I personally believe that seeking to see Christ in this life is a very admirable goal. I think that this is one of those gifts that man may have if it is the will of God.
Moroni 10:14-18
QUOTE |
14 And again, to another, the beholding of angels and ministering spirits; 15 And again, to another, all kinds of tongues; 16 And again, to another, the interpretation of languages and of divers kinds of tongues. 17 And all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally, according as he (Christ) will. 18 And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ. |
I was a bit surprised or maybe the better word is disappointed about that recent talk in General Conference that downplayed as it was put 'the myth' that seeing Christ was part of the Apostle's portfolio. Indeed, I wonder what makes their testimony that 'Special' if for instance a regular Joe no longer needed faith because he saw Christ as Moriancumer did.
Allen Wyatt, of FAIR, shares this entry in his personal journal from February 3, 1990,
QUOTE |
Today is the first day of our stake conference. I am the executive secretary of our stake. Elder James E. Faust is here to replace our stake presidency. I was sitting in the priesthood leadership session, and Elder Faust was bearing his testimony. It is, without a doubt, the strongest testimony I have ever heard. He said (paraphrasing) 'I have always believed in the Church; I come from good blood. But through thousands of spiritual experiences, so many now that I have at least one a day--we had one earlier today (referring to meeting with the new stake presidency)--I have gained a testimony to the point I can say, as did the brother of Jared, "I saw the finger of the Lord and the veil could not withhold Him from me, therefore I no longer believed, for I had knowledge." As the brother of Jared stated, so say I--I know that Jesus is the Christ.' |
Maybe you missed it, but LDS_forever quoted that earlier in this Thread. Interestingly enough I have also hear Elder Faust speak in person and in public and has never related his testimony in this way. I sometimes wonder if the Brethren are under some mandate or order to hold back from a faithless generation.
I don't have a reason not to believe Allen Wyatt BUT, his blog entry enters into the category of "I heard once a General Authority say..." and then the individual paraphrasing what another said which does not make it necessarily accurate.
My faith would not be shaken one way or another . I personally believe apostles have seen Christ, and that on occasion he has ministered unto them. But it is possible that some have not and are relying on the gift of the Holy Spirit. It does seem that apostles were more forthright about their visions during the beginnings of the church.
Sorry about repeating the information, I was at work, during my break when I was writing that and I guess I was trying to rush.