Lessons on the Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ and His Apostles
Lesson No. Forty-Five

The Verse of Scripture that Has Had the Greatest Impact upon Mankind

The Epistle of James – As we have learned in our study of the New Testament, Paul wrote to congregations of saints in his own day, and his counsel and doctrine has blessed us in the latter days.  But James wrote “to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1).  The twelve tribes of Israel would not be gathered until the latter days and so the Epistle of James has particular application for people of the latter days.  Furthermore, James 1:5 had an unprecedented impact on Joseph Smith which resulted in a more far reaching effect upon mankind than any other single verse of scripture.

The First Vision was given to Joseph Smith, then in his 15th year, near Palmyra New York in the Spring of 1820.  It is referred to as the First Vision from the standpoint of time and pre-eminent importance.  This vision marked the opening of the dispensation of the fullness of times.  The gospel will never again be taken from the earth, and in this final dispensation everything will come together to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.

James 1:5 was the catalysis to open the greatest and the final dispensation of the fullness of times – After reading, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5), Joseph described what happened and how he felt 

“Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine.  It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart.  I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did” (Joseph Smith History 1:12).  I believe Joseph’s statement literally that never had a single verse of scripture had a more powerful effect on any person including, Biblical and Book of Mormon prophets, than James 1:5 did on Joseph Smith.

“At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is , ask of God.  I at length came to the determination to ‘ask God,’ concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture” (Joseph Smith History 1:13).  

James 1:5 has had “a greater impact and a more far reaching effect upon mankind than any other single sentence ever recorded by any prophet in any age.  It might well be said that the crowning act of the ministry of James was not his martyrdom for the testimony of Jesus,  but his recitation, as guided by the Holy Ghost, of these simple words which led to the opening of the heavens in modern times” (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary III, P. 246-47).

“With this vision came the call of the Prophet Joseph Smith who, ‘save Jesus only’ was destined to do more ‘for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it’ (D&C 135:3).  This vision was the most important event that had taken  place in all world history from the day of Christ’s ministry to the glorious hour when it occurred” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 285).

The promise of how we can know the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon applies also to Joseph Smith’s account of the First Vision – In the concluding verses of the Book of Mormon we read:  “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.  And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:4-5).

As I have read and prayed about the Book of Mormon, God has manifested to me the truthfulness of it on many occasions by the power of the Holy Ghost.  I have put Joseph Smith’s account of the First Vision (see Joseph Smith History 1:1-20) to the same test and have received the same answer.

Anyone who will apply the promise given in Moroni 10:4-5 will know the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and of the First Vision by the power of the Holy Ghost.