In the Book of Mormon, numerous individuals and even large groups experienced profound, direct encounters with God, primarily Jesus Christ. These divine manifestations served as foundational experiences, leading to powerful testimonies of His living reality and His role as the Redeemer. Such experiences echo the profound declaration given by prophets in latter days, who, after beholding the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, proclaimed, "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!" These visions and visitations underscore the Book of Mormon's central message: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He reveals Himself to His children.
Key Individuals and Groups Who Saw God
The following table highlights some of the most notable instances where individuals or groups in the Book of Mormon saw God:
| Individual(s) / Group | Book of Mormon Reference | Description of Encounter |
|---|---|---|
| Lehi | 1 Nephi 1:8-15 | Saw God sitting on His throne, surrounded by countless hosts of angels, and had a vision of the Tree of Life. |
| Nephi | 1 Nephi 11:1-36 | Saw the Tree of Life, the Virgin Mary, the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ, His crucifixion, and resurrection in a detailed vision led by an angel. |
| Jacob | Jacob 7:5 | Testified that he had "seen my Redeemer" and had heard His voice. |
| Alma the Younger | Mosiah 27:10-14, Alma 36:22 | After being visited by an angel, he was struck dumb and paralyzed; upon repenting, he testified of seeing God on His throne and being in the presence of the Father and the Son. |
| The Brother of Jared | Ether 3:6-16 | Saw the finger of the Lord, then the entire pre-mortal body of Jesus Christ, face to face, demonstrating profound faith. |
| The Nephite and Lamanite Multitude | 3 Nephi 11-28 | A multitude of approximately 2,500 people saw, heard, and physically touched the resurrected Jesus Christ as He ministered among them. |
| Mormon | Mormon 1:15 | Recorded that he "saw Jesus" when he was fifteen years old and was ministered by angels. |
| Moroni | Ether 12:39 | Testified that he "saw Jesus" and conversed with Him face to face, and that Jesus showed himself to him. |
Profound Encounters and Their Significance
The appearances of God in the Book of Mormon are not mere fleeting glimpses but profound, transformative experiences that shaped the lives of those who witnessed them and impacted the course of entire civilizations.
- The Brother of Jared's Vision: This account is unique as it details a physical manifestation of the pre-mortal Jesus Christ, revealing His spirit body and the truth that humankind was created in the image of God. His faith was so great that the veil was rent, allowing him to see the Lord directly.
- The Resurrected Christ's Visit to the Americas: The most comprehensive and widely witnessed divine appearance is the visit of the resurrected Jesus Christ to the Nephite and Lamanite peoples after His ascension in Jerusalem. He taught them His gospel, healed their sick, blessed their children, and personally ministered to each individual present. This collective experience provided undeniable proof of His resurrection and His universal love.
These accounts reinforce the Book of Mormon's role as another testament of Jesus Christ, providing additional witnesses to His reality, His divine nature, and His enduring love for all humanity.
