Gramps,

How do I explain to a non-member in a way that is easy to understand why we, as Latter-day Saints, say we belong to the one true Church?

Tyler

Answer

Tyler,

For many people outside of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one phrase can sound uncomfortable or even arrogant: the idea that Latter-day Saints believe theirs is the “one true church.” At first glance, it can sound like members are saying everyone else is wrong, that no other religion has truth, or that God only cares about one group of people.

But that is not actually how Latter-day Saints generally understand the doctrine.

According to LDS theology, the belief that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the “true church” is tied to the idea of the Restoration. Members believe that Jesus Christ originally established His Church during His mortal ministry, complete with apostles, priesthood authority, ordinances, and revelation from God. After the deaths of the original apostles, however, that authority and many gospel truths were gradually lost or changed over time.

Latter-day Saints believe that through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored His original Church to the earth.

That belief is rooted in scripture, modern revelation, and personal spiritual conviction.

One of the key scriptures Latter-day Saints point to is Doctrine and Covenants 1:30, where the Lord refers to the Church as:

“The only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.”

For many people, that verse raises immediate questions. Does this mean other churches are completely false? Does it mean Latter-day Saints think they are better than everyone else?

Not at all.

LDS leaders have repeatedly taught that truth exists in many religions and among many sincere believers.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained:

“We believe that most Christian churches teach some truths and do much good. But we also believe that the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.” (Summarized)

In LDS theology, the Church is considered “true” because Latter-day Saints believe it contains the fullness of Christ’s gospel, priesthood authority, and saving ordinances. It is considered “living” because members believe Jesus Christ continues to guide it through ongoing revelation.

That last part matters a lot.

Latter-day Saints do not believe God stopped speaking after the Bible was completed. They believe He still calls prophets and apostles today.

One of the biggest reasons Latter-day Saints believe the Church is Christ’s restored Church is priesthood authority.

According to LDS belief, authority to act in God’s name was given to prophets and apostles in ancient times. Members believe that after a long period of apostasy, authority was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery through heavenly messengers.

John the Baptist is believed to have restored the Aaronic Priesthood. (Doctrine & Covenants 13:1)

Peter, James, and John are believed to have restored the Melchizedek Priesthood. (Melchizedek Priesthood)

This priesthood authority is central to LDS belief because ordinances such as baptism, confirmation, temple ordinances, and sealing are believed to require God’s authority.

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of authority when He called and ordained apostles in the New Testament:

• Matthew 10:1
• John 15:16

Because of this, Latter-day Saints believe the Restoration was not just about restoring teachings, but restoring divine authority.

Another major reason Latter-day Saints believe the Church is true is the belief in continuing revelation.

The ninth Article of Faith states:

“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”

That idea of ongoing revelation is deeply woven into LDS theology.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

“We’re witnesses to a process of restoration.” (Quoted by LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. The Ongoing Restoration)

Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ actively directs His Church today through prophets and apostles, just as He did in ancient times.

Elder David A. Bednar explained:

“This restored Church is true because it is the Savior’s Church… And it is a living church because of the workings and gifts of the Holy Ghost.” (Seminary Teacher Manual)

For members, this belief makes the Church feel dynamic rather than frozen in the past.

The Book of Mormon is also central to why Latter-day Saints believe the Church is true.

Joseph Smith described it as:

“the most correct of any book on earth.” (Book of Mormon Introduction)

Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ, supports the Bible, and serves as evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet.

The introduction to the Book of Mormon promises:

“Those who prayerfully study the book and ask God in sincerity if it is true will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

For many members, their testimony of the Church is closely tied to personal experiences praying about the Book of Mormon.

James 1:5 is especially important in LDS history because Joseph Smith said it inspired him to pray for guidance:

That prayer eventually led to what Latter-day Saints call the First Vision.

One important part of LDS theology is that believing the Church is true does not mean believing other religions are worthless.

Latter-day Saints believe God loves all His children and inspires people everywhere.

The Church itself teaches:

“The restored gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and serve all people. We affirm the value of religious freedom, kindness, and respect toward people of all faiths.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught:

“Bring with you all that you have of good and truth which you have received from whatever source, and come and let us see if we may add to it.” (The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith)

That attitude has shaped how many Latter-day Saints approach conversations with people of other faiths.

Ultimately, Latter-day Saints believe the Church is true because they believe it is Christ’s restored Church.

That belief is not supposed to lead to pride or superiority. Ideally, it should lead to greater discipleship, humility, and gratitude.

Members believe the Church exists to help people come unto Jesus Christ through covenants, ordinances, service, repentance, and faith.

As the Book of Mormon teaches:

“We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ.” (2 Nephi 25:26)

For Latter-day Saints, the claim that the Church is “true” is not mainly about winning arguments. It is about a conviction that Jesus Christ restored His gospel, His authority, and His Church in modern times.

And, as with every spiritual conviction, members believe that testimony ultimately comes through personal study, prayer, and revelation from God.

Gramps

Gramps,

I got married earlier this month to a recent convert of about 5 years from Catholicism.  I have found she has been reading anti Mormon stuff that has challenged her testimony of the church. She has a small testimony but I feel that I need to help her to strengthen it. Could you please help me?

• She struggles with understanding the character of God and favors the idea of the trinity.
• She struggles with the idea of one true church and authority.
• She doesn’t believe that man can become like God.

Peter

Answer

Hi Peter,

What your dear wife needs is not necessarily doctrinal clarification. What your wife needs is a witness of the Spirit that her path in the Restored Church is what God would have her do. If she has that, all other questions become secondary, even unimportant. My advice is that you don’t concentrate on the symptoms, but on the underlying condition—in this case, a young and tender testimony, a seedling threatened in the storm. Provide her safe harbor and encouragement.

The three issues you bring up are easily answered. The answers will do absolutely no good to someone who does not have that spark of testimony, though.

1. Of course your wife favors the idea of the Trinity. That’s what she grew up with. Catholic theology is very picky and precise about what the Trinity does and does not mean. To Joseph Smith, this Trinitarian doctrine was a “mass of confusion” (no pun intended). You might, for example, take her through the scriptures, especially the New Testament, and point out Christ praying to his Father and commanding his disciples to do the same, teaching that his Father sent him. You might observe that the Holy Ghost descended on Christ as a dove. Such things certainly argue against Trinitarian theology.

But I think this misses the point. You cannot argue your wife into belief. That desire to know and learn has to come from her. Pointing out perceived flaws in the theology propounded by other churches is not effective in converting people to the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. True spiritual conversion is based on internal inspiration and revelation, not on a dispassionate intellectual analysis of a set of teachings.

While Catholic Trinitarianism lies miles away from the Restored Church’s understanding of the nature of the Godhead, I observe that in day-to-day worship and activity, Catholics of my acquaintance tend to approach God in a manner pretty similar to my own. Catholicism may have a wrong concept of God in their Trinitarian doctrines, but I am convinced that many individual Catholics worship the same God as you and I. So I think that this particular question need not be a stumbling block to your wife’s spiritual progress.

2. If your wife was brought up as a Catholic, she was surely taught at some point that the Catholic Church claims to be the actual church established by the Lord himself, with Saint Peter acting as the first Pope. In effect, Catholicism claims to be the one true Church of Jesus Christ and to have his Priesthood authority, just as the Restored Church claims. So this is less a change in underlying belief as it is transferring the flag to a new ship.

The truth claims of the Restored Church are based in the idea that what was had in Christ’s time was utterly lost and had to be restored. Our claims of unique authority stem from the founding of the Church, and cannot be any other way. And as before, these questions, while important, seem to miss the central issue: Has your wife received the voice of God in her mind and heart?

3. Man becoming like God is what the Bible teaches, from the very first page. Unlike the gods of antiquity, the Hebrew God Jehovah demanded that his people worship him by developing within themselves the same traits that he himself possessed—traits such as honesty, justice, compassion, forbearance, integrity, and mercy. Jehovah was not appeased by mere sacrifice; rather, Jehovah was interested in his followers actually following him. Jehovah created man in his own image. This is an amazing and profound teaching.

In the New Testament, we are taught that Jesus Christ was the Son (note the word) of God. We are taught that Jesus has inherited “all that the Father hath”. And amazingly, we are taught that we can become joint heirs with Jesus. In teaching that man can become like God and share in his glory and perfection, Latter-day Saints are teaching nothing more than the pure Biblical doctrines preached by Peter, Paul, and Christ himself.

But for the third time, let me emphasize: This is beside the point. What exactly does it mean to “inherit all that the Father hath”? What does it mean to “become as God is”? We really don’t know the specifics, except that, as Paul told the Corinthians, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Your wife, along with the rest of us, needs to gain and nurture a testimony of the truths of Christ’s gospel. When that testimony has truly taken root and had a chance to grow strong, it will anchor her and provide her shelter and solace in an often-miserable world.

God bless your wife in her efforts to come unto him, and God bless you in your efforts to walk with her on that path.

Gramps

Gramps,

I have read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover in preparation to serve a mission. I finished and I feel like I prayed with a real intent to know if it was true.  Growing up in the Church I wanted an experience I could look back on to anchor me.  But I felt nothing,  I’ve read scriptures James 1:5 and Moroni 10-4,5 but I am home because of the pandemic, and struggling to go back out.   How can I really gain a testimony? I can’t go out and and bear a testimony I don’t have.

Matthew

Answer

Matthew,

Thank you for taking a moment to ask this question, and it is comforting for me to see a young man who wants to be genuine when declaring a truth to others. In my youth, I found myself in a similar situation as you, but in a different way. Before I go into that let’s review from scripture items that need to be considered with a question like yours (these are general questions that may or may not apply to you right now):

1) Will God further reveal to us what we already know, but for some reason are denying?
2) King Laman, Lamoni’s father, at first was willing to give up half a kingdom to know what Aaron knew. When the reality of what Aaron was teaching settled in King Laman was willing to give up all his sins to know. Is there anything in our lives that might be preventing a witness?
3) Is our desire to know the truth real, or simply a reluctant obedience in doing what people have said without any real intent?
4) Am I tying God down to a specific experience in order to have the truth revealed and to receive a testimony?
5) How does God reveal truth? What has he already revealed to us?
6) Have you witnessed God’s hand in your family?
7) The Lord’s timing. Have I allowed the Lord to answer me on his timeline vs. when I think he should do it? An answer is promised, but an immediate answer is not.

When I began serving a mission I read the following verse of scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 9:8-9 that refers to a “burning in our bosom.” This was the way God revealed truth, at least that is what was being taught, and since I had never felt this before I found myself in a similar position as you, “How do I teach the Gospel when I haven’t received a testimony”?

I began to pray, read, and fast for a testimony. I wanted to feel this “burning in my bosom.” I never received this witness, and to this day I have not and do not know what a “burning in the bosom” feels like. What I did discover is that when I was no longer looking for a specific witness the Lord spoke to my mind and heart. I knew from the Spirit of the Lord (the Lord’s voice, mind, and will) and thus began the seed of my testimony. I discovered for me the truth of Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3. The spirit of revelation/prophecy is when the Lord speaks to your mind and heart. The Spirit of the Lord then commanded me to build upon what I received. Later in my life I read the following words from President Joseph F. Smith which describes my testimony and knowledge of the gospel:

“When I as a boy first started out in the ministry,” he explained, “I would frequently go out and ask the Lord to show me some marvelous thing, in order that I might receive a testimony. But the Lord withheld marvels from me, and showed me the truth, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, until he made me to know the truth from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and until doubt and fear had been absolutely purged from me. He did not have to send an angel from the heavens to do this, nor did he have to speak with the trump of an archangel. By the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of the living God, he gave to me the testimony I possess. And by this principle and power he will give to all the children of men a knowledge of the truth that will stay with them, and it will make them to know the truth, as God knows it, and to do the will of the Father as Christ does it.”

This appears to be a true path by which the Lord reveals his truth to his children. There are obviously outliers to this path also. At this time also, early in my mission, there wasn’t any sin in my life that had not been repented of. If I needed to resolve something with the bishop it was resolved. When I taught at the MTC I had the privilege of teaching a young man from my home ward who was struggling also. He was not receiving the witness he wanted to receive pertaining to staying on the mission or returning home in order to marry his girlfriend. Mind you I knew this young man. I also knew of decisions he made, which would have prevented him from serving a mission as soon as he did. He had unrepented, unresolved sins that were preventing him from receiving the witness he desired. Like King Laman, he was willing to give up half of his kingdom (meaning, he was willing to leave his home, but the other half he really didn’t want to lose — girlfriend). As such, there were sins preventing the Spirit. If we are unwilling to give up all our sins (especially when we are about to serve a mission, or are on the mission) it will be hard to receive any answer from the Lord as our mind will not be prepared to receive it.

On my mission, I taught a lady who said the following words, “I already know Joseph Smith is not a prophet of God, but I will pray anyway.” When we asked if she prayed she said she had and that she didn’t receive an answer. When we asked how she prayed she said the following, “I prayed and asked the Lord by saying, ‘Lord, I already know Joseph Smith is not a prophet, but because the Elders have asked me I am praying to know,’ and I did not receive an answer.”  My companion and I looked at each other and were not surprised she did not receive an answer. At times, we may be reluctant although we still act, but are our actions with true intent and sincerity. Or, are our actions merely to say, “Well, I did what was asked, and still nothing.”

Another story I really enjoy from President Joseph F. Smith is regarding his mother. When he was a young boy traveling with his mother and uncle at some point their oxen went missing. Joseph and his uncle had searched and searched and had come up empty handed. As he was returning back to his mother this is what he shares:

“In this pitiable plight I was the first to return to our wagons, and as I approached I saw my mother kneeling down in prayer. I halted for a moment and then drew gently near enough to hear her pleading with the Lord not to suffer us to be left in this helpless condition, but to lead us to recover our lost team, that we might continue our travels in safety. When she arose from her knees I was standing nearby. The first expression I caught upon her precious face was a lovely smile, which discouraged as I was, gave me renewed hope and an assurance I had not felt before.

 

“She cheerfully encouraged Joseph and his uncle to sit and enjoy the breakfast she had prepared and said, “I will just take a walk out and see if I can find the cattle.” Despite her brother’s protests that further searching would be fruitless, Mary set out, leaving him and Joseph F. to eat breakfast. She encountered a nearby herdsman who indicated that he had seen the lost oxen in the direction opposite to her course. Joseph F. said, “We heard plainly what he said, but mother went right on, and did not even turn her head to look at him.” She soon beckoned to Joseph F. and his uncle, who ran to the spot where she stood. There they saw the oxen fastened to a clump of willows.

 

“President Joseph F. Smith later said, “It was one of the first practical and positive demonstrations of the efficacy of prayer I had ever witnessed. It made an indelible impression upon my mind, and has been a source of comfort, assurance and guidance to me throughout all of my life.”

Has there been anything in your life, with your family, or with a friend, or you personally that you can draw on when you are asking the Lord for a witness? The Book of Mormon says it a little differently with the following words:

“Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.” (emphasis mine)  Moroni 10:3

When you prayed, were you remembering the Lord’s love for you (his death, his sacrifice)? Were you possibly remembering any spiritual witness that the Lord (as with Joseph F. Smith and his mother) has heard and answered prayers? Were you possibly pondering the love you have for others and those who you will be serving? Were you pondering the tender mercies the Lord has shown in scripture?

I want to thank you again Matthew for taking the time to ask this question, and the desire you have to be genuine in declaring your testimony. You want to know. May the Lord bless you with a calm heart and mind to hear his voice, his love, and his mercy for you as his son.

Gramps

Gramps,

There are times that some members changed this, if it is testimony Sunday they talk like a speaker, but if we call them as a speaker they didn’t accept it. What is the difference between a testimony and speaker?

John

Answer

John,

From my point of view I don’t think there is a difference between a speaker and a testimony (a testimony is given by a speaker). A testimony is supposed to be a short declaration of what we know or believe to be true as received from the Spirit of the Lord. A talk is focused on a theme/topic by which a member then will share their thoughts according to the things they have studied.

A testimony doesn’t require a person to be studied on a particularly topic. Some members are more comfortable with sharing their thoughts and feelings (which as you say is more like a talk rather than a testimony) because they don’t have to prepare anything. Some members feel uncomfortable because they feel like they have to be a scriptorian in order to give a talk. In that case, they will more likely reject the opportunity to speak — give a talk — because they feel unqualified.

If you know a person struggles with accepting a talk, then ask them to give a testimony on the subject/topic for the month. They may be more likely to accept the invitation to share their testimony on a topic rather than feeling like they are unqualified to speak on a topic. Sadly, this is a stigma in our wards — our culture — that people feel they have to be so thoroughly studied in order to give a talk.

Gramps

Hi Gramps,

In our faith, we are often told that we can know our church is true by sincerely asking God in faith. Many members I know ground their faith largely in answers to such prayers. I have felt strong spiritual feelings at times as well in response to seeking this very inspiration. My question is what to make of other faiths that make the same claim, specifically faiths that necessarily contradict on key issues of doctrine with ours. I believe that they feel something authentic, just as I believe I felt things and other Mormons have felt things. I have heard testimonies of others that say their experiences are proof to them that their faith must be the true faith or path. Often, these experiences are just as powerful or more so than what I have experienced. I believe in revelation. I believe that good answers prayers, but this question has given me a lot of cognitive dissonance. Two contradictions can’t be true at the same time. How do I work through this?

Jacob

Answer

Jacob,

One of Satan’s greatest tactics is to have us believe there are contradictions where there are no contradictions. His hope is that we might experience cognitive dissonance, such that we lose hope in the truth/witness we have received from the Father through his Holy Spirit. Your question causes me to ponder a few principles and scriptures that might provide some clarity to your question. The first is that God loves all of his children. The second is that God is no respecter of persons. The third is that we all learn line upon line or grace for grace. The fourth principle covers two concepts: the source of the inspiration and opposition. The final principle is that the Lord will give or take away according to our desires or what we can bear.

God is Love

In the gospel of Jesus Christ, three core foundational principles are: faith, hope, and charity. We learn in scripture that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). The actual verse of scripture declares,

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

The decision to come unto God/Christ can only be accomplished through an act of faith, and often that act to experience God’s love is prayer. No matter what faith a person belongs to, if one of God’s sons or daughters humbles themselves and asks in faith, believing they shall receive, they will receive an answer to their prayer according to the Lord’s will and timetable. In light of this fact, we shouldn’t be at all surprised when God answers the prayers of his children, no matter their faith. He loves them and is taking every measure possible to help his children receive the truth according to his plan.

God is No Respecter of Persons

The second principle, God is no respecter of persons, is part of that plan and is a result of his love toward his children — all of them. In our Bible, the following verses of scripture, Matthew 5:45 and Acts 10:34, give evidence to this point:

“That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)

“In correlations with Matthew, we are able to read these words from Peter, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.” (Acts 10:34)

Who is then answering the prayers of every individual that is living upon this earth (no matter their faith, the God they may call by a different name or the same name)? Do the answers to their prayers remove any validity to the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ? No, not in the least.

Grace upon Grace and Line upon Line

The third principle is learning by grace upon grace, line upon line, and precept upon precept. This scripture highlights this principle,

“For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.” (2 Nephi 28:30)

Let’s review a wonderful story in the Book of Mormon. Ammon and his brethren decided the Lamanites needed to hear the word of God. The Lamanites believed in a Great Spirit. When Ammon found favor with the King, he began expounding the scriptures unto them. The Lamanites appear to misunderstand what Ammon is asking when he asks if they believe in a God. This created a very interesting dialogue between Ammon and Lamoni. A series of questions that then resulted in Lamoni now understanding that the Great Spirit and the God of the Nephites were ONE — the same God.

At this moment, though, anyone who heard this would have had choices/opposition. First, they could have continued believing Ammon was this Great Spirit who had come to torment them. Two, they could have disbelieved Ammon regarding God, and continued believing in a Great Spirit while accepting that Ammon was just a strong man. And finally, they could choose to believe Ammon’s words.

A truth that is taught through this experience is that no matter what witness they had received previously (remember they believed they had received witness that Ammon was this Great Spirit) God will provide further witness if we have not come to a full knowledge of his truth, his gospel. We know that God will provide further witness, and he will teach his children line upon line, grace for grace, until they reject his word or receive his word and be given more.

The Source of our Inspiration and Opposition

In the Bible and the Book of Mormon, we are informed how God will teach us all things through His Holy Spirit, and that opposition is necessary for our growth to become like our Heavenly Father. We are also made aware that the adversary will also seek to teach the children of humankind his ways. For example, the Book of Mormon tells the story of a man named Sherem. Sherem had received an opposing witness to that of Jacob’s many revelations and adamantly taught his (Sherem’s) witness. After Sherem spoke with Jacob, we can read the following words from Sherem, “And he spake plainly unto them, that he had been deceived by the power of the devil. And he spoke of hell, and of eternity, and of eternal punishment.” Sherem’s experience teaches clearly that people are able to be deceived by the adversary. This example is one of the reasons why there are contradicting witnesses, source of witnesses. Was Sherem’s witness real?

Another reason would be our misinterpretation of the witness we have received. The source of the inspiration may be sure and true, but our interpretation of the interpretation may not have been fully understood. In my college years, I experienced a dream in answer to one of my prayers. I acted upon this dream, according to my understanding of the dream, only to understand later that I had misinterpreted the dream I received. We are human, and human weakness may interfere with our fully comprehending the witness received. This is why humility, interwoven with our faith and hope, is necessary to further progress on the strait and narrow path.

On my mission, I met many people who have received witness that the Bible was true. They would bear witness of the testimony they had received from the Lord’s Spirit that the Bible was the word of God. They would use this witness to specify there was no other word of God, which by itself doesn’t stand to how we have received the Bible. We are human, and we may misinterpret or seek to finalize a witness that was never meant to be finalized. All we have to do is exercise faith, hope, humility, and charity, and the Lord will provide further witness. If I had taken a moment in college to truly ponder the dream, and then to seek interpretation, I wouldn’t have acted so quickly, creating a scenario that didn’t end well.

If there truly is a contradiction, please recognize the Lord isn’t contradicting. The adversary is. If a person were to say, “I know the Book of Mormon is not the words of Christ because it has been made known to me.” (Opposition) I already know the source of that inspiration.

Remember, one of our Articles of Faith is, “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.” Even when we have opposing knowledge, it is wisdom to remember this verse and to respect whatever witness a person feels they have received, even those that are contrary to what we know to be true.

The Lord Will Give or Take Away According to Our Desires

The final principle correlates with all the other principles. The easiest example to provide as Christians is that of the Jews, who are a chosen and covenanted people of our Lord. The Jews I have met sincerely worship their God. They know he answers prayers. They whole heartily believe in their religion and practices. Their current belief and teachings contradict every Christian religion. The Messiah has already come, or they are correct, and they are still waiting for him to come.

According to prophecy, the Jews, collectively, will not come to full knowledge until the Lord himself comes again to his temple and saves his people from destruction. If we want to know, then we have to exercise faith, hope, and charity, and put God in front of everything else. For some people, they are fervent in their faith, and it will require, at times, more than a simple reading of the Book of Mormon to convince them.

The Lord loves all his children. He is taking every measure he can in order to bring all his children to a unity of faith without destroying his own plan. He will provide further witness, the question, though, are we listening?

Let me share a personal example of receiving more that happened in my life not so many years previously. A good friend of mine felt impressed to teach me a principle he KNEW to be true. Each time we were alone, he would constantly seek to teach me this principle in hopes I would accept. My response to him, “I appreciate you sharing these things, but I have received a spiritual witness that tells me what you are saying isn’t fully correct. Until the Lord tells me more or helps me to see where I may have misunderstood something, I will continue to honor the witness I had received.”

Now, understand this important aspect. I did not reject his witness because I could tell he truly believed it. I accepted his witness and began to study for myself. I, to this day, am grateful for his willingness to share his thoughts because the Lord eventually let me see the truth he was teaching, which didn’t contradict what I had already received a witness of. What I didn’t tell him though, is that the Lord had also made clear where he was wrong. The Lord allowed me to receive more as I exercised faith, hope, and humility. If I didn’t exercise faith, hope, and humility, I would have never received the additional knowledge the Lord was teaching me through a fellow friend.

This is why I love Abraham 1:2,

“And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers.”

If all of us, all of God’s children, were truly concerned as Abraham was about becoming a rightful heir, a High Priest (for women a Priestess), then we all would come to a unity of faith.

You might be interested in two other Gramps answers regarding prayers and prayers that seem to contradict each other:

1) How can two people get opposite revelation?

2) How can people receive opposite personal revelation and both say it came from God?

Gramps

Gramps,

My husband is a high priest.  He has been reading the Joseph Smith Papers and has watched many YouTube videos on many LDS subjects. He has expressed many things he has learned.  One in particular he feels the Church didn’t disclose information pertaining to Joseph Smith in regards to him sending men members away on missions and then having their wives sealed to him.   He hasn’t attended Church in 3 months and recently stopped wearing his top garment.  Any suggestions on how to deal with this?

Kathy

Answer

Dear Kathy,

First off and most importantly, I want you to know that you, your family, and your husband are in our prayers here at Ask Gramps. Few things are more stressful and worrisome than watching a loved one go through a crisis of faith.  For some of us, faith is very easy to have-and for others, we struggle and wrestle with many aspects of our religion. It’s very rare to meet someone who has never asked questions or doubted certain aspects of their faith. And that’s okay.

Perhaps most surprising to hear is that your husband is not alone. In a beautiful and touching letter, the apostle Hugh B Brown said to a doubting woman,

“Would you be surprised if I should tell you that I, too, have periods of perplexity, uncertainty and doubt?”

Let’s think about that for a minute. An apostle of Jesus Christ, a brilliant mind, and a leader of our church has admitted to having moments of doubt and questioning. I’m not sure about you, but I find that quote incredibly inspiring. If someone like him can go through the same struggles your husband has, there is truly hope for all of us.

The one thing your husband needs right now is your love and support. Experts in relationships tell us that communication is key, and if your husband no longer feels he can communicate with you-even when the communication might be uncomfortable or worrisome-your relationship will suffer drastically. None of us can see the future, and it’s important to remember that many of us have gone through struggles in our faith and come out fine in the end, and sometimes even stronger. Right now, the best thing for your family is for you to continue to pray-for yourself, your family, and your husband.

You are in our prayers.

Gramps

Gramps,

I have multiple friends that have made serious mistakes, changed their lives around, gone through the repentance process, and through doing so have grown extremely close to the Savior. They have an incredibly deep, strong, and personal testimony of His Atonement and sacrifice. I haven’t committed any major transgressions. I want to know what they know, feel what they feel, and have that relationship with my Savior. How can I do this without having to go through some drastic repentance process?

Blake

Answer

Dear Blake,

This is a great question.  I have thought that the main difference between the Nephites and the converted Lamanites was this very thing – an understanding of the Atonement.  As you know, the Nephites went through cycles of righteousness and wickedness, mostly due to pride.  What is the antidote to pride?  True conversion.  The Lamanites, on the other hand, once they were converted they remained solid in their testimony of Christ; the Anti-Nephi-Lehies even sealed their testimonies with their lives.  They knew the importance of the atonement.

You can gain this kind of conversion without committing major sin, so I’m glad you asked.  First, realize that even though you have not committed any sins that require the help of your Bishop to resolve, you have committed sin, and as such you are unclean and need the Atonement in your life.  Second, take your desire to the Lord.  Pour out your heart to God, and let Him know of your desire to have this conversion (testimony of the Atonement).  Then ask Him, “What lack I yet?”  There may be something you need to work on first.  The Holy Ghost will tell you.  If you don’t receive an answer right way, keep asking. Fast if you need to.  Then follow the counsel of the Holy Ghost.  When you have completed that, or have a good start on a path that takes a life time (like overcoming pride), then ask the Lord again “What lack I yet?”  And follow the answer that you are given.  This is part of your preparation for conversion.

The other step is to study the Atonement.  Read everything you can find about it.  Start with the scriptures, then read everything you can find on LDS.org.  When you are ready, ask the Lord what He would like you to understand about the Atonement.

This is how the process worked for me, and I believe these steps will work for you as well.  I have a couple suggestions to get you started:

“What Lack I Yet?” by Elder Larry R. Lawrence  He says, in part,

“The atoning sacrifice of the Savior is what makes perfection or sanctification possible. We could never do it on our own, but God’s grace is sufficient to help us. As Elder David A. Bednar once observed: “Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners. I am not so sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints—for good men and women who are obedient, worthy, and conscientious and who are striving to become better. I would like to suggest that each of you participate in a spiritual exercise sometime soon, perhaps even tonight while saying your prayers. Humbly ask the Lord the following question: “What is keeping me from progressing?” In other words: “What lack I yet?” Then wait quietly for a response. If you are sincere, the answer will soon become clear. It will be revelation intended just for you.”

“Ye Must Be Born Again” by Elder David A. Bednar is a wonderful answer to your question.  Study it!

“The Lord’s authorized servants repeatedly teach that one of the principal purposes of our mortal existence is to be spiritually changed and transformed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

While there are many, many great talks on the Atonement, conversion and being born again, I will only suggest one more (I’ll leave the discovery of the others to you.)  This is my favorite:

“The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality“ by Elder David A. Bednar:

“Thus the journey of a lifetime is to progress from bad to good to better and to experience the mighty change of heart—and to have our fallen natures changed.

 

May I suggest that the Book of Mormon is our handbook of instructions as we travel the pathway from bad to good to better and to have our hearts changed. If you have your scriptures with you this morning, please turn with me to Mosiah 3:19. In this verse King Benjamin teaches about the journey of mortality and about the role of the Atonement in successfully navigating that journey: “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord” (emphasis added).”

This is a wonderful goal that you have set, Blake.  I’m sure the Lord is pleased with your desire.  Don’t give up, and you will accomplish your goal.

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

Lately I have been thinking a lot about my faith and I don’t think that I really have a testimony. I feel like I have just been going to the Mormon Church because I was born into it and have never really had to study and find out for myself if it is true. And it’s mostly because I think that there are conflicting stories about Joseph Smith and the early prophets. I know that they are just men and do make mistakes, but I feel a lack of trust in them. Please help me out with articles to help promote my faith and help me to gain a testimony.

Ty

Answer

Dear Ty,

Your experience is very similar to my own. Although I was “born and raised” in the Mormon Church, I never felt for sure that I had a testimony until I joined the Army Air Force in WWII. So perhaps I can make a suggestion or two that may deal with your concern.

Concerning the conflicting stories about Joseph Smith and the early prophets, that fact that there are such conflicting stories about them is a significant evidence that the church they represent is just what it claims to be–the only true and living Church of Jesus Christ on the face of the earth. Why would that be so? How much literature do you see published that denounces any one of the Protestant Churches, or the great Catholic Church, or the great Eastern Orthodox Church? You’re right–very, very little. And why is that so? Simply because the Mormon Church, properly called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being THE true Church, is the direct object of Satan’s attempts to destroy it.

Now, don’t get me wrong; Satan is against all that is good and true, and he and his forces are aligned against every Christian organization, and every individual who believes in Christ, regardless of their creed. But all these other churches, in spite of the good that they do, have not the power to save any soul in the celestial kingdom of God. There is only one organization that has that power, and that is God’s own organization–The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

But, you say, with all these conflicting stories, what am I to believe? If you wanted to buy a new Chevrolet, but weren’t sure about its qualities, would you go to a Ford dealer to find out about the Chevrolet? Of course not! By the same token you can discard out of hand all of the negative literature floating around about the Mormon Church. It is Satan inspired and has absolutely no credence. But that still doesn’t answer your question or give you a testimony. If you want to have a testimony that the Mormon Church is the true Church, simply ask God and He will tell you!

Take a look at these pertinent scriptures—

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost (Moroni 10:4).

That experiment has been performed millions of times, with the result that if the conditions are properly fulfilled the result is invariably achieved.

But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils (D&C 46:7).

In other words, we have to live by the word of God as we know it to the best of our ability, then He will talk to us. The Father wants us to do all that we can to reach Him. If we do less than we can that indicates that our interest is limited, and thus the communication link is not complete.

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.

 

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

 

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord (James 1:5-7).

That is the scripture that inspired the boy, Joseph Smith, a young lad of only 14 years, to ask God the very question that you have in mind. God answered his prayer! He will also answer yours.

Now let me make this suggestion. Resulting from Joseph Smith’s first prayer, he was entrusted with the golden plates on which had been transcribed the Book of Mormon, and by the gift and power of God, he translated them into the English language. He later said of the Book of Mormon—

“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (Book of Mormon introduction).

My suggestion to you is that you read the Book of Mormon, and in doing so that as you turn each page you sincerely ask the Lord to let you know if this book is indeed true–that will be a total of 531 prayers. I will now promise you, in the name of the Lord, that if you will do that, before you will have finished the book, God will have answered your prayer, and you will KNOW in your heart, without any doubt, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that indeed the Book of Mormon is true scripture. If you know that, you will then know that Joseph Smith was a prophet–because the Book of Mormon says he was. You will know that Jesus is the Christ, because the Book of Mormon says he is. You will know that God’s kingdom on earth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been restored on the earth because the Book of Mormon says that is has. You will have a testimony.

Gramps

Dear Gramps.

When a new Apostle is called, he becomes a “Special Witness of Jesus Christ”. These special witnesses seem to be exclusive only to Apostles (or General Authorities). Yet Peter taught in Acts 10:34: “God is no respecter of persons”. If that is true, than would that mean it would be possible for every person to receive that same “special” apostolic witness of Jesus Christ?
Brad

Answer

Brad,

There is a difference between Special Witness, the title/calling, and ‘special witness’ the event.  It is indeed possible for anyone to receive a personal visitation from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Christ Himself declared:

. . . If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  (John 14:23)

Those of us who live righteously and keep Christ’s commandments may, in this lifetime, experience a visitation from him, which would constitute a special witness.  However, these witnesses are private, they are for us alone, we are not called upon to share them with the world.  Additionally, any visual witness one receives is secondary to a witness from the Holy Spirit.  The eyes may deceive us, but the Spirit of God bears witness to the truth of all things.

Gordon B. Hinckley once taught:

After they are ordained to the holy apostleship and are set apart as members of the Council of the Twelve, they will be expected to devote themselves primarily to the work of the ministry. They will place first in their lives, above all other considerations, the responsibility to stand as special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world.  (Special Witnesses for Christ – April 1984)

In an interview with Elder Dallin H. Oaks he said:

Brother Turley: Another claim we see sometimes here is that current apostles have no right to run the affairs of the Church since they do not meet the New Testament standard of Apostles because they do not testify of having seen Christ.

 

Elder Oaks: The first answer to this claim, I think is that modern Apostles are called to be witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world. Doctrine and Covenants 107:23. This is not to witness of a personal manifestation. To witness of the name is to witness of the plan, the work, or mission, such as the Atonement, and the authority, or priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Which an apostle who holds the keys is uniquely responsible to do. Of course, Apostles are also witnesses of Christ, just like all members of the Church who have the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is because the mission of the Holy Ghost is to witness of the Father and the Son. In addition, while some early apostles and other members of the Church have had the sublime spiritual experience of seeing the Savior, and some have made a public record of this, in the circumstances of today, we are counseled not to speak of our most sacred spiritual experiences. Otherwise, with modern technology that can broadcast something all over the world, a remark made in a sacred and private setting can be sent abroad in violation of the Savior’s commandment not to cast our pearls before swine.

In another interview with Elder David  A. Bednar he states:

Religious Educator (RE): Elder Bednar, what does it mean to you to be a special witness of the name of Christ in all the world?` (see D&C 107:23)

 

Elder Bednar: The role of an Apostle today is the same as it was anciently (see Acts 1:22; 4:33). Our commission is to go into all the world and proclaim “Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (see Mark 16:15, 1 Corinthians 2:2). An Apostle is a missionary and a special witness of the name of Christ. The “name of Christ” refers to the totality of the Savior’s mission, death, and resurrection—His authority, His doctrine, and His unique qualifications as the Son of God to be our Redeemer and our Savior. As special witnesses of the name of Christ, we bear testimony of the reality, divinity, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His infinite and eternal Atonement, and His gospel.

 

RE: If you were to use the apostleship as a pattern for Latter-day Saints in general, in terms of their faith, testimony, spiritual growth, and closeness to the Savior, what do you envision?

 

Elder Bednar: Many people may consider the leaders of the Church to be dramatically different somehow—no physical ailments, no family challenges; totally smooth, wonderful lives. The Brethren are not exempted from hardships and difficulties. There is opposition in all things for everyone.

 

Some people also may imagine that Church leaders obtain revelation in ways that are fundamentally different from others—receiving direct, immediate, and specific answers, and then going forward easily to lead and do what is required. The true pattern for leaders and for members basically is the same—pressing steadfastly forward with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—and as one does so, guidance and answers typically come “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little” (2 Nephi 28:30).

 

Remember, Nephi went to Jerusalem to obtain the plates of brass not knowing beforehand the things that he should do (see 1 Nephi 4:6). Following the example of Nephi and the leaders of the Church, it is requisite that members face the complex, demanding challenges in the world today, always striving to do their very best. President Hinckley counseled, “If you do your best, it will all work out” (Ensign, October 2000, 73). That is the pattern. Summarized in my own words: “Be good, honor your covenants, keep the commandments, and your steps will be guided, your utterances will be inspired, yet the majority of the time you will not necessarily know in the moment that you are being guided and inspired.”

The Apostles are called to be Special Witnesses of Jesus Christ in their responsibility to proclaim to the world the absolute reality of His existence.  Just as being a prophet, seer, and revelator for the world is an exclusive aspect of the Apostolic calling, so is the responsibility to fulfill the calling requirements of a Special Witness of Christ.  Yet all of us may still receive a personal and special witness of the Savior.

Gramps

Hello Gramps!

I have been dealing with an addiction for quite awhile now and I am 18 and have been thinking about a mission for awhile.To me, I feel like I need to have a confirmation of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and that the Church is true.   Because I have this addiction I don’t feel worthy enough to pray even less read the Book of Mormon to receive a confirmation. Also, since I graduated from High school I have really been questioning the church. Can you please help with my dilemma? (18 yr priest)

Wyatt

Answer

Dear Wyatt,

No matter how well the devil may know you, God and Christ know you infinitely better.  What’s more, they love you and want you to come back home after your mortal experience.  They want to bless your mortal experience with all the things you’ll need to come back home.  And they’re more powerful than the devil will ever be – so trust them.

The Spirit Teaches Us to Pray

The first thing we need to clear up is your concern that you aren’t worthy enough to pray.  Nothing could be farther from the truth!  That idea comes straight from Satan and his followers:

And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.

 

But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.  (2 Nephi 32:8-9)

Unlike the evil spirit, the Holy Ghost (and all who are followers of Christ) will teach you to pray.  If sin – any sin – made one unworthy to pray, none of us would be worthy to pray!  Feeling unworthy is one of the best reasons to pray – prayer is a huge part of repentance.  You might feel like you’re too far gone to be heard, but Isaiah has the truth of it:

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  (Isaiah 1:18)

However bad your sins may be, Christ can heal you.  There’s nothing you can say to God that He doesn’t already know – so go and talk to God.  The act of speaking to him, and listening for His guidance and inspiration will give you strength to improve.  The first step can be the hardest, but there is great power in it.

Gaining Spiritual Confidence

In addition to prayer, you mention two things that I think you should work on to help create and maintain the momentum you need to improve.  The first of these is hesitance or uncertainty.  Life is full of this.  It takes hard work to overcome.  Here again, the scriptures provide us with guidance (emphasis mine):

But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words. (Alma 32:27)

From your comments, I feel like you have this desire, but perhaps need help to recognize it for what it is.  Throw off the uncertainty – or at least any thoughts or feelings of doubt that certainty can be achieved – it can be!  I highly recommend that you study all of Alma 32.  You may find the surrounding chapters of use too.  Alma’s teachings in this chapter are some of the best out there about how to test truth.  The Lord himself provided a second witness of this method:

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17)

Decide now, not later, but right now, that you are going to “give place” for the teachings in the Book of Mormon, that you are going to test the Savior’s challenge to “do his will”, and see what the outcome is.  But be sure you do this sincerely – not to prove it all wrong, but to sincerely trust that if it is right, acting on it will yield good results.  (See Moroni 7:6, 9 and James 1:6.)  You might think you’re not worthy enough to feel the Spirit or receive inspiration from God.  Again, if this were the case, none of us would be worthy, for we are all sinners!  The mere fact that you’re reaching out for help tells me that you want to improve, and that is all the Savior needs to work with – a sincere desire!

Gaining a Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Specific to your desire to obtain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, please study Moroni 10.  As you do, make notes of the things you need to do to follow Moroni’s counsel:

• What things do you need to remember (make note of them)?
• What does it mean to “receive these things”? (It does not mean only to have a copy of the Book of Mormon in your possession – perhaps go read all the definitions of the verb “receive” in a dictionary and consider which of those are applicable here.)
• How do you develop a sincere heart and real intent?
• How do you increase your faith in Christ?
• Etc.

As you study (not just read, but read, consider, and make notes), the Holy Ghost will teach and encourage you.  When you feel the time is right, kneel in a quite place when you won’t be interrupted.  Start your prayer with gratitude.  Express the sorrow you feel for your sins and weakness.  Testify of the truths you already know (it may sound odd to testify to God, but trust me, there is power in this).  Then ask him to confirm or witness to you of the truths you have studied.

Regarding your “on and off” thinking about a mission, just as with the above, put aside the indecision and make a choice.  Even if you can’t decide that you willgo on a mission, at least decide now that you will prepare yourself for a mission.  Above study will help you greatly.  You can also study Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service.  Learning how to teach others the gospel will also teach you the gospel.  All these things will bring you to the point where you can know for yourself the truth and be prepared to share it with others.

Overcoming Sin and Addiction

The final thing we need to address is addiction.  By definition, addiction is not something one overcomes alone.  If you haven’t already, please go see your bishop immediately.  Don’t wait.  Don’t be ashamed or afraid.  It will be a huge relief to confess and invoke the keys your bishop holds to bring Christ’s Atoning power into effect in your life.  If you are truly addicted, one visit won’t be enough, but your bishop can help you to find the resources you need.  He can provide spiritual guidance, and he can help you as you study and prepare for your future.  I can’t emphasize enough how important it is not to wait – the longer you wait, the harder it gets.  (See “Repentance Is Always Positive” by Stephen W. Owen from October 2017 General Conference.)

Go Forth with Faith

This may seem like a lot of work, but remember what I said above about there being power in the first step?  I promise it’s much easier once you start.  Remember, it doesn’t all have to be done in an instant.  You’re looking to create new habits, and this is best done by doing a little at a time, consistently and persistently.  Do the things you know are right.  Follow the counsel of your bishop.  Spend time each day in the scriptures and in prayer.  Soon you will find yourself back in control.  You will feel confidence in your ability to overcome the doubts and struggles you now have.  If you miss a day, or slip up, don’t beat yourself up, just start again.  We all mess up sometimes – you won’t be alone in that – so the important part is to start again.  Perhaps above all, trust in the Lord:

But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good.

 

And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world. (Ether 4:11-12)

You have my prayers, hopes, and best wishes!

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

Do we have any record of the spiritual experiences that Emma Smith (wife of the prophet Joseph Smith) may have had? Any written record of her own personal testimony of the truth of this work? We know she was true and faithful to Joseph, and mostly supported him. But did she have her own testimony? Seems like she has gotten a bad rap by history because of all the difficulties she had.

Robert 

Answer

Robert,

You are absolutely correct.  Emma did seem to get a bad rap in history.  Most of that had to do with the decisions she made to remain in the east instead of following the Saints west.  However, that decision in no way is a reflection of the testimony that she had regarding her husband as a Prophet or in the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Not a lot is found on the actual testimony of Emma Hale Smith.  I have been able to find a couple of articles that show and reflect the testimony she did have.

Prior to Joseph being taken to Carthage, Emma had requested a blessing from her husband.  Because time and opportunity wasn’t there, Joseph suggested that Emma write out a blessing and he would sign it upon his return.  The words she wrote do show a testimony that God does have a hand in all things and she wanted nothing more than to be able to acknowledge that.

Blessing that Emma wrote for herself

“First of all that I would crave as the richest of heaven’s blessings would be wisdom from my Heavenly Father bestowed daily, so that whatever I might do or say, I could not look back at the close of the day with regret, nor neglect the performance of any act that would bring a blessing. I desire the Spirit of God to know and understand myself, that I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through his servants without doubting. I desire a spirit of discernment, which is one of the promised blessings of the Holy Ghost.

 

“I particularly desire wisdom to bring up all the children that are, or may be committed to my charge, in such a manner that they will be useful ornaments in the Kingdom of God, and in a coming day arise up and call me blessed.

 

“I desire prudence that I may not through ambition abuse my body and cause it to become prematurely old and care-worn, but that I may wear a cheerful countenance, live to perform all the work that I covenanted to perform in the spirit-world and be a blessing to all who may in any wise need aught at my hands.

 

“I desire with all my heart to honor and respect my husband as my head, ever to live in his confidence and by acting in unison with him retain the place which God has given me by his side, and I ask my Heavenly Father that through humility, I may be enabled to overcome that curse which was pronounced upon the daughters of Eve. I desire to see that I may rejoice with them in the blessings which God has in store for all who are willing to be obedient to his requirements. Finally, I desire that whatever may be my lot through life I may be enabled to acknowledge the hand of God in all things.”

Unfortunately, Joseph was never able to sign that blessing but we can see such strength in  Emma’s words and perhaps a premonition of the things that were going to be coming to pass.

Emma’s testimony of the book of Mormon and the restoration

In the Relief Society Minutes of March 1844 Emma said this:

“If he [Joseph Smith] was a prophet, which he is, … ,”

Later when speaking to Parley P. Pratt in Nauvoo she had this to say:

“I believe he [Joseph] was everything he professed to be.”

In an interview with her sons a few months before she died, Emma did bear her testimony to them:

“My belief is that the Book of Mormon is of divine authenticity. I have not the slightest doubt of it. … Though I was an active participant in the scenes that transpired, and was present during the translation of the plates … and had cognizance of things as they transpired, it is marvelous to me, ‘a marvel and a wonder,’ as much as to anyone else.” Describing her experience, she said: “The plates often lay on the table without any attempt at concealment, wrapped in a small linen tablecloth which I had given him [Joseph] to fold them in. I once felt the plates as they lay on the table, tracing their outline and shape. They seemed to be pliable like thick paper, and would rustle with a metallic sound when the edges were moved by the thumb, as one does sometimes thumb the edges of a book.” She also testified, “I know Mormonism to be the truth; and believe the church to have been established by divine direction.”

Whatever decisions she made after her beloved Joseph died, she never lost her testimony of the church and the divine restoration of it.

Gramps

Gramps,

I married a non-member while I was inactive in the church. Now that I am active again, my wife seems to argue with me when it comes to anything church related. Every time I say my personal prayers, I ask that her heart be softened,   It seems like right after that I get the complete opposite and she finds some reason to fight with me about the church. I fear that at some point she might make me choose between her and the church, and I’m not willing to give up either one. Do you have any advice?

Cam

Answer

Cam,

My advice is to continue to wait upon the Lord and have faith in Him, and to love your wife with all your heart.

In time her heart might be softened as she continues to feel your love and respect for her and for God.  If it does then you have saved your faith, your marriage and you might even bring her to the Church. If however her heart does not soften she might just do what you fear. That would be her choice and there would not be much you can do about it. In that case your comfort would have to be found in knowing that you did what the Lord requires of you to (love her as Christ loves her) and that you can answer to God with clean hands and a pure heart on the matter.

This is the instruction that Paul gives in 1 Corinthians 7:

12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

 

13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

 

14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

 

15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

 

16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

Gramps