In Gospel Doctrine today we had a discussion about Abinadi and how he must have had some pretty powerful experiences in his life to have gained such a testimony that made him so strong in his faith that he was not afraid to die in the name of Jesus Christ.
This brought up the discussion that if we were given the "opportunity" to die for Christ would you do it. Meaning, if someone came up to you would and gave you two choices, death or leave the Church which would you do?
A very short story of a husband and wife was mentioned.
One husband and wife were in their dining-room and all of a sudden these men burst in, holding them at gunpoint. The couple was given two options, deny that Christ is real, or die. The couple looked at each other, kissed and came to an untimely death.
This struck me in a very strong way, mostly because I pictured my husband and I. I could see this happening with out a doubt. I guess it brings another question to mind. What does it take to have a strong enough testimony that you are willing to die in Christ's name.
These thoughts left me with a feeling of confidence that I do have a strong testimony, a testimony strong enough that I would rather lose my mortal life, than deny that Christ exists. I think many of us have a strong enough testimony, that we can do that.
If you think about it, giving your life for Christ not actually that hard of a decision to make. Hypothetically, if one did choose to deny Christ's existence, how would one be able to live with that. Especially if they have already taken his name upon themselves. To me if that happened I would fear death much more, and I would fear an experience like Alma the Younger's . (Mosiah 27)
Alma the Younger and the four sons of Mosiah were trying to destroy the Church. They had many followers. Lots of people started to pray to Heavenly Father because they were concerned about Alma and the four sons. Heavenly Father heard their prayers and sent an angel to tell them to stop what they were doing. Alma was so shocked that he could not speak or move. Two days after the angel appeared Alma woke and immediately he and the four sons of Mosiah taught the word of God to the world, including those they had turned away from the lord.
So I guess the question to answer is would you die for Christ? Or do you need a conversion like Alma the Younger?
