God’s Plan of Salvation has taken place through seven distinctive dispensations. Each of these periods is marked by a prophet or head, appointed to bring about a restoration of truth and ordinances. While Joseph Smith is widely recognized for his role in the Restoration, it’s crucial to understand that this divine work didn’t begin with him. In studying these dispensations, we can unravel the pattern of restoration, showing that the process used by Joseph Smith was not an exception but part of a grand, eternal plan.
Interestingly, certain dispensation heads are also associated with specific covenants or ordinances. When looking at the the dispensations from a bird’s-eye view, we can actually discern a narrative that teaches all the saving elements of the Plan of Salvation.
- Adam – The First Restorationist:
- Adam’s mission was to restore the gospel from premortal life to mortal life.
- He had to pass on gospel truths to his children, born without memories of their premortal knowledge.
- Adam brought a restoration of the truths that had already been discussed and agreed upon in the premortal world.
- Enoch – Zion and Consecration:
- Enoch’s emphasis in our scriptures was on building Zion and implementing the Law of Consecration.
- He was able to fulfill what Adam started and bring God’s children back to His presence.
- Enoch received special covenants and promises.
- Noah – Restoring and Replenishing:
- Noah acted as a new Adam, multiplying and replenishing the Earth, establishing the patriarchal order, and restoring the fullness of the gospel.
- His mission involved the flood as a form of Earth’s baptism.
- God’s covenant with Noah was to extend mercy and never destroy the Earth again.
- Abraham – New Covenant and Patriarchal Order:
- Abraham inherited and restored the fullness of the priesthood from Melchizedek, initiating a new dispensation.
- His mission was linked to the covenant of eternal posterity, priesthood, and promised lands.
- Abraham introduced celestial marriage.
- Moses – Bringing Order and the Tabernacle:
- Moses restored higher ordinances, priesthood, and the tabernacle.
- He had to separate true principles from false beliefs and bring about a higher understanding.
- Moses administered the lower law but also restored higher knowledge.
- Jesus Christ – Fulfillment and Higher Law:
- Jesus clarified and perfected existing teachings while introducing higher laws and standards.
- He restored the higher priesthood and provided the Atonement.
- Christ initiated a new level of spiritual understanding.
- Joseph Smith – The Last Restoration:
- Joseph Smith’s role was to initiate the final restoration of all things.
- He restored ordinances, truths, and principles from a fragmented spiritual landscape.
- Promises of the last dispensation include no more global apostasies, the availability of the fullness of the gospel to all, and the promise of the Second Coming.
Conclusion
The pattern of restoration is an eternal process, repeated in each dispensation. Prophets are called to restore truths, ordinances, and covenants to guide humanity back to God’s presence. Joseph Smith’s mission was part of this unchanging pattern, ensuring the final, complete restoration of God’s eternal plan. As we contemplate this pattern, we gain a deeper appreciation for the eternal nature of God’s work and His unwavering commitment to bring His children back to Him.