Resurrection of Christ
51
But at this time Thomas was not present. He would not humbly
receive the report of the disciples; but firmly, and self-confidently
affirmed that he would not believe, unless he should put his fingers in
the prints of the nails, and his hand in his side where the cruel spear
was thrust. In this he showed a lack of confidence in his brethren.
And if all should require the same evidence, but few would receive
Jesus, and believe in his resurrection. But it was the will of God that
the report of the disciples should go from one to the other, and many
receive it from the lips of those who had seen and heard. God was
not well pleased with such unbelief. And when Jesus met with his
disciples again, Thomas was with them. The moment he beheld Jesus
he believed. But he had declared that he would not be satisfied without
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the evidence of feeling added to sight, and Jesus gave him the evidence
he had desired. Thomas cried out, My Lord and my God. But Jesus
reproved Thomas for his unbelief. He said to him, Thomas, because
thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not
seen and yet have believed.
So, I saw, that those who had no experience in the first and second
angels’ messages must receive them from those who had an experience,
and followed down through the messages. As Jesus was crucified, so
I saw that these messages have been crucified. And as the disciples
declared that there was salvation in no other name under heaven,
given among men; so, also, should the servants of God faithfully
and fearlessly declare that those who embrace but a part of the truths
connected with the third message must gladly embrace the first, second
and third messages as God has given them, or have no part nor lot in
the matter.
I was shown that while the holy women were carrying the report
that Jesus had risen, the Roman guard were circulating the lie that
had been put in their mouths by the chief priests and elders, that the
disciples came by night, while they slept, and stole the body of Jesus.
Satan had put this lie into the hearts and mouths of the chief priests,
and the people stood ready to receive their word. But God had made
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this matter sure, and placed this important event, upon which hangs
salvation, beyond all doubt, and where it was impossible for priests
and elders to cover it up. Witnesses were raised from the dead to testify
to Christ’s resurrection.