Why Joseph Smith

For those who are confused and may wonder what Joseph Smith is all about and what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches about him, I want to now share a few brief comments.

In the Old Testament we learn from the prophet Amos: "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7). When Christ was upon the earth he organized a church. This church took the gospel to all the known world at that time. After Christ's ascension into heaven persecution of his church increased and over time all the Apostles were murdered. Eventually the Church as an organised body seized to exist.

We also know from other biblical prophesies that God, prior to the Second Coming of Christ, would prepare a people to receive him. For reference study the book of Daniel, in particular the part dealing with the kings dream of an image made out of different materials.

We belief that we live in the time prior to Christ's second coming. In order to prepare a people ready to receive him, God called a prophet to whom he revealed his secret, even Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith was a prophet like Moses, Isaiah and many others. He carried out God's will in organizing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not worship Joseph Smith, but respect him and honour him as a servant of the Lord. There has been a number of prophets since Joseph Smith, with Thomas S. Monson being the current prophet of the church. We refer to the prophet as the president of the church. Along with the president we also sustain his two councilors and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles as Apostles, Prophets and Seers.