The First Vision

The First Vision Opens the Restoration

In the spring of 1820, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith as he prayed in a grove of trees near his home in western New York. This event is known as the First Vision. (Click here to read about it in Joseph’s own words.)

Jesus Christ promised that He would restore His gospel to the earth. The First Vision began that restoration. It is one of the best-documented appearances of God in history, and it is a pattern for how everyone can receive divine guidance in their own lives. 

“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.” – James 1:5

(Click here to watch a short video explaining this sacred event)

Joseph went home and read the verse in the Bible. “Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine,” he later remembered. “It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did.” He had searched the Bible before as if it held all the answers. But now the Bible was telling him he could go directly to God for personal answers to his questions.