Principle: You can know and should know for yourself.
Read: Jacob 2:1 - Jacob 2:18
Jacob gives a pattern to find out for yourself. How can you use Jacobs teachings to strengthen your testimony?
Gordon B. Hinckley taught:
“Our entire case as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rests on the validity of this glorious First Vision. … Nothing on which we base our doctrine, nothing we teach, nothing we live by is of greater importance than this initial declaration. I submit that if Joseph Smith talked with God the Father and His Beloved Son, then all else of which he spoke is true. This is the hinge on which turns the gate that leads to the path of salvation and eternal life” (“What Are People Asking about Us?” Ensign,Nov. 1998, 71).
What does he mean by "entire case"?
Neil L. Anderson invited
“To the youth listening today or reading these words in the days ahead, I give a specific challenge: Gain a personal witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith. … Read the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Pearl of Great Price. … This is Joseph’s own testimony of what actually occurred. Read it often. Consider recording the testimony of Joseph Smith in your own voice, listening to it regularly, and sharing it with friends. Listening to the Prophet’s testimony in your own voice will help bring the witness you seek” (“Joseph Smith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 30).
Why is it so important to have a testimony of the restoration?
Throughout the the life of Joseph Smith he had other interactions with Jesus Christ. A couple of these are recorded in D&C 76:22–24; 110:1–10.