History of Mormonism: Conversion

History of Mormonism: Conversion

The history of Mormonism contains many stories of conversion of one's heart to Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon relates stories of several men who once were people of the world, but came to accept the truths of Jesus Christ, His teachings, and His ways to live. I will touch on a few of the most memorable conversion stories in the history of Mormonism. 

Book of Mormon Conversion Stories

Alma was a priest of wicked King Noah. Alma lived his life the same as this king and his fellow priests. They were men of the world, ignoring and even despising the things of God. During this time in Book of Mormon history, a prophet named Abinadi came to their city and preached God's teachings, including repentance. The people did not like hearing the truth and took Abinadi to King Noah. The king and the priests interrogated Abinadi, trying to ensnare him in his own words, yet Abinadi prevailed. The spirit of God was with Abinadi, giving him strength and protection while Abinadi carried out his duties given him by God. When Abinadi finished preaching all the words of God and repentance, he was sentenced to death by fire. One of the priests believed Abinadi's words and tried to argue against the death sentence. The king then became angry at Alma and commanded his servants to arrest Alma. Alma had to run for his life. He hid in the wilderness for many days recording the words taught by Abinadi. Alma also started sneaking out in disguise and teaching Abinadi's words to others. These people started meeting Alma in the wilderness adjacent to the waters of Mormon. Eventually, Alma was able to baptize many people who were converted in their hearts to the ways of God. This history in Mormonism contains many fascinating details -- I recommend reading it for yourself! (starts in Mosiah chapter 11 in the Book of Mormon)

The next major conversion story in the history of Mormonism is of Alma's son, Alma the younger and his friends. These young men are described as being the vilest of sinners and actively worked to destroy the Church of God in those days. Their fathers, Alma senior and Mosiah, prayed for a long time for their sons. Finally, they received miraculous witnesses of God regarding their sins and the correct things of God. This story starts in Mosiah chapter 27 in the Book of Mormon. The story needs to be read; I cannot do it justice by summarizing it. 



It's truly miraculous to see how the knowledge and feeling the Spirit of God can totally transform a human from wicked to righteous!

Latter-day Conversion Stories

The most significant conversion story in this dispensation of time within Mormon history is the conversion of Joseph Smith. His story is a bit different in that he already was a righteous youth, born into a righteous Christian family. However, within his immediate family, they were members of different Christian religions. Joseph Smith studied and prayed a long time about which church was the correct church of God. One day, he was reading in James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, which giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Joseph then realized he should ask God directly which church he should join. As a result, Joseph received a grand personal revelation; he saw God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ descend from heaven and answer Joseph's question. Joseph was told not to join any of the churches, that Christ church was not currently on the earth since the great apostasy. As part of Joseph's conversion he had to learn first hand the truths of Jesus Christ and how His church should be established. This conversion affects all of us who learn of the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I personally like the conversion story of Jane Manning, the first black member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Jane became Presbyterian at age 14, but wasn't satisfied with its teachings. After hearing a Mormon missionary, Charles Wendell, preach, she joined the "Mormon" church and helped teach her family members about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a teenager, Jane led her mother, siblings and spouses to Nauvoo, Illinois to live with the other Mormons. More details of her story can be read here: http://ldsblogs.com/10799/elizabeth-jane-manning-black-mormon-pioneer

There are many, many, many conversion stories throughout the history of Mormonism! Learn about more of them by chatting with a Mormon missionary online... Click Me!

A wild youngster, grown, and now rescued by Christ.

A youthful conversion story in Honduras.

Learn More About the History of Mormonism and Conversion

Q&A about Mormonism: www.mormontopics.org

Mormons and their Beliefs: www.mormon.org

Chat with a Mormon missionary: www.mormon.org/chat?cid=sgo-csm-cm

What is the Book of Mormon? www.mormon.org/book-of-mormon

Read the Book of Mormon for Yourself: www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon