Sunday Lesson Recap: The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times

This week's lesson was from the "Gospel Principles" manual, chapter 16 "The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times." Here are some of the key points:

- There are six characteristics that point to the true church of Jesus Christ. These characteristics were present in Christ's day and they are present in ours -

1. Authority from God - God gives His servants the power to act in His name (the priesthood)
- Matthew 16:19

2. The Church Organization - Christ called twelve Apostles to lead and guide His church after His death. These Apostles were to teach the gospel to all the world and make sure the members were doing what God wanted them to do.
- Ephesians 2:20

3. Revelation - God will always guide His church through revelation. Revelation is the "rock" upon which the church is built (see Matthew 16:16-18)
- Individuals can also receive personal revelation. It is through revelation that truth is revealed to us and we receive our testimonies.

4. First Principles and Ordinances - Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, the Gift of the Holy Ghost
- Ordinances require priesthood authority in order to be complete.

5. Ordinances Performed for the Dead - Everyone has a chance to receive the gospel, no matter when they lived.
- 1 Corinthians 15:29
- 1 Peter 3:18-20, 4:6
- Doctrine and Covenants 131:6

6. Spiritual Gifts - such as faith, prophecy and visions (there are others). Spiritual gifts are given to individuals according to their needs, capacity and assignments. They follow those that believe.

The Church was also organized in the Americas - after Christ was resurrected, He visited the Nephites in the Americas and gave them the same instructions and authority He gave His Apostles in Jerusalem. See 3 Nephi 11-28

Apostasy occurred when the people became too wicked and prideful. They disobeyed and even killed the Apostles and Prophets. The gospel became corrupted with incorrect doctrine. God took His authority from the earth in response to their wickedness. This Great Apostasy was foretold - Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:44-45

Thanks to Emily for this great lesson!