Many great prophets lived as the head of dispensations on this earth. Adam, Abraham, Moses are a few.
After Christ was on the earth to serve his mission and make His great atoning sacrifice the Church was left in the hands of his authorized priesthood holders, the Twelve Apostles but with their passing there was no one who held the priesthood authority and therefore no true church of Christ was organized. We experienced a great apostasy known as "the dark ages". The Lord again called a prophet to restore the blessings of His gospel to His people.
Joseph Smith was called of God to restore these great blessings to earth and to stand at the head of the dispensation of the fullness of times. The priesthood, with its essential keys was restored; the Book of Mormon was translated; the Church was organized; and doctrines, ordinances, and covenants were revealed.
This is truly the dispensation of the fullness of times when all things which are in Christ, Jesus, whether in heaven or on the earth shall be gathered together in Him and when all things shall be restored, as spoken of by all the holy prophets since the world began.
This final dispensation, which ushers in the Second Coming of Christ, is of such vast importance that it requires the complete, unselfish dedication of the people of God. Joseph Smith said, "It will be necessary for the Saints to hearken to counsel and turn their attention to the Church, the establishment of the Kingdom, and lay aside every selfish principle, everything low and groveling; and stand forward in the cause of truth, and assist to the utmost of their power, those to whom has been given the pattern and design."
Joseph further stated that "The heavenly Priesthood will unite with the earthly, to bring about those great purposes." We have heavenly help in our work here on this earth, "a work that is destined to bring about the destruction of the powers of darkness, the renovation of the earth, the glory of God, and the salvation of the human family."
We are privileged to live in this dispensation. We have the fullness of the gospel. We have been promised many great blessings. But "where much is given, much is expected." The Lord expects His covenant people to live His laws with exactness. In His great love and mercy he knows we are not perfect and cannot be perfect right now but he expects each one of us to begin with where we are now and work to improve ourselves until we can be made perfect in Him. Let us all commit ourselves to build up His kingdom and further His great work.
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