“Joseph’s Search for Truth,” New Era, Feb. 2020, 40–41.
Joseph’s Search for Truth
As a youth, Joseph Smith saw a lot of different churches and wondered which one he should join.
Joseph heard many people argue over religion.
Joseph also heard contradicting teachings from the preachers in the churches he attended.
God has only chosen some to be saved. Are you chosen?
Declare your faith in Jesus Christ, and you will be saved!
Joseph worried about the salvation of his soul but was confused by all the differing religious opinions.
I didn’t believe a word that preacher said!
Well, what he said came from the Bible.
All the preachers disagree with each other, but they can’t all be right! What do I do?
You might find an answer in the Bible.
‘One Lord, one faith, one baptism.’ So, why are there so many churches?
There has to be one true Church. But where can I find it? And I want to be forgiven.
As James 1:5 says, ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.’
I can ask of God?
“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.”
That’s what I’ll do! I’ll ask of God.
Early one morning in the spring of 1820, Joseph set out for the woods near his home to pray.
Suddenly, Joseph was surrounded by darkness. He was afraid he would be destroyed, but he called out to God.
At that moment, a pillar of light appeared over his head and the darkness vanished.
In the light, Joseph saw two beings brighter and more glorious than anything he had ever seen. One spoke to him.
“This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”
Joseph saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They told him he shouldn’t join any church. The Savior promised Joseph that the fulness of His gospel would be revealed in the future and told him he was forgiven of his sins.