Random Thought #35

I read an article today about the early church and how the churches of today are nothing like the church was back then. It was mentioning about the apostles and how they were not really concerned too much about missionary work because they knew the apostasy was coming and soon. They were more just out there sounding a warning voice and sharing the gospel but it was more of a "we know you're not going to listen anyways, but its our duty to tell you the truth". In this instance, they were witnesses. This article was written by Hugh Nibley and he made a statement that makes sense but many in the church misunderstand this title. Apostles are called as special witnesses of Christ. They always have been since the time of Christ. In that instance, they personally knew Christ and testified of him but the point Nibley makes, and I tend to agree with him, is that they were witnesses to the fact that they shared the gospel with others and whether those individuals decided to accept the gospel or not, they did their job and gave them the opportunity. Everyone will have the opportunity to hear the gospel and choose to accept or reject it. That's only fair. Its our job to give them that opportunity and when the great day of judgement comes, each of us will stand before God and be judged.

This of a trial nowadays, there is a judge (Heavenly Father), a Defendant (us), an advocate/lawyer (Christ) and witnesses. Everyone we come in contact with will be a witness at our trial/judgement, even the earth and animals and plants. I know that sounds weird, but they all have spirits too and will all be resurrected. I read about the animals testifying before God at our trial so be nice to them :) The point though is that the Apostles has a charge to share the gospel and be ambassadors for Christ here on the earth. They stand as special witnesses and rest assured, every one of them will be there at our trial. Many believe that special witnesses means that they have seen Christ and therefore can bear personal testimony of his divinity and resurrection. I don't know if that's true or not, but this other definition of being a special witness definitely makes sense.