We Believe: Doctrines of Mormonism: Revelation: Recognizing Revelation

Revelation: Recognizing Revelation

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.

672. One way God communicates to us is by giving us peace to our minds and souls.

673. The spirit of revelation is perceived when a person senses an inward flowing of pure intelligence, giving sudden strokes of ideas.

674. The spirit of revelation is perceived when a person senses an enlarging of the soul and an enlightening of the understanding.

675. God at times speaks to us with a still, small voice of revelation.

676. Revelation comes at times through dreams.

677. Revelation comes at times as an audible voice from heaven.

678. Revelation comes at times through angels sent with messages.

679. Revelation comes at times by visions.

680. Revelation of the truth of a matter comes by the process of first studying it out, then asking the Lord if the conclusion is right; the Lord then induces a burning in the bosom if it is right, or else He causes a stupor of thought if the decision is wrong—causing a forgetting of that which is wrong.

681. We are to heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

672. One way God communicates to us is by giving us peace to our minds and souls.

Thomas S. Monson
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
George Q. Cannon
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Helaman, son of Alma, the younger
Elder Harold B. Lee
Recorded in Numbers

Thomas S. Monson

Rarely is the assurance communicated by a flashing sign or a loud voice. Rather, the language of the Spirit is gentle, quiet, uplifting to the heart and soothing to the soul.
At times, the answers to our questions and the responses to our daily prayers come to us through silent promptings of the Spirit.
We watch. We wait. We listen for that still, small voice. CR1985Apr:85-86

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

[Revelations] . . . come to prophets as deep, unassailable impressions settling down on the prophet's mind and heart as dew from heaven or as the dawn displaces the darkness of night. ACR(Munich)1973:77

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

The burning bushes, the smoking mountains, the sheets of four-footed beasts, the Cumorahs, and the Kirtlands were realities; but they were the exceptions. The great volume of revelation came to Moses and to Joseph and comes to today's prophet in the less spectacular way—that of deep impressions, without spectacle or glamour or dramatic events.
Always expecting the spectacular, many will miss entirely the constant flow of revealed communication. ACR(Munich)1973:77

George Q. Cannon

It should be the aim of every one professing to be a Latter-day Saint not to leave his chamber in the morning until he comes out feeling that spirit of peace, with his brow unruffled with care, with a consciousness of having communed with God and that he knows his standing with him. When he leaves his chamber having that spirit, he will diffuse joy and gladness throughout his entire household. Should anything occur to disturb the serenity of a Latter-day Saint he ought to step aside and ask God in the name of Jesus to remove it and to pour out the spirit of peace and consolation upon him to fill his heart. At night too, the same Spirit of peace should be sought for. (In Tabernacle, July 27, 1879, JD20:292) TLDP:471

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And the place where it is my will that you should tarry, for the main, shall be signalized unto you by the peace and power of my Spirit, that shall flow unto you. (Revelation received at Salem, Mass., Aug. 6, 1836) D&C 111:8

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.
23. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God? (Revelation for Oliver Cowdery, April 1829) D&C 6:22-23

Related Witnesses:

Helaman, son of Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people.
11. Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him. (The Lord speaks peace to Helaman while in battle) Alma 58:10-11

Elder Harold B. Lee

If we will live worthy, then the Lord will guide us—by a personal appearance, or by His actual voice, or by His voice coming into our mind, or by impressions upon our heart and our soul. And oh, how grateful we ought to be if the Lord sends us a dream in which are revealed to us the beauties of the eternity or a warning and direction for our special comfort. Yes, if we so live, the Lord will guide us for our salvation and for our benefit. (To Brigham Young University student body) (Stand Ye in Holy Places, p. 144) TLDP:575

Recorded in Numbers

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (The words of the Lord to Moses for Aaron and his sons) Numbers 6:26

673. The spirit of revelation is perceived when a person senses an inward flowing of pure intelligence, giving sudden strokes of ideas.

Joseph Smith
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
President Harold B. Lee
President Brigham Young
Joseph Smith
Enos
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

The Spirit of Revelation is in connection with these blessings. A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.,) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus. (Instructions to the Twelve, June 27, 1839) TPJS:151; DGSM:5

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

The Lord will increase our knowledge, wisdom, and capacity to obey when we obey His fundamental laws. This is what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said we could have "sudden strokes of ideas" which come into our minds as "pure intelligence." (See Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 151.) This is revelation. We must learn to rely on the Holy Ghost so we can use it to guide our lives and the lives of those for whom we have responsibility. CR1983Apr:71-72;

President Harold B. Lee

When there come to you things that your mind does not know, when you have a sudden thought that comes to your mind, if you will learn to give heed to these things that come from the Lord you will learn to walk by the spirit of revelation. ACR(Mexico City)1972:49

President Brigham Young,
quoted by John A. Widtsoe

The Lord has said, go into the waters of baptism and be baptized for the remission of your sins, and you shall receive a witness that I am telling you the truth. How? . . . You will feel kind to your children, to your brothers and sisters, to your parents and neighbors, and to all around you; you will feel a glow, as of fire, burning within you; and if you open your mouths to talk you will declare ideas which you did not formerly think of; they will flow into your mind, even such as you have not thought of for years. The Scriptures will be opened to you, and you will see how clear and reasonable everything is which this or that Elder teaches you. Your hearts will be comforted, you can lie down and sleep in peace, and wake up with feelings as pleasant as the breezes of summer. This is a witness to you. (In Tabernacle, Feb. 17, 1856, JD3:211) DBY:331

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Enos ,
quoted by Mormon

Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them.
10. And while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again, . . . (Enos gives the word of the Lord to the Nephites, 544-421 B.C.) Enos 1:9-10

Joseph Smith

[A]fter man was created, he was not left without intelligence or understanding, to wander in darkness and spend an existence and doubt (on the great and important point which effected his happiness) as to the real fact by whom he was created, or unto whom he was amenable for his conduct. God conversed with him face to face. In his presence he was permitted to stand, and from his own mouth he was permitted to receive instruction. He heard his voice, walked before him and gazed upon his glory, while intelligence burst upon his understanding, and enabled him to give names to the vast assemblage of his Maker's works. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF2:18

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

One great evil is, that men are ignorant of the nature of spirits; their power, laws, government, intelligence, &c., and imagine that when there is anything like power, revelation, or vision manifested, that it must be of God. Hence the Methodists, Presbyterians, and others frequently possess a spirit that will cause them to lie down, and during its operation, animation is frequently entirely suspended; they consider it to be the power of God, and a glorious manifestation from God—a manifestation of what? Is there any intelligence communicated? Are the curtains of heaven withdrawn, or the purposes of God developed? Have they seen and conversed with an angel—or have the glories of futurity burst upon their view? No but their body has been inanimate, the operation of their spirit suspended, and all the intelligence that can be obtained from them when they arise, is a shout of "glory," or "hallelujah," or some incoherent expression; but they have had "the power." (Editorial in Times and Seasons, April 1842) HC4:572; TPJS:203-04

674. The spirit of revelation is perceived when a person senses an enlarging of the soul and an enlightening of the understanding.

Alma, the younger
President Brigham Young
President Brigham Young
President Joseph F. Smith
Parley P. Pratt
Marion G. Romney
Bruce R. McConkie
President Joseph F. Smith

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. (Alma preaches to the poor whose afflictions had humbled them; he compares the word of God to a seed, about 74 B.C.) Alma 32:28

President Brigham Young,
quoted by John A. Widtsoe

There is only one way to obtain power and influence in the Kingdom of God, and only one way to obtain foreknowledge, and that is to live so that that influence will come from our Creator, enlightening the mind and revealing things that are past, present and future pertaining to the earth and its inhabitants, and to the dealings of God with the children of men; in short, there is no source of true information outside of the Spirit of Revelation; it maketh manifest all things, and revealeth the dispositions of communities and of individuals. By possessing this Spirit, mankind can obtain power that is durable, beneficial, and that will result in a higher state of knowledge, of honor, and of glory. This can be obtained only by strictly marking the path of truth, and walking faithfully therein. (In Tabernacle, March 8, 1863, JD10:104-05) DBY:147

President Brigham Young

What is it that convinces man? It is the influence of the Almighty, enlightening his mind, giving instruction to the understanding. When that inhabits the body, that which comes from the regions of glory is enlightened by the influence, power, and Spirit of the Father of light, it swallows up the organization which pertains to this world. Those who are governed by this influence lose sight of all things pertaining to mortality; they are wholly influenced by the power of eternity, and lose sight of time. All the honor, wisdom, strength, and whatsoever is considered desirable among men, yea, all that pertains to this organization, which is in any way independent of that which came from the Father of our spirits, is obliterated to them and they hear and understand by the same power and spirit that clothe the Deity, and the holy beings in His presence. ("Statement from Brigham Young concerning the Holy Ghost," IE1947Jan:5, JD1:90) TLDP:279

President Joseph F. Smith

I believe that the Lord has revealed to the children of men all that they know. I do not believe that any man has discovered any principle in science, or art, in mechanism, or mathematics, or anything else, that God did not know before he did. Man is indebted to the source of all intelligence and truth for the knowledge that he possesses; and all who will yield obedience to the promptings of the Spirit which leads to virtue, to honor, to the love of God and man, and to the love of truth and that which is enobling and enlarging to the soul, will get a clearer, a more expansive, and a more direct and conclusive knowledge of God's truths than anyone else can do. CR1902Apr:85-86

Parley P. Pratt

The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form, and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being. (Key to the Science of Theology, p. 61) TLDP:280; DGSM:45

Marion G. Romney

The gift of the Holy Ghost is an endowment that gives one the right to enjoy the enlightenment, companionship, and guidance of the Spirit and the influence of the Holy Spirit as long as one complies with the commandments of God. (Learning for the Eternities, p. 22) TLDP:277

Bruce R. McConkie

"Come unto me" and receive my Spirit, and then shall ye have power to learn of me. This is the great and grand secret. This is the course that is provided for us and for all men, and it is provided in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. This is the sole and only way to learn of Christ within the full sense and meaning of his tender and solicitous invitation. "No man can know that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." Little slivers of truth come to all who seek to know; occasional flashes of lightening give glimpses of the eternal realities that are hidden by the gloom and darkness of unbelief. But to learn and know those truths which reveal the Son of Man in his majesty and beauty and that prepare the truth seeker to be one with his Lord, such rays of the noonday sun shine forth only upon those who gain the enlightening companionship of the Holy Spirit. (The Mortal Messiah, 1:17) TLDP:283

Related Witnesses:

President Joseph F. Smith

[In the words of Job ], "There is a spirit in man; and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding." It is this inspiration from God, proceeding throughout all his creations, that enlighteneth the children of men; and it is nothing more nor less than the Spirit of Christ, that enlighteneth the mind, that quickeneth the understanding, and that prompteth the children of men to do that which is good and to eschew that which is evil; which quickens the conscience of man and gives him intelligence to judge between good and evil, light and darkness, right and wrong. We are indebted to God for this intelligence that we possess. It is by the spirit which lighteth every man that cometh into the world that our minds are quickened and our spirits enlightened with understanding and intelligence. And all men are entitled to this. It is not reserved for the obedient alone; but it is given unto all the children of men that are born into the world. ("I Know That My Redeemer Lives," IE1908Mar:380-81) TLDP:362

675. God at times speaks to us with a still, small voice of revelation.

Mormon
Mormon
President Heber J. Grant
Recorded in 1 Kings
George Q. Cannon
Nephi, son of Lehi
President Joseph F. Smith
Joseph Smith
Bruce R. McConkie
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley
Bruce R. McConkie

Mormon

And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn. (God the Father testifies of his Beloved Son, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 11:3

Mormon

And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul— (The Lamanites, who have imprisoned Nephi and Lehi, see them protected by a circle of fire, and hear a voice commanding them to repent, about 30 B.C.) Helaman 5:30

President Heber J. Grant

The Lord gives to many of us the still, small voice of revelation. It comes as vividly and strongly as though it were with a great sound. CR1945Apr:9

Recorded in 1 Kings

[B]ut the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
12. And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (Elijah challenges the priests of Baal and calls down fire from heaven) 1 Kings 19:11-12

George Q. Cannon

It requires the utmost care upon the part of the people who have received the Spirit of the Lord by the laying on of hands to distinguish between the voice of that Spirit and the voice of their own hearts or other spirits which may take possession of them. Experience and watchfulness will enable the Saint to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit.
It is a still, small voice in the hearts of the children of men. It is not boisterous, loud or aggressive, and if those who receive it carefully watch its suggestions, it will develop more and more within them, and it will become an unfailing source of revelation. But the necessity always remains of exercising care in distinguishing its voice from the voice of other influences in the heart. (Gospel Truth, 1:182) TLDP:285

Nephi, son of Lehi

Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words. . . . (Nephi answers his rebellious brothers, about 591 B.C.) 1 Nephi 17:45

President Joseph F. Smith

And when we live so that we can hear and understand the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of God, let us do whatsoever that Spirit directs, without fear of the consequences. . . . [L]et us do it, no matter what men may say or think. CR1903Oct:86

Joseph Smith

Yea, thus saith the still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest. . . . (Revelation, Nov. 27, 1832) D&C 85:6

Bruce R. McConkie

Sad though it be, few are the men who hear the audible voice, thundering from Sinai, revealing in prophetic ears the mind and will of Jehovah; few are they who hear the still small voice, whispering in prophetic ears, revealing the principles and ordinances of the gospel; but millions comprise the hosts of earth's inhabitants who have before them the recorded words of holy men who wrote as they were prompted from on high. And all those who read these words—words preserved in the holy scriptures—and who do so by the power of the Holy Ghost can testify that they have heard the Lord's voice and know his words. (D&C 18:33-36) (The Mortal Messiah, 3:403) TLDP:283

Elder Gordon B. Hinckley

Such almost invariably has been the word of God as it has come to us, not with trumpets, not from the council halls of the learned but in the still small voice of revelation. (CR 1964Apr; Afternoon Meeting, p.38 - 39)

Related Witnesses:

Bruce R. McConkie

A true prophet is one who has the testimony of Jesus; one who knows by personal revelation that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God, and that he was to be—or has been—crucified for the sins of the world; one to whom God speaks and who recognizes the still small voice of the Spirit. (The Mortal Messiah, pp. 168-70) TLDP:538

676. Revelation comes at times through dreams.

George F. Richards
Joseph Smith
Elder Harold B. Lee
James E. Talmage
Marion G. Romney
James E. Talmage
L. Tom Perry
Moses
Recorded in Matthew
Nephi, son of Lehi
Moses
President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose

George F. Richards

The Lord has revealed to me, by dreams, something more than I have ever understood or felt before about the love for God and the love for fellow men. I believe in dreams. The Lord has given me dreams, which to me, are just as real and as much from God as was the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar which was the means of saving a nation from starvation, or the dream of Lehi who through a dream led his colony out of the old country, across the mighty deep to this promised land, or any other dreams that we read of in the scripture.
It is not out of place for us to have important dreams, for we read in the scriptures: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." (Acts 2:17)
More than forty years ago I had a dream, which I am sure was from the Lord. In this dream I was in the presence of the Savior as he stood in mid-air. He spoke no word to me, but my love for him was such that I have not words to explain. I know that no mortal man can love the Lord as I experienced that love for the Savior unless God reveals it unto him. I would have remained in his presence, but there was a power drawing me away from him, and as a result of that dream I had this feeling, that no matter what might be required at my hands, what the gospel might entail unto me, I would do what I should be asked to do, even to the laying down of my life. CR1946Oct:139

Joseph Smith

We believe that we have a right to revelations, visions, and dreams from God, our heavenly Father; and light and intelligence, through the gift of the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus Christ, on all subjects pertaining to our spiritual welfare, if it so be that we keep his commandments, so as to render ourselves worthy in his sight. (Times and Seasons, Feb. 1840, p. 54) TLDP:570

Elder Harold B. Lee

James E. Talmage

Visions and Dreams have constituted a means of communication between God and men in every dispensation of the Priesthood. In general, visions are manifested to the waking senses whilst dreams are given during sleep. In the vision, however, the senses may be so affected as to render the person practically unconscious, at least oblivious to ordinary occurrences, while he is able to discern the heavenly manifestation. In the earlier dispensations, the Lord frequently communicated through dreams and visions, oftentimes revealing to prophets the events of the future even to the latest generations. Consider the case of Enoch, unto whom the Lord spoke face to face, showing him the course of the human family unto and beyond the second coming of the Savior. The brother of Jared because of his righteousness was so blessed of God as to be shown all the inhabitants of the earth, both those who had previously existed and those who were to follow. Unto Moses the will of God was made known with the visual manifestation of fire. Lehi received through dreams his instructions to leave Jerusalem; and on many subsequent occasions the Lord communicated with this patriarch of the western world by dreams and visions. AF:205-06

Marion G. Romney

Now I know, my brothers and sisters and friends, and bear witness to the fact that revelation from the Lord comes through the spoken word, by personal visitation, by messengers from the Lord, through dreams, and by way of visions, and by the voice of the Lord coming into one's mind.
Most often, however, revelation comes to us by means of the still, small voice. . . . CR1978Apr:76

James E. Talmage

Revelation is the communication or disclosure of the will of God directly to man. Under circumstances best suiting the divine purposes, through the dreams of sleep or in waking visions of the mind, by voices without visional appearance or by actual manifestations of the Holy Presence before the eye, God makes known His designs, and instructs His revelators. AF:208

L. Tom Perry

Sometimes we define the communication of God’s will as revelation. Sometimes we refer to such communication as inspiration. Revelation, however, is a much broader term. While inspiration can properly be considered as revelation, revelation can also include visions, dreams, the spoken word, or other spiritual manifestations. (CR 2003Oct; We Believe All That God Has Revealed, Ensign, November 2003, p.85)

Related Witnesses:

Moses

And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. . . .
9. And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. (Joseph dreams that his parents and brothers make obeisance to him) Genesis 37:5,9

Recorded in Matthew

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (Joseph, espoused to Mary, learns she is with child) Matthew 1:20

Nephi, son of Lehi

And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness. (The Lord, in a dream, warns faithful Lehi to go into the wilderness, 600 B.C.) 1 Nephi 2:2

Moses

And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran.
11. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
12. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
13. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
14. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
15. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
16. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. (Jacob receives the vision of a ladder reaching up into heaven) Genesis 28:10-16

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. (Published message of the the First Presidency of the Church, Dec. 29, 1945, republishing a message of the previous First Presidency in 1913) MOFP6:244

677. Revelation comes at times as an audible voice from heaven.

Elder Harold B. Lee
Marion G. Romney
James E. Talmage
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Peter
Joseph Smith
Mormon
Recorded in Matthew
Jesus
Nephi, son of Lehi

Elder Harold B. Lee

If we will live worthy, then the Lord will guide us—by a personal appearance, or by His actual voice, or by His voice coming into our mind, or by impressions upon our heart and our soul. . . . Yes, if we so live, the Lord will guide us for our salvation and for our benefit. (To Brigham Young University student body) (Stand Ye in Holy Places, p. 144) TLDP:575

Marion G. Romney

James E. Talmage

Joseph Smith

[A]fter man was created, he was not left without intelligence or understanding, to wander in darkness and spend an existence and doubt (on the great and important point which effected his happiness) as to the real fact by whom he was created, or unto whom he was amenable for his conduct. God conversed with him face to face. In his presence he was permitted to stand, and from his own mouth he was permitted to receive instruction. He heard his voice, walked before him and gazed upon his glory, while intelligence burst upon his understanding, and enabled him to give names to the vast assemblage of his Maker's works.
19. Though man [Adam] did transgress, his transgression did not deprive him of the previous knowledge with which he was endowed relative to the existence and glory of his Creator; for no sooner did he hear his voice than he sought to hide himself from his presence. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF2:18-19

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

After Adam had been driven out of the garden . . . he called upon the name of the Lord, and so did Eve, his wife, also. "And they heard the voice of the Lord, from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not, for they were shut out from his presence; and he gave unto them commandments that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks for an offering unto the Lord. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF2:22

Peter

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
18. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. (Peter writes to members of the Church, about A.D. 60-64) 2 Peter 1:17-18

Joseph Smith

I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following:
15. Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter. (Revelation, April 2, 1830) D&C 130:14-15

Mormon

And it came to pass that there came a voice as if it were above the cloud of darkness, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto you to declare good tidings.
30. And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul—
31. And notwithstanding the mildness of the voice, behold the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison trembled again, as if it were about to tumble to the earth; and behold the cloud of darkness, which had overshadowed them, did not disperse—
32. And behold the voice came again, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; and seek no more to destroy my servants. And it came to pass that the earth shook again, and the walls trembled.
33. And also again the third time the voice came, and did speak unto them marvelous words which cannot be uttered by man; and the walls did tremble again, and the earth shook as if it were about to divide asunder. (The Lamanites, who have imprisoned Nephi and Lehi, see them protected by a circle of fire, about 30 B.C.) Helaman 5:29-33

Recorded in Matthew

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Jesus is baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness) Matthew 3:16-17

Jesus,
quoted by John

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
29. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
30. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. (Jesus in contemplation of his death addresses God the Father) John 12:28-30

Nephi, son of Lehi

Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder. (Nephi answers his rebellious brothers, about 591 B.C.) 1 Nephi 17:45

678. Revelation comes at times through angels sent with messages.

Elder Wilford Woodruff
Marion G. Romney
Delbert L. Stapley
Recorded in Luke
Recorded in Luke
Joseph Smith
Mormon
Recorded in Acts
Bruce R. McConkie

Elder Wilford Woodruff

I have had the administration of angels in my day and time, though I never prayed for an angel. I have had, in several instances, the administration of holy messengers. . . .
[A]s a general thing, angels do not administer to anybody on the earth unless it is to preserve the lives of good men, or to bring the gospel, or to perform a work that men cannot do for themselves. (Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, pp. 286-87) DGSM:5

Marion G. Romney

Delbert L. Stapley,

also quoting Mormon
King Lamoni addressed his Lamanite subjects and urged them not to take up arms against their brothers, saying: "And the great God has had mercy on us, . . . because he loveth our souls as well as he loveth our children; therefore, in his mercy he doth visit us by his angels, that the plan of salvation might be made known unto us as well as unto future generations." (Alma 24:14)
Personally, I do not believe the angels of God could refuse to visit a person who fully keeps the first and great commandment. CR1968Oct:29

Related Witnesses:

Recorded in Luke

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. (The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she shall be the mother of the Son of God) Luke 1:26-28

Recorded in Luke

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John . . . .
19. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. (The angel Gabriel promises Zacharias that his wife will bear a son) Luke 1:11-13,19

Joseph Smith

While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor.
31. He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrist; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a little above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom.
32. Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon left me.
33. He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people. (Joseph relates the angel Moroni's visit to him, Sept. 21, 1823) JS-H 1:30-33

Mormon

And as I said unto you, as they were going about rebelling against God, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he descended as it were in a cloud; and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood; . . .
14. And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith. . . .
17. And now it came to pass that these were the last words which the angel spake unto Alma, and he departed. (Alma, the younger, and the four sons of Mosiah were seeking to destroy the Church when an angel appeared to them commanding them to cease their evil course, 100-92 B.C.) Mosiah 27:11,14,17

Recorded in Acts

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (Cornelius, a centurion and a devout man, receives a vision in answer to prayer) Acts 10:3-4

Bruce R. McConkie

And as it is with the elders on earth, so it is with their fellow servants beyond the veil. The words of the angels of God in heaven are scripture, for, "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ." (2 Nephi 32:3) (The Promised Messiah, pp. 23) TLDP:539

679. Revelation comes at times by visions.

James E. Talmage
Joseph Smith
Marion G. Romney
Peter
James E. Talmage
President Brigham Young
L. Tom Perry
Joseph Smith
Recorded in Acts
Nephi, son of Lehi
Recorded in Acts
Paul
Ezekiel

James E. Talmage

Joseph Smith

We believe that we have a right to revelations, visions, and dreams from God, our heavenly Father; and light and intelligence, through the gift of the Holy Ghost, in the name of Jesus Christ, on all subjects pertaining to our spiritual welfare; if it so be that we keep his commandments, so as to render ourselves worthy in his sight. (Times and Seasons, Feb. 1840, p. 54) TLDP:570

Marion G. Romney

Peter

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Acts 2:17

James E. Talmage

It is a privilege of the Holy Priesthood to commune with the heavens, and to learn the immediate will of the Lord; this communion may be effected through the medium of dreams and visions, by the Urim and Thummim, through the visitation of angels, or by the higher endowment of face to face communication with the Lord. AF:270

President Brigham Young

If you will follow the doctrines, and be guided by the precepts of that book [the Bible] it will direct you where you may see as you are seen, where you may converse with Jesus Christ, have the visitation of angels, have dreams, visions, and revelations, and understand and know God for yourselves. (In Tabernacle, July 1853, JD1:243) DBY:126; DGSM:5

L. Tom Perry

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

By the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see and understand the things of God—
13. Even those things which were from the beginning before the world was, which were ordained of the Father, through his Only Begotten Son, who was in the bosom of the Father, even from the beginning;
14. Of whom we bear record; and the record which we bear is the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the Son, whom we saw and with whom we conversed in the heavenly vision. (Vision to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, Feb. 16, 1832) D&C 76:12-14

Recorded in Acts

Nephi, son of Lehi

And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men. (Nephi's writings, 600-592 B.C.) 1 Nephi 10:17

Recorded in Acts

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
11. And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
12. Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
13. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
14. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
15. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
16. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
17. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
18. And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
19. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
20. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. (Peter went up upon the housetop to pray) Acts 10:10-20

Paul

At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
14. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
15. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
16. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17. Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
19. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: (Paul testifies before King Agrippa of the appearance of Jesus on the road to Damascus) Acts 26:13-19

Ezekiel

In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south. (A heavenly ministrant shows Ezekiel, in a vision, a city wherein is the temple, and shows him the form and size of the temple) Ezekiel 40:2

680. Revelation of the truth of a matter comes by the process of first studying it out, then asking the Lord if the conclusion is right; the Lord then induces a burning in the bosom if it is right, or else He causes a stupor of thought if the decision is wrong—causing a forgetting of that which is wrong.

Joseph Smith
Melvin J. Ballard
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Marion G. Romney
Bruce R. McConkie
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. 8. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me. (Revelation for Oliver Cowdery, April 1829; the Book of Mormon is translated by study and by spiritual confirmation) D&C 9:7-9

Melvin J. Ballard

There is a key given in the ninth section of the book of Doctrine and Covenants, which would be very profitable for the Latter-day Saints to follow even now. You remember the circumstance of Oliver Cowdery translating portions of the Book of Mormon, and then all became darkness to him and he could not proceed. He inquired of the Lord to know why it was, and the answer came that he had taken no thought save it was to ask the Lord, and left the burden of responsibility there.
You do not know what to do today to solve your financial problems, what to plant, whether to buy or sell cattle, sheep or other things. It is your privilege to study it out: counsel together with the best wisdom and judgment the Lord shall give you, reach your conclusions, and then go to the Lord with it, tell him what you have planned to do. If the thing you have planned to do is for your good and your blessing, and you are determined to serve the Lord, pay your tithes and your offerings and keep his commandments, I promise you that he will fulfill that promise upon your head, and your bosom shall burn within you if the thing you have planned to do is right, and you shall know by the whisperings of the Spirit that it is right. But if it is not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought, and your hearts will be turned away from that thing. CR1931Apr:37

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

[A] similar privilege is given to any member of the Church who seeks knowledge in the spirit of prayer and faith. The Lord will cause the feeling of security and truth to take hold of the individual and burn within the bosom, and there will be an overwhelming feeling that the thing is right. Missionaries have felt the manifestation of this gift while laboring in the field; when searching the scriptures; when speaking before congregations on the streets and in public gatherings. When you have been listening to some inspired speaker who has presented a new thought to you, have you not felt that burning within and the satisfaction in your heart that this new thought is true? On the other hand, have you experienced the feeling of stupor, gloom, or uneasiness when some thought has been presented which was in conflict with the revealed word of the Lord, and you have felt by this manifestation of the Spirit that what was said is not true? It is a great gift, which all may receive, to have this spirit of discernment, or revelation, for it is the spirit of revelation. CHMR1:51; DCSM:21

Marion G. Romney

Now, I tell you that you can make every decision in your life correctly if you can learn to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This you can do if you will discipline yourself to yield your own feelings to the promptings of the Spirit. Study your problems and prayerfully make a decision. Then take that decision and say to him, in a simple, honest supplication, "Father, I want to make the right decision. I want to do the right thing. This is what I think I should do: let me know if it is the right course." Doing this, you can get the burning in your bosom, if your decision is right. If you do not get the burning, then change your decision and submit a new one. When you learn to walk by the Spirit, you never need to make a mistake. CR1961Oct:60-61

Bruce R. McConkie

"Oh, I prayed about it. I said, 'O God, if the Book of Mormon is true, strike me dead;' and here I am."
My unspoken impulse was to give this rejoinder: "But Reverend, you have to pray in faith"
This account dramatizes another of our problems in teaching those who read the Book of Mormon how to read it in order to gain the promised witness by the power of the Holy Ghost.
The pattern was set in the experience of Oliver Cowdery. . . .
Oliver tried to translate and failed. Then came the divine word: "Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me." That is, he had not done all that in his power lay; he had expected the Lord to do it all merely because he asked. "But, behold, I say unto you," the divine word continued, "that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.". . .
. . . . [This test] calls for us simply to read, ponder, and pray—all in the spirit of faith and with an open mind. To keep ourselves alert to the issues at hand—as we do read, ponder, and pray—we should ask ourselves a thousand times, "Could any man have written this book?"
And it is absolutely guaranteed that sometime between the first and thousandth time this question is asked, every sincere and genuine truth seeker will come to know by the power of the Spirit that the Book of Mormon is true. . . . CR1983Oct:105-06

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

This is good doctrine. It tastes good. I can taste the principles of eternal life, and so can you. They are given to me by the revelations of Jesus Christ; and I know that when I tell you these words of eternal life as they are given to me, you taste them, and I know that you believe them. You say honey is sweet, and so do I. I can also taste the spirit of eternal life. I know that it is good; and when I tell you of these things which were given me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you are bound to receive them as sweet, and rejoice more and more. (To the Church in general conference—to a congregation of 20,000—"King Follett Sermon," April 7, 1844) (See HC6:302-17, also see The Words of Joseph Smith, pp. 340-62.) HC6:312; TPJS:354

Author's Note: This gospel principle, set forth in D-680, was first introduced in a specific context, namely, when Oliver Cowdery was trying to translate portions of the Book of Mormon. All became darkness to him and he could not proceed. He inquired of the Lord to know why it was, and the answer came that he had taken no thought save it was to ask the Lord, and left the burden of responsibility there. Prophets since that time have quoted this scripture (D&C 9:7-9) in broader contexts to include many other situations in life, where we feel a need to call on the Lord for help.

681. We are to heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Joseph Smith
Anthony W. Ivins
Thomas S. Monson
Francis M. Lyman
Marion G. Romney
Joseph Smith
Peter
James E. Faust
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
George Q. Cannon
George Q. Cannon
President Joseph F. Smith
President David O. McKay
Stephen L. Richards
Joseph Smith
President Joseph F. Smith
Joseph Smith
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Alma, the younger
Jesus
Henry D. Moyle
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
HYMNS Written by Prophets Applicable to this Topic
Bruce R. McConkie
Parley P. Pratt

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. 3. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. 4. Therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it, and blessed art thou, for it shall deliver you out of the hands of your enemies, when, if it were not so, they would slay you and bring your soul to destruction. D&C 8:2-4

Anthony W. Ivins

While the Holy Ghost may be conferred upon us, and is designed to be our guide and support, it is only restrained and manifested in its fulness in our guidance and defense in proportion to the degree to which we cultivate it and listen to its promptings. We may lose it entirely through indifference or transgression and once deprived of its presence we are left in darkness more dense than before its reception. Cultivate it, my brethren and sisters, and it will become in reality the iron rod, which is the word of God, and will lead us back to him. CR1934Apr:101-02

Thomas S. Monson,

also quoting John
We watch. We wait. We listen for that still, small voice. When it speaks, wise men and women obey. We do not postpone following promptings of the Spirit. . . .
Never, never, never postpone following a prompting.
As we pursue the journey of life, let us learn the language of the Spirit. May we remember and respond to the Master's gentle invitation: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him." (Revelation 3:20) CR1985Apr:86-87

Francis M. Lyman

The Latter-day Saints are as sensitive to the movements and operations of the Spirit of the Lord as the thermometer is to the presence of heat and cold. CR1901Apr:48-49

Marion G. Romney

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils. (Revelation, March 8, 1831) D&C 46:7

Peter

And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20. 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) 2 Peter 1:18-21

James E. Faust

We acknowledge and testify that the same witness of Christ's divinity as received by Peter is also our sacred knowledge.
Personal revelation comes as a testimony of truth and as guidance in spiritual and temporal matters. Members of the Church know that the promptings of the Spirit may be received upon all facets of life, including daily, ongoing decisions (see D&C 42:61). How could anyone think of making an important decision such as "Who is to be my companion?", and "How will I live?" without seeking the inspiration of the Almighty God. CR1980Apr:16

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

We have to pass through pain and sorrow and are constantly in need of protection against sin and error. This is given us through the Spirit of God if we will but heed it. All of this was made known to us in the preexistence, and yet we were glad to take the risk. (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:69) TLDP:429

George Q. Cannon

Every man and woman who has received the truth should live in such a manner before the Lord as to have the light of the Holy Spirit constantly beaming upon their hands. They should be in close communion, through that Holy Spirit, with their God, so that if they had to stand alone in the midst of a gainsaying world they should be living witnesses to the truth of the Gospel and the power of God manifested in these days, and that if even the Priesthood from Zion were to be withdrawn from their midst, they could stand firm and unshaken, enjoying the light of revelation and having the consciousness that God was directing them in all their ways. ("Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Safety," Millennial Star, Jan. 3, 1863, p. 9) TLDP:284

George Q. Cannon

The only way to maintain our position in the Kingdom of God is to so conduct ourselves that we may have a living testimony of the truth continually dwelling in our bosoms, to live so that the Spirit of the Lord may be a constant and abiding quest with us, whether in the privacy of our chamber, in the domestic circle or in the midst of the crowded thoroughfares, the busy scenes and anxious cares of life. He who will pursue this course will never lack for knowledge; he will never be in doubt or in darkness, nor will his mind ever be clouded by the gloomy pall of unbelief; on the contrary his hopes will be bright; his faith will be strong; his joy will be full; he will be able each succeeding day to comprehend the unfolding purposes of Jehovah and to rejoice in the glorious liberty and happiness which all the faithful children of God enjoy.
. . . . We can only retain the testimony of the truth in our heart by living near unto God. If we call upon Him in faith to bless us and seek to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Spirit, so ordering our lives that God can, consistently, bless us and the Spirit of the Lord can abide with us, we receive strength to overcome every evil and our minds instinctively recoil from the commission of any act which might grieve that Spirit or bring a stain upon our own character or upon the divine cause in which we are engaged. (Gospel Truth, 1:343-44) TLDP:284

President Joseph F. Smith

We should live so near to the Lord, be so humble in our spirits, so tractable and pliable under the influence of the Holy Spirit, that we will be able to know the mind and will of the Father concerning us as individuals and as officers in the Church of Christ under all circumstances. And when we live so that we can hear and understand the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of God, let us do whatsoever that Spirit directs, without fear of the consequences. It does not make any difference whether it meet the minds of carpers or critics, or of the enemies of the kingdom of God, or not. Is it agreeable to the will of the Lord? Is it compatible with the spirit of the great latter-day work in which we are engaged? Is the end aimed at likely to advance the Church and to strengthen it in the earth? If its trend is in that direction, let us do it, no matter what men may say or think. CR1903Oct:86

President David O. McKay

That man is not at peace who is untrue to the whisperings of Christ, the promptings of his conscience. He cannot be at peace when he is untrue to his better self, when he transgresses the law of righteousness, either in dealing with himself, in indulging in passion or in appetites, yielding to the temptations of the flesh, or being untrue to trust, transgressing the law of righteousness in dealing with his fellow men. (Pathways to Happiness, pp. 136-37) TLDP:463

Related Witnesses:

Stephen L. Richards

The gift of discernment is essential to the leadership of the Church. I never ordain a bishop or set apart a president of a stake without invoking upon him this divine blessing, that he may read the lives and hearts of his people and call forth the best within them. The gift and power of discernment in this world of contention between the forces of good and the power of evil is essential equipment for every son and daughter of God. There could be no such mass dissensions as endanger the security of the world, if its populations possessed this great gift in larger degree. . . .
. . . . Every member in the restored Church of Christ could have this gift if he willed to do so. He could not be deceived with the sophistries of the world. He could not be led astray by pseudo-prophets and subversive cults. Even the inexperienced would recognize false teachings, in a measure at least. With this gift they would be able to detect something of the disloyal, rebellious, and sinister influences which not infrequently prompt those who seemingly take pride in the destruction of youthful faith and loyalties. Discerning parents will do well to guard their children against such influences and such personalities and teachings before irreparable damage is done. The true gift of discernment is often premonitory. A sense of danger should be heeded to be of value. We give thanks for a set of providential circumstances which avert an accident. We ought to be grateful every day of our lives for this sense which keeps alive a conscience which constantly alerts us to the dangers inherent in wrongdoers and sin. CR1950Apr:163

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed: Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit;
16. And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken. (Revelation: message for the nations of the earth, Feb. 1831) D&C 43:15-16

President Joseph F. Smith

I believe that the Lord has revealed to the children of men all that they know. I do not believe that any man has discovered any principle in science, or art, in mechanism, or mathematics, or anything else, that God did not know before he did. Man is indebted to the source of all intelligence and truth, for the knowledge that he possesses; and all who will yield obedience to the promptings of the Spirit . . . will get a clearer, a more expansive, and a more direct and conclusive knowledge of God's truths than anyone else can do. CR1902Apr:85-86

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

We consider that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect. . . . TPJS:51

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

If we persist in the violation of the Sabbath day, the time comes when our conscience becomes seared, and we fail to heed its warnings or its call for spiritual food. Surely it is not unreasonable for us to be commanded to obey the Sabbath when the Lord has given us six-sevenths of our time for all temporal purposes. ("What Can We Do on the Sabbath?", IE1955Jan:15) TLDP:583

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass (now these things were temporal) they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual. 44. For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land. 45. And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise. (Alma instructs his son Helaman, about 73 B.C.) Alma 37:43-45

Jesus,
recorded in Luke

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. 36. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light. (Jesus preaches to the people, who were "gathered thick together," about not placing a light under a bushel) Luke 11:35-36

Henry D. Moyle

Throughout the history of the Church innumerable examples of spiritual guidance are found. One which I have cherished since childhood is an early experience of Wilford Woodruff.
While traveling in New England, on assignment by Brigham Young, President Woodruff drove his carriage into the yard of Brother Williams. Brother Orson Hyde drove a wagon by the side of his carriage. He had only been there few minutes when the Spirit said to him, "Get up and move that carriage." When he told his wife that he had to move the carriage, she asked, "What for?" He answered, "I don't know."
That was all she asked on such occasions. When he told her that he did not know, that was enough. President Woodruff got up and moved his carriage four or five rods, and put the off fore wheel against the corner of the house. He then returned to bed. The same Spirit said, "Go and move your animals from the oak tree." They were two hundred yards from his carriage. He moved his horses and put them in a little hickory grove. Again he went to bed. In thirty minutes a whirlwind came up and broke that oak tree off within two feet of the ground. It swept over three or four fences and fell square in the dooryard, near Brother Orson Hyde's wagon, and right where the carriage had stood. What would have been the consequences if he had not listened to that Spirit? Why, President Woodruff, his wife, and children doubtless would have been killed.
That was the still, small voice to him—no thunder, no lightning, but the still small voice of the Spirit of God. It saved his life. It was the Spirit of revelation.
We all can afford to develop a sensitiveness to the promptings of the Spirit in all things pertaining to our physical as well as our spiritual well-being.
In speaking on this, Joseph Fielding Smith said, "The testimony of the Holy Ghost is Spirit speaking to spirit, and is not confined solely to the natural or physical sense." CR1957Apr:33-34

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. 9. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me. D&C 9:8-9

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought. 2. But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.
3. Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received. (Revelation, Sept. 30, 1830; David Whitmer is chastened for failure to serve diligently) D&C 30:1-3

HYMNS Written by Prophets Applicable to this Topic

Bruce R. McConkie

I Believe in Christ
HYMNS:134
I believe in Christ; he is my King
With all my heart to him I'll sing;
I'll raise my voice in praise and joy,
In grand amens my tongue employ.
I believe in Christ; he is God's Son.
On earth to dwell his soul did come.
He healed the sick; the dead he raised.
Good works were his; his name be praised.
I believe in Christ; oh, blessed name
As Mary's Son he came to reign
'Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,
To save them from the woes of sin.
I believe in Christ, who marked the path,
Who did gain all his Father hath,
Who said to men: "Come, follow me,
That ye, my friends, with God may be."
I believe in Christ—my Lord, my God
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I'll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan's grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.
I believe in Christ; he stands supreme
From him I'll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I'll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.

Parley P. Pratt

As the Dew from Heaven Distilling
HYMNS:149
As the dew from heav'n distilling
Gently on the grass descends
And revives it, thus fulfilling
What thy providence intends,
Let thy doctrine, Lord, so gracious,
Thus descending from above,
Blest by thee, prove efficacious
To fulfill thy work of love.
Lord, behold this congregation;
Precious promises fulfill.
From thy holy habitation
Let the dews of life distill.
Let our cry come up before thee.
Thy sweet Spirit shed around,
So the people shall adore thee
And confess the joyful sound.

We Believe: Doctrines and Principles

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Revelation: Recognizing Revelation

672. One way God communicates to us is by giving us peace to our minds and souls.

Related Witnesses:

673. The spirit of revelation is perceived when a person senses an inward flowing of pure intelligence, giving sudden strokes of ideas.

Related Witnesses:

674. The spirit of revelation is perceived when a person senses an enlarging of the soul and an enlightening of the understanding.

Related Witnesses:

675. God at times speaks to us with a still, small voice of revelation.

Related Witnesses:

676. Revelation comes at times through dreams.

Related Witnesses:

677. Revelation comes at times as an audible voice from heaven.

Related Witnesses:

678. Revelation comes at times through angels sent with messages.

679. Revelation comes at times by visions.

Related Witnesses:

Related Witnesses:

681. We are to heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Related Witnesses: