Definitions

Apostasy: A turning away from the truth by individuals, the Church, or entire

nations. It includes rebellion against authority and rejection of prophets. Evidence

of apostasy includes transgressing God’s laws, changing gospel ordinances, and

breaking covenants (see Isaiah 24:5).

Atonement: As used in the scriptures, to atone is to suffer the penalty for an act of sin,

there by removing the effects of sin from the repentant sinners and allowing them to be

reconciled to God. Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane and on the cross. He was

the only one capable of making a perfect Atonement for all mankind. He suffered

the penalty for our sins in Gethsemane and died on the cross. He took upon Himself

the pains, sicknesses, temptations, afflictions, and infirmities of us all (see Alma 7:11–12).

Dispensation: A period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the keys of the holy priesthood. In addition to Jesus Christ, prophets such as Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Joseph Smith have each started a new gospel dispensation. When the Lord organizes a dispensation, the gospel is revealed anew so that the people of that dispensation do not have to depend on past dispensations for knowledge of the plan of salvation. The dispensation begun by Joseph Smith is known as the “dispensation of the fullness of times.”

Gospel: The gospel includes the eternal truths or laws, covenants, and ordinances needed for mankind to return to the presence of God. God’s plan of salvation, made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Priesthood: The authority and power that God gives to man to act in the name of

Jesus Christ in all things for the salvation of mankind.

Prophet: A man who has been called by and speaks for God. As a messenger of

God, a prophet receives priesthood authority, commandments, prophecies, and

revelations from God. His responsibility is to make known God’s will and true

character to mankind and to show the meaning of His dealings with them. A

prophet denounces sin and foretells its consequences. He is a preacher of

righteousness. On occasion, a prophet may be inspired to foretell the future for the

benefit of mankind. His primary responsibility, however, is to bear witness of Christ.

Resurrection: The reuniting of the spirit body with the physical body of flesh and bones after death.  After resurrection, the spirit and body will never again be separated, and the person is immortal. Every person born on earth will be resurrected because Jesus Christ overcame death.