Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge
The Word of God
According to lds.org: "A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost. The foundation of a testimony is the knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves His children; that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Son of God, and that He carried out the infinite Atonement; that Joseph Smith is the prophet of God who was called to restore the gospel; that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Savior's true Church on the earth; and that the Church is led by a living prophet today. With this foundation, a testimony grows to include all principles of the gospel."
a.) Spiritual knowledge cannot be gained through the physical senses or scientific method.
A testimony, or spiritual knowledge, cannot be gained through the physical senses or scientific method. Presdient Dallin H. Oaks taught:
While there are some "evidences" for gospel truths (for example, see Psalm 19:1; Helaman 8:24), scientific methods will not yield spiritual knowledge. This is what Jesus taught in response to Simon Peter's testimony that He was the Christ: "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). The Apostle Paul explained this. In a letter to the Corinthian Saints, he said, "The things of God knoweth no man, but [by] the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians 2:11; see also John 14:17). (Dallin H. Oaks- Testimony)
In contrast, we know the things of man by the ways of man, but "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). (Dallin H. Oaks- Testimony)
The Book of Mormon teaches that God will manifest the truth of spiritual things unto us by the power of the Holy Ghost (see Moroni 10:4-5). In modern revelation God promises us that we will receive "knowledge" by His telling us in our mind and in our heart "by the Holy Ghost" (D&C 8:1-2). (Dallin H. Oaks- Testimony)
In the Gospel of Luke, the Lord Himself taught: "All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him." (Luke 10: 22)
It is only a witness from the Holy Spirit that can truly convert someone to the Gospel. Signs do not lead to conversion but signs follow those who truly believe. In D&C 63: 7-9 we read: "And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation. Verily, I say unto you, there are those among you who seek signs, and there have been such even from the beginning; But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe." (D&C 63: 7-9) Sign seekers are spiritually dead as they must rely wholly upon the physical senses. Physical senses cannot detect a witness of the spirit nor can they convert.
Laman and Lemuel received many visions and saw heavenly beings but this was not enough to convert them to the Gospel. Visions are easily forgotten or explained away. (1 Nephi 1-7) Other examples of explaining away miracles are abundant in the Book of Mormon. When Nephi prophesied of the murdered judge and it was fulfilled, the wicked Gadiantons accused Nephi of conspiracy, rather than believe he was a prophet. (Helaman 8) Even after the sign that Samuel had prophesied of had occurred, many hardened their hearts and found reasons to dismiss the sign. (3 Nephi 1)
The scriptures teach us that the word of God is a sufficient test for people. The Lord told Joseph Smith: Behold, if they will not believe my words, they would not believe you, my servant Joseph, if it were possible that you should show them all these things which I have committed unto you."(D&C 5:7)
b.) Revelation is the only way to obtain spiritual knowledge.
Since a testimony cannot be gained through logic or use of the physical sense, it must be obtained through revelation from the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians: "But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Gal 1: 11-12) Similarly, Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them,because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor 2:14)
Paul also wrote to the Corinthians that only the Holy Ghost can reveal to us that Jesus is the Christ: "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (1 Cor 12: 3) Our teaching should therefore focus on testimony of Jesus rather than worldly wisdom. Our conversion needs to be based upon a spiritual experience and not a logical conclusion. (1 Cor 2: 1-5)
Hearing the word of God provides the spiritual witness for a testimony. In the Psalms we read: "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." (Psalms 19:7)
The Spirit of the Lord speaks to our spirit to give us knowledge. In the Book of Job it is written: "But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding." (Job 32:7) To know God, he must reveal Himself to you: "And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God." (Jacob 4:8)
However, those who ask with a sincere heart and real intent will have the Holy Ghost confirm to them the truth of the Book of Mormon. Moroni promised: "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)
Those who believe the scriptures are visited by the Holy Ghost who leads them to baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost. This principle is taught in D&C 5:16 which reads: "And behold, whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit." (D&C 5: 16)
The Lord also tells us to rely upon the witness we receive for the truths contained in scripture. D&C 18: 3-4 teaches: "And if you know that they are true, behold, I give unto you a commandment that you rely upon the things which are written. For in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock."
c.) Testimonies must be worked for and maintained through diligent obedience to Gospel principles.
When we receive a testimony, we have to continually nourish it. Our testimonies must be worked for and maintained through diligent obedience to Gospel principles. In Deuteronomy 4:9 the Lord cautions the Israelites: "Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons." (Deut 4: 9)
Testimonies are gained through sincere desire, asking God and then experimenting upon His commandments. Afterwards, we must take the sacrament weekly to keep our testimonies. As we read in modern revelation, "If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things-that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal." (D&C 42:61)
Here is what Alma wrote about how he obtained a testimony: "Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit" (Alma 5:46). As we desire and seek, we should remember that acquiring a testimony is not a passive thing but a process in which we are expected to do something. Jesus taught, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself" (John 7:17).
Testimonies are also gained through spiritual experimentation. Alma challenged us to experiment on the word: "We will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves-It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me." (Alma 32: 28)
If we experiment diligently, then Nephi promises the mysteries of God will be unfolded to us. He writes: "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round." (1 Nephi 10:19)
We also come to know God through repentance, faith, prayer and good works. Alma further taught: "Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing-unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance." (Alma 26:22)
The scriptures also promise that all who forsake their sins and obey God will see His face and know that He is. "Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am." (D&C 93:1)
d.) Testimonies are maintained by sharing them.
We also maintain our testimonies by sharing them. President Dallin H. Oaks taught: "Another way to seek a testimony seems astonishing when compared with the methods of obtaining other knowledge. We gain or strengthen a testimony by bearing it. Someone even suggested that some testimonies are better gained on the feet bearing them than on the knees praying for them. A personal testimony is fundamental to our faith. Consequently, the things we must do to acquire, strengthen, and retain a testimony are vital to our spiritual life. In addition to those already stated, we need to partake of the sacrament each week (see D&C 59:9) to qualify for the precious promise that we will "always have his Spirit to be with [us]" (D&C 20:77). Of course, that Spirit is the source of our testimonies." (Dallin H. Oaks- Testimony)
Those with the gift of knowing Jesus is the Christ must share their testimonies for those with the gift of believing. President Oaks continues: "Those who have a testimony of the restored gospel also have a duty to share it. The Book of Mormon teaches that we should "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in" (Mosiah 18:9). One of the most impressive teachings on the relationship between the gift of a testimony and the duty to bear it is in the 46th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. In describing different kinds of spiritual gifts, this revelation states: "To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful" (vv. 13-14; see also John 20:29). Those who have the gift to know have an obvious duty to bear their witness so that those who have the gift to believe on their words might also have eternal life." (Dallin H. Oaks- Testimony)
President Oaks also teaches us that a testimony requires constant nourishment. He says: "A testimony is similar to a living organism that grows and develops when treated properly. It needs constant nourishment, care, and protection to thrive and prosper. Likewise, neglect or deviance from the pattern of living that a testimony clarifies can lead to its loss or diminishment. The scriptures warn that transgressing or breaking the commandments of God can result in the loss of the Spirit and even to one denying the testimony he or she once possessed." (see D&C 42:23) (Dallin H. Oaks- Testimony)
We can even learn to share our testimonies when our faith is under assault as Jacob shared his testimony with the anti-Christ Sherem. In this story, Jacob responded to the flattery and learning of Sherem with testimony. Testimony invites the Spirit which then confounds the wicked. (Jacob 7)
f.) Testimonies are often gained gradually.
Contrary to rare dramatic stories, testimonies are often gained gradually. Elder Cecil O. Samuelson taught: "While we believe fully in the mighty change of heart described in the scriptures (see Mosiah 5:2; Alma 5:12-14, 26), we must understand it often occurs gradually, rather than instantaneously or globally, and in response to specific questions, experiences, and concerns as well as by our study and prayer." (Cecil O. Samuelson- Testimony)
g.) Testimonies should lead to conversion.
We should also differentiate between a testimony and conversion. A testimony precedes conversion but is not complete. Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught: "Testimony is to know and to feel, conversion is to do and to become." (Dallin H. Oaks)
h.) The most precious gift.
A testimony is one of the most precious things you can have in this life as it will eventuate in eternal life. It is our testimonies that made us victorious in the war in Heaven. Revelation 12:11 records: "And they overcame (Satan) him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
In D&C 10:33 the Lord warns the Saints that Satan's major strategy is to destroy their testimonies. The text reads: "Thus Satan thinketh to overpower your testimony in this generation, that the work may not come forth in this generation."
i.) Intellectual and Experiential Corroboration.
Our spiritual testimonies are corroborated by an intellectual and experiential conversion. In his talk entitled: "Spiritual ecology" Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught:"My testimony came in three ways: early in life came the witness of the Spirit, then the intellectual conversion, and then the experiential conversion, with the three "witnesses" flowing together, resonating together in terms of the validity of the message of the Master. The witness of the Spirit is more sure, but the other witnesses corroborate increasingly the relevancy of the gospel for our time. So I can say to you humbly, sincerely, and soberly, that when the Book of Mormon says Jesus "advocateth the cause of the children of men," indeed He does! Every dimension of the gospel is relevant to one or more of our social and political problems in our time." (Spiritual Ecology-Neal A. Maxwell)
j.) Testimonies are recorded in heaven and lead to a remission of sins.
Our testimonies are recorded in heaven and lead to forgiveness of sins: "Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you." (D&C 62:3)
k.) Guidelines for testimony meetings.
And finally, this leads us to guidelines that we have been given for bearing testimonies at church. Sacrament meeting testimonies should be brief. President Ballard taught: "Fast and testimony meeting is a time to share brief inspirational thoughts and bear solemn testimony. It is not a time to give a speech." (M. Russell Ballard-God is at the Helm)
President Ballard also counseled that children should share testimonies in primary or at home and not in sacrament meeting: "Young children should practice sharing their testimonies in Primary and with their parents in family home evening gatherings until they understand the important meaning of a testimony." (M. Russell Ballard-God is at the Helm)
And President Oaks encourages us to remember what a testimony is not. He reminds us: "A testimony of the gospel is not a travelogue, a health log, or an expression of love for family members. It is not a sermon. President Kimball taught that the moment we begin preaching to others, our testimony is ended." (Dallin H. Oaks- Testimony)