Revelation

The Mormon Church defines revelation as "Communication from God to his children on earth. Revelation may come through the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost by way of inspiration, visions, dreams, or visits by angels. Revelation provides guidance that can lead the faithful to eternal salvation in the celestial kingdom." Mormonism is unique among Christian denominations in that it asserts that revelation is continuous and that much modern revelation has been revealed as is recorded in the Scriptures of the Mormon Church. The ninth Article of Faith states:

"We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Mormons believe that revelation in the form of inspiration by the Holy Spirit, prophetic dreams, visions, visitations of angels, and so on continue to day. Mormonism teaches that every member of the Church and every accountable person on earth who sincerely and earnestly seeks to know the will of God in their lives is entitled to revelation from God about what actions will lead them to happiness through following the teachings of Jesus Christ, the inspiration of the Light of Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Revelation has always been a part of Christ’s Church especially to the Church’s leaders known as prophets. Amos 3:7 reads, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Today, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are set apart in the Church as prophets, seers, and revelators. While only the President of the Church is authorized to receive revelation for the whole Church, members can receive revelation for themselves, their families, and their areas of authority in the Church. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught:

I will inform you that it is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instructions for those in authority, higher than themselves; therefore you will see the impropriety of giving heed to them; but if any person have a vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be for his own benefit and instruction; for the fundamental principles, government, and doctrine of the Church are vested in the keys of the kingdom. . . And again we never inquire at the hand of God for special revelation only in case of there being no previous revelation to suit the case; and that in a council of High Priests.

History of Church 7 Vols. 1:338, 339

Every member of the Mormon Church is blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost. Joseph Smith said, “The Holy Ghost is a revelator, no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations.” Every person is entitled to personal revelation for his or her own benefit. Those in leadership positions within the Church such as a Bishop or Stake President may receive revelation for the members over whom he presides. However a Bishop can’t receive revelation for an entire stake, because his authority is only over the ward. Parents are also entitled to receive revelation on behalf of their entire family, and children.

Revelation is essential. Instruction given to past generations may not always be necessary for future generations. For example in the Old Testament, God instituted the law of animal sacrifice through revelation. The purpose of animal sacrifice was to remind the people of the Savior that would come and give his life as a sacrifice for sin and redeem us all. However, when Christ came and performed this act, there was no longer a need for animal sacrifice. A new law of sacrifice was revealed and asked that members give of their time, substance, and talents to help build up Christ’s Church. Modern revelation is also needed to help clarify, and interpret past revelation. Biblical injunctions against not eating food sacrificed to idols does not apply to our day and so God continues to reveal guidance and commandments to help his faithful followers avoid the difficultires of the world and build His Kingdom on earth.

Members of the Church value the Bible and Book of Mormon as a source for revelation about the organization of Christ’s Church, the commandments, plan of salvation, important spiritual events such as Christ’s life and ministry, and as an example of God’s dealings with men. However these are not the only sources of God’s revelations other revelations are needed to guide our lives and the Church to make sure that our actions are in accordance with God’s will.