Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly
above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto
him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without
end. Amen.
While not as popular as some other texts (e.g.
Matt 16:18-19), this pericope is sometimes cited by critics of LDS theology to
show that the LDS understanding of apostasy (viz., a universal apostasy) is unscriptural.
They reason that the Church of Christ would remain on the earth, without
cessation, until the end of times.
I have long understood this verse to be a reflection
of Paul's testimony about the broad reach of Jesus' atonement. Rather than
saying that the organisation of the Church will last throughout all ages, Paul
expresses his desire that the glory that came to God through the sacrifice of Jesus
Christ would extend through all ages. The anti-LDS appeal to this pericope
lacks much, if any, exegetical warrant as a text “disproving” LDS claims to
authority.