In Mormonism, the Restoration refers to the return of the true church of Jesus Christ to the earth through Joseph Smith. Mormons believe that after the deaths of the original apostles, the world entered a “Great Apostasy,” during which priesthood authority and essential truths were lost. The Restoration began in 1820 with Joseph Smith’s First Vision and continued with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the conferral of priesthood authority, and the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830.
For Mormons, the Restoration means that their church is the only true church on earth, possessing the priesthood, living prophets, and all ordinances necessary for exaltation. Other churches may have partial truth, but only the LDS Church is seen as the restored kingdom of God.
Biblical Christianity does not teach a great apostasy that erased the church. Jesus promised that his word would never pass away (Matthew 24:35) and that the gates of hell would not overcome his church (Matthew 16:18). Christians believe the gospel has been preserved throughout history, and salvation is found not in belonging to a “restored” institution but in trusting Christ, who remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
