FOREWORD

There is much to be accomplished before the Restoration can be completed. In a very real sense, the Restoration Joseph attempted was aimed to renew an ancient religion, complete with ordinances, principles, terms, and definitions. He was unable to fully complete the Restoration. Much of what he did restore has been neglected, pushed aside, and forgotten. Before the Restoration can advance, we must first remember all of what began through Joseph Smith.

A Glossary of Gospel Terms is an attempt to restore ideas that have been neglected, pushed aside, and forgotten. Its objective is to confirm truth, and establish a vocabulary for discussing the Restoration Edition scriptures.

The terms in the Glossary are by no means exhaustive terms or complete definitions; it doesn’t pretend to be an unabridged dictionary. The Glossary is not an answer book. Its purpose is to provide direction when you are seeking clarification, or answers to basic questions. It will aid you in making a connection with Heaven, from where you can receive answers from the only source that matters.

Real answers to sincere questions are found in the revealed word. Joseph Smith instructed “the immediate will of heaven is found in the scriptures” (tpjs, 54).

This Glossary may not be for everyone. It’s not for those who have a profound indifference to what is happening in our day — those who remain uninterested in the signs of the times or what the Lord is revealing. It is not for the impatient, the demanding, and the immature. And it’s not a substitute for authentic searching of scripture and revelation from heaven. “The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out” (tpjs, 157).

It is hoped this will be a worthy contribution to understanding God’s word. Even if this Glossary does nothing more than point you to the scriptures, it has accomplished its objective.

— Denver C. Snuffer, Jr.