Some 40 years ago as a
teenager I became desirous to know if the Book of Mormon was authentic and
true. I understood that if The Book of Mormon was true, then it followed
that Joseph Smith is a prophet, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints is Christ’s church restored, that priesthood authority and ordinances
are restored, that the pure and simple, meaning understandable, doctrines of
Christ are again available to God’s children here on earth. I knew that
receiving a positive confirmation would enhance my testimony of God the Father
and his son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of this world, whom he had sent.
A testimony is when the
Holy Spirit speaks to the spirit within men.
The foundation of a
testimony is that God the Father lives and loves us; that Jesus Christ lives
and that he is the Son of God and carried out the infinite atonement. “And
this is life eternal, that they might know the, the only true God and Jesus
Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) Of what else do we need a
testimony of as one who seeks the truth and a sure knowledge of God? As member I wanted to know of myself that Joseph Smith is a prophet
called in these latter days to restore the gospel, and that there are living
Apostles and Prophets on the earth today. I wanted to know if the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church of Jesus Christ upon
the earth. I have found that a testimony of the Book of Mormon is the
most direct route to receiving confirmation through a personal witness of these
truths.
As I reflect on how I
approached my gaining a testimony, I realize that there were four steps
involved, an intuitive formula, if you will, for obtaining a testimony.
The steps are:
1.
Desire
2.
Study
3.
Practice
4.
Pray
I honestly wanted to know
the truth, so I read the Book of Mormon, and strived to live according to its
teachings of Jesus Christ, and I prayed to my Father in Heaven asking Him if
it, the Book of Mormon, was true. My personal answer from God came to me
when I was in the Salt Lake Tabernacle at Temple Square listening to an open
practice of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. As a rousing hymn drew to a
close, the Spirit, in a not so quiet voice, distinctly and joyfully testified
to me saying to me, “It’s true, it’s true, it’s true!” And I felt the
warmth within my soul, to the very core, that comes with such a confirmation
from the Holy Ghost. That confirmation is my anchor to the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Church. As I continued to live the
principles and commandments taught by Jesus Christ, and as I served God, my
testimony grew stronger, and continues to grow today. Of these truths I
testify.
Patric Chavez
Chula Vista 4th Ward
Patric Chavez
Chula Vista 4th Ward
