July 30, 2005

  • What do you believe about Joseph Smith?

    Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I believe that he talked with God face to face like Moses, Elijah, and other prophets. I believe that Jesus Christ restored the fullness of His gospel through Joseph Smith.

    Joseph grew up during the Second Great Awakening, a time of religious revival when many Churches were contending with one another in New England. When Joseph Smith was fourteen years old he was confused by the many churches near his home in upstate New York. Wanting to know for himself who was right and who was wrong, Joseph decided to follow the advice of James who said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God" (James 1:5).

    He knelt down in a grove of trees near his house and prayed to our Heavenly Father, asking him for truth. In that peaceful grove of trees on that beautiful spring morning, a pillar of light descended on Joseph Smith. As his eyes focused, he saw standing above him God the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. They told him not to join any of the existing Churches and promised him more truth.

    A few years later, a resurrected man named Moroni shared with Joseph a record compiled by his father Mormon. The record was written on gold plates, which Joseph Smith translated by the power of God and published as the Book of Mormon. Like the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith testified of Jesus Christ. He once said, "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!" (D&C 76:22). On April 6, 1830 Joseph Smith organized the Church of Jesus Christ in these latter-days.

    Joseph Smith was persecuted by militant neighbors who didn't understand or appreciate the Book of Mormon or Joseph Smith's vision. He and his followers were forced to move from New York to Ohio, Missouri, and ultimately Nauvoo, Illinois where Joseph was murdered by anti-mormons. Despite this opposition, the members of the early Church describe Joseph Smith as a kind, caring, meek, and inspiring man with a sense of humor.

    Joseph Smith was loved and revered by thousands of early Latter-day Saints. John Taylor, one of Joseph Smith's associates, said, "Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. . . He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood" (D&C 135:3).

    I testify that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I learned this for myself by the power of the Holy Spirit while visiting the site of Joseph's martyrdom. (Read more about that experience here.) I am so greatful for Joseph Smith and the things that were revealed from God through him. The Gospel of Jesus Christ that Joseph taught has blessed my life and brought me more joy than I know how to express.


    I highly recommend reading the Testimony of Joseph Smith written in his own words.

    Or visit josephsmith.net