You know. I actually have to agree with you here. The first thing we must testify of is the divinity of Jesus Christ.
This is one of the reasons why I participate in forums such as this. Every now and then someone says something I can't disagree with. And guess what? They aren't members of the CoJCoLDS.
When I bear testimony, I make sure I testify of Christ. When I teach a class or give a talk, I make sure I emphasise this is what we must testify of
first - before we testify of anything else.
I've heard a lot of testimonies in church. What I hear mostly, however, are "thanktimonies". This is where some is thankful for this or thankful for that, etc.
Now, I'm not about to criticise someone for offering a thanktimony. I think a thanktimony is a stepping stone to a testimony and something that everyone should obtain sometime in this life.
Consider this: You have a friend who is a devout LDS and who testifies to you of the CoJCoLDS or JS or the WoW or something else. Do you:
- Tell them they are deceived and the CoJCoLDS is a cult.
- Thank them for their testimony and then politely enquire why they didn't testify of Christ.
Which of the two approaches is going to have the most effect on them? Many posters here have said they believe that there
may indeed be Christians within the CoJCoLDS. Taking this to be an axiom, wouldn't it be better to encourage some who is a LDS to strengthen their relationship with Christ (or develop one) rather than attempt to discredit what they currently believe? If you truly trust that the HG will lead people into all truth, is it better to let the HG work on people by teaching truth rather than attempting to discredit peripheral beliefs you find to be objectionable?
In conclusion I offer
my testimony: That I know that God lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. I know that He suffered and died for our sins, was resurrected and appeared before many. I know the only way to the Father is through Christ Jesus. I also know that the Holy Ghost's mission is to testify of the truthfulness of these things and that through the Holy Ghost, we may know of the truthfulness of all things. I know that in a coming day, all of us will be resurrected and be brought before the judgement seat of Christ where Jesus will be our advocate with the Father if we but accept Him into our lives and do all things according to His will.