The Fall and Rise of Christ’s Church

By Michael B. Nhem

The history of Christ’s Church is a profound narrative of divine establishment, a tragic fall into apostasy, and a miraculous restoration. As a Polysomnographic Technologist who finds peace in faith, and a husband sealed for 34 years in the Seattle Temple, I’ve witnessed how understanding this cycle deepens our connection to God’s plan. The Bible and the LDS Quad reveal the apostasy that darkened the earth and the restoration that brought light again. This journey—from the loss of truth to its triumphant return in 1830—offers hope and a path to eternal happiness for all who seek it.

The Fall: Apostasy Foretold and Fulfilled

Jesus Christ established His Church during His ministry, appointing apostles with divine authority (John 15:16: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you…”). Yet, scripture warns of a coming apostasy—a universal departure from the gospel.

Biblical Prophecies

• 2 Thessalonians 2:3states, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first…” The Greek apostasia signals a complete abandonment of truth.
• Acts 20:29-30warns, “Grievous wolves shall enter in among you… speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples.”
• Amos 8:11-12foretells a “famine… of hearing the words of the Lord,” a spiritual drought that would leave the world wandering.
• Revelation 13:7describes Satan’s power to “make war with the saints, and to overcome them,” indicating a temporary triumph over the Church.

The Apostasy’s Causes and Course

The apostasy began during the apostles’ lives. John noted in 1 John 4:3, “Even now already is it in the world,” as false teachings and persecutions emerged. By the late first century, Roman persecution martyred most apostles—Peter and Paul died around AD 64–68—breaking the quorum. Without authorized successors, priesthood authority to perform ordinances like baptism (Acts 8:14-17) was lost. Doctrinal corruption followed, with practices like forbidding marriage (1 Timothy 4:1-3) replacing revelation. By the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, human creeds overshadowed divine guidance, fulfilling the prophesied apostasy and leaving the Church unrecognizable.

The Rise: Restoration Promised and Fulfilled

Despite this darkness, God promised a restoration. The scriptures assure that His Church would return with full authority and truth.

Biblical Promises

• Acts 3:19-21declares a “restitution of all things,” a restoration of what was lost, spoken by the prophets.
• Daniel 2:44prophesies, “The God of heaven [shall] set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.”
• Malachi 4:5-6promises Elijah’s return to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children,” a key to the restoration’s ordinances.

Restoration Through Joseph Smith

The restoration began in 1820 with Joseph Smith’s First Vision (Joseph Smith—History 1:17-19), where God and Christ declared the world’s creeds as “commandments of men.” On April 6, 1830, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in Fayette, New York. Key events include:

• Priesthood Restoration: John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood in 1829 (Doctrine and Covenants 13), and Peter, James, and John restored the Melchizedek Priesthood (Doctrine and Covenants 27:12).
• New Scripture: The Book of Mormon, translated by Joseph, fulfills 2 Nephi 29:8’s promise of additional revelation “for a wise purpose.”
• Living Prophets: Doctrine and Covenants 1:38 affirms, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same,” reestablishing prophetic guidance.
• Temple Ordinances: The restoration of sealings, like my eternal marriage, binds families forever (Doctrine and Covenants 110:16).

This restoration, prophesied in 3 Nephi 21:7-9, prepares the world for Christ’s Second Coming, offering the fullness of the gospel lost during the apostasy.

A Call to Embrace the Restored Church

The fall into apostasy was real, but the rise through restoration is a testament to God’s love. As a father of four, I’ve seen the joy of living these truths, from temple covenants to daily faith. I invite you to study the Bible and LDS Quad, asking God if these things are true (Moroni 10:4-5). Reject the confusion of man-made doctrines and embrace Christ’s restored Church. Contact me for more info.