LDS/Mormons: Who was it exactly that appeared to Joseph Smith in his first vision?

Question

I'm having trouble understanding this:

http://www.irr.org/mit/WDIST/wdist-first-vision.html

Answer 1

Humans are not perfect, mr. penguin, that is why there are discrepencies. Joseph Smith never faltered in his assertion that he did, in fact, see God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

"all churches draw near with their lips but their hearts are far from Him."

Answer 2

God the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him. Two beings appeared. They both had bodies. I have heard of several different accounts. You must realize that what Joseph Smith taught was radically different than what anyone else believed at the time. Key points of God's doctrine had not remained in tact from when Jesus taught them. Because, these points had been changed, God had to bring the truth to them at a rate they could handle.

See Isaiah 28:13:"13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken."

God gives what people need at the time, but not more than they can handle. If someone is given everything upfront, they will have the responsibility that comes with that knowledge, yet they will not have the maturity to use it correctly. The slow introduction of doctrine by Joseph Smith was done to ensure that those who listened were ready.

Answer 3

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/1

There, this link will give you the EXACT account, in the words of Joseph Smith of the first vision and a little biography. The two beings that appeared to Joseph Smith were Jesus Christ, and His Father, God. As TWO separate personages. We believe, and know, that they are two separate beings, God the Father, and his son Jesus Christ, both having their own perfect Celestial bodies. These are the beings that appeared to Joseph Smith. The resource that you gave is incorrect. If you want the truth, you can have it right from the words of Joseph Smith himself.

Answer 4

Here is HIS account:
When the light rested upon me 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!

Seems pretty clear to me, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

Now, on the site you provided, it is interesting to me that you would trust information from an unofficial source. You must also get your information on the Bible from the Jews. Makes sense.
In most of those quotes, I believe those men are speaking about the angel Moroni who came to Joseph.
33 He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.

There, now you should understand, should I send the missionaries over for your first discussion?

Answer 5

You are having difficulty understanding because you rely on Anti Mormon sources.

You might as well learn about Evolution from Creationists..

Answer 6

While I find Mormons to be the most loving christians that truly strive to walk their talk......their mythology is insane and holds less water than a fishing net. Their data and doctrine is more circular than a carousel. I like Mormons, but they are waaaaay out there.

Answer 7

God the father and his son Jesus Christ. and if you really want to get answers go to lds.org dont go to the other sites they really dont know who we are, its best to learn from the direc source not somneone who only thinks they know what we believe.

Answer 8

It was Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Answer 9

Go to lds.org it will tell you everything

Answer 10

Satan

"And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light." 2 Cor. 11:14