Reformation or Restoration?

Gramps, I love you always, however in the dictionary both words “Reformation” and “Restoration” almost explains the same meanings? Could you please elaborate?  How do I explain this to my families and friends?

LDS-Vegas

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LDS-Vegas,

The minute nuance between reformation and restoration may be confusing; although, the nuance between these two words are very important to note and understand. The denotation of reformation equals “to put or change into an improved form or condition.” The denotation for restoration details “a bringing back to a former position or condition.” Reformation and restoration by definition experience “change” however, how the institution/organization is “changed” is the subtle difference.

Our theology, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, proselytes a restoration, in other words we believe the Church wasn’t just changed or improved upon, but the Church was actually brought back to a former condition (which was lost — apostasy), which symbolized the whole Church, not just parts of the Church changed.

As a gentlemen the best way to explain the minute nuances between reformation and restoration would be through sport cars. When you look at a picture of a 1969 Ford Mustang, it has experienced many reformations since 1964, however has the Ford Mustang experienced a restoration?

The body of the Mustang has changed, been improved upon, however with each change the Ford Mustang is still the Ford Mustang, with a different form, different interior, and other minute changes to improve its sale value. However, if I wanted to actually restore a 1969 Ford Mustang what would I need to do?

First – I would actually need to purchase the body of a 1969 Ford Mustang. If I use the body of any other year, I, by definition, am not restoring the 1969 Ford Mustang. Also, if I wanted original material I would need to go to the source of those who produced the body, interior, etc… in order to replicate it perfectly.

Second – A person would contact a source which is able to produce an exact replica, or an original piece of the car.

Third – Once the original products either directly from the manufacturer or from a merchant who has the original piece have been purchased, the restoration of the model can actually be accomplished.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims to all the world that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. The Church exists in its unimpaired condition as it existed when the Lord instructed and called twelve apostles. We exclaim that the Lord’s Priesthood, the Lord’s Church built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ himself being the chief cornerstone is again upon the earth. Joseph Smith’s first vision gives evidence to the need of a restoration when the Lord spoke and Joseph Smith wrote, “I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong,” in relation to asking our Lord which church he should join. In this short period of time, the Church has also experienced some reformations. We believe, remember, all that God has revealed and we believe he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God which will reform the Church of Jesus Christ.

Gramps