On my mission, having encountered a tape with a dramatized version of The First Vision, and after returning to BYU, I sought a religion professor regarding the differences between the tape and the 1838 account we read in the scriptures. He introduced me to Brother Bachman's fascinating book, "The First Vision." To me the whole discovery was a testimony builder not a destroyer. Today I see the question spun to suggest The Prophet was lying. I find this whole notion absurd. It is reasonable for accounts to vary with audience. Indeed we see a discrepancy in New Testament accounts with the testimony of the Apostle Paul that no one in the Christian world has a mind to dispute. There need not be any concern over this question. Indeed, the richness of the historic narratives is in fact affirming !
The Holy Ghost filled the room and my being the day I met the missionaries and prayed with them after they explained the restoration of the church of Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost is the testifier of truth. What better witness can there be?
Thank you for sharing such an amazing testimony! We have more videos of other sacred sites on: www.byujourneys.org/ as well, additional material on this sacred grove video: www.byujourneys.org/joseph-smiths-first-vision-sacred-grove/ have a wonderful day!
I am grateful to know that we were created in Gods image and that he a personage in form and that he is one unique person from his son Jesus Christ. the Bible states this but many are confused by the stories of man. I wish to tell the world to know them as they truly are. Bless you all.
Thank you for your lovely comment! We invite you to visit our website with videos on many other sacred sites. www.byujourneys.org/ Have a wonderful day!
@James Wines I feel I should mention one more thing. This is not to convince anyone, change minds, or to convert anyone, but to explain our beliefs. While the Book of Mormon is not referred to by name, we believe the Bible does mention the Book of Mormon through Old Testament prophets. We believe that sealed book in Isaiah 29:11-14 refers to the Book of Mormon. We see the fulfillment of the prophecy in these verses in a story that happened at the time Joseph Smith started translating the Book. If you are interested in this fascinating story about "a book that is sealed (verse 11)," please follow this link: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/speaker-gives-new-insights-on-martin-harris-1828-visit-to-charles-anthon?lang=eng We believe that verse 14 (the "marvelous work and a wonder") refers to the revelations Joseph Smith receive to organize the Church of Jesus Christ. We also see fulfillment in a prophecy made by Ezekiel. Ezekiel 37:19 refers to two "sticks" or books, one written by Joseph's descendants and one written by Judah's descendants. We are told right at the start of the Book of Mormon that is was written by the descendants of Joseph (I Nephi 5:14). The Bible was written obviously by the descendants of Judah. Verse 20 - 22 tell us that these two books would unit to bless and gather the whole House of Israel, and unit them. "One king shall be king to them all; and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided." There are other scriptures that refer to Joseph Smith, his work, and the Book of Mormon, but these are the most clear.
I love the Prophet Joseph Smith! So grateful for his goodness and for what he did to restore Jesus Christ's Church and Gospel, as prophesied in Acts that would happen. Some day we will ALL know he is God's prophet. Some of us will be grateful we stood with him. Others will mourn and regret that they discounted, disparaged, and even tried to destroy his good name. One cannot say they love God and Jesus Christ, that they accept Their will and Their word, and at the same time fight against the very man THEY sent to restore Their teachings/truth. Anyone who chooses to stand against Joseph Smith ought to consider very carefully what they are doing/saying because they will find themselves on the wrong side of the line.
As we grow up we change and our understanding is more mature. I love it .the purposes or essence of life is growth and to become and to overcome. That baby can grow up and become an adult we can grow up and become more like our Heavenly parents. Thank you thank you. Gods grace and love is great . Yes God gives to us according to our growth and development. I would teach my two year old diferant than my twenty year old. Yes I love it .
Artifact Hunter why is it that my oldest son looks almost exactly like me? Why is it that the vast majority Of the oldest son's look like their father and even the oldest daughters look like their mother. Certainly not all, but many if not most. What a living witness that is that the Bible teaches that we are sons and daughters of God and are born into this world in the complete likeness and image of God. Genesis teaches that this likeness continued from Adam to Abel and once he was slain Seth Bore the same image as his Father Adam. Isn't it great that when Joseph Smith saw God the Father and the Son, that same likeness was present for him to see. Two tangible beings that looked exactly alike. The Father was not a spirit without body, parts or passions as the creeds have taught. Jesus Christ bore witness that the Creeds (primarily Nicean and Athanasian) were corrupt. Why? because they changed the nature of divinity. The bible clearly teaches that there are three distinct beings separate in body, but united in purpose. What a blessing for mankind to know the true reality and nature of God and God to man. What an awesome witness Joseph Smith testified to the world.
In a court of law, a story told the exact same way every time is suspect. The exact story seems rehearsed and planned. No one tills a story the same way every time. We emphasize different aspects of the event according to the situation and person we are talking to. Perhaps a different part of the story answers a specific question. With multiple versions, we see a greater view of the glorious vision.
@Robert Paul Costner I agree--it would be important to "get it right." And I can see your point. Something so important should be recorded properly. However, I don't think Joseph Smith had the ability or education to write it down properly. Again, God works with another weak human. I read these different versions of the first vision myself almost 30 years ago. For me, I loved getting the different nuances from the different retellings--just like the different retellings of the Savior's life in the four gospels in the bible. In fact, in some ways, the different retellings makes it more consistent with how religious truth has been recorded in all holy writ. It gives me a greater understanding and of the whole.
@Sam Huff The Doctrine and Covenants revelations were written when Joseph Smith was an adult. I'm a junior high teacher and I read the writing of 14 year old students every day. I don't know a single 8th grader that could write a good version of any experience (8th graders are 14). Plus, the wording from the D&C were Gods' words, not Joseph Smith. However, in the end, it still comes down to faith. Believe me, I have had my doubts about Joseph Smith. For me, however, it came down to this. When I live the principles of the Church, I'm much close to the Savior. I'm much happier. I'm not perfect, by any means. In fact, I consider myself to be the weakest of all men. That's why I need the Savior so much! Without he constant check the of the gospel, I'm arrogant, judgmental, and prone to wander. The church gives me a way to look out of myself and serve others. I have friends and family that have left the church--good outstanding people and I love them dearly. However, I've noticed two things about these people: 1) They lose their opportunities of service, causing them to focus more on themselves than they used to, and 2) they lose that close tie to the Savior. After all He has done for me, I could never turn my back on Him. (I admit that these two things are generalities that don't apply to everyone.) That's why I still believe despite my doubts.
@Faye Lewis. Again, this is a question of faith. I have felt the love, support, and forgiveness of the Savior. I know He is real, and that He loves me. I can't reject all that love and forgiveness. His forgiveness is probably the greatest sign of His love. I love how the Book of Mormon testifies of the Savior. What a tender scripture Alma 7:11-13 is! I'm not trying to convince anyone here. I'm saying how I feel. Perhaps you have felt something similar with your faith. I hope you have felt the same deep love and peace that I have felt. I have worked closely with others Faith's at a juvenile correction facility. We found so much common ground as we tried to bring the inmates to Christ. We discovered the we all had a love of the Savior, even if we saw things just a little different. It was a beautiful experience.
@ Faye Also, you have a few misconception about our beliefs. We also believe that Jesus was the creator. I also agree with you on many points and love the scriptures you sited.
@James Wines Actually, James, we do read the Bible. we spent 2018 studying the Old Testament and 2019 studying the New Testament. You are right.God doesn't change. Amos 3:7 explains why revelation continues. We believe Jesus created the earth John 1:1-4, 14. He was Jehovah of the Old Testament (John 8:58). He, the Father and the Holy Ghost are separate persons (Luke 3:22) We are create in His image (Genesis 1:27). He speaks to man (Exodus 33:11) All these truths are echoed in the Book of Mormon as well confirming that Jesus is the Christ and the only way back to the presence of the Father.
It's true! Joseph did see God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This great theophony is unequaled; and, it provided Joseph with true information regarding the church he should join; plus, the very nature of the two Heavenly Beings. First, that they're separate and very distinct individuals; second, that they are physical beings; that is, anthropomorphic! And much more. These truths had been entirely lost to mankind until Joseph declared the truths. I invite any readers, who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to look in your phone books and find the missionaries near you. Ask them to come to your home and explain this fantastic message.
As stated in the video, there were several versions of this vision. Most of this current version is even a little different than the 9 or so versions. It strikes me that there is no testimony of Joseph's that says he had actually saw God and Jesus. He only states of two personages. Yet the Church teaches and sings hymns that state he had seen God.
"When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-“This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1996/04/joseph-smiths-testimony-of-the-first-vision?lang=eng
