Monday, June 25, 2012

Revelation

"As General Authorities of the Church, we are just the same as you are, and you are just the same as we are. You have the same access to the powers of revelation for your families and for your work and for your callings as we do. Elder Boyd K. Packer, "The Weak and the Simple of the Church," Ensign, Nov. 2007


Continuing revelation does not demean or discredit existing revelation. The Old Testament does not lose its value in our eyes when we are introduced to the New Testament, and the New Testament is only enhanced when we read the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. In considering the additional scripture accepted by Latter-day Saints, we might ask: Were those early Christians who for decades had access only to the primitive Gospel of Mark (generally considered the first of the New Testament Gospels to be written)—were they offended to receive the more detailed accounts set forth later by Matthew and Luke, to say nothing of the unprecedented passages and revelatory emphasis offered later yet by John? Surely they must have rejoiced that ever more convincing evidence of the divinity of Christ kept coming. And so do we rejoice. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, " 'My Words … Never Cease,' " Ensign, May 2008


"Continuing revelation is a fundamental feature of [the faith of our Father]. Joseph Smith's first prayer is a powerful testimony of this. Revelation is a constant compass that keeps us always true to the will and the faith of our Heavenly Father. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Faith of Our Father," Ensign, May 2008


“Early European converts [sailing to America] . . . had overcome many stumbling blocks. They had a testimony that revelation comes from heaven and that prophets and apostles are again on the earth. They had faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
“They had come to understand the sublime destination that was in store for them. They were not fearful of the arduous journey they were undertaking, and their ultimate destination was not really the Salt Lake Valley. Their true destination was paradise followed by exaltation in the celestial kingdom.” Elder Quentin L. Cook, “Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children,” Ensign, May 2009
 
 
 
“Even more amazing than modern technology is our opportunity to access information directly from heaven, without hardware, software, or monthly service fees. It is one of the most marvelous gifts the Lord has offered to mortals. It is His generous invitation to ‘ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ ” Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Ask, Seek, Knock,” Ensign, Nov. 2009
 
 
 
"Every man or woman that has ever entered into the church of God and been baptized for the remission of sins has a right to revelation, a right to the Spirit of God, to assist them in their labors, in their administrations to their children, in counseling their children and those over whom they are called upon to preside. The Holy Ghost is not restricted to men, nor to apostles or prophets; it belongs to every faithful man and woman, and to every child who is old enough to receive the gospel of Christ." Wilford Woodruff, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff [2004


"How wonderful it is that we believe in modern revelation. I cannot get over the feeling that if revelation were needed anciently, when life was simple, that revelation is also needed today, when life is complex. There never was a time in the history of the earth when men needed revelation more than they need it now." Gordon B. Hinckley, "Inspirational Thoughts," Ensign, Sept. 2007
 
 
"I learned at a young age that inspiration can come to any of us. When I was in junior high school I was taking a difficult class where most of what was being taught went over my head. One day the teacher asked me a question. I didn't understand the question, let alone the answer. Out of nowhere a response came into my mind, which I repeated to the teacher. It was the right answer, but I knew it had not come from me." James E. Faust, "Did You Get the Right Message?" Ensign, May 2004
 
 
"Joseph's wife Emma bore a testimony similar to Parley P. Pratt's in that she continued to be amazed at the process through which revelations came. Years after the Prophet's death she said: 'I am satisfied that no man could have dictated the writing of the manuscripts unless he was inspired; for, when acting as his scribe, [Joseph] would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or after interruptions, he could at once begin where he had left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him.'" Elder M. Russell Ballard,  "Marvelous Are the Revelations of the Lord," Ensign, May 1998
 
 
“Revelation from God is always compatible with His eternal law. It never contradicts His doctrine.” Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Ask, Seek, Knock,” Ensign, Nov. 2009
 
 
"The Father and His Beloved Son appeared to [Joseph Smith] in answer to his prayer. And he was told how to act, as he had desired. He obeyed like a child. He was told to join none of the churches. He did as he was told. And because of his faithfulness, in the days and months and years ahead his prayers were answered with a flood of light and truth. The fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the keys of the kingdom of God were restored to the earth. His humble dependence on God led to the Restoration of the gospel, with authority and sacred ordinances. Because of that Restoration, we have the chance to choose the most priceless independence to be free of the bondage of sin through the cleansing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ." Henry B. Eyring, "Prayer," Ensign, Nov. 2001
 
 
 
"The Holy Ghost is the messenger for the Father and the Son and the teacher of and guide to all truth (see John 14:26; 16:13). Thus, 'by the power of the Holy Ghost [we] may know the truth of all things' (Moroni 10:5). "The knowledge and spiritual conviction we receive from the Holy Ghost are the result of revelation." Elder David. A. Bednar, "Watching with All Perseverance," Ensign, May 2010
 
 
"Though the task seems large, we are strengthened by the truth: 'The greatest force in this world today is the power of God as it works through man.' If we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help. That divine help, however, is predicated upon our worthiness. To sail safely the seas of mortality, to perform a human rescue mission, we need the guidance of that eternal mariner--even the great Jehovah. We look up, we reach out to obtain heavenly help." President Thomas S. Monson, "The Call for Courage," Ensign, May 2004
 
 
"We do not always receive inspiration or revelation when we request it. Sometimes we are delayed in the receipt of revelation, and sometimes we are left to our own judgment. We cannot force spiritual things. It must be so. Our life's purpose to obtain experience and to develop faith would be frustrated if our Heavenly Father directed us in every act, even in every important act. We must make decisions and experience the consequences in order to develop self-reliance and faith." Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Eight Ways God Can Speak to You," New Era, Sept. 2004
 


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