Technical Terms Glossary

Sacred Grove

The Sacred Grove is a site in Palmyra, New York, revered by Latter-day Saints (Mormons) as the location where Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, experienced the First Vision. In this vision, God the Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Smith, marking the beginning of the church.

First Vision

The First Vision refers to the event where Joseph Smith reported seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ in a grove of trees near his home in 1820. This vision is considered the foundational event of the Latter-day Saint movement.

God the Eternal Father

In Latter-day Saint theology, God the Eternal Father is the Supreme Being and the literal Father of the spirits of all humankind. He is also the Father of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity, believed to be the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. In the context of the First Vision, He appeared alongside God the Father to Joseph Smith.

Gospel Dispensation

A period of time in which God has at least one authorized servant on the earth who holds the keys of the priesthood. According to Latter-day Saint belief, the First Vision marked the beginning of a new gospel dispensation.

Holy Priesthood

The authority given by God to act in His name. Latter-day Saints believe that the holy priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith by resurrected apostles.

Apostasy

A state of having fallen away from the true faith. Latter-day Saints believe that after the death of the original apostles, the true church fell into apostasy until it was restored through Joseph Smith.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A Christian restorationist church that considers itself to be the restoration of the original church founded by Jesus Christ. It was formally organized by Joseph Smith in 1830.

Prophetic Mantle

The authority and responsibility given to a prophet. In the context of the video, it refers to the succession of leadership from Joseph Smith to subsequent leaders of the Church.

Holy Ghost

Also known as the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead in Latter-day Saint theology. It is believed to be a personage of spirit who provides comfort, guidance, and revelation.

Redeemer

A title for Jesus Christ, who is believed to redeem humanity from sin through His atonement.

Apostolic Testimony

A solemn witness or declaration of belief made by an apostle. In the video, it refers to the testimony given by church leaders about the divinity of Jesus Christ and the truth of the restored gospel.