By Dallin Q., member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and student at Brigham Young University (BYU).

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, the “Mormon Church”) I’m grateful for the knowledge I have of my personal relationship about God the Father. I’ve learned more about this relationship through my study of the Book of Moses, a book of ancient scripture translated through modern revelation, in the Pearl of Great Price.

The first chapter in the Book of Moses has always been important to me ever since my mom taught me from it when I was in middle school. She taught me once again the priceless principle that we are all children of God, and we shouldn’t listen to voices that tell us otherwise. Today as I read Moses chapter one, I again felt the spirit testify to me that I am a child of God. That testimony raises my vision and level of motivation to do good.

When I realize that I’m a son of God, like God taught Moses in chapter 1:4, my vision is raised. Instead of doubting what can be accomplished in the future, I choose to believe that if I really am a son of God, then I have the potential to be like him. I know that’s a really basic principle, but it is incredibly powerful when believed and acted upon.

Believing that God is my father motivates me to action. Not only do I believe that great things will happen in the future, I also have vigor to go out and start working toward them. For example, I never thought I could learn the Finnish language as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, the “Mormon Church”). Then I realized that God the Father can speak Finnish, He spoke it all the time to the people we were teaching. Well that lead me to think, if I’m God’s son and he speaks Finnish, and he had called me by a prophet of Jesus Christ to learn the Finnish, he will help me to learn it. Once I made that connection in realizing the meaning of being God’s son, I was motivated to study the Finnish language so much more. I just want to say that one of the coolest things I saw on my Latter-day Saint mission was seeing people change when they start to believe the principle that they are children of God.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about God the Father and the potential He sees in all of His children.

The Bible like The Book of Mormon testifies of God the Father. If we apply its teachings we can become more like Him. Request your free copy today.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

Hillary W., member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and student at Brigham Young University (BYU). 

In the first chapter of the Book of Moses, a book of ancient scripture translated by the power of God into a volume called the Pearl of Great Price, we learn of an encounter that Moses had where he came to know God face to face. In this encounter we learn of God’s relationship to Moses. There are many ways that the relationship between God and Moses helps me to feel closer to our Heavenly Father. Moses is explicitly told that he is a son of God. The importance of the gospel is also emphasized through their relationship. Moses trusts God and God trusts Moses. Moses also realizes the necessity of having our Heavenly Father in our lives. Having an example of a mortal man that was here on earth helps me to realize that I can have this same close relationship with our Father in Heaven.

When God comes to visit Moses on the mountain, he tells Moses that Moses is His son. This explicit proclamation telling Moses that he is a son of God helps give me confirmation that I am also a child of God. When Satan comes to tempt Moses, he proudly exclaims that “I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten”. It seems as though Moses is honored to be a son of God. Realizing that I have that same opportunity also makes me honored to know God and be one of His children.

The care that Heavenly Father takes to show and explain things to Moses helps me to know God wants me to understand these things as well. The fact that he has provided the means for us to have these writings through the power of God Joseph Smith shows me just how important it is that we understand this portion of the gospel. It also helps me know God cares about us enough that He has made sure we have all information necessary for us to have at this point in time.

God shows Moses all of the creations that he has made and tells him that “no man can behold all my works except he behold all my glory” (Moses 1:5). In the verse He is referring to the fact that Moses was transfigured in order to see the spiritual things he was being shown. However, I also feel as if we are being told that we cannot comprehend God’s works unless we believe Him to be a glorious being. We must have trust in His abilities as a God to completely comprehend all the things He has created and all the doctrines He teaches us. This definitely makes me more determined to increase my faith in God in order to better comprehend His teachings and the teachings of modern prophets of the Lord Jesus Christ.

After God the Father leaves Moses, Moses cannot get up for several hours. Once he finally regains strength he realizes that “man is nothing” (Moses 1:10). The footnotes guide us to Ether 3:2, a book in an ancient record of holy scriptures called The Book of Mormon, where the brother of Jared exclaims that we are weak before God, but that if we call upon Him, He may fulfill our desires. This testimony of the power of prayer encourages me to approach our Father in Heaven with my desires. With the glory and power of God we can become everything instead of being nothing. We must rely on Him and pray to Him constantly in order to become better people.

As Moses is being shown the whole earth, he sees every inhabitant “and there was not a soul which he beheld not” (Moses 1:28). Realizing that Moses was able to see me and the things I have done makes me think back on my life. God can see everything I do as well. God probably has more interest in the things I do than Moses did as he saw each and every soul. Realizing God’s ability to see all things encourages me to serve others. It also gives me the desire to help others to realize His profound love for them.

I don’t believe it will ever be possible for us to completely comprehend the love God has for us. However, I do know God loves me. I know that I am His child. I know that He watches over me. I know that He will always answer my prayers and that He will always be there to guide and protect me. I am so grateful, as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, the “Mormon Church”) that I was born into a family that has been fortunate enough to find His gospel. I pray that I will be able to pass His teachings along to His children.

Additional Resources:

Knowing God and the His plan for you.

The Book of Mormon is a companion to the Bible and helps us grow closer to God.

Attend a local meetinghouse and develop your relationship with God.

Rachel D., member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and student at Brigham Young University (BYU).

Knowing God: Reflections On Divine Nature

In chapter one of the Book of Moses, a book of ancient scripture contained in The Pearl of Great Price, Moses is able to talk with God, and learn about his divine nature. Moses learns that he is “the son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten” (Moses 1:13). This simple knowledge that Moses learns about his relationship with God increases the understanding I have with my relationship with God as well.

I have always loved Moses because, to me, he seemed to start out just as a normal man who does not know God and recognize his divine potential, like most of us. In the Bible, Exodus 3:11, Moses says, “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” Moses seems to believe that he was just a man—a weak, natural man; yet, throughout Moses’ life he comes to recognize that he is not just a simple man, he is a child of God! With an understanding of his divine nature, he is able to understand the divine potential that comes with that knowledge. As he comes to know God is his father, Moses’ relationship with God is then strengthened! In fact, after learning he is the son of God in Moses 1, Moses is stronger!  He is able to deny Satan’s temptations twice, saying, “Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God… where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?” (Moses 1:13).

Though I will never be a prophet, or lead God’s children out of slavery, I find that I too am like Moses. As a come to better know God and understand that I am a daughter of God, I gain a realization that I can and will be used to help build the Lords kingdom, just as Moses. Moses began just as any other person, yet because he was willing to align his will with God’s will he was able to become an inimitable tool in the Lords kingdom. The knowledge of Moses’ divine nature helped him to recognize that the Lord was on his side and he could resist the trials and temptations that Satan brought forth. Through reading about Moses’ experience and learning the truth that I too have this same divine nature, I can, and will, go forth with the nerve to resist the discouraging obstacles that life presents and the strength to become someone better than I am.

God’s primary purpose is to “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”—of his children (Moses 1:39). This knowledge comforts me and helps me understand that know God is in control. He loves us and leads and supports us through each step of life!

Additional Resources:

Knowing God and our relationship to Him is important to find peace and joy in this life. Learn more at the official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church“)

Find a local meetinghouse today!

The Bible is the word of God. Request your free copy today!

by Eric Kotter, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon“), Eric is a student at BYU-Idaho studying communications.

Have you ever had just a strong desire to know something? You may be confused with how to do a certain math problem, or it might be something bigger such as understanding how to find more meaning in your life. This is the same way a young 14 year old boy felt. As a young teenager, a boy by the name of Joseph Smith wondered about religion and salvation. He wanted to know and understand the things that God wanted him to do in order to return back to Him.

In around 1820, Joseph Smith started to get involved with some of the religious excitement that was going on at the time where he was living in Palmyra, New York. Using his own words from Joseph Smith History it says,

During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong (Joseph Smith History 1:8).

Joseph Smith wanted to find truth. He wanted to understand what was right, good, and true. He went to many different religions trying to study things out and figure out what was the right thing to do. During his search, he was reading in the Epistle of James in the King James version of the Bible, and he came across a verse, James 1:5 whi, “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 Smith said, “Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart” (Joseph Smith History 1:12).

There have been many many times in my life when I have lacked wisdom. There was one time in my life that I was feeling overwhelmed with a problem I was facing in my life. I wanted to overcome some challenges in my life, so I prayed for God’s help. One day I went to a fireside (inspirational meeting) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, “The Mormon Church”). The speaker at the fireside gave a very good talk. I really felt like the things that he said applied directly to me in helping me to overcome my concerns. Basically, the speaker talked about self improvement, and how we need to improve ourselves one step at a time so that we don’t get overwhelmed. This experience showed to me that the Lord is very aware of me and my needs. He answered my prayer and continues to answer my prayers. I know that God will answer everyone’s prayers as we seek out the answers. Joseph Smith followed the counsel of James 1:5 and decided to ask God.

On a spring day in April 1820 Joseph Smith went into a grove of trees near his house in Palmyra, New York. He went there and knelt down and began to offer up the desires of his heart. As he did so he began to feel overcome by darkness. The adversary of all righteousness was trying to stop him from seeking the Lord’s help, but Joseph called out to God for deliverance, and these are the words of his experience of what happened next:

I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. 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!” (Joseph Smith History 1:17).

This is such a marvelous experience. Even though I wasn’t there when Joseph Smith experienced this vision, I know that it happened. There have been many times, as a missionary of Jesus Christ, when I have related this experience to others. As I told Joseph Smith’s experience to others, I have felt the spirit of the Lord testify to me that this experience really happened. I’ve felt a calming assurance that God the Father, and His son Jesus Christ really did appear to Joseph Smith. I’ve felt the Holy Spirit testify to me that God and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph for a wise purpose. Joseph was told by Jesus Christ to join none of the churches. The Lord said, “They draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof” (Joseph Smith History 1:19). Joseph was told that he would be used as an instrument in restoring The church of Jesus Christ back to the earth as it was when He was on the the earth. Joseph was to be called as a prophet, just as Moses in the Bible was called, to help establish the Lord’s church back on the earth in its fulness.

It is comforting to me to know that this experience really occurred! Knowing that God hasn’t abandoned us, but on the contrary, is very aware of us, gives me peace. He has called prophets to guide His children since Adam and Eve–it is wonderful that He still does so today.

I’m impressed with how much faith and strength Joseph had since the time he was a child. For example, after getting an infection in his leg which was brought on by typhus fever, Joseph had to under go surgery to fix the bone in his leg that was affected by the infection. The doctors told Joseph they were going to tie him down during the surgery so he wouldn’t thrash around because of the severe pain. But Joseph instead asked that he not be tied down, but asked that his father might hold him in his arms while the surgery took place. When offered brandy or wine to numb the pain, Joseph Smith declined saying, if my father will hold me, I can do what I need to. This show of courage made by Joseph is amazing to me. It also reminds me of God our Heavenly Father, and how they can help us and hold us in times that are difficult. In the New Testament of the Bible it says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philipians 4:13). Joseph Smith showed a strong faith in Christ all throughout his life.

After the marvelous experience in the grove of trees, Joseph Smith waited a few years before receiving further instruction from the Lord. He was in his room one night seeking forgiveness from his sins and follies, when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in his room. The angel’s name is Moroni. Moroni told Joseph Smith that the Lord had a work for him to do. He told Joseph about a hill nearby to where he lived that contained gold plates of ancient writings. These ancient writings contain a record of a civilization that lived on the American continent. It contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and gives an account of God’s dealings with them. Joseph Smith was informed that the Lord wanted him to translate this record and publish it as another witness of Jesus Christ comparable to the Bible. Through Joseph’s obedience to the Lord, he was guided and given revelations from God, one step at a time, to establish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly misnamed “The Mormon Church“). I have read The Book of Mormon for myself–I have felt it bring peace into my life as I have read it, believed in the teachings of Jesus Christ contained in it, and lived by those teachings.

Joseph Smith exhibited a Christ-like life. He always sought to be a better person and treat those around him with respect. He wasn’t perfect but he always strived to do better. There is an experience that David Whitmer, an early Latter-day Saint church leader, told about Joseph Smith.

David Whitmer recounted: “One morning when [Joseph Smith] was getting ready to continue the translation, something went wrong about the house and he was put out about it. Something that Emma, his wife, had done. Oliver and I went up stairs, and Joseph came up soon after to continue the translation, but he could not do anything. He could not translate a single syllable. He went down stairs, out into the orchard and made supplication to the Lord; was gone about an hour—came back to the house, asked Emma’s forgiveness and then came up stairs where we were and the translation went on all right. He could do nothing save he was humble and faithful.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, pg.116)

This story shows to me that Joseph truly was a servant of the Lord. The work he did wasn’t about himself, it is the Lord’s work. He couldn’t do it on his own, even if he tried. The Lord needed him to be worthy in order to use him as His instrument. I’m grateful that Joseph Smith tried to live a Christ-like life so that the Lord could use him to restore His church on the earth.

We as Latter-day Saints, worship the Savior Jesus Christ, not prophets. Prophets have been around since man was created. The Lord called and authorized prophets such as Adam, Moses, and Abraham to teach His gospel and administer the ordinances of salvation to the whole world so all of us might know the way back to Heavenly Father. I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus Christ spoke to Joseph Smith and called him as a prophet to restore the Savior’s church to the earth. He was just as much of a prophet as Moses was. The sweet feelings of peace and truth have witnessed to my soul that The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fulness. When I hear the modern day prophet speak, President Thomas S. Monson, I know he speaks by the power of revelation. He speaks for Jesus Christ and tells the world what the Savior would tell us if He were here. The prophet gives us the direction and counsel we need for our day. I can feel the Savior’s love for me when the prophet speaks. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and is aware of us, and speaks to us today through living prophets and apostles. I know Joseph Smith spoke the words of Jesus Christ.

Additional Resources:

Get a free copy of The Book of Mormon.

Watch a video about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Learn more about how Joseph Smith was the prophet of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ at lds.org.

Mormon beliefs include a strong belief in prophecy. They teach that just as God spoke to his prophets in the Old Testament, to help them learn and teach truth, and to help His people respond to what was happening in their world, God once again speaks to His children. The Old Testament prophets prepared the world for the first coming of the Savior; the modern day prophets prepare it for the second coming.

Prophets speak for God. God provided prophets to the world from the very beginning, when He spoke to Adam. Every now and then, the prophets would be withdrawn due to the wickedness of the people and their unwillingness to listen to the counsel of the prophets. However, in due time, God always restored a prophet to the earth.

After the death of Jesus Christ, and the death of His apostles, there were no further prophets. This led to the Great Apostasy, in which many conflicts over doctrine arose and the people floundered as they tried to find truth. God had always promised a restoration of all things, however.

“19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”

In order for a restoration to happen, a prophet must be chosen by God. Only a prophet is authorized to speak for God in an official capacity. This occurred when Joseph Smith was chosen by God to lead the restoration as a prophet. God promised we’d never again be left without a prophet, and so, when Joseph Smith was murdered, He chose a new prophet. Since that time, there has always been a prophet to guide and advise us as to how to prepare for the last days of the world, and to cope with the rapidly changing world in which we live.

Today people are coping with a world more different than they could ever have imagined even one hundred years ago. People today are struggling to figure out how to make choices that were not available when the Bible was written, and the pressures to live in once unimaginable ways is great. There might never in history been a time when God’s children needed His direct guidance more desperately. As our time on earth comes to an end, we must know exactly what path we have to follow to end up where we want to be, and what God wants us to do to prepare for that time. A prophet gives us the assurance we are doing what God wants us to do in a complex world. With so many churches on the earth today, and each teaching conflicting doctrine even in areas such as traditional marriage, that were once understood without question, we must have a sure source of truth. The Mormons find this through their prophet.

Mormons are taught to pray to God for personal confirmation that the person named as the prophet is truly God’s prophet. If, at any time, they feel unsure about something the prophet taught, they are taught to go directly to God. This means Mormons aren’t blindly following a person, but are instead taking instruction from God about where to find truth. Ultimately, all truth comes from God. The prophet delivers and interprets truth, but personal responsibility always lies with the individual.