It's a Spiritual Experiment

Being able to know the truth of a specific doctrine requires a spiritual experiment. You must test and try a truth to learn if it is true. (Also see, What is Truth?)

Elder John K. Carmack of the Seventy said:

"A spiritual experiment similar to scientific procedures is the way one gains conviction about gospel principles and is an essential ingredient in achieving the rich soil in which the seed of testimony may grow.

"Jesus explained, '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). In other words, as you try it you can know it is true. This requires the faith to try, but it yields spiritual evidence. To the disciple who tries the experiment will come conviction, knowledge, and light."¹

For example, if a person wants to gain a knowledge of the power and blessings that come from paying an honest tithing, they must exercise faith and humbly pay an honest tithing. In doing so they will gain for themselves a testimony of the truth of God's law of tithing.

If a person wants to know if keeping the Word of Wisdom is a true commandment of God, they must put forth the effort to obey it. In doing so with faith and patience they will come to know for themselves that it is true.

The truth of Elder Carmack's words are taught in the scriptures. In The Book of Mormon we read:

"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

"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."²

If someone wants to know if The Book of Mormon is true scripture from God they must read, study, and pray about it with a "sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ". In doing so they will come to know that it is true, and as this scripture teaches, this witness will come through the power of the Holy Ghost.

What truths have you discovered are true? How have you exercised faith and come to know for yourself that a gospel doctrine is true? Please share your stories and experiences with us in the comments.

You can also read the conversion stories of others who learned for themselves that The Church of Jesus Christ of Lattter-day Saints is true (or submit your own conversion story). You can also share how you came to know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.

Notes:
1. Elder John K. Carmack, "The Soil and Roots of Testimony," General Conference, Oct 1988, 32; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 26.
2. Moroni 10:3-5.

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