Holy ghost Quote by James E. Faust
““I refer to the awesome experience of Joseph Smith when he beheld God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, in the spring of 1820. There has been no event more glorious, more controversial, nor more important in the story of Joseph Smith than this vision. It is possibly the most singular event to occur on the earth since the Resurrection. Those who do not believe it happened find it difficult to explain away. Too much has happened since its occurrence to summarily deny that it ever took place. . . . "Since no one was with Joseph when this great vision took place in the wooded grove near Palmyra, a testimony concerning its reality can come only by believing the truthfulness of Joseph Smith's own account or by the witness of the Holy Ghost, or both. I have such a conviction. It is a sure conviction that lies deep in my soul. As a special witness of the same Christ who appeared with the Father and instructed the boy Joseph Smith, I bear witness of the truthfulness of the magnificent First Vision near Palmyra. I declare this in all soberness and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.””
About This Quote
Source Religious discourse: Latter‑Day Saints testimony, 1990s
The First Vision is presented as a pivotal, divine encounter that defines faith, requiring belief beyond empirical proof.
In simple terms: The First Vision is a key, faith‑based event.
Key Takeaway
Trust spiritual experiences beyond evidence.
Themes
faith
revelation
identity
Mood
reverent
inspirational
Type
theological
historical
When to use this quote
- religious study
- personal testimony
- missionary work
Key Concepts
divine witness
spiritual conviction
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal conviction shape belief?
- What role does testimony play in faith?
A Different Perspective
Skeptics may view it as subjective.
![“How great indeed is our debt to [Joseph Smith]. His life began in Vermont and ended in Illinois, and marvelous were the things that happened between that simple beginning and that tragic ending. It was he who brought us a true knowledge of God the Eternal Father and His Risen Son, the Lord Jesus…” quote by Gordon B. Hinckley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/76a/gordon-b-hinckley-331_joseph-smith_how-great-indeed-is-our-debt-to-joseph-s_2410863.jpg)
![“Satan had two conditions [to his plan]: the first was the denial of agency, and the second, that he would have the honor. In other words, something had to be in it for him. And thus he became the father of lies and selfishness. Taking up one's cross and following the Savior means overcoming…” quote by James E. Faust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/287/james-e-faust-1274_agency_satan-had-two-conditions-to-his-plan-the_97153.jpg)
