Witnesses of Christ

"We have to ask, why is there no other first century Jew who has millions of followers today?  Why isn't there a John the Baptist movement?  Why of all first century figures, including the Roman emperors, is Jesus still worshipped today, +while the others have crumbled into the dust of history?

It's because this Jesus, the historical Jesus, is also the living Lord.  That's why.  It's because He's still around, while the others are long gone…

Centuries later the resurrected Christ appeared to Mormon and to Moroni.  (Mormon 1:15; Ether 12:39)  In the last days he has appeared to Joseph Smith and to others.  The list includes Martin Harris, 1827; Oliver Cowdery, 1829; Newel Knight, 1830; Lyman Wight, 1831; Orson F. Whitney, of the Twelve, 1876; Heber J. Grant, 1883; John Taylor, 1888; Lorenzo Snow, 1898; George Q. Cannon, who served as counselor in the first presidency under four presidents of the Church, 1902; George F. Richards, of the Twelve, 1906; Joseph F. Smith, 1918; David O. McKay, 1921; LeGrand Richards, 1926; David B. Haight, 1989.

An example of a vision with Christ is given from the life of Melvin J. Ballard of the Twelve, (1873-1939) grandfather of Russell M. Ballard currently of the Twelve today.  He had the following remarkable experience with the Savior:

'Away on the Fort Peck Reservation where I was doing missionary work with some of our brethren… I found myself one evening in the dreams of the night in that sacred building, the temple. 

After a season of prayer and rejoicing I was informed that I should have the privilege of entering into one of those rooms, to meet a glorious Personage and, as I entered the door, I saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious Being my eyes have ever beheld or that I ever conceived existed in all the eternal worlds.  As I approached to be introduced, He arose and stepped toward me with extended arms and he smiled as he softly spoke my name.  If I shall live to be a million years old, I shall never forget that smile. 

He took me into His arms and kissed me, pressed me to His bosom and blessed me, until the marrow of my bones seemed to melt!  When He had finished, I fell at His feet and as I bathed them with my tears and kisses, I saw the prints of the nails in the feet of the Redeemer of the world.  The feeling that I had in the presence of Him who hath all things in His Hands, to have His love, His affection and His blessing was such that if I ever can receive that of which I had a foretaste, I would give all that I am, all that I ever hope to be, to feel what I then felt!...I see Jesus now not upon the cross.  I do not see His brow pierced with thorns nor His Hands torn with the nails, but I see Him smiling with extended arms, saying to us all: 'Come unto Me.'"  (Verse by Verse, The Four Gospels, Ogden & Skinner pgs. 702-704)