Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy shared his testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith with members across the world during the Saturday morning session of general conference. “We need not be timid about testifying of Joseph's mission as prophet, seer and revelator, for the Lord has always worked through prophets."
Elder Christensen said because of the truths restored through Joseph Smith, Latter-day Saints know much more about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. "We know of Their divine attributes, Their relationship to each other and to us, and the great plan of redemption that allows us to return to Their presence," he declared.
As a young man, Joseph was confused by conflicting religious ideas, said Elder Christensen. "Fortunately, young Joseph did not let his questions paralyze his faith." By seeking answers in the Bible, Joseph found counsel and acted on spiritual feelings that led to the First Vision.
"In the years that followed, Joseph translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. Numerous other heavenly beings visited him, restoring truths and authority that had been lost for centuries. These divine communications to Joseph Smith opened the windows of heaven and the glories of eternities to our view."
Elder Christensen said that many people receive a witness about the Prophet Joseph Smith by reading the Book of Mormon. He shared his personal experience reading the Book of Mormon as a seminary student. "I decided to read as if I were Joseph Smith, discovering the truths in the Book of Mormon for the first time."
Sharing the prophecy found in the third chapter of 2 Nephi about a "choice seer" whom the Lord would raise up in the latter days, Elder Christensen explained that it must have been a stunning passage to Joseph. "He was not just translating history; he was translating a vision of the last days, of the miraculous Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ — and Joseph himself would help fulfill it!
"To any who may be questioning their testimony of Joseph Smith or are struggling with erroneous, misleading or superficial information about his life and ministry," said Elder Christensen, "I invite you to consider the fruits, the many blessings that have come to us through the miraculous mission of Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration."
