As Joseph Smith
knelt in prayer in the grove, "a pillar of light"
descended from the heavens and rested upon him. God the
Father announced, "This is My Beloved Son. Hear
Him!"
Jesus Christ then
taught Joseph: "Behold, I am the Lord of glory. I was
crucified for the world, that all those who believe on my
name may have eternal
life. Behold, the world lieth in sin at this time
and none doeth good, no not one. They have turned
aside from the gospel and keep not my commandments.
They draw near to me with their lips while their
hearts are far from me."
In the grove that
day, our Heavenly Father and His Son drew near to man
once again as They revealed Themselves to a boy who had
drawn near to Them in his heart. The truths given by
God to Joseph in that setting and in revelations to
come would re-establish the kingdom of God upon the earth.
eternal life
To live forever as families in God's presence (see D&C 132:19–20, 24, 55). Eternal life is God's greatest gift to man (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Eternal life," 77).
kingdom of God
The kingdom of God on earth is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (see D&C 65). The purpose of the Church is to prepare its members to live forever in the celestial kingdom or kingdom of heaven (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven," 142).
