Joseph Smith’s Testimony

“My Friend, My Savior, My Lord, My God”

It was a Sabbath afternoon. After helping to distribute the sacrament (having participated in it with the Quorum of the Twelve), Joseph Smith went to the pulpit of the Kirtland Temple, behind veils. There he and Oliver Cowdery knelt in solemn, silent prayer. Upon arising, a glorious vision was opened to both of them:

“We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

“His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah saying: “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.” (D&C 110:2–4.)

This is just one of several instances of recorded testimony from the Prophet Joseph attesting to the fact that he received personal visitations from the Savior. Such visitations surely blessed the entire world, for they led to the full restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in this dispensation, the restitution of all things spoken of by the apostle Peter.

But personal knowledge of the Savior did not end with the death of Joseph. From the beginning of the final dispensation to the present day, each president of the Church has borne witness that Christ lives.

Joseph Smith, Jr.