Vision was testimony of Christ
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"Among the most marvelous of revelations ever given to man is the 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, often referred to simply as 'The Vision,' " Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve said during the April 1998 general conference.
"This vision may have been one of the Prophet Joseph's most powerful and significant spiritual experiences. As he and Sidney Rigdon prayed to understand the resurrection of the just and the unjust, this glorious vision — or actually a series of six visions — burst upon them. Joseph and Sidney literally conversed with the Lord for about an hour and a half as the Savior showed them what Joseph later described as 'eternity sketch'd in a vision from God, Of what was, and now is, and yet is to be.' As it commenced, the two men viewed the glory of the Son of God on the right hand of the Father and were moved to explain: '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!'"
'For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father.' " (Doctrine and Covenants 76: 22-23.)
Elder Ballard continued: "What a wondrous experience for the Prophet Joseph and Sidney. For more than an hour, the Lord showed them our premortal life, earth life, and life after death. As a result of that revelation, mankind's understanding of Heavenly Father's plan for our eternal happiness and peace was expanded and enhanced to a remarkable degree. Of course, it should be noted that Joseph was instructed not to record everything that he saw in vision. The saints at the time were not prepared to receive all of the new information that he was given. But as we look at the Prophet's later teachings, we see what appear to be bits and pieces of this great revelation being taught — here a little and there a little — as the saints grew in their spiritual understanding."
