Additional Information

As Joseph Smith proved his worthiness, he was given a divine mission as a prophet of God. Through him, the Lord accomplished a great and marvelous work that included bringing forth the Book of Mormon, restoring the priesthood, revealing precious gospel truths, organizing the true Church of Jesus Christ, and establishing temple work. On June 27, 1844, Joseph and his brother Hyrum were killed in an attack by an armed mob. They sealed their testimonies with their blood.

For a testimony of the restored gospel to be complete, it must include a testimony of Joseph Smith's divine mission. The truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rests on the truthfulness of the First Vision and the other revelations the Lord gave to the Prophet Joseph. President John Taylor, the third President of the Church, wrote, “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it” (D&C 135:3).

See also Prophets; Restoration of the Gospel

—See True to the Faith (2004), 89-90

Church Magazine Articles

• “Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon”

• “Joseph Smith’s Testimony of the First Vision”

  The Prophet’s accounts of his first vision offer us a picture that is rich in testimony and supported by history.

• “Joseph, the Man and the Prophet”

• “The Translation Miracle of the Book of Mormon”

• “Joseph Smith among the Prophets”

  He is the preeminent witness of Christ in this, the final dispensation.

• “Joseph’s Family”

  From an October 1991 general conference address. We should show honor, respect, and gratitude to the Prophet Joseph Smith and his family for the roles they played in restoring the fulness of the gospel.

• ““My Servant Joseph””

• “Joseph Smith: Restorer of Truth”

• “Joseph Smith, The Prophet”

  Young, unlearned, but humble, Joseph Smith was the instrument the Almighty used to reestablish His work in these, the latter days.

• ““What Hath God Wrought through His Servant Joseph!””

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Additional Study Materials

• Joseph Smith Web Site

  Resources include stories, research articles, quotes, and other historical information, as well as photographs, paintings, and archive documents.

• "A Personal Witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith"

  Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, Chapter 2

• "To Seal the Testimony"

  Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 32

• Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (Multiple Media Formats)

• "Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration"

  Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, Chapter 9

• "President Brigham Young's Witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith"

  Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, Chapter 47

• "This Generation Shall Have My Word through You"

  Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 13

• "The Divine Calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith"

  Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, Chapter 10

• "The Mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith"

  Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, Chapter 2

• "I Had Seen a Vision"

  Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 3

• "Joseph Smith"

  Encyclopedia of Mormonism

• "Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Living God"

  Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, Chapter 8

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