006 Joseph Smith’s ”Second Vision” and the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
Apr 11, 2023
auto_awesome
Discover the fascinating second vision of Joseph Smith at just 17, where he meets the angel Moroni, who reveals a sacred record and prophetic news. Delve into the transformative years leading up to the Book of Mormon's unveiling, exploring Joseph's spiritual struggles and pivotal moments. Hear about the intense internal battles between faith and doubt, and the significance of Hill Cumorah in early church history. Each experience constructs a vital piece of the faith that shaped a new religious era.
Joseph Smith's second vision at age 17 initiated critical preparations for the coming of the Messiah and the Book of Mormon's significance.
The years leading up to the translation of the Book of Mormon were filled with spiritual challenges, personal sacrifice, and divine guidance from Moroni.
Deep dives
Joseph Smith's Second Vision and Its Significance
Joseph Smith experienced a pivotal second vision at the age of 17, where he met the angel Moroni, who conveyed a message about the impending preparations for the second coming of the Messiah and the significance of the Book of Mormon. Moroni revealed the existence of ancient plates buried nearby, which were crucial to fulfilling God's ancient covenant with Israel and preaching the gospel's fullness to all nations. This vision was seen as a vital step in the restoration of the Church, marking a transition from Joseph's earlier spiritual experiences to a greater purpose that involved translating sacred records. The details surrounding this vision highlight Joseph's unique calling and his role in ushering in a new dispensation of faith, underscoring how foundational this moment was for the future of the Church.
Preparation for the Translation of the Book of Mormon
The journey leading up to the translation of the Book of Mormon was marked by several critical visits from Moroni over four years, each emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness and the need for Joseph to remain focused on divine purposes rather than personal gain. Throughout this period, Joseph grappled with feelings of guilt and spiritual failure, confessing to Moroni that he was seeking forgiveness and guidance on his standing with God. Each visitation served as both a learning experience and a divine check-in, pushing Joseph to develop spiritually and momentarily restraining him from receiving the plates until he demonstrated his commitment to God's commandments. This formative time laid the essential groundwork for Joseph to assume the responsibilities that came with translating and preserving the sacred records.
The Role of Alvin Smith and the Burden of Loss
The early years were colored by the tragic passing of Joseph's older brother, Alvin, whose death influenced both Joseph's emotional state and his prophetic calling. Alvin was not only a significant supporter of Joseph’s mission but also reportedly linked to the divine instructions regarding the plates, suggesting that Joseph's interactions with Moroni may have hinted at the need for family unity in completing his task. Joseph Knight's accounts indicate that Moroni had suggested bringing Alvin along for the retrieval of the plates in future visitations, highlighting Alvin’s potential role in supporting Joseph's prophetic mission. However, after Alvin’s death, the transition into carrying out divine expectations became even more poignant for Joseph, reinforcing the theme of personal sacrifice that often accompanies spiritual progression.
The Moment of Receiving the Plates
On September 22, 1827, Joseph Smith finally received the golden plates from Moroni, signifying the culmination of years of spiritual preparation and divine encounters. His wife, Emma, accompanied him and patiently awaited at the hill during this pivotal moment, showcasing her integral support in Joseph's prophetic journey. The retrieval of the plates came with renewed warnings from Moroni, emphasizing the importance of using them solely for God's glory, rather than for financial gain or personal ambition. This moment not only marked the beginning of the translation process but also set the stage for the broader restoration of the Church, as Joseph was now equipped with divine instruments and responsibilities crucial to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
About three and a half years after his “first vision,” Joseph Smith experienced his “second vision.” It occurred on the evening of the 21st of September 1823 in Palmyra, New York, when Joseph was only seventeen years old. In this vision he met a stunning angelic messenger named Moroni who delivered an even more stunning message: that the preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was soon to commence, and that the fulness of the Gospel was soon to be preached in power to all nations to prepare a people for his Millennial reign and to fulfill an ancient covenant between God and the house of Israel. Joseph was informed by this messenger that there was a sacred record in the form of ancient plates buried in a hill near his home that was somehow connected to fulfilling this joyful news. In this episode we discuss Joseph’s second vision and explore the ups, the downs, and the insights of those preparatory years between his first meeting with Moroni at age 17 and when he was finally trusted with the sacred record at age 21.