Pres. Nelson’s directive to study the first vision

[Alexander]

Does anyone know why President told us to study the prearl of great price version of the first vision specifically? Would it be better to study all of the accounts? Or perhaps Joseph’s own written account from 1832? There are things missing in the pearl of great price account that are found in the other accounts that are of great importance. Plus I’m not sure all of the members are even aware there are different accounts or that Joseph has his own account.

[Zathura]

There are probably plenty of people that aren’t aware that it’s in the Pearl of Great Price.
I wouldn’t read too much into it.

They’ve made similar statements followed by “as recorded in the Book of Mormon/New Testament”. I don’t think he is directing people specifically to that version.

[tdj]

I wouldn't read too much into it either. The main reason for studying it I think is because of the anniversary coming up, and the tendency to dwell and ponder over what anniversaries are based on at that time. Birthdays and marriages are the same.
But I have to tell ya, there's no better way to ponder and get the vision feeling quite like going to palmyra and going to the grove itself. Walking thru it late at night will give the most vivid impression. It's pitch black, but when we went thru there, I could feel the spirits watching us closely. It is closely guarded by either angel's, spirits, or maybe God himself, and I'm convinced they WERE armed. I slipped in the mud a few times and wanted to let out some cuss words (like I'd normally do anywhere else) but was afraid to even do that. I'll be convinced till my dying day that had we been there to commit a crime or wrong doing a would have been struck down.

[zionssuburb]

I got a bit annoyed last year when our Stake President counseled our youth to do the same. But I can't help but think to most church-career leaders (our SP is CES + been a leader his entire life) are going off muscle memory. Pres. Nelson has likely said the first vision account of Joseph Smith in the Pearl of Great Price about 17,000 times in his lifetime.

[Alaris]

Wow what a coincidence. I just felt prompted to start studying the first vision and looked at ldsfreedomforum.com first because habit.

Joseph this is my Beloved. Hear Him oh how sweet the words.

[Alaris]

Here's a great link if anyone wants to take a deep dive:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/stu ... s?lang=eng

The various accounts each have unique details. Might be fun / fruitful to put together a bullet list of all the details. In one account, there were angels in addition to the two personages. In all accounts, none state definitively that Heavenly Father is one and Jesus is the other, though Jesus was certainly one of them. Read into that what you may, but consider that often times what isn't detailed can just be as telling as what is.

In the first account - 1832 - Joseph just mentions the Lord only. Enemies love to point this out, but put yourself in his shoes in the days of infancy of a brand new Church full of folks who have had years of prior understanding / tradition in regards to the trinity being one person.

"This is my Beloved Son" takes on new meeting as titles are also often as instructive. Considering the Davidic Covenant is the Beloved Covenant .... wow.

[Alexander]

Here's a great link if anyone wants to take a deep dive:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/stu ... s?lang=eng

The various accounts each have unique details. Might be fun / fruitful to put together a bullet list of all the details. In one account, there were angels in addition to the two personages. In all accounts, none state definitively that Heavenly Father is one and Jesus is the other, though Jesus was certainly one of them. Read into that what you may, but consider that often times what isn't detailed can just be as telling as what is.

In the first account - 1832 - Joseph just mentions the Lord only. Enemies love to point this out, but put yourself in his shoes in the days of infancy of a brand new Church full of folks who have had years of prior understanding / tradition in regards to the trinity being one person.

"This is my Beloved Son" takes on new meeting as titles are also often as instructive. Considering the Davidic Covenant is the Beloved Covenant .... wow.

That’s a great point. Joseph was very “young” in his knowledge of the gospel. His knowledge of God was just starting to develop.

I love his 1832 account. He was harrowed up in the sins of the world, and for his own sins. He mourned because the teachings of the different churches didn’t line up with the gospel that was taught in the holy bible. He went to the woods to cry out to God in search of forgiveness. The lord called Joseph’s name and said he was forgiven.

[marc]

What matters to me regarding the first vision is that Jesus Christ will come and manifest Himself to me and to you in the flesh. That is my take-away from the restoration. You will be restored to Christ's presence if you desire it. And why would anyone not desire it? Joseph prayed believing. He had faith. He put in the time to study it out and ponder deeply his question. And the Lord recognized his effort just like He did Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Enos and so many others. Miracles follow believers. Jesus manifests himself to those who have faith. Moroni chapter 7. To me, everything else is just noise.