Two different views on the Restoration
Posted: April 13th, 2019, 3:28 am
From what I've seen on LDSFF, there are two predominant understandings of how the restoration of the Gospel ties into end times prophecy... Let me know where I'm wrong (or right) with whichever version more closely resembles your beliefs....
Mainstream view : The fullness of the Gospel would be offered to the Gentiles, be accepted by the Gentiles, and then this church, established by and among the Gentiles would "roll forth until it fills the whole Earth", as prophesied by Daniel. The missionary work of this church would be the prophesied gathering of Israel. This is "the last time" the servants are sent to nourish the vineyard and much spiritual fruit occurs in this church. The fullness of the Priesthood and the fullness of the Keys of the Kingdom of God on earth exists in this church. The servant spoken of by Isaiah, and other ancient prophets, is Joseph Smith who ushers in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. Subsequent leaders of this church must be hearkened to, as they have the Keys, and the precepts they teach would never be allowed to lead the church astray. Zion would be established within the Stakes of this church. This Restored Church, the Kingdom of God on earth, is the Church of the Lamb of God prophesied by Nephi. The work of this Church is the "Work of the Father", the "Strange Work", and the "Marvelous Work and a Wonder".
Heretical view : The fullness of the Gospel would be offered to the Gentiles, but would ultimately be rejected and lost by them. The church(es) resulting from this loss of the fullness would fulfill much prophesy due to their lack of spiritual fruit and their hearkening perilously to the precepts of men. However, despite this loss of fullness, the Lord would still have his hand in the Gentile church, and a preparatory form of priesthood would still remain. This church would be the means by which the Book of Mormon would "hiss forth unto the ends of the earth" and it provides necessary nourishment to the branches of the Lord's vineyard (thus preserving the roots for a future "graft" that will bear much fruit). When the winding up scenes of tribulation begin, the fullness of the Gospel would then miraculously turn back to the House of Israel, as the greatest missionary effort in the history of the world commences. Repentant gentiles will assist in this work, but a noticeable shift occurs as servants are called to labor in the vineyard one "last time" and the House of Israel is "grafted" in again. Those who repent are baptized with fire and the Holy Ghost, are endowed with power from on High, and bear much spiritual fruit. These people comprise the church of the Lamb of God prophesied by Nephi. Zion will be redeemed with power (among the remnant of Joseph). There would be "one mighty and strong", the servant spoken of by Isaiah, who, like Moses, will lead the gathering of Israel on an Exodus to Zion, marked by miracles and signs. This servant is he "unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom". Stakes of Zion will be a refuge to the repentant and pure in heart. These future events usher in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times and is the "Work of the Father", the "Strange Work", and the "Marvelous Work and a Wonder".
Mainstream view : The fullness of the Gospel would be offered to the Gentiles, be accepted by the Gentiles, and then this church, established by and among the Gentiles would "roll forth until it fills the whole Earth", as prophesied by Daniel. The missionary work of this church would be the prophesied gathering of Israel. This is "the last time" the servants are sent to nourish the vineyard and much spiritual fruit occurs in this church. The fullness of the Priesthood and the fullness of the Keys of the Kingdom of God on earth exists in this church. The servant spoken of by Isaiah, and other ancient prophets, is Joseph Smith who ushers in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. Subsequent leaders of this church must be hearkened to, as they have the Keys, and the precepts they teach would never be allowed to lead the church astray. Zion would be established within the Stakes of this church. This Restored Church, the Kingdom of God on earth, is the Church of the Lamb of God prophesied by Nephi. The work of this Church is the "Work of the Father", the "Strange Work", and the "Marvelous Work and a Wonder".
Heretical view : The fullness of the Gospel would be offered to the Gentiles, but would ultimately be rejected and lost by them. The church(es) resulting from this loss of the fullness would fulfill much prophesy due to their lack of spiritual fruit and their hearkening perilously to the precepts of men. However, despite this loss of fullness, the Lord would still have his hand in the Gentile church, and a preparatory form of priesthood would still remain. This church would be the means by which the Book of Mormon would "hiss forth unto the ends of the earth" and it provides necessary nourishment to the branches of the Lord's vineyard (thus preserving the roots for a future "graft" that will bear much fruit). When the winding up scenes of tribulation begin, the fullness of the Gospel would then miraculously turn back to the House of Israel, as the greatest missionary effort in the history of the world commences. Repentant gentiles will assist in this work, but a noticeable shift occurs as servants are called to labor in the vineyard one "last time" and the House of Israel is "grafted" in again. Those who repent are baptized with fire and the Holy Ghost, are endowed with power from on High, and bear much spiritual fruit. These people comprise the church of the Lamb of God prophesied by Nephi. Zion will be redeemed with power (among the remnant of Joseph). There would be "one mighty and strong", the servant spoken of by Isaiah, who, like Moses, will lead the gathering of Israel on an Exodus to Zion, marked by miracles and signs. This servant is he "unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom". Stakes of Zion will be a refuge to the repentant and pure in heart. These future events usher in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times and is the "Work of the Father", the "Strange Work", and the "Marvelous Work and a Wonder".