List of Doctrines on "Revelation: Law of Witnesses"
Author's Note: Every truth of the gospel intended as a testimony to the world is revealed from God to men through the recorded witness of many prophets in written scriptures. Every asserted doctrine and every interpretation of scripture must be tested against those recorded testimonies and be in harmony with them.
655. When the Lord wants the people to learn any essential truth, He will teach it to them over and over again through the repeated witnesses of prophets.
656. The Lord continually reveals His word to prophets for the contemporary guidance of His people, while He also preserves ancient and contemporary records as continual testimony and witness of His doctrines.
657. All revelations from heaven are harmonious with each other.
658. True doctrine is in harmony with the recorded revealed word of God in all scriptures (i.e., the Standard Works).
659. Unless a doctrine is in harmony with the teachings of contemporary prophets it cannot be considered true doctrine.
660. The Holy Ghost confirms the truth of the declarations of the Lord's witnesses.
655. When the Lord wants the people to learn any essential truth, He will teach it to them over and over again through the repeated witnesses of prophets.
Boyd K. Packer
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Bruce R. McConkie
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Nephi, son of Lehi
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Nephi, son of Lehi
Moroni, son of Mormon
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Mark E. Petersen
Paul
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Bruce R. McConkie
Bruce R. McConkie
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
President Spencer W. Kimball
President Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay
George Q. Cannon
Marion G. Romney
Nephi, son of Lehi
Bruce R. McConkie
Jacob, brother of Nephi
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
President Joseph F. Smith
Jesus
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
Thomas B. Marsh, Orson Hyde, William Smith, David W. Patten, Wm. E. M'Lellin, Orson Pratt, Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, John F. Boynton, Heber C. Kimball, Luke S. John son, Lyman E. John son
Recorded in Deuteronomy
Jesus
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Boyd K. Packer
I wish to share a few thoughts about a basic doctrine of the Church. . . .
. . . . [I]nstruction vital to our salvation is not hidden in an obscure verse or phrase in the scriptures. To the contrary, essential truths are repeated over and over again. CR1984Oct:81
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
There is a law definitely stated in the scriptures governing testimony and the appointment of witnesses. This law the Lord has always followed in granting new revelation to the people.
All down through the ages this law has been a fixed and definite one. If we had perfect records of all ages, we would find that whenever the Lord has established a dispensation, there has been more than one witness to testify for him. Paul in writing to the Corinthians said: "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." [2 Corinthians 13:1 the divine law of witnesses given to Israel.] (Church News, 1939; Doctrines of Salvation 1:203) TLDP:733
Bruce R. McConkie
This law . . . is that the Lord always sends his word by witnesses who testify of its truth and divinity; that one witness alone, though he speaks the truth, is not enough to bind his hearers; that two or more witnesses always unite their voices to make the divinely borne testimony binding on earth and sealed everlastingly in the heavens; and that thus, in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established. (The Mortal Messiah, 2:76) TLDP:733
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
In giving the world the testimony of three witnesses in addition to Joseph Smith, the Lord fulfilled the law. We are called upon in this life to walk by faith, not by sight, not by the proclamation of heavenly messengers with the voice of thunder, but by the proclamation of accredited witnesses whom the Lord sends and by whom every word shall be established. CHMR1:40; DCSM:13
Nephi, son of Lehi
Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth the words of the book; and in the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good will he establish his word; and wo be unto him that rejecteth the word of God (Nephi foretells of the last days and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 27:14
Joseph Smith
One thing more in order to prove the work as we proceed. It is necessary to have witnesses, two or three of whose testimonies, according to the laws or rules of God and man, are sufficient to establish any one point. (Letter to James A. Bennett, Nov. 13, 1843) HC6:76
Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord
receiving the Word of the Lord
And now, behold, I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. (Revelation for Oliver Cowdery, April 1829) D&C 6:28
Nephi, son of Lehi
And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words. (Nephi testifies that he and his brother, Jacob, have each seen the Redeemer, 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 11:3
Moroni, son of Mormon
And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day. (The record of Moroni) Ether 5:4
Joseph Smith
[T]hat in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. (Joseph writes to the Church giving further directions on baptism for the dead, Sept. 6, 1842) D&C 128:3
Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord
receiving the Word of the Lord
And the testimony of three witnesses will I send forth of my word.
16. And behold, whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit— (Revelation at the request of Martin Harris, March 1829; the Lord promises to supply three witnesses to the Book of Mormon) D&C 5:15-16
Mark E. Petersen
The chief reason we have the Book of Mormon is that in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall all things be established. (See 2 Corinthians 13:1.) We have the Bible; we also have the Book of Mormon. They constitute two voices—two volumes of scripture—from two widely separated ancient peoples, both bearing testimony to the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
But we also have two other scriptural witnesses also, making four altogether. They are the modern scriptures given as revelations through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and they, too, declare that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior, the Creator, the long-promised Messiah. CR1978Apr:98
Paul
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. (Paul writes to the Church at Corinth, Greece, reminding the Saints that he has already given them two witnesses—two visits, two preachings—and that this epistle is the third, about A.D. 55) 2 Corinthians 13:1
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
It was necessary . . . that there should be other witnesses and that Joseph Smith should not stand alone. . . . This is according to the law of witnesses which the Lord established in the very beginning. (See Deuteronomy 19:15; John 5:30-32; John 8:12-14; 2 Corinthians 13:1.)
The consequences following the rejection of such strong, divine, and attested witness, is exceedingly great. CHMR1:73
Related Witnesses:
Bruce R. McConkie
All the prophets of all the ages bear the same testimony; all preach the same saving truths; all bear witness of the same Atoning One. (The Mortal Messiah, 3:401) TLDP:535
Bruce R. McConkie
Jesus himself, repeatedly, bluntly, plainly, over and over again testified of his own divine Sonship. [italics added] (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:198-99) TLDP:317
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
I have said to you brethren, over and over again, and I repeat it tonight. . . . [italics added] CR1949Apr:184
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
(First Presidency)
Council of the Twelve
The scriptures plainly and repeatedly affirm that God is the Creator of the earth and the heavens and all things that in them are. [italics added] (Pamphlet, "The Father and The Son; A Doctrinal Exposition by The First Presidency and The Twelve," published by the Church, June 30, 1916. Reprinted in AF:420-26. For details, see MOFP5:23-34) AF:421; MOFP5:26
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Sexual sin receives repeated condemnation in the scriptures. [italics added] (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 24) TLDP:71
President Spencer W. Kimball
We have repeatedly affirmed the position of the Church in unalterably opposing all abortions, except in two rare instances. . . . [italics added] CR1976Oct:6
President Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay
(First Presidency)
[T]he Lord said: "Multiply and replenish the earth." He has repeated that commandment in our day. He has again revealed in this, the last dispensation, the principle of the eternity of the marriage covenant. [italics added] CR1942Oct:12; MOFP6:177
George Q. Cannon
It is a direct command from the Lord, often repeated in His word, constantly declared by His servants, that it is the duty of his children to pray to Him without ceasing. [italics added] (Gospel Truth, 2:166-67) TLDP:489
Marion G. Romney
There isn't any commandment from the Lord that is repeated more often than the commandment to pray to the Lord. . . . [italics added] ACR(Taipei)1975:7
Nephi, son of Lehi
For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.
12. For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.
13. And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews. (The Lord speaks to Nephi about the latter-day gentiles, many of whom shall reject the Book of Mormon, 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 29:11-13
Bruce R. McConkie
Every prophet from the beginning on down was a witness of the Lord Jesus. They all bore testimony that salvation was in him. They all worshipped the Father in the name of Christ. They all taught that men received a remission of sins by faith and repentance and baptism, because of the atoning sacrifice which he would work out. . . . And all of the witness and all of the assurance that any of the inspired apostles and prophets have made since the day of Christ are termed testimony. ACR(Sydney)1976:20
Jacob, brother of Nephi
Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old. (Jacob 's writings, 544-521 B.C.) Jacob 4:13
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
It is wrong to take one passage of scripture and isolate it from all other teachings dwelling on the same subject. We should bring together all that has been said by authority on the question. . . . Therefore we must find out what else has been said about salvation. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:95) TLDP:615
President Joseph F. Smith
We have nothing that is not in common with the Latter-day Saints. We know nothing, and we will preach nothing to the people except that which the Lord God has revealed, and we advise and counsel those who are in authority, and whose duty and business it is to teach and preach the principles of the gospel to the world and to the Latter-day Saints, to confine their teachings and their instructions to the word of God that has been revealed. CR1917Oct:5
Jesus,
recorded in Matthew
recorded in Matthew
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. (Jesus teaches his disciples the principle of forgiveness) Matthew 18:16
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
(First Presidency)
The First Presidency have nothing to advance concerning pre-existing states, but that which is contained in the revelations to the Church. The written standards of scripture show. . . . (Published message of the First Presidency of the Church, Jan. 1912; IE1912Mar:417) MOFP4:264
Thomas B. Marsh, Orson Hyde, William Smith, David W. Patten, Wm. E. M'Lellin, Orson Pratt, Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, John F. Boynton, Heber C. Kimball, Luke S. John son, Lyman E. John son
TESTIMONY OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES TO THE TRUTH OF THE BOOK OF DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS.
The Testimony of the Witnesses to the Book of the Lord's Commandments, which He gave to His Church through Joseph Smith, Jun., who was appointed by the voice of the Church for this purpose:
We, therefore, feel willing to bear testimony to all the world of mankind, to every creature upon the face of all the earth and upon the islands of the sea, that the Lord has borne record to our souls, through the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us, that these commandments were given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for all men, and are verily true.
We give this testimony unto the world, the Lord being our helper; and it is through the grace of God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, that we are permitted to have this privilege of bearing this testimony unto the world, that the children of men may be profited thereby. (This written testimony of the Twelve Apostles was included in the introduction to the publication of the Doctrine and Covenants [Book of Commandments] in 1835) D&C Intro
Recorded in Deuteronomy
One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. (Commandments to Israel through Moses ) Deuteronomy 19:15
Jesus,
quoted by John
quoted by John
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 13. The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. 14. Jesus answered and said unto them. . . .
17. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. (Jesus responds to the Pharisees who accuse him of bearing record of himself without witnesses, as he teaches the people in the temple) John 8:12-14,17-18
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
The law given to Israel in the beginning was that in the mouth of two or three witnesses all things should be established. (Answers to Gospel Questions, 1:204) TLDP:733
Author's Note: The question arises, where can we go to find these "repeated witnesses of prophets," referred to in this doctrine (D-655)?
In the Gospel Principles Manual appears the following important statement: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts four books as scripture: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These books are called the standard works of the Church. . . .
In addition to these four books of scripture, the inspired words of our living prophets become scripture to us. Their words come to us through conferences, Church publications, and instructions to local priesthood leaders." (GP:49,51-52)
Those words of prophets that are binding scripture on the saints and the world because they are officially published by the Church, are located in the following five types of official Church publications:
(1) The Standard Works.
(2) Conference Reports: Church published speeches and writings of the Latter-day prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
(3) Church published books or writings of Apostles (i.e. published by authority of the prophets: the First Presidency of the Church and/or the Council of the Twelve).
(4) Church published priesthood and Relief Society manuals, institute and other lesson manuals. These are writings promulgated under authority of the President of the Church, the living prophet, whose right it is to speak for the Lord. (But we have not included in this definition of Church publications Church sponsored writings, such as the Church News and Church magazines—Ensign, New Era, Friend, or Improvement Era—because the living prophet and President of the Church does not control the contents or officially promulgate these publications.
(5) New revelations, or amendatory revelations, presented by the President, prophet, seer and revelator of the Church to the Church as a whole, and accepted by the Church as a whole at a general conference, and which are then sent (i.e. published) to the stakes and wards of the Church over the signatures of the First Presidency, or sent/published to the Church in the regular papers or magazines which are under the control of the Church, as revelation to the Church by the Lord through his prophet in the spirit of "Thus saith the Lord!"
Since by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word is to be established, when a concept appears only once and is NOT repeated by prophetic witness it is not doctrine of the Church.
When the Lord wants his children to learn and understand any doctrine, he will teach it to them through the spirit of prophecy by the repeated influence of the Holy Ghost. That same spirit will prompt more than one prophet to reiterate the doctrine. Two or more witnesses (prophets) must affirm the doctrine. Their testimonies or witnesses may all be found within the standard works; there may be but one in the standard works yet other witnesses expounding the doctrine in Church writings published under direction of the President, prophet, seer, and revelator of the Church, the First Presidency or Council of the Twelve; there may be a doctrine given to the Church and authoritatively sent (i.e. published) to the Church through a latter-day prophet/president and subsequently renewed in other writings published under the direction of the President/prophet; there may be several repetitions of the doctrine by prophets in conference talks and other Church published writings; but always, by the testimony of two or more witnesses shall every word of the Lord be established.
Such is the pattern the Lord has given us from the beginning as verified by scripture: ". . . [I]n the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (D&C 6:28)
656. The Lord continually reveals His word to prophets for the contemporary guidance of His people, while He also preserves ancient and contemporary records as continual testimony and witness of His doctrines.
Hugh B. Brown
President Joseph F. Smith
Marion G. Romney
Orson Pratt
James E. Talmage
President Spencer W. Kimball
Orson F. Whitney
Hugh B. Brown
[W]e cannot believe that [God's] Church in one dispensation would be blessed and led by . . . "live" revelation and in another dispensation leave a distraught and imperiled world with only the recorded messages of ancient prophets, some of which messages were for specific purposes and under special circumstances. We believe that revelation both "live" and recorded is now, and will continue to be, available to men. Whenever the Lord has recognized his Church, he has given through his prophets messages of warning, instruction, and hope. . . . CR1961Oct:94-95
President Joseph F. Smith
The theology of our Church is the theology taught by Jesus Christ and His apostles, the theology of scripture and reason. It not only acknowledges the sacredness of ancient scripture, and the binding force of divinely-inspired acts and utterances in ages past; but also declares that God now speaks to man in this final Gospel dispensation. (Address from the First Presidency of the Church to the world, delivered to and accepted by vote of the Church in general conference, April 1907) CR1907Apr(Appendix)4
Marion G. Romney
Even though these testimonies of Jesus and the ancient prophets concerning the person and nature of God are clear and convincing, the Lord does not require us to rely upon them alone. He has never required the people of one age to rely upon the records of the past alone. At the beginning of every dispensation he has revealed himself anew. . . .
God has, from the beginning, seen fit to place a knowledge of himself within the reach of all men. We who are his present witnesses are but discharging our responsibility when we bring these testimonies of the prophets and our own testimonies as to the form and nature of God to your attention.
To the extent we do bring them to your attention, the responsibility passes from us to you to determine the credibility of the witnesses and their testimonies. Let no man underestimate the importance of his decision concerning this matter. To know God and his Son Jesus Christ is life eternal. Without such knowledge no man can be saved. And the only way to get it is to obtain a personal witness to the truth of the revelations which God the Father and Jesus Christ, his Son, have given of themselves. CR1967Oct:135-36
Orson Pratt,
quoted by the First Presidency: President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Daniel H. Wells
quoted by the First Presidency: President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Daniel H. Wells
Upon what principle are we to be one? It is by hearkening in all things to that eternal and everlasting Priesthood which has been conferred upon mortal man upon the earth. When I say that Priesthood, I mean the individual who holds the keys thereof. He is the standard—the living oracle to the Church.
"But," says one, "suppose that we hearken to the word of God in the Old and New Testament—suppose that we hearken to the word of God in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants—suppose we hearken to the word of God in the Book of Mormon, and at the same time we feel disposed in our hearts to lay aside the living oracles, what then?" I would answer, in the first place, that the premises are false. Why? The very moment that we set aside the living oracles we set aside the revelations of God. Why? Because the revelations of God command us plainly that we shall hearken to the living oracles. Hence, if we undertake to follow the written word, and at the same time do not give heed to the living oracles of God, the written word will condemn us: it shows that we do not follow it according to our profession. (As introduction to the address of Orson Pratt, from which this quotation is taken, the following appeared: "On the 29th of January, in the Tabernacle, Elder Orson Pratt, senior, addressed the Saints; and, through an oversight, a portion of his remarks was printed in . . . the Deseret News, previous to being carefully revised. Since then, those remarks have been examined by brother Pratt and the Council, and are now printed as agreed upon by them." Published message of the First Presidency of the Church, Deseret News, Sept. 22, 1860) MOFP2:217
James E. Talmage
We believe that God is as willing today as He ever has been to reveal His mind and will to man, and that He does so through His appointed servants—prophets, seers, and revelators—invested through ordination with the authority of the Holy Priesthood. We rely therefore on the teachings of the living oracles of God as of equal validity with the doctrines of the written word. AF:6
President Spencer W. Kimball
Since that momentous day in 1820, additional scripture has continued to come, including the numerous and vital revelations flowing in a never-ending stream from God to his prophets on earth. . . .
I say, in the deepest of humility, but also by the power and force of a burning testimony in my soul, that from the prophet of the Restoration to the prophet of our own year, the communication line is unbroken, the authority is continuous, a light brilliant and penetrating, continues to shine. The sound of the voice of the Lord is a continuous melody and a thunderous appeal. For nearly a century and a half there has been no interruption. CR1977Apr:115
Orson F. Whitney
My Greek Catholic friend, whether he knew it or not, had hit upon the great distinguishing feature that differentiates God's Church from all other churches under the sun—in this, that while they are founded upon books and traditions and the precepts of men, this Church is built upon the rock of Christ, upon the principle of immediate and continuous revelation. The Latter-day Saints do not do things because they happen to be printed in a book. They do not do things because God told the Jews to do them; nor do they do or leave undone anything because of instructions that Christ gave to the Nephites. Whatever is done by this Church is because God, speaking from heaven in our day, has commanded this Church to do it. No book presides over this Church, and no book lies at its foundation. You cannot pile up books enough to take the place of God's priesthood, inspired by the power of the Holy Ghost. . . . Divine revelation adapts itself to the circumstances and conditions of men, and change ensues as God's progressive work goes on to its destiny. There is no book big enough or good enough to preside over this Church.
In saying this, I speak with all due reverence of the written word of God. . . . (Elder Whitney's "Greek Catholic friend" had said that it "made him shudder when he saw people sipping the water" instead of wine for sacrament—his church does not recognize the principle of continuous revelation) CR1916Oct:55
657. All revelations from heaven are harmonious with each other.
President Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, Anthon H. Lund
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
Marion G. Romney
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Bruce R. McConkie
President Heber J. Grant
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
President Heber J. Grant
James E. Talmage
President Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, Anthon H. Lund
(First Presidency)
Truth has but one source, and all revelations from heaven are harmonious with each other. (Published message of the First Presidency of the Church, Nov. 1909) MOFP4:199
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
(First Presidency)
quoted by President George Albert Smith, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay
(First Presidency)
When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions, or an extraordinary gift of inspiration conveys something out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its constituted authorities, Latter-day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear. Also, they should understand that directions for the guidance of the Church will come by revelation, through the head. . . .
Be not led by any spirit or influence that discredits established authority . . . or leads away from the direct revelations of God for the government of the Church. The Holy Ghost does not contradict its own revealings. Truth is always harmonious with itself. (Published message of the First Presidency of the Church, Dec. 29, 1945, republishing a message of the previous First Presidency in 1913) MOFP6:244-45
Marion G. Romney
I would like now to suggest some tests which can safely be used to distinguish the genuine from the counterfeit. . . .
. . . . The teaching must not only come under the proper label [that of Jesus Christ], but it must also conform to the other teaching[s] of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. [Italics by Marion G. Romney] CR1960Oct:76-77
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
If I should say something which is contrary to that which is written in the standard works of the Church, and accepted by the Authorities of the Church and approved by the Church generally, no one is under any obligation to accept it. Everything I say and everything that any other person says must square itself with that which the Lord has revealed, or it should be rejected. CR1943Oct:97
Bruce R. McConkie
The issue then was—and now is—how to identify the true prophets; how to know who among the professing prophets represent the Lord and who have no such divine commission; how to tell the true from the false.
. . . . Is their doctrine true and sound and in harmony with all that is found in Holy Writ? . . . And does the Lord God give his Holy Spirit to attest the truth of their words and to approve the acts that they do? Without true prophets there is no salvation; false prophets lead people astray; men choose, at the peril of their salvation, the prophets whom they follow. (The Mortal Messiah, 2:170-71) TLDP:538
Related Witnesses:
President Heber J. Grant
The Book of Mormon is in absolute harmony from start to finish with other sacred scriptures. There is not a doctrine taught in it that does not harmonize with the teachings of Jesus Christ. . . . It is in every way a true witness for God, and it sustains the Bible and is in harmony with the Bible. No group of men can write a book of six or seven hundred pages that is a fraud and have it in harmony in every particular with the scriptures that were given to us by the prophets of God and by Jesus Christ and his Apostles. CR1929Apr:128-29
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
(First Presidency)
But anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable. (Published message of the First Presidency of the Church) IE1913Sept:1148-49; MOFP4:285
President Heber J. Grant
The Book of Mormon does not in any degree conflict with or take the place of the Holy Bible, but is the strongest corroborative evidence in existence of the divine origin of that sacred record. CR1930Apr:10
James E. Talmage
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines. AF:214
658. True doctrine is in harmony with the recorded revealed word of God in all scriptures (i.e., the Standard Works).
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Albert E. Bowen
Elder Harold B. Lee
Charles W. Penrose
Marion G. Romney
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
Peter
Gordon B. Hinckley
John A. Widtsoe
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
[W]e should prove every doctrine by the revelations of the Lord; by those principles of eternal truth which have been revealed for our guidance. We have certain standards which have been accepted and by which we are to be governed.
If I should say something which is contrary to that which is written in the standard works of the church, and accepted by the authorities of the church and approved by the church generally, no one is under any obligation to accept it. Everything I say and everything that any other person says must square itself with that which the Lord has revealed, or it should be rejected. CR1943Oct:97
Albert E. Bowen
In my view there is only one safety; there is only one cure; and that is to take the pure and unadulterated word of God and set that up as our standard of measurement and measure every creed and doctrine and dogma by that yardstick. That which will not square with the declarations of Almighty God we can lay aside as unsuited for the need of man, and orient ourselves again in that declaration of Peter, re-echoed by Paul, by all the disciples of the Christ, so long as his teachings remained undefiled and uncorrupted and set that up as the guide to our course of life. CR1952Apr:66
Elder Harold B. Lee
It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they read and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard church works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea." And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard church works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false, regardless of the position of the man who says it. (To seminary and institute of religion faculty, July 1964) DCSM:144
Charles W. Penrose
We don't want to prevent men from thinking. I have heard some of my brethren say, "Well, do you want to stop men from thinking?" Not at all. Liberty to think and liberty to act upon the thought if you don't infringe the rights others. . . . [B]ut my brethren, it isn't your province nor mine to introduce theories into the Church that are not in accordance with the revelations that have been given. Don't forget that. And if any change in policy is to be introduced, it is to come through the proper channel. The Lord said only his servant Joseph should do that while he lived, and then after he died others were to be called to occupy the place, and the key is in the hands of the man who stands at the head, if any change is to be introduced in our Church. CR1918Apr:21-22
Marion G. Romney
I would like now to suggest some tests which can safely be used to distinguish the genuine from the counterfeit. . . .
. . . . The teaching must not only come under the proper label [that of Jesus Christ], but it must also conform to the other teaching[s] of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. [italics by Marion G. Romney] CR1960Oct:76-77
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
The world today is full of vain philosophy, full of doctrine that is not of the Lord, full of false conclusions, ideas and theories that were not a part of the gospel in the days of the Son of God and hence are not a part of it now, but on the contrary are in absolute contradiction of the truth. . . . The worship of reason, of false philosophy, is greater now than it was then. Men are depending upon their own reason to find out God. . . . They are not seeking for the Spirit of the Lord, they are not striving to know God in the manner he has marked out by which he may be known, but they are walking in their own way, believing in their own man-made philosophies, and teaching the doctrines of devils and not the doctrines of the Son of God. . . .
I want to say to the Latter-day Saints that it is our duty to put our faith in the revealed word of God, to accept that which has come through inspiration, through revelation unto his servants, the prophets, both ancient and modern, and whenever you find any doctrine, any idea, any expression from any source whatsoever that is in conflict with that which the Lord has revealed and which is found in the holy scriptures, you may be assured that it is false and you should put it aside and stand firmly grounded in the truth in prayer and in faith, relying upon the Spirit of the Lord, for knowledge, for wisdom, concerning these principles of truth. CR1917Apr:59-60,64
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
(First Presidency)
When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions or any extraordinary gift of inspiration, convey something out of harmony with accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its constituted authorities, Latter-day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear. Also, they should understand that directions for the guidance of the Church will come, by revelation, through the head. All faithful members are entitled to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for themselves, their families, and for those over whom they are appointed and ordained to preside. But anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable. In secular as well as spiritual affairs, saints may receive divine guidance and revelation affecting themselves, but this does not convey authority to direct others, and is not to be accepted when contrary to Church covenants, doctrine or discipline, or to known facts, demonstrated truths, or good common sense. No person has the right to induce his fellow members of the Church to engage in speculations or take stock in ventures of any kind on the specious claim of divine revelation, or vision, or dream, especially when it is in opposition to the voice of recognized authority, local or general. The Lord's Church "is a house of order." It is not governed by individual gifts or manifestations, but by the order and power of the Holy Priesthood as sustained by the voice and vote of the Church in its appointed conferences. . . .
. . . . The Holy Ghost does not contradict its own revealings. Truth is always harmonious with itself. Piety is often the cloak of error. The counsels of the Lord through the channel he has appointed will be followed with safety, therefore, Oh ye Latter-day Saints, profit by these words of warning. (Published message of the First Presidency of the Church) IE1913Sept:1148-49; MOFP4:285
Related Witnesses:
Peter
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (Letter to members of the Church, about A.D. 60-64) 2 Peter 1:20-21
Gordon B. Hinckley
The remarkable organization of the Church . . . was framed by him [Joseph Smith] as he was directed by revelation, and no modification or adaptation of that organization is ever considered without searching the revelations set forth by the Prophet. CR1977Apr:95
John A. Widtsoe
For a number of years I was engaged in reading the sermons of Brigham Young, having in mind a compilation of his wise sayings for the benefit of the saints. I was amazed to note how closely, how carefully, he followed the doctrine laid down by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who himself only taught the pure, unchanged Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. As I read on, studying the teachings of those who came after Brigham Young, I found the same thing to be true. I have listened in this tabernacle, for many years, to the words of President Heber J. Grant, and I have found him likewise a teacher of the same doctrine that was taught by Joseph Smith, by Brigham Young, and by the others who have preceded President Grant in his high office. There has been no deviation in his teachings from fundamental truth; not by a hair's breadth.
In this changelessness of fundamental teaching lies not only a testimony of the truth of this great work, but also a principle of comfort to all who belong to the Church. . . . I can cling safely to the Church, to the Gospel of Jesus Christ; it has steadying power, it does not change nor vary. It is the same today, yesterday and forever. . . .
Do not misunderstand me as I speak on this theme. Every man clothes his ideas in his own words. Joseph Smith did not speak as Heber J. Grant speaks. The principles, the ideas were the same, but the words used, the forms of expression, belong to the speaker; and every man has a right to express as best he can in the words God gives him, the eternal truths that he may obtain from a divine source.
Again, do not misunderstand me. I do not mean that this Church and kingdom is static, that we stand still. I believe in a living, growing Church, which is in need of and does receive revelation from day to day. Nothing is more certain to me than that we are founded on revelation from God, and that we are guided daily by such revelation. We shall have revelation for our guidance to the end of time; but such new revelations as may come will never supersede, destroy or abrogate the fundamental principles upon which this Church rests its body of doctrine. A new revelation merely adds and develops and more nearly completes that which has formerly been given. CR1934Oct:9-10
659. Unless a doctrine is in harmony with the teachings of contemporary prophets it cannot be considered true doctrine.
Charles W. Penrose
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
Orson Pratt
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
John A. Widtsoe
J. Reuben Clark
President George Albert Smith, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay
Charles W. Penrose
[B]ut my brethren, it isn't your province nor mine to introduce theories into the Church that are not in accordance with the revelations that have been given. Don't forget that. And if any change in policy is to be introduced, it is to come through the proper channel. The Lord said only his servant Joseph should do that while he lived, and then after he died others were to be called to occupy the place, and the key is in the hands of the man who stands at the head, if any change is to be introduced in our Church. CR1918Apr:21-22
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
(First Presidency)
But anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable. (Published message of the First Presidency of the Church) IE1913Sept:1148-49; MOFP4:285
Orson Pratt,
quoted by the First Presidency: President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Daniel H. Wells
quoted by the First Presidency: President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Daniel H. Wells
Upon what principle are we to be one? It is by hearkening in all things to that eternal and everlasting Priesthood which has been conferred upon mortal man upon the earth. When I say that Priesthood, I mean the individual who holds the keys thereof. He is the standard—the living oracle to the Church.
"But," says one, "suppose that we hearken to the word of God in the Old and New Testament—suppose that we hearken to the word of God in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants—suppose we hearken to the word of God in the Book of Mormon, and at the same time we feel disposed in our hearts to lay aside the living oracles, what then?" I would answer, in the first place, that the premises are false. Why? The very moment that we set aside the living oracles we set aside the revelations of God. Why? Because the revelations of God command us plainly that we shall hearken to the living oracles. Hence, if we undertake to follow the written word, and at the same time do not give heed to the living oracles of God, the written word will condemn us: it shows that we do not follow it according to our profession. (As introduction to the address of Orson Pratt, from which this quotation is taken, the following appeared: "On the 29th of January, in the Tabernacle, Elder Orson Pratt, senior, addressed the Saints; and, through an oversight, a portion of his remarks was printed in . . . the Deseret News, previous to being carefully revised. Since then, those remarks have been examined by brother Pratt and the Council, and are now printed as agreed upon by them." Published message of the First Presidency of the Church, Deseret News, Sept. 22, 1860) MOFP2:217
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
I want to say to the Latter-day Saints that it is our duty to put our faith in the revealed word of God, to accept that which has come through inspiration, through revelation unto his servants, the prophets, both ancient and modern, and whenever you find any doctrine, any idea, any expression from any source whatsoever that is in conflict with that which the Lord has revealed and which is found in the holy scriptures, you may be assured that it is false and you should put it aside and stand firmly grounded in the truth in prayer and in faith, relying upon the Spirit of the Lord, . . . CR1917Apr:59-60,64
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose
(First Presidency)
Be not led by any spirit or influence that discredits established authority and contradicts true scientific principles and discoveries, or leads away from the direct revelations of God for the government of the Church. The Holy Ghost does not contradict its own revealings. Truth is always harmonious with itself. Piety is often the cloak of error. The counsels of the Lord through the channel he has appointed will be followed with safety, therefore, Oh ye Latter-day Saints, profit by these words of warning. (Published message of the First Presidency of the Church) IE1913Sept:1148-49; MOFP4:285
John A. Widtsoe
Again, do not misunderstand me. I do not mean that this Church and kingdom is static, that we stand still. I believe in a living, growing Church, which is in need of and does receive revelation from day to day. Nothing is more certain to me than that we are founded on revelation from God, and that we are guided daily by such revelation. We shall have revelation for our guidance to the end of time; but such new revelations as may come will never supersede, destroy or abrogate the fundamental principles upon which this Church rests its body of doctrine. A new revelation merely adds and develops and more nearly completes that which has formerly been given. CR1934Oct:9-10
J. Reuben Clark
on behalf of the First Presidency
You are not, whether high or low, to change the doctrines of the Church or to modify them, as they are declared by and in the Standard Works of the Church and by those whose authority it is to declare the mind and will of the Lord to the Church. The Lord had declared he is "the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Speaking on behalf of the First Presidency [see letter of First Presidency, MOFP6:208-09] to seminary, institute, and Church school teachers at Aspen Grove. Entire speech published in Deseret News, Church Section, Aug. 13, 1938, and in IE1938Sep:520ff; reprinted in MOFP6:44-58. The speech was extracted for use as Lesson 18 of the Melchizedek Priesthood course of study, 1969-70, p. 129ff) MOFP6:55
President George Albert Smith, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay
(First Presidency)
When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions, or an extraordinary gift of inspiration conveys something out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its constituted authorities, Latter-day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear. Also, they should understand that directions for the guidance of the Church will come by revelation, through the head. . . .
Be not led by any spirit or influence that discredits established authority . . . or leads away from the direct revelations of God for the government of the Church. The Holy Ghost does not contradict its own revealings. Truth is always harmonious with itself. (Published message of the First Presidency of the Church, Dec. 29, 1945, republishing a message of the previous First Presidency in 1913, comprised of Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose) MOFP6:244-45
660. The Holy Ghost confirms the truth of the declarations of the Lord's witnesses.
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Recorded in Acts
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
Joseph Smith
Jesus
George F. Richards
Nephi, son of Lehi
President George Albert Smith, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay
Moroni, son of Mormon
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
The question is how shall we know when the things they have spoken were said as they were 'moved upon by the Holy Ghost?' I have given some thought to the question, and the answer thereto so far as I can determine, is: We can tell when the speakers are 'moved upon by the Holy Ghost,' only when we, ourselves, are 'moved upon by the Holy Ghost.' In a way, this completely shifts the responsibility from them to us to determine when they so speak. (To seminary and institute faculties, Brigham Young University, July 7, 1954) DCSM:144
Recorded in Acts
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (After Peter received a vision teaching him to take the gospel to the gentiles, he preached to Jew and gentile about Christ) Acts 10:44
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
It takes revelation to perceive revelation. CR1985Oct:47
Joseph Smith
Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?
22. Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. (Revelation for the elders of the Church, May 1831) D&C 50:21-22
Jesus,
quoted by John
quoted by John
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (Jesus, anticipating his crucifixion, promises his disciples the Holy Ghost in his stead) John 14:26
George F. Richards
The things contained in the Book of Mormon are the things of God given to the children of men by the inspiration and power of the Holy Ghost, and so are the things contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, in the Pearl of Great Price, and in the Holy Bible, which books constitute the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If we can enjoy that measure of the Holy Ghost which is felt by and which actuated those prophets of God who spoke the things contained in these books, and wrote them, we will understand as they understood, and they will not be mysteries unto us. Every Latter-day Saint who is faithful, having accepted the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel, having had the Holy Ghost conferred upon him, if he is true to these things, will know the truth when he reads it or when he hears it spoken. . . .
By the power of the Holy Ghost, which we through righteousness have a right to enjoy, we know that all of those who have spoken in this conference in our hearing have spoken by the power of the Lord. They have spoken words of truth, and words which will make for salvation if we will receive them in good and honest hearts and live with them. This is the office of the Holy Ghost, who is a personage of spirit, one of the trinity of the godhead. It is his mission and office to bear witness of the Father and of the Son and of the truth of all things. "No man may know that Jesus is the Lord except by the Holy Ghost." CR1931Oct:100-01
Nephi, son of Lehi
[F]or when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men. (Nephi's writings, 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 33:1
Related Witnesses:
President George Albert Smith, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., David O. McKay
(First Presidency)
Be not led by any spirit or influence that discredits established authority . . . or leads away from the direct revelations of God for the government of the Church. The Holy Ghost does not contradict its own revealings. Truth is always harmonious with itself. (Published message of the First Presidency of the Church, Dec. 29, 1945, republishing a message of the previous First Presidency in 1913, comprised of Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose) MOFP6:245
Moroni, son of Mormon
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni's final writings, about A.D. 421) Moroni 10:4-5
