Elder Dallin H. Oaks, speaking at the October 1990 general conference, said that the scriptures describe occasions when ordinary members - men and women - bore witness of Christ.
"The Book of Mormon tells of King Lamoni and his queen, who testified of their Redeemer. (See Alma 19.) The Bible describes the witness of the Holy Ghost coming upon the kinsmen and friends of Cornelius, who were then heard to `magnify God.' (See Acts 10:24, 46.)"Our scriptural duty to witness of the Savior and to testify of His divine Sonship has been affirmed by the prophets in our own day," Elder Oaks said.
"We are told that the commandments are given and the gospel is proclaimed that every person `might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world.' (D&C 1:20.)
"Spiritual gifts come by the power of the Holy Ghost, that all the faithful may be benefited. One of these gifts is to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.' (D&C 46:13.) Those who receive that gift have the duty to testify of it. We know this because immediately after describing the gift of knowing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Lord says,To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.' (D&C 46:14; see also 3 Ne. 19:28.) Those who have the gift to know must give their witness so that those who have the gift to believe on their words can enjoy the benefit of that gift."
