Does the D&C teach a church other than the CoJCoLDS?

[stormwitch]

I realize the church was officially established April 6, 1830 as a legal entity, but does that mean the church (as a concept, an extension of the gospel, and as a spiritual entity) exist prior to that. Did it begin with the priesthood keys restored? or in 1820 when Smith was first called as the prophet of the restoration?

Well, if you compare the church to a house to be built, then in 1820 the contract between the parties was made. In the years to follow the plans were given and explained (the architect was sitting in heaven) the translation of the BoM was the base plate, then there were the priesthoods and revelations as stones and framework of the building. April 6, 1830 finally the roof was put on top of the building. In the years to follow all works inside the building were done, like organizing the quorums, relief society, temple work etc. and today we still add a painting here or some fresh flowers there....

By the way: Imho in God's intention there always has been this church, so he could refer to it any time, whether it was in the state of planning or being built up or existing on earth.

(It's really difficult to express some thoughts in a foreign language, I hope you understand, what I mean!)

[Maxel]

Joseph witnessed both the FATHER and the Son in his tender age of 14 but still not sealed by the Holy Ghost at that point. It came later when two of them were in attendance in the upper room of the Kirtland Temple, they were given this promise in person, which also is applied to their spouses and children if they remain faithful to the end. What was left out and not written, is the status of their pre-mortal life - whom they were and what lies before them to come.

Thank you for pointing that out, Hemi. A crucial difference, since we can assume that Satan very clearly remembers seeing the Savior- yet the devil is most definitely not a member of the Church of the Firstborn. The crucial step is in the receipt of the saving ordinances and the sealing of the Holy Spirit of Promise.

[Vort]

The crucial step is in the receipt of the saving ordinances and the sealing of the Holy Spirit of Promise.

And the saving ordinances, including the gift of the Holy Ghost, are available in our day ONLY to Latter-day Saints.

No exceptions.

(Well, okay, one exception is little children being sealed to their parents. But that doesn't count.)