What Happened When Joseph Smith Saw God and Jesus Christ?

For my Come Follow Me studies this week, I studied the experience of Joseph Smith when he saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I was asked to speak in sacrament meeting tomorrow about the First Vision, and I feel prompted to share this draft of my talk with my readers.

My mother died on May 5, 1979, nearly 46 years ago when I was only 34 years old. My family and I were living in the Anchorage Sixth Ward in the Jewel Lake area at that time. Her death had an interesting effect on me that I can only explain in this way: I felt like a young child who had lost their security blanket.

I took my four small children (ages 7 years to 17 months) and traveled to Salt Lake City for my mother’s funeral. I gained comfort and strength by being with my father and eleven siblings, but my siblings went home or back to their lives once the funeral was over. I stayed with my father for another week or so before traveling back to Alaska.

I was still deep in my grief and fighting depression when I attended sacrament meeting on my first Sunday back in Alaska. My family and I were sitting on the back row of the center section of pews in the Brayton building, and I was doing okay until we started to sing the closing hymn.

I sang, “Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care And bids me at my Father’s throne Make all my wants and wishes known.” (“Sweet Hour of Prayer,” Hymns, 142).

That was as far as I could go in singing that hymn because I started to cry. At that time the Holy Ghost taught me a lesson in a language that I could understand. When I sang “And bids me at my Father’s throne Make all my wants and wishes known,” my mind went back to those days following my mother’s death, particularly the last evening that we were all together.

Soon after her death, my father had a dream about my mother standing by a gate waiting for him, and he assumed that he would soon follow her in death. Therefore, he decided to give away everything in the house except those things that he would need for his daily life. This meant that he was giving away everything that belonged to my mother, any extra furniture, any family heirlooms, and such. In reality, my father lived another 16 years, but he did not yet know how long his life would be.

Dad wanted each of his children to make a list of those items that we would like to have and then give the lists to him. So, we each went around the house, made our lists, and handed them to Dad. As it turned out, most of us had some of the same things on our lists. Dad took the lists and studied them to make his decisions.

 

We met together with Dad on that last evening before everyone went their separate ways. I can still picture him sitting in his living room with his twelve children surrounding him – granting as many of our wishes and wants as he could.

That picture came back to me during that sacrament meeting on that first Sunday back in Alaska. The message that came from the Holy Ghost at the same time is that my Heavenly Father loves me even more than my earthly father loves me. This heavenly message took only a few seconds to be delivered, but its impact on my life was huge.

I had previously known with my mind that Heavenly Father loves me. I had sung “I Am a Child of God” from the time that I was a Primary child. However, this message of love sunk deep into my heart, and I knew with every fiber of my being that Heavenly Father loves me. I knew that I was no longer alone because Heavenly Father loves me. Although I continued to mourn for my mother, I also grew stronger with each day. Where I had previously been battling depression, I could see sunshine again in my life.

I am sharing this story with you because the Holy Ghost brought it back to my mind early one morning about 10 days ago as I studied the scriptures, and He indicated that I should start this talk with it.

The message from God that came to me 46 years ago had such an impact on my life that it still brings tears to my eyes whenever I think about it. If those few seconds of the presence of the Holy Ghost had such a huge impact on my life, imagine the impact that the First Vision had on fourteen-year-old Joseph Smith.

Joseph saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They knew his name, and They spoke to him in a language that he could understand. They answered his questions and gave him other information. The impact on him was so strong that it changed his life, and it changed the lives of millions of other people.

So what are the lessons to be learned from the First Vision of Joseph Smith. Here are some of them as found in Joseph Smith – History 1:15-20.

1. Satan is real, he is powerful, he works in darkness, and he opposes the work of God. Joseph wrote that an unseen being bound his tongue so he could not speak. Darkness surrounded him, and he thought that he would be destroyed. Satan tried to stop the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ at its very beginning, and he will do everything in his power to stop its restoration in our lives.

2. The power of Satan can be overcome through prayer. Joseph exerted all his power to call upon God for help, and God delivered him from the power of Satan. Like Joseph, prayer can deliver us from the power of Satan. Brigham Young taught, “If we do not feel like [praying], we should pray till we do” (DBY, 44).

3. The light and glory emanating from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ dispelled the darkness and delivered Joseph Smith from the enemy who held him bound. The light of the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring answers to our questions and solutions to our problems - questions and problems that keep us from gaining or strengthening our testimonies and conversions.

4. Joseph Smith “saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description.” They were standing in the air above him. One of them called Joseph by name, pointed to the other one, and said, “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

The First Vision showed Joseph Smith that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ were two separate Beings – something that was the exact opposite of what was being taught in the churches of his day. The Nicene Creed states: “We believe in one God in three Persons. We do not believe in three gods.” The Nicene Creed: Explained! - Catholic-Link Even today, people claim that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not real Christians because we believe in a different kind of Jesus.

On April 2, 1843, at Ramus, Illinois, Joseph Smith gave some “Items of instruction,” and these instructions now comprise D&C 130. In verse 22, Joseph taught the following:

22 The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.

Joseph used the word tangible instead of physical. Tangible is defined as “perceptible by touch.” We know that there are physical things, such as wind, that cannot be touched – although it sometimes touches us in powerful ways.

As far as I know, we do not know how Joseph Smith received this knowledge about tangible bodies. Did he learn it during the First Vision or later? He said that the two Personages stood above him in the air. Did they stay in the air, or did they come down to touch him? We do not know, but we accept that both the Father and the Son have tangible bodies of flesh and bones, while the Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit.

5. We learn that all the churches on earth at that time were wrong. They had a form of godliness, but they did not have proper authority from Jesus Christ.

6. We learn that Jesus Christ shared “many other things” that Joseph could not write at that time.

In the Lectures on Faith, we are taught that there are three things that are necessary for any of us to exercise enough faith in God to obtain salvation. The three things are: (1) the idea that God actually exists, (2) a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes, and (3) an actual knowledge that our life – the way we are living -- is acceptable to God.

 

When God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, They showed him that his life was acceptable to Them. We do not need to have visits from the Father and/or the Son to know that our lives are acceptable to Them. In the section of the Come Follow Me manual titled “Conversion Is Our Goal,” the last paragraph states the following:

… We should seek after whatever invites the influence of the Spirit and reject whatever drives that influence away—for we know that if we can be worthy of the presence of the Holy Ghost, we can also be worthy to live in the presence of Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I hope and pray that we will each seek the presence of the Holy Ghost in our lives that we may know of our acceptance to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know that They love us, and I know this with every fiber of my being.

 

Why Are There Various Accounts of the First Vision?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Joseph Smith – History 1:1-26 in a lesson titled “I Saw a Pillar of Light.” The lesson was introduced by the following information. 

You might say the Doctrine and Covenants is a book of answers to prayers: many of the sacred revelations in this book came in response to questions. The question that began it all—the one that sparked the latter-day outpouring of revelation—was asked by a 14-year-old boy. A “war of words and tumult of opinions” (Joseph Smith – History 1:10) had left Joseph Smith confused about religion and his relationship with God. Perhaps you can relate to that. We find many conflicting ideas and persuasive voices in our day. When we want to sort through these messages and find truth, we can do what Joseph did. We can ask questions, study the scriptures, ponder, and ultimately ask God. In response to Joseph’s prayer, a pillar of light descended from heaven. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared and answered his questions. Joseph’s testimony of that miraculous experience boldly declares that anyone “who [lacks] wisdom might ask of God, and obtain” (Joseph Smith – History 1:26). We can all receive, if not a heavenly vision, at least a clearer vision, illuminated by heavenly light.

The scripture block for this week provided several principles, including the following: (1) Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration (JS-H 1:5-26), (2) How can I receive answers to my prayers? (JS-H 1:5-25), (3) Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (JS-H 1:15-20), (4) Why are there various accounts of the First Vision? (JS-H 1:15-20), (5) I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me (JS-H 1:15-20), and (6) I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me (JS-H 1:21-26).

I have chosen to discuss the fourth principle listed, “Why are there various accounts of the First Vision? (Joseph Smith-History 1:15-20). The short answer is that Joseph Smith recorded his experience in the Sacred Grove at least four times and often used a scribe to do so. In addition, other people wrote several accounts after hearing Joseph speak about his vision.

Although the accounts differ in some details – depending on the author, audience, and setting, they are otherwise consistent. In addition, each account adds details that help us better understand the experience of Joseph Smith, which can be compared to the four New Testament Gospels helping us to better understand the ministry of the Savior.

I pondered the various accounts of the First Vision earlier today when I was recording one of my own spiritual experiences. I have shared my conversion story with my posterity numerous times, and I have used different wording each time. However, I always included the major points. Unless Joseph Smith had the previous accounts sitting in front of him and was quoting from it, it would be almost impossible for him to repeat the experience word for word. However, he always included the most essential point: Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared and spoke to him. The following information comes from thissite. 

The various accounts tell a consistent story, though naturally they differ in emphasis and detail. Some have mistakenly argued that any variation between the descriptions of the First Vision is evidence of fabrication. On the contrary, historians expect that when an individual retells an experience in multiple settings to different audiences over many years, each account will emphasize different aspects of the experience and contain unique details.

The major differences in Joseph Smith’s First Vision accounts are found in the earliest, which was written in 1832. It varies from the other accounts on a few points:

·         In the 1832 account, one of Joseph’s scribes inserted the phrase “in the 16th year of my age.” The other accounts report he was 14 years old. This was most likely the result of a scribal mistake.

·         In the earliest account, Joseph prayed seeking forgiveness for his sins. In the later accounts, he wanted to know which church to join. These two questions were probably very closely related in Joseph’s mind, and both reflected his desire to be saved.

·         The first account states, “The Lord opened the heavens upon me and I saw the Lord and he spake unto me.” In the scriptural account, Joseph explained that the Father introduced the Son, who then proceeded to converse with Joseph. Although the 1832 account does not include this detail, all the accounts emphasize the central role of Jesus Christ in the vision. He is the one who answered Joseph’s questions.

Joseph’s multiple accounts of the First Vision enable us to learn more about this remarkable event than we could if it were less well documented. Latter-day Saints who read them can gain an appreciation for the Prophet’s sincere testimony that God answered his prayer with a remarkable vision.

This morning, I watched a video of the First Vision that draws upon all the accounts. It is titled “Ask of God: Joseph Smith’s First Vision.” I highly recommend it to anyone who seeks to learn more about this vision. 

First Vision

                What do you know about the First Vision?  Why is the First Vision important?  The First Vision took place in the spring of 1820 and brought information that no mortal man then living on earth knew.  It marked the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The Restoration is the most important event to take place since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

                The Prophet Joseph Smith knelt in prayer in a secluded spot in a grove of trees now known as the Sacred Grove.  In answer to his prayer he saw a pillar of light “above the brightness of the sun” and watched as the light gradually descended and fell upon him.  When the light rested on him, he 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!” (Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith – History, 1:16-17). 

                Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ!  In one moment the young Prophet knew more about God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, than any person on earth knew about Them.  He knew for himself that they were two separate Personages with bodies of “flesh and bones as tangible as man’s” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22).

                President David O. McKay, the late Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught:  “That one revelation answers all the [questions] regarding God and his divine personality.  … His interest in humanity through authority delegated to man is apparent.  The future of the work is assured.  These and other glorious truths are clarified by that glorious first vision” (Teachings of the Church:  David O. McKay [2003], 93).

                I have a picture of the First Vision hanging in a prominent spot in my home.  I had an interesting and wonderful experience as I ordered framing for the picture.  I tried several different frames and mixed and matched them with several different mats.  I noticed that I strongly felt the presence of the Holy Ghost when I put a certain mat with a certain frame.  After I realized I was receiving personal revelation, I experimented by mixing the frames and mats as I had been doing previously.  Sure enough, when I put a certain mat with a certain frame, I felt the prompting of the Holy Ghost.  I assumed that Someone in heaven was telling me His preference, and I ordered the same.  I remember this experience whenever I look at my picture of the First Vision.  I have a firm testimony that the Father and Son appeared to Joseph Smith as he said.  I know Joseph is a true prophet of God. 

True Knowledge of God

                Joseph Smith, the first prophet of our dispensation, restored the true knowledge of God.  When the fourteen-year-old Joseph Smith went into a grove of trees to pray in the spring of 1820, he went in response to scripture.  He was one of many people who were searching for the true church, but he could not decide which church to join.  One day he was reading in the New Testament and came to James 1:5:  “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” 

                Joseph decided to follow the counsel of James and went into a nearby grove of trees to pray vocally for his very first time.  He went to ask God a question and was surprised with how his answer came.  “After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God….

                “… I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

                “… 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!” (Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith – History 1:15-17).

                In that instant Joseph knew more about God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ than anyone else on earth at the time.  Even though all the ancient prophets, the apostles of Jesus Christ, and the people of His church knew the true doctrine concerning God, this simple truth had been lost to the world.  For the first time in nearly 1800 years the knowledge was restored that the Father and the Son are two separate personages.

                President Joseph Fielding Smith taught, “It should be remembered that the entire Christian world in 1820 had lost the true doctrine concerning God.  The simple truth which was understood so clearly by the apostles and saints of old had been lost in the mysteries of an apostate world.  All the ancient prophets and the apostles of Jesus Christ had a clear understanding that the Father and the Son were separate personages, as our scriptures so clearly teach.  Through apostasy this knowledge was lost….  God had become a mystery, and both Father and Son were considered to be one unknowable effusion of spirit, without body, parts, or passions. The coming of the Father and the Son placed on the earth a divine witness who was able by knowledge to restore to the world the true nature of God.”

                President Smith also said, “The [first] vision of Joseph Smith made it clear that the Father and the Son are separate personages, having bodies as tangible as the body of man.  It was further revealed to him that the Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit, distinct and separate from the personalities of the Father and the Son [see Doctrine and Covenants 130:22].  This all-important truth staggered the world; yet, when we consider the clear expressions of holy writ, it is a most astounding and wonderful fact that man could have gone so far astray.   The Savior said, `My Father is greater than I;’ [John 14:28] and he invited his disciples, after his resurrection, to handle him and see that it was he, for, said he, `A spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.’  [Luke 24:39.]  The apostles clearly understood the distinct entities of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to which they constantly refer in their epistles; and Paul informed the Corinthians of the fact that when all things are subject to the Father, `then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.’ [1 Corinthians 15:28.]”  (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church – Joseph Fielding Smith, pp. 37-38.)

                We have the personal testimony of Joseph Smith that He saw two Personages – the Father and the Son; he knew what he saw and he shared this information with the world.  The world in general could not or would not accept his testimony, and Joseph Smith sealed his testimony with his blood.

                I have a painting of the First Vision hanging in a prominent spot in my home because I too have a testimony that the Father and the Son are two separate and glorified Personages with bodies of flesh and bone.    I know there is a God in heaven who loves you and me.  I know that He lives, and I know that His Son, even Jesus Christ, lives.  I know that the Father and the Son hear and answer prayers and want us to be happy.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have this knowledge and wish to share it with you.