Testimony of Joseph Smith

After Sunday's lesson, I have not been able to stop thinking about Joseph Smith and his mission here on earth. It was suggested that if Joseph Smith had not restored the gospel, that the Lord would have had someone else fill that void. At the time, I couldn't think of any reason why that would not be the case, but I have since come to the realization the only Joseph Smith could have brought to pass the restoration of the gospel. This is because he was foreordained in the great council in heaven to be the prophet of the restoration. He was very specifically mentioned in 2 Nephi, chapter 3. His name would be Joseph and his father's name would also be Joseph. Just as Christ was the only one capable of performing the Atonement on our behalf, Joseph Smith was the only person able to bring to pass the restoration of the gospel, as he was foreordained to do so by the Lord.

The Lord Jesus Christ called Joseph Smith as a prophet to prepare the way for His coming in glory. Joseph Smith's life is a testimony to the reality of that calling. "I was called of my Heavenly Father to lay the foundation of this great work and kingdom in this dispensation, and testify of His revealed will to scattered Israel."

"This 'dispensation'" is our time—the time prophesied when God will "gather . . . all things in Christ." Ancient prophets foretold a final gospel dispensation and prophesied of Joseph Smith, who would lead it. Jesus Christ and His prophets Moses, Moroni, and Joseph of Egypt are just a few that spoke of a great prophet to come.

Joseph Smith was foreordained by God to restore His work from all previous dispensations. "Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world," taught Joseph Smith, "was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose that I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council."

I invite anyone who is doubting their testimony of the prophet Joseph to read 2 Nephi 3 and the testimony of the prophet and pray for a witness of the divinity of the prophet's calling. You can also visit http://josephsmith.net to learn more information about the life of the prophet. I testify that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration and that without his sacrifice and labor on our behalf, we would not have the opportunity to live the gospel today.