In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, witness often refers to someone who bears witness, or testimony, of something he or she has experienced and knows to be true.

Three witnesses (Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris) declared an angel of God appeared to them and showed them the Book of Mormon plates and they heard the voice of the Lord pronounce that Joseph Smith’s translation had been accomplished “by …

Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been …

Consider some ways a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be a witness of Christ. We are witnesses of Christ when we receive a sure, personal testimony that He lives.

“In the course of the work of translation,” Joseph Smith’s history explains, “we ascertained that three special witnesses were to be provided by the Lord, to whom he would grant, that they should see the plates from which this work (the Book of Mormon) should be translated.”

Russell M. Nelson | Special Witness of ChristSpecial Witnesses of Christ

In June 1829, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris asked for permission to be the three witnesses of whom the Book of Mormon prophesied. The Lord granted them their desire (see Doctrine and Covenants 17) and sent an angel, who showed them the plates.

We partake of the sacrament to witness unto the Father that we will keep the commandments and always remember Jesus, 3 Ne. 18:10–11 (Moro. 4–5; D&C 20:77–79).

Apostles have the calling and ordination to be special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world (see D&C 107:23), but the duty to witness and testify of Christ at all times and in all places applies to every member of the Church who has received the testimony of the Holy Ghost.

We are witnesses when we share our heartfelt testimonies of Jesus Christ, of His gospel plan, of His Resurrection, and of His inclusive, unconditional, and empowering love for us.