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VIEW PERSONAL BELIEFS
POSTED BY: bhofmann
DATE: 21.11.2008
SUBJECT: How I gained my testimony
LOCATION: Tulsa, United States
I grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but realized as a teenager I needed to decide for myself what I believed. I believed what my parents taught me but realized I needed my own testimony. I also realized the importance of the matter I was considering. If it was all true then my eternal welfare was at stake. I decided to study the matter and ask God as the missionaries teach those unfamiliar with our faith.

I studied the Holy Bible as well as the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I felt good and peaceful as I read the words of the prophets. I looked at the results of following what they taught and the results of going contrary to their teachings. I also remembered the times in my life as I interacted with the Church and how I felt as I obeyed the commandments. I felt peaceful and comfortable during those times. I realized this was the Holy Ghost testifying to me.

I prayed to my Heavenly Father for confirmation that He was there and that He loved me. The feeling I felt cannot adequately be described. A feeling washed over me of love, peace, goodness, and acceptance that I still feel when I pray to my Father.

I decided to go on a mission for the Church which was the best decision I could ever make. I was already in my first year of college and could easily justify finishing my schooling before continuing on with a mission. However, I knew the Lord wanted me and needed me to serve a mission.

I continued to learn and grow in my testimony and knowledge of the gospel and saw the change in people’s lives as they came to the same conclusion that I had. The conclusion I came to is that Heavenly Father does love us as individuals and is intimately involved in our lives. He has a plan for us here on earth and didn’t put us here to wander aimlessly and miserably through life. He wants to be a part of our life and loves to hear from us through prayer. He wants to bless us and to welcome us home after our life here is done.

Everyday I see His hand in my life and everyday I see blessings prepared for me personally. I don’t know how He does it and is able to be involved with us on a personal basis with all of the people and problems on the earth. All I know is that he does.

I know the Book of Mormon is true and is an excellent companion to the Holy Bible. It clarifies and supports Christ’s teachings in the Bible as well as the words of his prophets. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and was God’s instrument in restoring the true church of Jesus Christ as He set it up while he was on the earth. I know that we have apostles and a prophet today to guide us and direct us. I know that the heavens are not closed and God will give us continuing revelation and guidance individually or through His prophets.

Most of all I know that Jesus Christ lives. He died for us and paid for our sins so we can be forgiven of the many mistakes we make daily. I know he suffered for us in all of our afflictions, not only those self-inflicted. I know he was resurrected, as He said he would be, and lives today. Through Him we can know peace in this life even amid turmoil and adversity. I know as we stay worthy of the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we will return to live with our Heavenly Father. I know that our families here are earth can be eternal and are one of the only things we can take with us into the next life.

All these things I know because I’ve studied them out and then asked Heavenly Father if they are true. Something everyone can do regardless of their current knowledge and understanding of spiritual things. I can tell you with conviction that I have received answers to my pleadings and have seen the results and goodness of those who follow the commandments. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is without doubt the only true and living church on the face of the earth and has the living Jesus Christ as its head. It is the only Church authorized to act in the name of God for all everything necessary to return to live with our Father.

I paraphrase and echo the words of the recent prophet Gordon B. Hinckley when he called all people everywhere to bring their truth and understanding and goodness to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and see the truth and understanding that can be added to it.

Benjamin Hofmann

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