Joseph Smith Biography

(Grace) #1

Fifteen (1820)


Preparing Joseph for his Mission


Perceiving Joseph’s thoughts, Christ continued, “Sit here with me now. We have
much to discuss.”
Still holding Joseph’s hand, Christ squatted towards the ground, bringing Joseph
to the ground with him. He let go of Joseph’s hand and sat cross-legged about three feet
from the boy.
Joseph didn’t say much. He didn’t have to. Christ knew everything about him—not
only what Joseph wanted to know, but what he needed to know at this time to perform the
mission he would be given to do.
The first thing discussed was the existence of human beings in other parts of the
Universe. Joseph knew nothing of the Universe other than what he could observe by
looking up into the night sky. In a matter of minutes, Christ laid things out according to
Joseph’s understanding, which brought the Universe down to the level of a young
teenager’s comprehension. Joseph began to smile. Everything began to make perfect sense
to him. Christ was healing his blindness^27 and causing him to understand things that very few
mortals could ever understand in their fallen state.^28
Joseph learned that all mortals are advanced human beings going through a very
important stage of their overall human development. He learned the purpose and necessity
of experiencing a world where the best of human nature was seldom witnessed. He was
given an eternal perspective of who humans are and why they exist.^29 He was taught the
basics of human nature from an advanced male who had already experienced mortality and
was prepared before the foundation of the world to be a Christ, an anointed Overseer of
other humans.^30
“Open your mind,^31 Joseph. Let me explain the religions and philosophies of men.^32 It is
important that you understand how they developed and what has become of them upon this earth.”^33
For quite some time, Christ explained the way that religion got its start,^34 why it got
its start, and what was to become of it. He more particularly focused on the Bible, as this
was what Joseph was most familiar with. He explained the concept of free will and how
important it was to all human beings.
“The power of free will defines us as human beings,” he explained. “Without the ability to
choose for ourselves our own course of existence, we would be no different than the plants and animals
that exist in the state in which they were created for the specific purpose for which they were created.”
“We are different,” he continued. “We have the power to specify our purpose and exist as
we freely choose, according to the desire of our hearts and independent minds.”
Joseph finally asked his very first question: “Then religion counters the purpose
of our existence?”
Smiling profusely upon realizing that the young Joseph was comprehending exactly
what he was supposed to, Christ responded, “Yes it does! It is the enemy to the natural
predisposition of our natures. Joseph, you will be asked in due time to assist us in introducing a
counterbalance to the religious systems now present upon this earth.”
Using that statement as a segue, Christ began to explain what Joseph would do
when he got a little older and more matured with age. He outlined to the young boy’s mind
his role as the modern-day Moses,^35 the main character in the Bible that had caused many of
the problems with religion. In silent amazement, Joseph listened intently with deep interest.

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