Question
Dear Gramps,
I have been pondering lately the events of the Savior’s ministry and the events of the Atonement. And, I am wondering, if I were there if I would have accepted Him during that time when His ministry of peace isn’t what was expected by the Jews of that time. I am a convert to the church (about 13 years) and have a really strong testimony of the restored Gospel. I feel such a connection to the Israelites in the OT. I know and understand the faith they needed in order to believe. My husband says there is a quote by a General Authority that asserts if we believe now, we would have believed at anytime. But, I have searched and can’t find it. I guess this has such important ramifications to me because the Savior will come again, and I want to have the faith that I will recognize Him, and say, “My Lord, My God.”
Sincerely,
Anonymous
Answer
Anonymous,
The acceptance of the Savior, and indeed the Gospel itself, lies within our hearts and minds. While I can’t find the quote you are thinking of, the principle is correct.
Think about Nephi and Sam, and contrast them with Laman and Lemuel, their older brothers. All four of them had repeated miraculous experiences, and they had even seen an angel. The key to the difference is found in 1 Nephi 17:45
Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide assunder.
In a similar manner, the voice of the Lord has come to you as a still small voice, but the difference is you heard it and responded by accepting the Gospel. It is just as likely you would have been on the side of Nephi and Sam rather than Laman and Lemuel.
In my own experience, when I hear truth, I know it. I can’t explain how, I just understand that what I am reading or hearing is the truth. Most people recognize truth in their own way. What makes us unique is in how we respond to that knowlege. So long as you remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit, you will recognize the Savior immediately.
***Artwork by Brent Borup
