The First Vision was Joseph Smith’s miraculous experience with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, as They appeared to him in a grove of trees near his upstate New York home in the spring of 1820. The Church video “Joseph Smith’s First Vision” helps you understand more about this miraculous experience.

The First Vision was the beginning of the modern-day Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth. A spiritual resurgence was in full force in the early 19th century in western New York, and a young boy, Joseph Smith, was interested in religion but unsure of which church to join. After reading in the Bible, Joseph decided to pray and ask God which church was true.

In response to Joseph’s prayer, both God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph in the grove of trees near his home where he was praying. In Joseph’s own words, “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!”

During the visit, Joseph was told not to join any of the churches and that Christ’s ancient Church would soon be restored. Joseph Smith was a key part of that Restoration process. He became the first President and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Learn more in the Gospel Topic “First Vision.”

Read the published accounts of the First Vision.

Watch other videos in the “Now You Know” video series.