What is the First Vision?

Lachlan answered…

The First Vision is an experience Jospeh Smith had as a young man. He prayed to Heavenly Father to know which church was true. He prayed in a Grove of trees near by his house and he explains he experience in the following way "I saw a pillar of light above the brightness of the sun, which decended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me, I saw two personages. Whose brightness and glory defy all description. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other "This is my beloved son. Hear Him!"
God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Jospeh Smith in the spring of 1820. That is the First Vision.

Sydnee Alese answered…

The First Vision is what we call Joseph Smith's remarkable experience in having God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, appear to him in a grove of trees near his farmhouse home. Joseph had been praying to know which church to join because he didn't seem to find one that had the truth. God and Jesus Christ appeared to him as two separate Beings and spoke to him, called him by name, and told him not to join any of the churches because the church that Jesus Christ had established while on the earth had been lost. The authority of the Church in Christ's time had died with the Apostles.
Joseph Smith was informed that he would be the prophet to restore, through Jesus Christ, the true Church again upon the earth. It is a miracle that this happened because he was only 14. I am so grateful for his faith and willingness to serve the Lord. Because of his decision to follow the Lord, I am now blessed to be a member of the true Church of Jesus Christ.

Ian. answered…

The First Vision was the response Joseph Smith got to his prayer about which church was true and which one he should join. God and Jesus Christ appeared to him and God told Joseph Smith that he should join none of the existing churches. After that the work of restoring the full gospel and the one true church upon the earth began.

Moroni answered…

The First Vision is considered the foundational event for the founding of the modern Church of Jesus Christ. A young man, by the name of Joseph Smith in the early nineteenth century was confused about religion. He wanted to know which church to join. He described his own confusion by noting that the different churches understood the same Bible verses so differently, this, he observed, weakened the ability to resolve any question by looking to the Bible. At 14 years of age, he sought to understand some basic questions, he sought to know God's will for him. He wanted to know which church to join.

Joseph Smith decided to ask God after reading in the Bible, James 1:5, which explained that anyone who does not have answers can ask God. And that God would answer. Joseph believed this. He went to a grove of trees and kneeled and asked God. I always found this interesting, He asked God which church to join. He did not anticipate the answer.

While he prayed, he saw a pillar of light. It rested over his head and he saw two personages. One of them, said, pointing to the other, "this is my beloved Son, hear him." This is the First Vision. Joseph saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. In that moment, questions about the plagued Christianity for centuries about the nature of God were answered: they were separate personages, but one in purpose. In that appearance, God the Father told Joseph to join none of the churches.

The First Vision is the appearance of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith. This is significant, because it helps us to know that God did not forget about His children, that He still speaks and cares deeply for us His children.

I had payed for several years to come to know this for myself. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I know that this event did happen. Knowing this helps me understand that God knows me, that He knows and cares about me. About me!

Daniel answered…

The First Vision is how we refer to Joseph's Smith's vision as a young man in 1820. At the time, Joseph Smith had attended a variety of different church denominations and sects and only become confused by the differences in doctrines and practices. During his scripture studies he came across James 1:5 which reads "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." Taking this counsel to heart and applying it literally, Joseph Smith decided to ask God which church he should join so he went off on his own to pray.
In response to his prayer, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and spoke with him. He describes this experience in Introduction of the Book of Mormon.
In the visit, Heavenly Father explained to Joseph Smith that while many of the churches teach about Christ and the gospel, they don't have the fullness of the truth any more. Joseph was told not to join any church until the actual Church of Jesus Christ had been re-established on the earth. Over then next 10 years, Joseph Smith was chosen as a modern prophet to restore that church back to the earth. That "First" Vision" the Joseph Smith has become a key moment in the history of the church and the world. From that moment, the work of God in re-establishing His church and spreading the full and complete Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the earth began.

Kathy answered…

In the early 1800's a young boy by the name of Joseph Smith lived in an area of New York where there was a time of great religious excitement with various churches seeking converts to their faiths. Joseph attended many of these religious meetings seeking to find the truth if he could, but felt confused by what seemed to be conflicting teachings or various ways of interpreting scripture. Joseph turned to the Bible and read a verse in James which said that if any man lacked wisdom, he could ask of God, and it would be given him. This scripture had a great impact on young Joseph, for he realized that he did lack wisdom. Joseph decided to do as this scripture admonished, & went out into a grove of trees where he could be alone to offer up a prayer to God. The First Vision is the name we give to the event prompted by Joseph's prayer. A light descended upon him and in the light he saw God the Father & His Son Jesus Christ. God the Father spoke to Joseph to introduce His Son saying; "This is my Beloved Son, hear Him." Jesus Christ then informed Joseph that the true church that He himself had set up during His mortal ministry had been lost from the earth, but that it would soon be restored. This was the first of many revelations & visions that Joseph received as he became the chosen prophet of the restoration of the true church & gospel to the earth. That is why we call it the First Vision.

Carole answered…

The First Vision is what members of the church believe to be the first time God spoke to the prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph was a 14 year old boy at the time and he was struggling to know which church he should join. He decided to follow the counsel in James 1:5 that encouraged him to pray about it. Joseph sought his answer in a grove of trees near his home where he could pray without any distractions. While praying to know what he should do he was visited by two glorified personages, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He was told not to join any of the choices and that in the near future he would receive more direction.

Donald answered…

In the 1800's a boy named Joseph Smith wanted to join a church. Since there were many churches around, he wasn't sure which church to join. He read in the Bible, James 1:5, which said if you don't know something, ask of God, or pray. He decided to pray and God and His Son, Jesus Christ appeared to him. That was called the First Vision.

Kevin answered…

The First Vision is what we call the vision that Joseph Smith had in 1820. This happened in Palmyra, New York, in a grove of trees behind his house. This vision is when God our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith and told him that no church at that time had the full truth but that through him the true Gospel whould be brought back. I know this happened. 

Brian answered…

 The First Vision is when Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the boy Joseph Smith in an answer to his prayer about what church he should join.

Alysen answered…

The First Vision is a personal revelation to our first Latter-Day prophet, Joseph Smith Jr. It Took place in a grove on his farm in Palmyra, New York when he was seeking to know which church to join. After he prayed for some time, God and Jesus appeared to Joseph and Jesus told him not to join any of the religious sects.

Charlene answered…

That is when Joseph Smith went into the grove and prayed earnestly and with full intent and Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to him.

Matthew answered…

The event know as the first vision is when the boy Joseph Smith prayed to know which of all the churchs he should join. As he was studying in the Bible he read a vearse found in the book of James chapter one vease five which states "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and aberith not and it shall be given him". Joseph then decided to pray to God for more knowledge and as he was God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him as two separte personages, and told joseph to not join any church at that time.

Quinn answered…

 The First Vision is when Joseph Smith, then a boy at fourteen, prayed to God to know which church was the true church. He recieved his answer when Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and revealed to him that Christ's church needed to be reestablished.  

Daniel answered…

When Joseph Smith was just a young boy, he himselft was very confused about religion and what he should do. Different members of his family belonged to different churchs and in general there was a lot of confusion about what was the TRUE church he should join. He recalled reading in the book of James in the Bible that, "If any of you lack wisdon, le him ask of God....." He felt stronly after reading those words that he should pray to God to inquire as to which Church he should join. He decided to go into the woods behind his house one morning to offer up his humble prayer to God. I was then that Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ appeared to him and gave him instruction to not join any church. And that they, through him as a modern prophet, would restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth.

Deb answered…

The first vision was in the spring of 1820 when young Joseph Smith went to what is now called, The Sacred Grove, to pray to Heavenly Father asking which of the religions/churches were true. As he knelt he saw a pillar of light which was brighter than the sun, and as the light rested upon Joseph, he saw two personages above him in the air. One spoke to him saying, this is my beloved son, hear him. Joseph was told not to join any of the churches that existed at that time because the Church that Jesus Christ had organized had been lost for many centuries.

This vision was the beginning of the Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ to the world.

Alonso Piña answered…

As a boy, Joseph Smith was surrounded by various churches which, though they disagreed with on another, each claimed to teach the truth. This caused him much serious reflection. He wanted to know which church was right. One day he read a passage in the Bible which says, “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). Joseph decided to accept the invitation to ask God.

In the spring of 1820, Joseph went to a grove of trees near his home and prayed to learn which church he should join. In answer to his prayer, Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him. Joseph wrote: “When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” Joseph was told to join none of the churches that existed at that time as the priesthood authority and Church as Jesus Christ had organized it when He was on the earth had been lost over the centuries.

Joseph Smith’s First Vision marked the beginning of the Restoration of Jesus Christ’s Church to the earth. Joseph’s written account of this event is a powerful testimony of what he saw and experienced. (Joseph Smith’s History chapter 1 verses 8-17.)

Steven answered…

The First Vision is what we Mormons call Joseph Smith's first experience with prayer. Joseph, being confused by the contention between different religious sects who each worked to prove one another wrong and prove themselves right, turned to the Bible, trying to find out what he should do to be saved. He read until he came to James, Ch 1 vs 5, which said to him that if he lacked wisdom, he should ask of God. He decided to do just that. He found a place in a grove of trees where he could be alone and began to pray. His own record of what happened next is the most powerful, so I'll quote it here
"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me....
"When the light rested upon me, I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of Them spake unto me, calling me by name, and said, pointing to the Other, 'This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him!'"
The two Personages were Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. When Joseph regained possession of himself, he asked Them the question he'd come to ask, that is, which church he should join. He was informed that he shouldn't join any of them, because none of them were right. He was told many other things, and many consider this to be the point at which he was considered a prophet.

Cassidy answered…

The First Vision is a common phrase among the church of the experience that Joseph Smith had when he entered a forest to pray and find out for himself what Church he should join. During this prayer, God and Jesus Christ appeared to him and told him that the true church was not on the earth but would be brought back (restored) through him.

Casey answered…

The First Vision is the event that started the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. In 1820, a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith wanted to know which church he should join, since there was a lot of religious confusion in the area where he lived in upstate New York. He came across a scripture in James 1:5, which reads: "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." Joseph was impressed by the scripture, and in his own words, Joseph said, "Never did any passage of ascripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine" (JS-H 1:12). He decided to pray vocally to ask God which church he should join. Joseph went to a grove of trees to be alone, and he offered up a prayer to God. While doing so, a light descended and two people appeared to him. One of them spoke to him, calling him by name, and said, pointing to the other, "This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (JS-H 1:14-17). God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son appeared to Joseph Smith. They instructed him that he should not join any of the churches at that time, for they were all wrong. A few years later, Joseph Smith was called by God to be a prophet and to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth. Twelve apostles were called, just like in the days of Jesus Christ, and under the direction of a prophet and 12 apostles with the authority of God, Christ's Church was once again on the earth in 1830.

James answered…

To Mormons, the phrase "the First Vision" refers to a vision that the Prophet Joseph Smith experienced in 1820 as a 14-year old boy living in upstate New York. Joseph was raised in a region that was undergoing a period of great religious excitement as he entered his teenage years. People in the region were joining themselves to one sect or another. As Joseph visited the different sects and listened to their teachings, he came to the conclusion that as uneducated as he was, and as young as he was, it was going to be impossible for him to determine which of all these sects was correct. After being inspired by the invitation contained in James 1:5 in the New Testament, Joseph decided to ask God which of all these religious sects he should join. He retired to a grove of trees near his house and knelt down to pray. He then recorded: "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. . . . When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name, and said, pointing to the other, This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith History 1: 17-18). On this glorious occasion, Joseph in reality saw both the Father and the Son and in answer to his prayer, Joseph was told that he was to join none of the existing religious sects. Through Joseph, the Savior restored the fulness of his Gospel to the earth. This process of restoration, in large part, commenced with Joseph's vision in that grove of trees. I know that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph on that beautiful morning in answer to his prayer.

Patrick answered…

The first vision is the beginning of the restoration. In 1820 a 14 year old Joseph Smith went to a grove to pray to God for guidance about which church to join. He was attacked by evil spirits when he attempted to pray and was saved by his faith. When he cried out to God, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ descended from the sky and saved him from his assailant. Jesus told Joseph that he was to join no church at this time because none were the true church. That Joseph would restore the Church of Christ to the Earth if he remained faithful to God. 

Laurel Lee answered…

Joseph Smith, a young teen in the early 1800s, was confused about religion. It was important to him to know which church was true. He read James 1:5 in the Bible and took that scripture to heart. He asked God which church was right. In response to his prayer, Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to him. He learned that the true church was not on the earth at that time, and that he would be an instrument in restoring Christ's church to the earth.

Joel H. answered…

A canonical event in the history of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, when the boy, Joseph Smith, prayed to God to find out which of all churches he should join, he was answered with an appearance by God the Father and Jesus Christ. In 1820, They told him to join no Church, as none of them held the fullness of the Gospel of Christ. It was this event that set in motion the restoration of Christ's church on earth - restored as it was during the time of Christ.

It was Joseph Smith's first vision - one of many he had as he grew into the role of modern-day prophet and apostle of God.

Brandon answered…

It is when Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ... I told this story so frequently when I served a mission in Argnetina that it is burned into soul.

Sharee answered…

Joseph Smith at the age of 14 in the year 1820 wanted to know which church to join. There was a religious upheaval at the time and many churches were around teaching different things...contradicting things. Some of Joseph's family members had already joined a church and young Joseph had a desire to know which of all these churches were correct. One day he was reading in the Bible, James 1:5, which states "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upraideth not; and it shall be given him." Joseph decided to ask God which of all the different sects were right. He went into a nearby grove of trees. He knelt down and asked God which church he should join. He saw a pillar of light in which two personages descended. One of them spoke unto Joseph, pointing to the other, and said, "This is my beloved Son, Hear him!" This is the first Vision in which Joseph Smith did indeed see God, the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ. They told him not to join any of the churches. God revealed His truth's to Joseph Smith. He established His church here on the earth with all the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Through Joseph Smith's example we also can pray to our Father in Heaven to know for ourselves that this experience is true and if the gospel that was restored through him are true.

Sharon answered…

The First Vision was the answer received by the young man, Joseph Smith, when he prayed to know which church he should join. God the Eternal Father and his Son, Jesus Christ personally appeared to Joseph to give him the answer.

Kaylee answered…

The "First Vision" is when our prophet Joseph Smith, as a fourteen year old boy went to a grove to pray, in 1820. He was asking God, through prayer, which church was true and which one he should join. As he prayed, God and His Son, Jesus Christ appeared unto Joseph Smith in that grove and told him that none of the churches on the earth were true, and that he should join none of them. They told him that the church of Jesus Christ had been taken from the earth due to wickedness. This vision was the start of Joseph Smith helping God to restore Christ's true church back onto this earth.
I know this to be true, because I have prayed about it and you can too!

Lindsay Marie answered…

The First Vision is the experience that Joseph Smith had in the Sacred Grove. He prayed vocally for the first time and ask God which church he should join. This question had been on his mind constantly. God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ appeared to him and told him that the true gospel was not on the earth at the time. He had received an answer to his prayer. Just like we can.

DeeDee answered…

 The First Vision is when God the Father and his son Jesus Chrsit appeared to Joseph Smith. Joseph said,“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head above the brightness of the sun which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me a saw to personages who’s brightness and glory defy all description standing above me in the air one of them spake unto me calling me by name and said pointing to the other, this is my beloved son here him.”

Connie answered…

Joseph Smith went into some woods near his home one day. He had been trying to decide which church he should join. He had read scriptures that said if he prayed and asked God then God would answer him. So with his young but strong faith in God, he went into those woods. Just moments after kneeling to pray, a light from heaven started to shine down on him and he saw a vision of two personages. They were dressed in white and the glory of them, he said, was brighter than noon-day sun. It was a vision of the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This is what is known as the First Vision. 

Jay answered…

The first vision is when God and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in a grove of trees after joseph knelt down and prayer looking for wisdom from god to know which church was true. Through him, they restored the Church of Jesus Christ, ONCE AGAIN, on the earth, will all the power and authority as in days of old.

Elizabeth answered…

 The First Vision is when 14 year old Joseph Smith sought to know which of the churches on the earth in 1820 were the true church of God. He was very conflicted about which church to join as they all condemned one another. When reading the family Bible he came to James 15-6 'If you 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 waivering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.' He took this passage to heart and early one morning went into the grove along the families farm and knelt in prayer. As he knelt in pray a darkness fell upon him and caused him great strife. As he struggle to pray to God for guidance a bright light settled directly about him, in which were two personages, God, the Eternal Father, and his son Jesus Christ. The first personage spoke to him calling him by name and gesturing to the other said,'This is my beloved son, hear him.' Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to Joseph and told him that none of the churches were Gods church and that he should join none. That when the time came to restore the One and true church to the earth he would know.

Mitch answered…

In ancient times, man talked with God face to face. Moses conversed with God face to face. Man did not speculate or doubt these manifestations, because they did actually happen. Just as in ancient times, God and Jesus Christ have shown themselves to man in these days. If God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, He will, today, restore the true and full gospel to the earth just as he has done with Noah, Abraham, Moses, etc. Heavenly manifestations have not ceased, but have and are happening in our day, as well as in ancient times. Joseph Smith, a young boy of 14, lacked the understanding and knowledge of which of the many churches of the day(1820), were the true church. One spring morning, he went into a grove of trees nearby his home and knelt to pray and asked which church to join, obeying the counsel of James in James 1:5 of the Bible. In a glorious manifestation, God and Jesus Christ appeared to him. Joseph's account said, "When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other, This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” He was told that none of the churches at the time had the proper priesthood authority as it had when Jesus Christ was on the earth, but that he would begin to restore the Christ's church as it had existed before.

Syd answered…

To me, the First Vision is one of the most significant events in the history of the world? Why? Because it reveals a number of key truths.

The First Vision occurred because of the faith of a young boy by the name of Joseph Smith. Young Joseph desired to discover for himself the truth regarding which of all the religions of his day was true, as there were a number of different religions who all professed to believe in Jesus Christ yet could not agree on the nature of Jesus Christ and His teachings. Joseph's faith in God was illustrated as he followed a passage in the Bible which stated, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all man liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). Joseph accepted that invitation and with his faith in God that he would receive an answer, he ventured into a nearby grove of trees to pray.

In answer to his prayer, Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him. Joseph wrote: “I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” Joseph was told to join none of the churches that existed at that time as the priesthood authority and Church as Jesus Christ had organized it when He was on the earth had been lost over time.

The First Vision marked the beginning of the Restoration of Jesus Christ’s Church to the earth once again.

Jared answered…

The First Vision was the first vision given to man following the beginning of the great apostacy, when the priesthood authority of God was lost following the days of Christ. It was when Joseph Smith prayed to know the truth, and was visited by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It was the first vision of the restoration. 

Seth answered…

When God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove as an answer to his prayer.

Frank answered…

I love knowing that God talked to His prophets in the ancient scriptures. I love knowing that God has not left us without His voice in modern times. The First Vision is the advent of God the Father and Jesus Christ calling Joseph Smith as a prophet in these latter days.

Ken answered…

The First Vision is the experience that occurred to the church's founding Prophet, Joseph Smith, when he ws 14 years old. He sought to know which church was right, and in answer to his prayer, received a visitation from our Father in Heaven and His literal Son, Jesus Christ.

Lynn answered…

Joseph Smith lived during a period of great religious revival. Many self proclaimed ministers were contending for converts. Their doctrines conflicted. Joseph did not know which church to join. He read the promise in James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him as of God, that giveth to all ment liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." He decided to ask God. To his utter amazement he saw a pillar of light which decended gradually until it fell upon him. Within the light, he saw two personages. One of them spake unto him, calling him by name and said, pointing to the other, "This is my beloved Son, hear him."

In response to his question he was told to join none of the churches because "they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof."

Many ministers and others tried to make him deny what happened to him, but Joseph said, "I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation."

Likewise, I prayed about Joseph's vision fully expecting to be told it didn't happen. To my surprise, the Holy Ghost confirmed to my soul, the reality of his experience. I don't just believe, I know it happened.

Mike answered…

This is when Joseph Smith, Jr. went out into a grove of trees in Upstate New York to pray to learn which of all the Churches in his area he should join. Similar to my experience, at age 14, for the first time in his life, he knelt down to pray out loud to God. In his experience, God the Father and His son Jesus Christ, appeared to him and spoke to him as one man speaks to another. The Father introduced the Son and told Joseph to “hear him.” Jesus spoke to Joseph and told him to join none of those Churches but to wait for the time when He would “restore” His Church back to the earth. Joseph learned many things in the First Vision, mainly that God loved him and that mankind was created in God’s image. He also learned that God was not through giving men revelations and direction.

Braden answered…

After reading in the bible, James chapter one verse five which says," if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of god. A fourteen year old boy from upstate New York lacked wisdom. His name was Joseph Smith. He was confused about the many churches and about how they taught different doctrines that contradicted each other. Joseph Smith went somewhere quiet to pray to God. As he was praying a miracle happened. God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ appeared to him in what we call "The First Vision." God answered his prayer and told him that none of the churches on earth had the complete truth.

Nathan answered…

Some people know something about Joseph Smith seeing angels and finding Gold Plates. This is all true but pales in importance when compared with the First Vision. This was when Joseph Smith, at the age of fourteen, saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. They both spoke to him and they were two distinct and separate beings. The Father introduced the Son by saying, "This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him." Then, Jesus told Joseph, in response to his question, not to join any church because none had the complete truth. Jesus promised a restoration of His true church through Joseph.

So, the First Vision was much more important than any other vision that Joseph Smith had because he saw God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jonny answered…

The First Vision was the visitation of our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ to the boy Joseph Smith when Joseph was 14 years old.

Joseph was looking for the true church but because there were many churches claiming to be the Church of Jesus Christ it was confusing for Joseph. The only person that could help Joseph was God...so he asked our Heavenly Father, in prayer, which church was true. In response to his prayer our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ visited Joseph and explained to him none of the churches were being guided by them.

Through this experience and others Joseph was called to restore the truth to the earth.

Valerie answered…

The First Vision is the foundation for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A fourteen year old boy was searching for the truth and he really wanted to know what was right. He was studying the scripturtes and attending different religious groups to try and discover the truth. One day he came upon a scripture in James 1:5 which says "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, which giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." Joseph Smith decided that he needed to ask God what church is right and what the Lord would have him do.
One day he went into the woods to pray. When he was there, he saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, two seperate beings. They spoke to Joseph and called him by name and told Joseph to join none of the churches.
Through this vision, we learn that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are too seperate individuals, they know us individually, and they care for us and have a plan for us.

Stephen answered…

The first vision is one of the most important events that has ever taken place. Joseph Smith was looking for an answer to prayer, he asked God which church he should join, he asked God with faith knowing that he would answer him, he asked him through prayer in a grove of trees in upstate New York, as he knelt down to pray a very special thing happened to him. God and Jesus Christ both appeared to Joseph Smith that day. They gave him instruction and told him that the true church of Jesus Christ will be restored again. They called Joseph Smith to be a prophet in these days to restore The Church of Jesus Christ, and here we are today, The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...

Kyle answered…

It is the First Vision given in this Dispensation of the Gospel, to restore the Church of Jesus Christ, for the Latter-Day Saints.

Emily Pearl Hatch answered…

The first vision is where the restoration of the gospel was brought in for our knowing of the lord Jesus Christ and Heavenly father and ways to return to them . The gospel was restored to be taught to those in this existing life so that we can return to our heavenly father with love and righteousness.

Barry answered…

The First Vision was God's answer to young Joseph Smith's question as to which of all the churches was right, and which he should join. It was the beginning of many revelations he received, including finding and translating the Book of Mormon and founding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Everything Joseph Smith said he experienced, he really did experience, and it is amazing and wonderful.

Ben answered…

in the early 1800s, Joseph Smith was 14, and he wanted to know what church he should join. He read in the bible: if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. he needed to find out for himself , and so he went to a nearby grove of trees to pray. in answer to his prayer, Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him. they told him that he should join none of the churches, but in time the fullness of the gospel would be restored to the earth. what a miraculous experience! the heavens are open again, the priesthood has been restored, and it all started in that small grove of trees in upstate New York...

Sean answered…

"And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."
Acts 3:20-21

The 'restitution of all things' that was spoken of in the New Testament began and this prophecy in Acts was fulfilled when Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father appeared to Joseph Smith in the Spring of 1820.

Tim answered…

It is the event that started our church, when the fourteen year old boy Joseph Smith went into a grove of trees to pray and ask God which of all the churches was God's true church on the earth. His prayer was answered with a vision where he saw both God and his Son Jesus Christ.

Christopher answered…

The first vision is when Joseph Smith was 14 1/2 years old and prayed to know which church to join and he saw God and Jesus Christ in person in a heavenly vision surrounded by light brighter than the sun at noon day. They told him at the time no church had the fullness of Christ's Gospel and all had corrupted teachings, some good, some bad, some true, some false, but none had all his truth or the priesthood authority that Christ gave to his apostles when he was on earth.

Brad answered…

The "First Vision" is when Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to the prophet Joseph Smith in 1820. At the time he was just a boy of age 14. He was sincerely searching to know which church was the correct one as there were different churches in the area claiming to be true, yet they had some significant disagreements with each other, so they couldn't all be right. The First Vision was followed by additional revelations from the Lord on occasion and eventually Joseph Smith was inspired and empowered to establish the official restored Church of Jesus Christ on earth.

John answered…

When we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints talk about "The First Vision" we are talking about something that happened to the first prophet of this dispensation while he was a 14 year old boy. Joesph grew up in up-state New York and while his family was religious they were not members of any church, but they read the Bible and said grace etc.
When he was 14 going on 15 (1820 A.D.) a religious revival started and the non-church members started joining churches, he wondered which church was God's church; so he attended as many of the meetings as he could. Listening to the various preachers he got confused and wondered how he could ever find God's church. (I think he was about to give up the search.) One day he was reading the Bible in the book of James and a passage touched him deeply. “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).
That verse caused him to decided to go and ask God. When he had the chance he went into a grove of trees, where he got on his knees and offered vocal prayer. The result was he saw in his own words, "two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” This vision, Joesph's first, led to him being called a prophet and restoring Jesus' church to the Earth.

Chad answered…

Almost two hundred years ago, in 1820, a young boy named Joseph Smith was struggling with the subject of religion. He wondered which of all the churches was true, and how on earth could he figure it out? The Bible told him that he could simply ask God in faith and receive an answer, so that's exactly what he did. He went into a quiet forest near his home, knelt down, and began to pray fervently for answers to his questions. Miraculously, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph and spoke with him, not only answering his questions on religion, but also calling him to be the prophet of a new dispensation, or era, in Christ's church.

Bill Haines answered…

This is when Joseph Smith was visited by God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. It is confirmation that God still talks to his children. It was Joseph Smith's First Vision but not man kinds.

Chuck answered…

The First Vision refers to the appearance of God the Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith in what we call the Sacred Grove. When Joseph was 14 years old he desired to know what church he should join. He was confused by the many different churches in existence at the time and how they seemed to contradict each other. After reading James 1:5 which said if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God...and it shall be given unto him. Joseph went to the Sacred Grove which was near his family farm near Palmyra, New York to ask Heavenly Father which church to join. While he was there Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ both appeared to him in a pillar of light. Jesus Christ told Joseph not to join any church at that time but that he had a great work to do. In that first appearance, Joseph learned the true nature of God and that both Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were separate persons with glorified bodies of flesh and bone.

Stephen answered…

The "First Vision" is the name given to the experience of Joseph Smith in the spring of 1820 wherein he beheld in vision God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Confused and disturbed at the inter-religious strife surrounding him, concerned with his individual salvation, and trusting that God would answer his prayers to know which Church he should join, Joseph Smith inquired of the Lord which Church he should join. In response to this petition, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ revealed themselves to the young Joseph and informed him that none of the Christian churches of the day had divine sanction. In time Joseph would be led to restore the Church of Jesus Christ as it existed when it was established by the Savior when He was upon the earth.

Joseph Smith dictated or wrote several accounts of this theophany throughout his life beginning in 1832. Each version gives the same basic account through a slightly different angle or edge. In some accounts Joseph revealed different information concerning his vision as circumstance warranted. His most widely read version, published in the Pearl of Great Price and accepted as scripture by Latter-day Saints, was written in 1838. The Church has made the different accounts of the First Vision available in various publications, including a helpful volume published by Brigham Young University - the Church's college that I happen to attend - entitled Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestation, 1820-1844.

LaNada answered…

Joesph Smith was our first prophet it was through his faith and prayer that the gospel was revealed to us. He went in search of the truth and Our Father in Heaven with his son Jesus Christ came to him and told him not to join any of the Churches, later he would be told the truth.

Ashton C. S. answered…

The "First Vision" is what we call the event in which Joseph Smith went out into to grove of trees where he wanted to pray and saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ; in the vision he was instructed to join none of the then upon the earth churches.

Tyler answered…

The First Vision is when Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ when he said his first vocal prayer.

Rachel answered…

In short, a young man asked a question - "which church should I join?" He was confused with all the different religions, with so many people saying "this is true" and "that is true", people who had more education than he did, more learning and more experience. Who could he trust to find an answer? The one source that had promised to answer truthfully, the one source who had promised that all you need to do was ask.

That's what Joseph Smith did, he asked a question, and the response would change the world. The response wasn't just an answer but a witness that we have a Father in Heaven, the His Son Jesus Christ lives and that they are separate individuals who are concerned about us and want to ensure that, while we have the right to chose for ourselves, that we have a path to follow that will bring us joy in this life and eternal happiness.

Elder Cole answered…

The First Vision is the first appearence of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith, Jr. in the Sacred Grove. It is of this experience that Joseph Smith wrote:

"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other: Joseph, this is my Beloved Son. Hear Him."

I know that this is a true event, and that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ both appeared unto Joseph Smith, and told him how to bring the Fullness of the Gospel back to the earth. I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

La Primera Visión es la primera aperencia de Dios el Padre y Su Hijo Jesucristo a José Smith, Jr. en la Arboleda Sagrada. Es de esta experiencia que José Smith dijo:

"Vi una columna de luz, más brillante que el sol, directamente arriba de mi cabeza; y esta luz gradualmente descendió hasta descansar sobre mi. Al reposar sobre mi la luz, vi en el aire arriba de mi a dos Personajes, cuyo fulgor y gloria no admiten descripción. Uno de ellos me habló, llamándome por mi nombre, y dijo, señalando al otro: José, éste es mi Hijo Amado. ¡Escúchalo!"

Yo testifico que esta ocuriencia era verdadera, sin decepción. Sé que nuestro Padre Celestial y Jesucristo apareció a José Smith, y a él lo dijieron cómo traer la Plentitud del Evangelio de Jesucristo al mundo otra vez. Escribo estas cosas en el nombre de nuestro Salvador y Redentor, Jesucristo. Amén.

Tyson answered…

The first vision is referred to the vision that the prophet Joseph Smith had as a young boy, being visited by God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. The reason why this happened to the prophet Joseph Smith is because he was going around in search of truth, visiting many different religous parties. Although he visited many of these different religions he felt like there was something more. As he was reading in the epistle of James chapter 1 verse 5 which states, "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." Joseph said that no scripture hit any man as hard as this scripture had impacted himself, and as it stated that if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, well he decided he would do just as the scripture instucted of him. If we continue to verse 6 of James we can notice that it mentions that they must ask in faith. Having faith enough that if we recieve an answer we will follow what we recieve, that if we ask and we recieve, we will act upon those things. The reason why God and Christ visited Joseph is because he had faith that he would recieve an answer to his prayer and he was prepared to act upon the answer he would recieve.
The purpose of Joseph going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the parties or religions was right, and which he should join. We know that he had a desire to know which church was the true church so that he might join. As he retired to the woods he poored out the desire of his heart, and he had a miraculous experience. In his own words he explained this experience.
"I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--"This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"
God the Father, and His son Jesus Christ visited Joseph and told him at that time that none of the sects were right, and that he must join none of them. He was then instructed in later years to restore the fullness of the gospel and restore the church to the earth once again. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Tammy answered…

The First Vision is a very special event in the history of our church. When a 14 year old boy named Joseph Smith went to a grove of trees and pour out his heart to his Heavenly Father , and asked what church he should joined. He was visted by Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ and the answer he recieved started a chain of events that changed the world .

Megdalynn answered…

During a time of great religious excitement and revival in 1820, a 14 year-old young man sought to find the answers to questions he had about the various religions, about the doctrines they were preaching, and chiefly, about which one was right. He read a Bible verse one day that helped him find the answer: "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." (KJV James 1:5)
He took his questions to God through prayer, and received an amazing answer. The answer he received was in the form of a vision: God, the Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to that 14 year-old boy. So he asked them which of all the different religious sects was right, and which one he should join. He was told that he should join none of them, for they were all wrong!

Randy Austin answered…

I served a mission in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. Living in Rio was quite an adjustment for a boy who had grown up in rural Idaho. I served a mission because I wanted to share with others the happiness and joy that I had found by living the truths I had learned as a Mormon. When my father died, my faith became a critical issue to me. It was through my beliefs and a deep conviction in their veracity, that I was able to deal with the death of my father. We had been close. It was then that my faith became something real for me, and not just something that I followed due to family or cultural conditioning. I have found in my life that real joy and happiness come with living my life consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ. I have found that real comfort goes from God during hard times. I have found strength that I did not know I had. I have found that I am better, life is better and that life has deeper meaning and joy because of my faith.

Bryce Kay answered…

Nate answered…

The First Vision is the experience Joseph Smith had in a grove of trees near his home in upstate New York, where he saw our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. He spoke with them, and was taught by them. And it is with this experience that the Restoration began.

The First Vision is a beautiful and noble thing. Every time I read the various accounts of it, I am moved and know within my heart that Joseph Smith was telling the truth.

It is the great litmus test, because it can be neither proven nor disproven through the historical record. An individual must pray to know if it really happened or not. I know that it did.

Eric answered…

The first vision is when God the father and his Son Jesus Christ came to answer the prayer of a faithful 14 year old. this event is the opening scene of this last dispensation.

Mario answered…

It is an event that a 14 year old boy prayed to know which church is right, and saw a vision and saw the Father and the Son. That is one of the biggest events that brought forth the Restoration, and that the only source of truth is through prayer, asking God.   

Ryan answered…

In the early 1800s there was a religious upheaval occurring that prompted a 14-year-old boy, Joseph Smith, to question why all the various churches were teaching different doctrines and which church among them was teaching correct doctrines. He came across a passage of scripture in James 1:5 that reads, "if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God." Joseph determined to do exactly as that scripture instructed. He retired to a grove of trees adjacent to his family farm and knelt in prayer to inquire of God. While he was praying he was visited by God, himself, and his Son, Jesus Christ. Standing above him, in the air, and encircled by brilliant light, God and Jesus Christ spoke to Joseph. He was instructed that the true and correct doctrines of the gospel had deteriorated in the time since Christ's death. Many simple truths had been lost over time. Joseph was told that the time had come for the pure gospel of Jesus Christ to be restored to the earth, and that Joseph had been chosen to help fulfill this important work. I had the opportunity to serve as a missionary in upstate New York and I have, personally, visited the sacred grove of trees on the Smith family farm where this event took place. I have felt the spirit there and I firmly believe that this event happened as it has been related. Many important truths were subsequently revealed during the restoration of Christ's church, but one of the first invaluable misconceptions that was set straight was in the very fact that God and Christ are, indeed, two separate beings. Father and son. One in purpose.

Arlene Vilches answered…

The First Vision is a vision that happened to a 14 year old boy named Joseph Smith in the year 1820 in which he saw God the Eternal Father, and his Son Jesus Christ in response to a prayer. Joseph Smith had a question about which church was true. At the time and place where he lived there was a lot of religious contention between the different religions. This confusion caused Joseph Smith to wonder which of them was right and how he could know. He decided eventually to pray and ask God. in response to his faith filled prayer Joseph recieved a vision of God and Jesus Christ and they told him not to join any of the churches, that the churches lacked the authority and power of God and the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and they called him to be a Prophet to restore those things

La Primera Vision refiera a una vision que experimento un joven de 14 años llamado Jose Smith en el año
1820 cuando vio a Dios el Padre Eterno, y su hijo Jesucristo. todo como una respuesta de una oracion. Jose Smith tenia una pregunta en cuanto a cual iglesia era verdadera. Por que en la region donde vivia en aquel tiempo habia mucha contencion religiosa entra todas las religiones diferentes. Eventualmente Jose decidio orar y preguntar a Dios. En respuesta a su oracion tuvo una Vision en que le aparecio Dios y Jesucristo y le Dijeron que no deberia unir a ninguna iglesia por que todos faltaban la autoridad de Dios y la plenitud de su evangelio y le llamaron a ser una Profeta.

Daniel answered…

The first vision is one of the most important events to have happened in human history. Joseph Smith, who was a young man at the time, had many questions about religion. There were many arguments and debates taking place around him. He wanted to know who was right and who was wrong.
After much study and consideration Joseph Smith decided the only way to get an answer was to ask God. So, one spring morning in early 1820 he went and prayed. As a result, he saw two personages (person-like beings) who stood above him in the air. They were God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. They instructed him and informed him that he was to join none of the churches.
The First Vision was one of the few times that Heavenly Father himself has come to the earth. The restoration of truth was that important. It was the beginning of restoring God's church to Earth. This restoration could only happen with revelation, which the first vision set the tone with.

Matt answered…

The first vision was when Joseph Smith at age 14 went to the woods to seek answers about the true church. He knelt in what is now known as the Sacred Grove and started praying. Our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ then appeared to him. 

David C answered…

In 1820, Joseph Smith received the First Vision when he prayed in a grove near his home, to ask God which church he should join. In answer, God and Jesus Christ appeared to him and told him that none of the churches was correct, and that he should join none of them. He was given a promise that at a later time, the fullness of the Gospel would be made known to him.

David answered…

In answer to a fervent prayer, Joseph Smith saw a vision of two beings in human form, wherein one addressed him by name and declared "This is my beloved Son, hear him." while pointing to the personage on his right. Joseph asked which Church to join (which was the purpose for his humble prayer), and received the answer that he was to join none of them, but that the Gospel would be made known to him at a later time. This is referred to as the First Vision.

We learn the following Truths from the First Vision:

1. God is REAL and He LIVES
2. We ARE Created in God's IMAGE
3. God Hears AND Answers Prayers
4. God has a Son: Jesus Christ, who LIVES
5. The Father and Son are SEPARATE INDIVIDUALS
6. Jesus Christ Speaks for the Father
7. Christ did organize His Church, but it was no longer on the earth
8. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever
9. There is an EVIL force; Satan is REAL

Sample of a few scriptures to consider:
Man is in God's image: Gen. 1:26
God has a Face, seen by prophets: Gen. 32:30; Ex. 33:11
Stephen saw Christ at the "right hand of God" (God has a "right hand", Jesus is a separate being): Acts 7:55-56
Resurrection of flesh and bone: Luke 24:36-39
Christ's Church: Eph. 4:11-14
Apostacy: Thess. 2:1-3
God Communicates through Prophets: Amos 3:7

Lynne answered…

The First Vision is the name given for the time when the prophet, Joseph Smith, saw Heavenly Father and Christ in response to Joseph's prayer to know which of the churches is true. Joseph states that they were glorious beyond description and stood above him in the air.

Joseph was told to join none of the churches. However, later Joseph through time was given many revelations as to how to organize the church and what its doctrines should be. The revelations were to restore a church so that it was exactly like the one that the Savior started in ancient times with all the same teachings and blessings, but that had been lost on the earth.

He was very certain about this vision and says in a record about the experience that he actually saw a light and in the midst of that light he saw two Personages and they did in reality speak to him. Though he was hated and persecuted for saying that he had seen a vision, yet it was true. paraphrase of Joseph Smith History 125

Greg answered…

This instance relates to the first vision of the young prophet Joseph Smith. As Samuel, a young boy in the Old Testament was called of God to lead the people of Israel. Joseph Smith having seen God the Father, and His son Jesus Christ in a grove, was called to gather the Lord's people in these days. This event is so important, in the fact that the eternal truths of the gospel began to be restored. Having witnessed both the Father, and the Son. Joseph testified to their eternal glory as two distinct and seperate personages.

Zach answered…

The First Vision is when God and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith as a young boy. In his own words Joseph said," I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name, and said, pointing to the other, "This is my beloved Son. Hear Him." Joseph Smith was then prepared to be a prophet and to restore the true church of Jesus Christ.

Aaron answered…

The First Vision was the appearance to the boy Joseph Smith in answer to his earnest prayer. It was the reintroduction of the true knowledge of God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ to mankind after nearly two millenia. After the death, resurrection, of Christ, and subsequent pursecution and death of his Apostles, the knowledge, authority, and revelations that guided the original church of Christ ceased. The creeds (such as the Nicene Creed) through political wrangling and compromise had lost the knowledge of the true nature of God and His Son, their physical reality as resurrected beings of form and substance. Scriptural doctrines were lost, changed, or merged w/ other traditions. The church Christ established ceased. The First Vision restored missing knowledge of the resurrection. That this didn't happen thru official established Christendom was because the creeds had muddied the theological waters about who and what God was. The contentions between the different denominations and their leaders caused the Spirit of the Lord to be driven away. This condition was present and those who were fixed and immovable in their false tradition were not open to new realities being restored. The Lord preferred to choose a worthy, earnest, but as yet, untrained farmboy, who had been trained by God fearing parents to trust God, read the Bible, and pray. Confused by the religious strife, having exhausted the ministers about the matter, he endeavored to ask for divine guidance.

Joshua answered…

The First Vision refers to the experience Joseph Smith had wherein he saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.

Joseph Smith had long sought to know which of the churches of his day was true. He read in the Bible a passage which says "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God". He took this verse to heart and decided to do just that. So on a spring day in 1820 he went into a grove of trees near his home, knelt down, and began to pray. Joseph Smith described what happened next:

I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ in answer to his humble prayer. This miraculous experience is now known as "The First Vision".

Perry answered…

The first vision is when the Prophet Joseph went into a grove of trees seeking guidance as to what church he should join. As he was down praying he states, "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.......When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--This is my Beloved Son, Hear Him!

Scott answered…

This means Joseph Smith's first vision. Joseph was only 14 when he first saw God the Father and the Son. He had asked them in prayer which church he should join and they appeared to him. The answer was to join none of them, but there would be a special work for Joseph to do. This was how Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet.

Edwin answered…

The "First Vision" is a testimony, of a then 14 yearl old Joseph Smith, who went to the woods to pray early in the spring of 1820. In answer to his prayers, two glorified beings, seperate and distinct, appeared amidst bright light. One of them, pointed to the other, calling Joseph by name and said, "This is My Beloved Son."

I have a very strong personal testimony of the First Vision. I know it to be a fact. I know that God the Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ ushered in a great dispensation. This dispensation of the fullness of times, started with the call of the young Joseph Smith, a modern prophet.

There were many more visions and visitations by ancient prophets who confered upon Joseph Smith, many keys to help our dispensation prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Keely Marie answered…

The First Vision is an answer to prayer. Joseph Smith wanted to join a church, but there were so many and they all taught the same scriptures slightly differently. He prayed to know which church to join. During the prayer, Heavenly Father answered Joseph by telling him to listen to His Son, Jesus Christ. Joseph was told that none of the churches he had been praying about had all of the truth. As a result of this vision, Joseph Smith was given the knowledge and power from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to restore The Church of Jesus Christ on Earth today.

Andy answered…

The first vision is where Joseph Smith saw God the father and Jesus Christ. He was praying to recieve an answer to know which church was true, because he was so confused as to which denomination was of God. So he prayed, asking which church is true, and God the father and Jesus Christ appeared to him in a vision. They told him that he should join none of the churches, and that Joseph Smith was called to be the Prophet in these days.

David answered…

I'm still not sure what we'd consider the Second Vision, but the First Vision is what we refer to as the single, most influential event which started the "Last Days."

Joseph Smith prayed and received his First Vision of God and Jesus Christ. Joseph was told not to join any church. With that answer he then went back to regular life until another miraculous would occur later in his life.

Jon answered…

the first vision is one of the biggest events in recent history, the biggest ever being the attonement of Jesus Christ. The First Vision starts with the attonement, Christ and his appostles all died, and unfortuinatly they could not pass on the power to cast out devils and baptize before they died, so the church that Christ set up was lost. then in Palmyra, New York in 1820. a boy by the name of Joseph Smith lived there and in that area were alot of religions preachin out of the Bible, lots of diffrent things, this confused Joseph, if they are all preachin out of the Bible, how can their views be diffrent. so he studied the Bible and all these diffrent religions, and eventually he came across James 1:5 wich says "if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, who givith to all men liberaly and upbraideth not", or something close to that, and that just says, if you dont know somethin, ask God, and if its important to you, its important to him. so Joseph did just that, he went and asked God, and when he did, something amazing happened (this is the First Vision part). when he prayed he was first taken over by something that was not good, in fact, evil, and he prayed harder and with everything he had, and when he was just about to give in, a pilar of light came down on him, and in the light he saw two people, these people were God the Father, and Jesus Christ, and when Joseph got his composer he asked them which church was true, and they told him none of them. Christ said that they grow close with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. so from that Joseph was called to be the next prophet and to restore Christs church back to the earth.

Melanie answered…

The First Vision is about Joseph Smith, He wanted to know what church to join so he went into a grove to pray to God. when he was praying God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and they said to Join None for None of them had the whole truth of the gospel.

Julie answered…

The First Vision is a reference to the first time that Joseph Smith Jr. saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appear to him in the flesh.

Jonathan answered…

Joseph Smith was a young teenager like many others he wanted to know which of the many churches of the day was "true" (the differences between all the churches confused him). He had been studying the issue and came across a passage in James that directed him to go ask ask God. He found a quiet place on a nearby grove of trees and knelt to pray - asking which of the churches of the day was right. He was answered with a visitation from God the Father as well has His Son Jesus Christ. They told him that none of the churches of the day had the full and complete Gospel. None of them had the authority to perform necessary ordinances (like Baptism). That vision was the beginning of a long process of restoring lost truths, restoring lost authority, re-organizing the same church that Christ organized when He was on the earth. That experience is what we are referring to when we say "the First Vision".

Nicholas Flint answered…

The First Vision was the first in a series of deeply spiritual experiences that resulted in the calling of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God. In answer to Joseph's prayer, God the father and Jesus Christ appeared and instructed him.

Ben Jones answered…

When the Prophet Joseph Smith was 14, he wanted to know which of the various Christian sects was true. When he went into the woods to pray about it, he was visited by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, who told him that all of the sects were wrong and their ministers corrupt, that they had a form of godliness but denied the power thereof. When he related the story to a Methodist minister he had been friends with, he was told that all revelation had ceased with the Apostles 1800 years earlier and that therefore this vision was of the devil. Thereafter he was reviled for telling the story. He was very baffled by this because he had indeed seen a vision and people were telling him that he couldn't possibly have seen one. He said he felt very much like St. Paul, who had seen a vision of Christ on the road to Damascus and been reviled for saying so.
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This is a very powerful story, as related in The Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith History. The interesting thing is that it is very much in line with what Protestants had been preaching, that the original Christian Church had fallen into apostasy, as evidenced by the corrupt practices of the Catholic Church that Martin Luther and other reformers had railed against hundreds of years earlier. Reformers had started their own churches, using the Bible as their guide yet sects continued to multiply even as they quoted the Bible to support their various approaches. However, by denying that there could be any more revelation, the Protestant churches were essentially denying the power of God.
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Five years after I joined the Church, my mother was very concerned for the welfare of my soul because I was a Mormon. We read various passages in the Bible and she asked me if I believed them and I said yes. Finally, she asked, do you believe the Bible is the ONLY word of God and I said, "No. Are you trying to tell me that God is not omnipotent and couldn't give us more scripture if He wanted?" She replied, "Well, no I wouldn't say that." So I began to talk about the Apostasy and read her parts of the First Vision. Then she said, "Did you know that the National Presbyterian Church recently allowed an avowed atheist to be ordained a minister?" My uncle later explained to me that the minister in question did not believe that Christ was born of a virgin. My mother had been a Presbyterian most of her life. Yet she agreed that there were many things she believed that went against Presbyterian teachings or that Presbyterians were silent on For example, she believed that marriage was eternal and that we lived with our Heavenly Father before we were born on this Eart. We talked for many hours. A couple days later, she said, "If this Church is true, I want to be baptized!" She died a week later. However, not to worry, I had my wife baptized on her behalf a year later.    

Richard answered…

This is a very important question when in comes to my faith in the Church.

Joseph Smith claims that he saw God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ in a grove of trees in the year 1820. In his account he describes two Heavenly Beings descending out of heaven and speaking to him. One of them calls him by name and tells him that the other is ‘My Beloved Son’ and to ‘Hear Him’. The other Being then talks to Joseph, informing him that all the current churches that are on the face of the earth are not the Church of Jesus Christ.

This vision explains Joseph’s motivation for the rest of his life, for he would later endure being tarred and feathered, beaten, dragged from his home by night by mobs, and eventually martyred. Why else would somebody willingly go through all of that, when by denying it all he would have been left perfectly alone.

Of course, logic can only play a part of one’s testimony, you still need to pray and ask God if he really did appear to Joseph Smith in that grove of trees like Joseph said that he did. I promise that God will answer yes to that question, but you still need to pray and ask for yourself.

Trenton Ross answered…

Just as in times past, God called a prophet in our day due to a falling away from Christ's teachings. Christ's church needed to be restored to the earth, and just as Noah, Abraham, or Moses were called in their times to bring God's children back into the true teachings and doctrines of Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith was called by God to do so in ours.
While petitioning God in prayer, desiring to know which church was Christ's church here on the earth, Joseph Smith went through what we call today the "First Vision." God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and answered his prayer--he was to join none of the churches of his day, as none of them was Christ's original church.
Later, God gave to Joseph Smith the power and authority to restore Christ's church to the earth. It is here today, in its fullness.

Sam answered…

 The first vision is what Joseph Smith saw when he went into a grove of trees praying to ask God what church he should join. Joseph Smith was reading from the Bible and came across the scripture James 15, which says, "if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God...". This scripture stood out to Joseph Smith and he read it over and over and pondered about it. Finally he decided to do what the scripture says and just ask God what church he should join because he didn't want to join the wrong church at the time. In Joseph's words this is the account that he saw. "I saw a pillar of light, exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which decended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description. Standing above me in the air, one of them spake unto me, calling me by name, and pointing to the other said, Joseph this is my Beloved Son, hear Him." At this time Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ and was told that he was to join none of the churches at that time. This vision that he saw was the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel, and reading the account of Joseph Smith brings a spirit and feeling that is amazing. That is the Holy Ghost confirming to you that what Joseph saw really happened. I know without a doubt that Joseph Smith did see God the Father and Jesus Christ at that time. 

LaNelle answered…

The First Vision is an event that happened in the Spring of 1820. A 14 year old boy from Manchester, New York went into the woods near his home to pray.

He was confused because at the time there were many churches in his area who were all claiming to be the one and only true church. He just didn't know what to do and felt like that if God was real, He would answer his prayers.

This boy's name was Joseph Smith.

As Joseph prayed that day in the woods, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Him. They talked to him and told him that none of the churches had all of the truth and that he shouldn't join any of them.

This was the first time that Joseph Smith had seen Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ. After this visit from them, Joseph Smith knew that it was his responsibility to found the church that would have all of the truths that come from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Blake answered…

Joesph Smith was confused at the age of 14 about which church was true. He noticed that they all preached different things. He then came across the scripture in the Bible James 15 It says "if you lack wisdom let him ask of god." so he did. He went and knelt in a grove of trees and said a prayer and asked god what church was true. Joeseph smith recorded his experiance " I saw a piller of light exactly over my head above the brightness of the sun which decended till it fell opon me. When the light rested opon me I saw 2 personages who glory defy all discription standing above me in the air