseph Smith. He saw them as separate glorified beings with bodies of flesh and bones and was able to ask them which church he should join. The savior told him to join none of them and that he would be an instrument in the Lord’s hands in restoring the true church.
Later, Joseph received a visit from a resurected being named Moroni in 1824. Moroni taught Joseph many things regarding the coming restoration of the gospel and introduced Joseph to a record buried in a nearby hill named Cumorah. Moroni visited Joseph on three separate occasions, each time teaching him the principles of the restored gospel. In 1827, Joseph took possession of the gold plates and began the process of translating them. They contained a record of three separate groups that came to America, the first group was called the Jaredites and them came in 2200 BC. The second group came from Jerusalem about 590 BC. They split into two groups soon after their arrival and were called the Nephites and the Lamanites. The third group came soon after the second group and they were called the Mulekites. They joined with the Nephites. The record contained information about a visit that Christ made to these people in America and his teachings to them about many gospel principles.
In translating the plates, Joseph and a companion saw that baptism was an important part of the gospel plan. They prayed about this and the Lord sent another messenger to visit them. His name was John, the same man that was called John, the Baptist in the new testament. He ordained them to the Aaronic Priesthood and commanded that they should baptize each other, which they did. John told them he was sent to them under the direction of Peter, James and John, apostles in the new testament. Soon after this event, Peter, James, and John also appeared to them and conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood upon them, the same priesthood they received from Christ during his ministry in Jerusalem.
Now fully authorized to do so, Joseph organized the church on April 6th, 1830. In due time, a quorum of 12 apostles was organized through inspiration from Christ. Later, other officers were organized such as deacons, teachers, priests, elders, seventies, High Priests and patriarchs. The church today has a first presidency comprised of a president, Thomas Monson, and two counselors. They preside over a quorum of twelve apostles and several quorums of seventies. Many principles of the gospel were introduced over the years and the church functions in a way that is similar to the church that Christ established. Our prophet receives revelation from Christ on a regular basis and he is the head of our Church.
Faithful members of the church have a firm testimony that the Church is Christ’s church and its principles are true. There are many who attempt to tell the world what the church believes. They are inspired by Satan and much of what they say is not true. I personally have received from the Holy Ghost a witness that the gospel is true. I know that the teachings of Joseph Smith and other prophets is truly the word of God. If someone wants to know that this is the true church, they should get a copy of the Book of Mormon and read it and pray about it. If they study and pray with a sincere heart with faith in Christ, the Holy Ghost will confirm to them the book is true. The missionaries are available all over the globe and they could be contacted for more information about the church. May God bless you in your search for truth.
Sincerely,
Dallas E. Murdoch
. The meaning and intent of the Creed has not changed.