When people follow the prophet and keep God's commandments they are blessed. When they reject or distort the prophet's teachings they do not prosper; they experience disappointment, confusion and sorrow. The Bible and Book of Mormon are abundantly clear on this subject. As just one example—
"And [the Lord] hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence." (2 Nephi 1:20)Widespread apostasy begins with individuals and soon infects communities and entire nations until but few believe the words of living prophets. When this happens God removes priesthood—the authority to act in His name for the salvation of His children—from the Earth. This is a pattern that has recurred since the beginning of time. Periods of time when priesthood is on Earth are called dispensations; periods without priesthood are known as apostasy.
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| The Savior's earthly ministry was marked by selfless service to others |
When the Savior began His earthly ministry He restored priesthood authority. He healed the sick. He blessed children. He raised the dead. He taught His gospel. Most important He performed the atonement, an act of supreme mercy that covers every human being and ensures that somebody understands exactly what you're going through—your pains, your weaknesses, your sorrows, and your sins; but also your joys, your triumphs, and your beautiful experiences.
When Christ was crucified His apostles were left to administer the Church. But people quickly fell into apostasy. They brutally tortured and murdered the apostles, and it wasn't long before priesthood authority was again taken from the Earth. The world for centuries was enshrouded in suffocating spiritual darkness.
MORE ONLINE
Apostasy, lds.org
Avoiding Personal Apostasy, Elder Claudio D. Zivic
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