The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times

Ann Bany gave a wonderful lesson in RS today on Chapter 16: The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times.

"We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth" (Articles of Faith 1:6)

During the lesson, we split into smaller groups to discuss the six different features of the church.

1. Revelation: When Jesus established His Church, He personally instructed and directed its leaders. He, in turn, received His instructions from His Father in Heaven. Thus the Church of Jesus Christ was directed by God and not by men. Before Jesus ascented into heaven after His Resurrection, He told His Apostles, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world". He continued to guide them from heaven and sent the Holy Ghost to be a comforter and a revelator to them.

2. Authority from God: The ordinances and principles of the gospel cannot be administered and taught without the priesthood. He reminded his Apostles, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you".

3. The Church Organization: The Church of Jesus Christ was a carefully organized unit. It was compared to a building that was "built upon the foundatino of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone". Jesus appointed other priesthood leaders to assist the Apostles in the work of the ministry. He sent officers called Seventies in pairs to preach the gospel. Other officeres in the Church were evangelists (patriarchs), pastors (presiding leaders), high priests, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, and deacons. These officers helped the members come to a "unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God"

4. First Principles and Ordinances: Article of Faith 1:4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. Ordinances Performed for the Dead: Jesus has provided for everyone to hear the gospel, whether on eath or after death. Between His death and Resurrection, Jesus went among the spirits of thsoe who had died. He organized missionary work among those who were dead. People who had died then had an opportunity to accept the gospel. Living members of His Chruch then performed ordinances in behalf of the dead.

6. Spiritual Gifts All faithful members of the Church were entitled to receive gifts of the Spirit. These were given to them according to their individual needs, capacities, and assignments. Jesus told His disciples that these signs or spiritual gifts always follow them that believe.