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"Joseph asked, "which of all the sects was right that I might know which to join." It was Jesus Christ who answered, telling Joseph not to join any of them. The Lord explained that the churches of the day believed "in incorrect doctrines and that none of them was acknowledged of God as His Church and kingdom" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 28; Times and Seasons, Mar. 1, 1842, p. 706-707; see also Joseph Smith-History 1:18-19).

From the LDS church website regarding this "First Vision":

"The first vision marked the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this last dispensation. Joseph Smith was chosen to be the Lord's prophet in the latter days. Over time, the Lord restored His authority and Church through Joseph Smith. God's children were again blessed with revelation through prophets called of God, just as they were in biblical times. Revelation continues to this day through each of God's chosen prophets who have succeeded Joseph Smith."

How is it explained that from the time of Jesus Christ Resurrection ~2,000 years ago billions of people have been saved even to this day without the Church having to be restored?

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    I’m rather confused what you are asking, can you maybe clarify?
    – Luke Hill
    Apr 7, 2022 at 1:34
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    @Luke Hill. Mormon prophet Joseph Smith had a vision where God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Smith. He ask them "which church was correct?" Jesus answered and said not to join any of them. Jesus explained the churches had incorrect doctrines and not of them acknowledged God. They wanted Smith to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ. My question is if this is true and there were all wrong, how do you explain billions of people still getting saved even to this day?
    – Mr. Bond
    Apr 7, 2022 at 1:38
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    on what basis are you saying they are saved (` have been saved even to this day`)? What is your measuring stick?
    – depperm
    Apr 7, 2022 at 10:33
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    Not interested in debating in the comments, but Latter-day Saints have a very different understanding of the word "saved" than what is presupposed by this question. Apr 13, 2022 at 1:24

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https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/baptisms-for-the-dead?lang=eng

Jesus Christ taught that baptism is essential to the salvation of all who have lived on earth (see John 3:5). Many people, however, have died without being baptized. Others were baptized without proper authority. Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to receive the blessings of baptism. By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died, Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors. Individuals can then choose to accept or reject what has been done in their behalf.

In other, simple words, no baptism = no salvation. No authority = no baptism. Great Apostasy = no authority.

The premise is wrong, these billions you are talking about are still, in great part, waiting for a proper baptism being performed for them in order to be saved. At least for the meaning of "be saved" that is inheriting the kingdom of God.

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    – Ken Graham
    Apr 7, 2022 at 14:21

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