Acts 6 & 7

Just prior to Stephen's death, he testified that he could see Jesus Christ on the right hand of God. His final words were a plea for God to receive his spirit and then he offered forgiveness to those who were taking his life by crying "Lord, lay not this sin at their charge." (Acts 7:60)

I am impressed by Stephens faith and testimony. To not deny what he knew to be true in the face of evil. I can't imagine being in a situation where you must give your life for your beliefs. Stephen had such great faith and near the end he pleads for God to receive him. He knew that there was something better waiting for him. The ultimate sign of Stephen's testimony and conversion to the Lord was his pleading for those who were taking his life. I was most impressed by his ability to not only forgive, but to ask God to not blame those who were in the act of taking his life. We are taught that we must forgive others and pray for our enemies. Stephen is an amazing example to me of one who was faithful to this principle.

From these verses, we learn that the Godhead is three distinct beings. We read that by the power of the Holy Ghost Stephen saw the heavens open and he saw Jesus Christ standing on the right hand of God. They are united in their mission. They were all three present at the time of Stephen's death.

In Mosiah 17:7-20 we read about Abinadai. Abinadai was also martyred for his beliefs. Their deaths were similar in a lot of ways. Both had preached the word of god with boldness. Those who heard their words were angry with them and sought to take their lives. Neither would deny his testimony to save his life. Their testimonies were rejected by wicked men. Both men bore testimony up until their last dying breath and sealed their testimonies by their deaths. Both men asked God to receive their spirit.

As I read their final testimonies, I feel a great desire and duty to learn from their words. I have been thinking a lot about Elder Halstroms talk from conference about being active vs. converted. When I think about these two men, I know that they were truly converted to the Lord. They gave up their lives for what they knew to be true. Most of us will not be asked to give up our lives for the gospel, but we need to be converted and be willing to share our testimonies with others even when it may not be popular by the world's standards.