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© 1988 Laurie Ashton

A testimony of the gospel, by definition, is a sure knowledge which is received only by revelation from the Holy Ghost. If the sole source of one's knowledge or assurance of the truth of the Lord's work comes from reason, or logic, then it is not a testimony of the Gospel, because in its nature, a testimony consists of knowledge that comes by revelation. It says in Revelation 19:10, "for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Logic and reason certainly do lead truth seekers along the path to a testimony, and they are aids in strengthening the revealed assurances which composes a testimony, but the actual sure knowledge which constitutes the testimony of Jesus must come by they Spirit of Prophecy. This is received when the Holy Spirit speaks to the spirit within men. It comes when the whisperings of the still small voice are heard by the inner man.

Receipt of a testimony is accompanied by a feeling of calm, unwavering certainty. Those who have it can use logic and reason in defending their positions and in bearing their testimonies, but it is the prompting of the Spirit rather than reason alone that is the true foundation upon which the testimony rests.

It is said that on one occasion, Sir Isaac Newton was thinking seriously concerning the nature of light, and he cut a hole in the window blind and a ray of light entered his room. He then held a triangular piece of glass in the range of light, and there was reflected in great beauty all the colors of the rainbow. For the first time, man learned that all of the glorious colors of the universe are locked up in a ray of white light.

It is important that we live all the principles of the gospel and obey all the commandments that the Lord has given us if we are to grow more nearly like our Father and His Beloved Son.

We cannot say, "Oh, I believe in missionary work - it is important, and I am thoroughly converted to the welfare plan, but I don't believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet or that our present prophets are guided by revelation from the Lord.” With a wavering faith like that, how can such a person expect to have the true light of Christ, the true understanding and light of the gospel?

There are three great truths which must be included in every testimony:

1. That Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Saviour of the world. (Doctrine & Covenants 46:13)
2. That Joseph Smith is the Prophet of God through whom the gospel was restored in this dispensation.
3. That the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth." (Doctrine & Covenants 1:30)

If someone leaves out any one of these building blocks, or any of the other principles of the gospel, he is not getting pure white light. If he fails to have faith in all the principles of the gospel, and does not have faith to live in accordance with them, he cannot expect to get the pure light of the gospel in his heart.

Whether we are newly converted to the gospel or have had a testimony for many years, a firm testimony requires continual nourishment.

President Harold B. Lee counselled:

"Testimony isn't something you have today, and you are going to have always. A testimony is fragile. It is as hard to hold as a moonbeam. It is something you have to recapture every day of your life."

If our testimonies aren't growing, they are in danger of getting weaker. And so, we need to examine ourselves and see how they're doing. If we are not stronger than we were a year ago, we need to seek the help of the Lord and find specific ways to improve ourselves.

In order to gain a testimony of the Gospel, we must practice obedience to that law upon which the receipt of such knowledge is predicated.

There are five basic steps to gaining a testimony:

1. Desire

We must DESIRE to know the truth of the Gospel, of the Book of Mormon, of the Church, or of whatever is involved.

For example, in Alma 32:4-43, we find that, as Alma taught the Zoramites, many poor people came to him, asking how they were to worship God, as they were not allowed to worship in their churches. He saw that they were humbled and therefore were teachable.

He compared the Word of God to a seed and promised the seed would sprout and grow if, in their great desire to believe, they would plant it in their hearts. He further promised them that they would reap everlasting life as the reward of their faith if they nourished that seed with diligence, patience, and long suffering.

All people are granted the privilege of having a personal testimony if they have a righteous desire and are faithful in keeping the commandments. The Prophet Joseph Smith confirmed that spiritual witnesses of the truthfulness of the gospel are not reserved for apostles and prophets. They are promised for all faithful.

Only our lack of desire and unwillingness to obey the commandments keep us from knowing the things of God.

2. Study

We must STUDY and learn the basic facts relative to the matter.

In John 5:39, we read:

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.

In D&C 1:37, we read:

Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

3. Practice

We must PRACTICE the principles and truths learned, conforming our lives to them. In John 7:16-17, Jesus speaks, saying,

My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me.

If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

4. Pray

We must PRAY to the Father in the name of Christ, in FAITH, and the truth will then be made manifest by revelation, as it says in Moroni 10:4-5:

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.

As our testimony grows, so will our understanding of the Gospel and our comprehension of the nature and glory of God..

5. Sharing our testimonies

One of the most important ways of nourishing our testimonies is sharing them with others. Sharing our testimonies not only builds others, but brings greater light and further blessings into our own lives. President Kimball has said, "To hold his testimony, one must bear it often and live worthy of it."

Even though we are not saved by virtue of a testimony alone, it is the beginning of real spiritual progress. With it comes a greater obligation to serve God, keep his commandments, and walk with the light that has been received. Those with a valiant testimony are those who work out their salvation.

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