We begin our study this week filled with gratitude and anticipation. As we turn our hearts to “The Promised Restoration Goes Forward,” we rejoice in the truth that God’s love and power are not confined to the past. Instead, they illuminate our lives today and invite each of us to participate in the ongoing Restoration of Jesus Christ’s gospel. Together, we have explored the “Restoration Proclamation” and related scriptures, pondering the remarkable ways in which the Lord has guided—and continues to guide—His children.
Overview of Themes and Lessons Learned
1. God Loves All His Children
From the very first line of the Restoration proclamation, we are reminded that God’s love extends to every one of His children in every nation. We see how this love became manifest when the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith, answering a young man’s heartfelt question. This defining moment highlights that revelation is born of divine compassion; a loving Heavenly Father is eager to guide us.
Scriptural References:
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John 3:16 – Emphasizes God’s love for the world.
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2 Nephi 26:33 – Affirms that God invites all to come unto Him.
Application:
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As we recognize God’s universal love, we strive to share that love within our families, among friends, and in our communities.
2. The Restoration Began with a Sincere Question
We read how Joseph Smith sought truth amid religious confusion. His experience teaches us that the Restoration of Christ’s Church on the earth began with honest questioning and humble prayer (see Joseph Smith—History 1:10, 29, 68).
Lessons Learned:
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We, too, can approach the Lord with our personal questions.
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Like Joseph Smith, we can trust that God will guide our seeking—line upon line, precept upon precept.
Scriptural References:
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James 1:5 – The verse that inspired Joseph to pray in faith.
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Joseph Smith—History 1:8–17 – Illustrates Joseph’s example of studying, praying, and acting in faith.
3. Heavenly Messengers and Priesthood Authority
We discovered that key priesthood authority was restored through heavenly messengers (see D&C 110; D&C 13; D&C 27:12–13). John the Baptist, Peter, James, John, Elijah, Moses, and Elias each delivered essential keys that “re-establish[ed] the Church of Jesus Christ.” Through these sacred events, we learn that the same power and authority Christ conferred on His original Apostles now operate in our day.
Scriptural References:
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Matthew 16:15–19 – Jesus gives keys of the kingdom to Peter.
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D&C 110:11–16 – Moses, Elias, and Elijah appear to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple.
Application:
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Because these priesthood keys are restored, we can receive saving ordinances—baptism, temple sealings, and more—that unite us to Christ and our families eternally.
4. Christ’s New Testament Church Is Restored
In studying passages like Ephesians 4:11–15 and Luke 6:12–13, we saw that the Lord organized His Church with Apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers. The Restoration Proclamation testifies this organization has been brought back in our day, anchored in the life and Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Lessons Learned:
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We have living prophets and apostles who serve under the direction of the Savior.
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Through this structure, we find unity, sound doctrine, and opportunities to grow in Christlike service.
Scriptural References:
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Acts 4:34–35 – Early Church members cared for one another, a principle restored through modern welfare programs and ministering.
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1 Corinthians 15:29 – Baptisms for the dead, a practice reestablished through temple work.
5. The Heavens Are Open
One of the central messages of the Restoration is that God’s voice has not fallen silent. We see evidence of open heavens through living prophets (e.g., President Russell M. Nelson), personal revelation, and the continuing guidance we receive as individuals and as a Church.
Illustrative Activity:
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Discussing the difference between hearing someone speak from behind a closed door versus an open door highlights how much clearer God’s messages become when the heavens truly are “open.”
Scriptural References:
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D&C 84:64–72 – Reiterates that signs follow those who believe, confirming ongoing revelation.
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Joseph Smith—History 1:5–20 – Heaven opened to Joseph Smith, ushering in a new gospel era.
6. Our Role in the Ongoing Restoration
We have learned that the Restoration is not merely a past event but an ongoing process that invites each of us to participate. Whether through sharing the gospel, serving in our callings, doing family history, or standing as witnesses of Jesus Christ’s love, we further the Restoration in our own spheres of influence.
Questions for Reflection:
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“How do I participate in the Restoration today?”
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“What truths have I gained a personal witness of, and how can I share them with others?”
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“How has my life changed because of the restored gospel?”
In sum, as we’ve studied “The Promised Restoration Goes Forward,” we have felt renewed appreciation for the love our Heavenly Father has for us and for the continued guidance we receive from living prophets and personal revelation. We stand with the Apostles and prophets in proclaiming that Jesus Christ has restored His Church to the earth. We testify together that the heavens are open, that God answers our sincere questions, and that we can each be part of the Lord’s ongoing work to bless His children everywhere.
In the coming weeks, may we carry these truths in our hearts and homes, seeking ways to deepen our discipleship and share the joyful message of the Restoration with others. We rejoice that, through Jesus Christ’s restored gospel, each of us can find hope, healing, and the promise of eternal life.
Thank you for sharing this uplifting message! It’s such a beautiful reminder that the Restoration is not just a moment in history but an ongoing work of love and hope.
I’m especially touched by the thought that “heaven is not silent.” Knowing that God continues to speak to us—both through living prophets and personal revelation—fills me with so much peace and confidence in His plan.
This inspires me to reflect on how I can personally contribute to the Restoration. Whether it’s through sharing the gospel, serving others, or deepening my discipleship, I feel motivated to do more.
How has the message of the Restoration impacted your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I remembered how fascinated I felt as I studied the December 30–January 5 lesson, “The Promised Restoration Goes Forward,” and delved into The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I recalled pouring over the Proclamation and recognizing, with fresh clarity, that the Restoration was not merely a historic occurrence but an ongoing journey of faith that embraced me personally. It surprised me to realize how deeply Joseph Smith’s questions resonated with my own spiritual curiosity, and I noted that his prayer for guidance paralleled the times in my life when I had yearned for direct answers from God.
I analyzed the scriptural passages, particularly Joseph Smith—History 1:5–20, and I appreciated how much the theme of “open heavens” meant to me. It dawned on me that these verses served as living proof that sincere, heartfelt prayer had the power to restore lost truths. When I considered my own moments of revelation, I detected the same pattern: I had studied, prayed, and then recognized the Spirit guiding me toward God’s answers. This observation reassured me that I, too, was part of this dynamic, continuing Restoration.
As I reflected on the concept of priesthood keys being restored, I remembered feeling a surge of gratitude for the tangible blessings that authority brings. References to John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John underscored for me the reality that God had not abandoned His children after biblical times. I recalled how understanding that principle earlier in my life had sparked a confidence that the Lord remained ready to respond to each generation’s needs.
In pondering the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ, I recognized that I had been consistently strengthened by its additional witness of the Savior’s Atonement. I thought back to previous study sessions where verses about Christ’s suffering and resurrection had brought me comfort. The Restoration Proclamation further reminded me that truth continues to unfold, helping me see the gospel through a clearer lens than ever before.
Finally, I remembered how reviewing these lessons and supplemental questions challenged me to think critically about my own part in the Restoration’s progress. President Nelson’s invitation to “Hear Him” inspired me to open my heart more fully in prayer. I mused on the lessons about building unity in the Church and fulfilling temple work, and I realized just how integral each of us is to the ongoing story of the Restoration. Indeed, as I looked back, I felt both humbled and energized by the divine patterns of revelation that, time and again, have helped me and countless others come closer to Jesus Christ.
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