Spiritual Gifts and Talents
236. Spiritual gifts are distributed among the members of the Church.
237. Some are given the gift of speaking in tongues; others are given the interpretation of tongues.
238. Some are given the gift of prophecy and revelation.
239. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
240. Some are given the gift of visions.
241. Some are given the gift of faith to heal the sick.
242. Some are given the gift of faith to be healed.
243. Some are given the gift of casting out devils.
244. Some are given the gift of working miracles.
245. Some are given the gift of faith.
236. Spiritual gifts are distributed among the members of the Church.
That the Saints might not be deceived, the Lord pointed out to them the proper gifts of the Spirit (D&C:46) which are distributed among the members as the Lord sees good to bestow. Yet more than one gift may be received by any person who diligently seeks for these things. All members of the Church should seek for the gift of prophecy, for their own guidance, which is the spirit by which the word of the Lord is understood and his purpose made known. (See 1 Cor. 14:1) Men who are called to positions of responsibility in the government of the Church are entitled to have many gifts, and the President all of them, "lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God." CHMR1:201
receiving the Word of the Lord
[S]eek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;
9. For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.
10. And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.
11. For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. 13. To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
15. And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.
16. And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.
17. And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.
18. To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.
19. And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
20. And to others it is given to have faith to heal.
21. And again, to some is given the working of miracles;
22. And to others it is given to prophesy;
23. And to others the discerning of spirits.
24. And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;
25. And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.
26. And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God. (Revelation relative to the gifts of the Spirit, March 8, 1831) D&C 46:8-26
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9. To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10. To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (Paul writes to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
For behold, to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom;
10. And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
11. And to another, exceedingly great faith; and to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
12. And again, to another, that he may work mighty miracles;
13. And again, to another, that he may prophesy concerning all things;
14. And again, to another, the beholding of angels and ministering spirits;
15. And again, to another, all kinds of tongues;
16. And again, to another, the interpretation of languages and of divers kinds of tongues.
17. And all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally, according as he will. (Moroni's final writings, about A.D. 421) Moroni 10:9-17
also quoting Moroni
Among the gifts of the spirit manifest in the Apostolic Church, Paul lists wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophesy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. The New Testament records numerous examples of the manifestation of these gifts.
Among the Jaredites and Nephites, the manifestations of these gifts were likewise prevalent. Mormon testified that they would not cease except for unbelief, ". . . so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved." (Moroni 7:36) CR1956Apr:69
Related Witnesses:
receiving the Word of the Lord
If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal. (Revelation "embracing the law of the Church," Feb. 9, 1831) D&C 42:61
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
. . .Paul says, "To one is given the gift of tongues, to another the gift of prophecy, and to another the gift of healing;" and again: "Do all prophesy? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?" evidently showing that all did not possess these several gifts; but that one received one gift, and another received another gift—all did not prophesy, all did not speak in tongues, all did not work miracles; but all did receive the gift of the Holy Ghost; sometimes they spake in tongues and prophesied in the Apostles' days, and sometimes they did not. The same is the case with us also in our administrations, while more frequently there is no manifestation at all, that is visible to the surrounding multitude. . . . (Editorial in Times and Seasons, June 15, 1842) TPJS:243-44; DGSM:45
Because faith is wanting, the fruits are. No man since the world was had faith without having something along with it. The ancients quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, women received their dead, &c. By faith the worlds were made. A man who has none of the gifts has no faith; and he deceives himself, if he supposes he has. Faith has been wanting, not only among the heathen, but in professed Christendom also, so that tongues, healings, prophecy, and prophets and apostles, and all the gifts and blessings have been wanting. (Journal entry of the Prophet, Jan. 2, 1843) HC5:218
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. (The seventh of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :7
recorded in Mark
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (The risen Jesus Christ to the eleven Apostles) Mark 16:17-18
237. Some are given the gift of speaking in tongues; others are given the interpretation of tongues.
And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;
25. And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.
26. And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God. (Revelation relative to governing and conducting meetings, March 8, 1831) D&C 46:24-26
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; . . .
10. . . . [T]o another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (Paul writes to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 12:7-8,10
I know that there are no gifts, no graces, no authority, which were possessed in the days of the Savior by his apostles which are not possessed today by the people of God. I know that the gift of tongues and the interpretation thereof exist in this Church of Christ. CR1917Oct:14
There is perhaps no gift of the spirit of God more easily imitated by the devil than the gift of tongues. . . .
I believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit unto men, but I do not want the gifts of tongues, except when I need it. . . .
So far as I am concerned, if the Lord will give me ability to teach the people in my native tongue, or in their own language to the understanding of those that hear me, that will be sufficient gift of tongues to me. Yet if the Lord gives you the gift of tongues, do not despise it, do not reject it. For if it comes from the Spirit of God, it will come to those who are worthy to receive it, and it is all right. CR1900Apr:41
Related Witnesses:
Be not so curious about tongues, do not speak in tongues except there be an interpreter present; the ultimate design of tongues is to speak to foreigners, and if persons are very anxious to display their intelligence, let them speak to such in their own tongues. The gifts of God are all useful in their place, but when they are applied to that which God does not intend, they prove an injury, a snare and a curse instead of a blessing. (The risen Jesus Christ to the eleven Apostles) HC5:31
recorded in Mark
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (The risen Jesus Christ to the eleven Apostles) Mark 16:17
And these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover; (Moroni calls upon those who do not believe in Christ to repent, A.D. 400-421) Mormon 9:24
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. (The seventh of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :7
238. Some are given the gift of prophecy and revelation.
And to others it is given to prophesy; (Revelation relative to the gifts of the Spirit, March 8, 1831) D&C 46:22
receiving the Word of the Lord
If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal. (Revelation "embracing the law of the Church," Feb. 9, 1831) D&C 42:61
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; . . .
10. . . . [T]o another prophecy; (Paul writes to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 12:7-8,10
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. (The seventh of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :7
Deny not the spirit of revelation, nor the spirit of prophecy, for wo unto him that denieth these things; (Revelation for Hyrum Smith, May 1829) D&C 11:25
Related Witnesses:
Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? (Paul writes to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 14:6
Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God. (Jacob makes his record on plates of metal, 544-421 B.C.) Jacob 4:8
But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. (Mormon recounts the activities of the spiritually devoted sons of Mosiah ) Alma 17:3
All members of the Church should seek for the gift of prophecy, for their own guidance, which is the spirit by which the word of the Lord is understood and his purpose made known. (See 1 Corinthians 14:1.) CHMR1:201
Most persons with the spirit of testimony, of inspiration, and of prophecy are prophets to themselves only, or to their families. Some are called to preside over and give inspired guidance to one organization or another. (The Promised Messiah, pp. 24-25) TLDP:606
239. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (An angel teaches John about the testimony of Jesus) Revelation 19:10
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; both testimony and prophecy come by the power of the Holy Ghost; and any person who receives the revelation that Jesus is the Lord is a prophet and can, as occasion requires and when guided by the Spirit, "prophesy of all things." (The Promised Messiah, p. 23) TLDP:539-40
If any person should ask me if I were a prophet, I should not deny it, as that would give me the lie; for, according to John, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; therefore if I profess to be a witness or teacher, and have not the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, I must be a false witness; but if I be a true teacher and witness, I must possess the spirit of prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet; and any man who says he is a teacher or preacher of righteousness, and denies the spirit of prophecy, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; and by this key false teachers and impostors may be detected. (Joseph explains the nature of a prophet to several prominent Gentiles in Nauvoo, Ill., Jan. 1, 1843) HC5:215-16
He [Brigham Young] is a prophet. I am a prophet, you are, and anybody is a prophet who has the testimony of Jesus Christ, for that is the spirit of prophecy. The Elders of Israel are prophets. A prophet is not so great as an Apostle. Christ has set in his Church, first, Apostles; they hold the keys of the kingdom of God. (In Tabernacle, Dec. 12, 1869, JD13:165) TLDP:684
John the Revelator makes a very interesting statement: “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10.) As much so as any man in the world, each of you has the opportunity and the responsibility to develop a testimony of Jesus as the Savior of mankind. That testimony is the “spirit of prophecy.” It is a gift that may be yours. (CR 1985Oct; Ten Gifts from the Lord, Ensign, November 1985, p.86)
240. Some are given the gift of visions.
Holy men and holy women have had heavenly visions, by the hundred and by the thousands, yea, by the tens of thousands since this Gospel was restored to the earth in our day. CR1912Oct:92
God never bestows upon His people, or upon an individual, superior blessings without a severe trial to prove them, to prove that individual, or that people, to see whether they will keep their covenants with Him, and keep in remembrance what He has shown them. Then the greater the vision, the greater the display of the power of the enemy. . . .
So when individuals are blessed with visions, revelations, and great manifestations, look out, then the devil is nigh you, and you will be tempted in proportion to the vision, revelation, or manifestation you have received. (In Tabernacle, Feb. 17, 1856, JD3:205-06) TLDP:647-48
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (Joel, a prophet of Judah, prophesies) Joel 2:28
Related Witnesses:
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. (The seventh of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :7
We may look for angels and receive their ministration, but we are to try the spirits and prove them, for it is often the case that men make a mistake in regard to these things. God has so ordained that when he has communicated, no vision is to be taken but what you see by the seeing of the eye, or what you hear by the hearing of the ear. When you see a vision, pray for the interpretation; if you get not this, shut it up; there must be certainty in this matter. (The Prophet instructs the Twelve on priesthood, in the vicinity of Commerce, Ill., July 2, 1839) HC3:391-92
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob . And he said, Here am I. (The Lord sends Jacob and his family to Egypt; speaks to Jacob in vision) Genesis 46:2
Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. (Ezekiel the prophet receives a vision from God) Ezekiel 1:1
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. (Daniel dreams visions and records them) Daniel 7:13
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: (Paul takes the gospel to the Gentiles and is instructed by the Lord) Acts 18:9
And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the things which my father hath written, for he hath written many things which he saw in visions and in dreams; and he also hath written many things which he prophesied and spake unto his children, of which I shall not make a full account. (Nephi begins the record of his people, about 600 B.C.) 1 Nephi 1:16
Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the nighttime. (Nephi writes on plates shortly after the death of his father, Lehi, 588-570 B.C.) 2 Nephi 4:23
Some few days after I had this vision, I happened to be in company with one of the Methodist preachers, who was very active in the before mentioned religious excitement; and, conversing with him on the subject of religion, I took occasion to give him an account of the vision which I had had. I was greatly surprised at his behavior; he treated my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil, that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and that there would never be any more of them. (Joseph testifies of the reality of the First Vision) JS-H 1:21
241. Some are given the gift of faith to heal the sick.
Though the authority to administer to the sick belongs to the elders of the Church in general, some possess this power in an unusual degree, having received it as an especial endowment of the Spirit. Another gift, allied to this, is that of having faith to be healed, which is manifested in varying degrees. Not always are the administrations of the elders followed by immediate healings; the afflicted may be permitted to suffer in body, perhaps for the accomplishment of good purposes, and in the time appointed all must experience bodily death. But let the counsels of God be observed in administering to the afflicted; then if they recover, they live unto the Lord; and the assuring promise is added that those who die under such conditions die unto the Lord. AF:205
And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
20. And to others it is given to have faith to heal. (Revelation relative to governing and conducting meetings, March 8, 1831) D&C 46:19-20
Related Witnesses:
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (Paul writes to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 12:9
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. (The seventh of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :7
And these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover; (Moroni calls upon those who do not believe in Christ to repent, A.D. 400-421) Mormon 9:24
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
15. And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: (Jesus chooses and ordains the Twelve Apostles) Mark 3:14-15
recorded in Matthew
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (Jesus instructs, empowers, and sends the Twelve Apostles forth to preach, to minister, and to heal the sick) Matthew 10:8
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. (The Twelve Apostles are sent to preach repentance) Mark 6:13
quoted by John A. Widtsoe
When I lay hands on the sick, I expect the healing power and influence of God to pass through me to the patient, and the disease to give away. I do not say that I heal everybody I lay hands on; but many have been healed under my administration. Jesus said, on one occasion. "Who has touched me?" A woman had crept up behind him in the crowd, and touched the hem of his garment, and he knew it, because virtue had gone from him. Do you see the reason and propriety of laying hands on each other? When we are prepared, when we are holy vessels before the Lord, a stream of power from the Almighty can pass through the tabernacle of the administrator to the system of the patient, and the sick are made whole; the headache, fever or other disease has to give away. My brethren and sisters, there is virtue in us if we will do right; if we live our religion we are the temples of God wherein he will dwell; if we defile ourselves, these temples God will destroy. (In Ogden Utah Tabernacle, July 10, 1870, JD14:72) DBY:162
242. Some are given the gift of faith to be healed.
receiving the Word of the Lord
And whosoever among you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nourished with all tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy. . . .
48. And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.
49. He who hath faith to see shall see.
50. He who hath faith to hear shall hear.
51. The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.
52. And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons; and inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt bear their infirmities. (Revelation "embracing the law of the Church," Feb. 9, 1831; administration to the sick) D&C 42:43,48-52
And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
20. And to others it is given to have faith to heal. (Revelation relative to governing and conducting meetings, March 8, 1831) D&C 46:19-20
The sick will be healed, the lame made to walk, the deaf to hear, and the blind to see, through your instrumentality. But let me tell you, that you will not have power, after the endowment to heal those that have not faith, nor to benefit them, for you might as well expect to benefit a devil in hell as such as are possessed of his spirit, and are willing to keep it; for they are habitations for devils, and only fit for his society. (Remarks made in meeting with the Council of the Twelve, Nov. 12, 1835) HC2:309
Another gift . . . is that of having faith to be healed, which is manifested in varying degrees. Not always are the administrations of the elders followed by immediate healings; the afflicted may be permitted to suffer in body, perhaps for the accomplishment of good purposes, and in the time appointed all must experience bodily death. But let the counsels of God be observed in administering to the afflicted; then if they recover, they live unto the Lord; and the assuring promise is added that those who die under such conditions die unto the Lord. AF:205
It would be singular to have a priesthood that would not enable me to bless myself. I have laid hands upon myself when I could not get access to other Elders, and I have been healed just as soon as if anybody else had done it. (Deseret News Weekly, Aug. 20, 1862, p. 58) TLDP:651-52
Every miracle is unique; no two are alike. Two blind men have their eyes opened by divine power, and each wondrous deed is as different from the other as are the two recipients of the heaven-sent goodness. Those few of Jesus' miracles which are recorded in any sort of detail were selected from the many by the spirit of inspiration; such accounts preserve for us patterns and types of miraculous acts, with a view to encouraging us—whatever our disabled or diseased condition may be—to ourselves rely on Him by whose power miracles are wrought, and to seek to gain an outpouring of his goodness and grace in our own lives.
Further, all healings do not happen instantaneously; the prophetic fingers do not always snap and cause a prostrate sufferer to leap from his pallet as though by magic. A sightless one may be sent to wash the spittle and clay from his eyes in the pool of Siloam, a leper may be required to immerse seven times in Jordan; a suffering soul may be tested to the full before hearing the blessed words: "Be it unto thee according to thy faith." It is no less a miracle when shattered bones weld themselves together gradually than when they reform in an instant. A withered arm that attains its proper and perfect frame through a growth process may be an exhibition of as great a miracle as one that bursts suddenly into being. (The Mortal Messiah, 3:28) TLDP:652
Related Witnesses:
And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
9. The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10. Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. (Paul heals a cripple) Acts 14:8-10
Author's Note: The very phenomenon of a priesthood blessing recipient feeling the great love of God and the marvelous power of His priesthood as it is transmitted through the administrating elders surrounding and lovingly placing hands on the head of the individual being blessed, brings peace and joy and contributes much to the healing process. "It is not the gift but the hand of the giver that is everything," writes Hugh Nibley. "It is the awareness in receiving the gift that it comes from the infinite and inexhaustible love [of God]" that counts. "Many a person afflicted with a sore but temporary illness," he writes, "upon being healed by the ministrations of the priesthood, has shouted for joy. But if he was bound to get well anyway, where is the thrill of it? Again, it is not the gift but the hand of the giver that is everything." (Approaching Zion, p. 147, by Hugh Nibley)
243. Some are given the gift of casting out devils.
recorded in Mark
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (The risen Jesus Christ to the eleven Apostles) Mark 16:17-18
And these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover; (Moroni calls upon those who do not believe in Christ to repent, A.D. 400-421) Mormon 9:24
receiving the Word of the Lord
And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk. (Revelation to Joseph and to Sidney Rigdon, Dec. 1830) D&C 35:9
Related Witnesses:
recorded in Matthew
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (Jesus instructs, empowers, and sends the Twelve Apostles forth to preach, minister, and heal the sick) Matthew 10:8
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
15. And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: (Jesus instructs, empowers, and sends the Twelve Apostles forth to preach, minister, and heal the sick) Mark 3:14-15
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. (The Twelve Apostles are sent to preach repentance) Mark 6:13
And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people.
20. And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus. (Mormon records how Nephi preached repentance and faith in Christ, A.D. 31-32) 3 Nephi 7:19-20
I have no fears of anything myself; I do not fear all the devils in hell nor on the earth. I have seen the time, whether in the body or out of it, I do not know, but I saw legions of devils; they came by thousands and tens of thousands, and thousands of men will, no doubt, give way before them and yield the field; but when they came against me and my brethren, we having the priesthood had power to withstand them all, for we were of God. You have heard President Young preach that a man, with the power of God upon him, all the devils in hell could not do anything with him; but if a man enters into the spirit world in his sins, the devil will have power over him to lead him captive at his will. (Deseret News Weekly, Aug. 20, 1862, p. 58) TLDP:139
And he spake unto me again, saying: Look And I looked, and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out. (In a vision an angel shows Nephi the Lamb of God going among the people healing the sick) 1 Nephi 11:31
The priesthood is placed in the church for this purpose, to dig, to plant, to nourish, to teach correct principles, and to develop the order of the kingdom of God, to fight the devils, and maintain and support the authorities of the church of Christ upon the earth. (In Tabernacle, April 6, 1861) (The Gospel Kingdom, p. 129) TLDP:336
244. Some are given the gift of working miracles.
And again, to some is given the working of miracles; (Revelation relative to the gifts of the Spirit, March 8, 1831) D&C 46:21
To another the working of miracles. . . . (Paul writes to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 12:10
[O]ne who has never received the gift of the Holy Ghost cannot possibly work miracles by his power. . . .
Now, righteous men, bearing the holy priesthood of the living God and endowed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, who are magnifying their callings—and such are the only men upon the earth with the right to receive and exercise the gifts of the spirit—will do so circumspectly and in all humility. They will not spectacularly advertise their divine power nor boast about it. Neither will they display it for money. Of this you may be sure. CR1956Apr:72
quoted by John A. Widtsoe
Miracles, or these extraordinary manifestations of the power of God, are not for the unbeliever; they are to console the Saints, and to strengthen and confirm the faith of those who love, fear, and serve God, and not for outsiders. (In Bowery, June 30, 1867, JD12:97) DBY:341
And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people.
20. And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people, in the name of Jesus. (Nephi preaches repentance and faith in Christ, A.D. 31-32) 3 Nephi 7:19-20
also quoting Jesus
If there is one thing that always attends and identifies those who believe in Christ it is this: they work miracles. Signs and gifts always attend their ministry. However much it may run counter to the course of Christendom, however severe the indictment may seem, speaking of the gifts of the Spirit, the word of the Lord is: "These signs shall follow them that believe." (Mark 16:17) "And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it." (3 Nephi 27:10)
Anyone who believes what the apostles believed will receive the same gifts they enjoyed, will perform the same miracles, and will do the same works. "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also." (John 14:12) (The Promised Messiah, p. 298) TLDP:648-49
A miracle is not, as many believe, the setting aside or overruling natural laws. Every miracle performed in Biblical days or now, is done on natural principles and in obedience to natural law. The healing of the sick, the raising of the dead, giving eyesight to the blind, whatever it may be that is done by the power of God, is in accordance with natural law. Because we do not understand how it is done, does not argue for the impossibility of it. Our Father in heaven knows many laws that are hidden from us. (Man: His Origin and Destiny, p. 484) TLDP:649
receiving the Word of the Lord
Require not miracles, except I shall command you, except casting out devils, healing the sick, and against poisonous serpents, and against deadly poisons; (Revelation, July 1830) D&C 24:13
245. Some are given the gift of faith.
To another faith by the same Spirit. . . . (Paul writes to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 12:9
quoted by John A. Widtsoe
When you believe the principles of the Gospel and attain unto faith, which is a gift of God, he adds more faith, adding faith to faith. He bestows faith upon his creatures as a gift; but his creatures inherently possess the privilege of believing the Gospel to be true or false. (In Tabernacle, March 5, 1860, JD8:17) DBY:154
The gifts of faith are two: knowledge and power. These are to each other as the palm and fingers of a hand, or the charge and the gun to the speeding bullet. Where one is there is the other. These gifts were in the mind of the Apostle Paul when he defined faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." From these chief gifts are derived many lesser ones, such as hope and courage, trust and contentment. Faith, once developed, contributes to the solution of every problem of life. (Man and the Dragon, p. 139) TLDP:178
Related Witnesses:
And he knoweth their faith, for in his name could they remove mountains; and in his name could they cause the earth to shake; and by the power of his word did they cause prisons to tumble to the earth; yea, even the fiery furnace could not harm them, neither wild beasts nor poisonous serpents, because of the power of his word. (Moroni writes of the saints who preceded him; about A.D. 419-420) Mormon 8:24
246. Those appointed by the Lord to watch over the Church are entitled to the discernment of all the gifts of the Spirit.
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
And unto the bishop of the church, and unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the church and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God.
28. And it shall come to pass that he that asketh in Spirit shall receive in Spirit;
29. That unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby. (Revelation relative to governing and conducting meetings, March 8, 1831) D&C 46:27-29
The Saints should be guided by the Spirit of God, and subject to those who preside in the meetings. If the Bishop, who is a common judge in Israel, tells a person to restrain this gift, or any other gift, it is the duty of that person to do it. The Bishop has a right to the gift of discernment, whereby he may tell whether these spirits are of God or not, and if they are not they should not have place in the congregations of the Saints. No man or woman has a right to find fault with the Bishop for restraining him or her in any of these matters. The Bishop is the responsible party; and it is his privilege to say what shall be done under his presidency. CR1901Apr:12; DGSM:45
Men who are called to positions of responsibility in the government of the Church are entitled to have many gifts, and the President all of them, "lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God." CHMR1:201
And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses —
92. Behold, here is wisdom; yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church. (Revelation on priesthood received in council with the Twelve, March 28, 1835) D&C 107:91-92
247. A gift from God may be taken away when a person fails to heed the counsel of God; the light received shall be taken from the person who does not repent.
[T]he moment a community [of Latter-day Saint people] begin to be wrapt up in themselves, become selfish, become engrossed in the temporalities of life, and put their faith in riches, that moment the power of God begins to withdraw from them, and if they repent not the Holy Spirit will depart from them entirely, and they will be left to themselves. That which was given them will be taken away, they will lose that which they had, for they will not be worthy of it. God is just, as well as merciful, and we need not expect favors at the hand of the Almighty except as we merit them, at least in the honest desires of our hearts; and the desire and intent will not always avail unless our acts correspond. (General conference, April 8, 1883) (Gospel Doctrine, p. 51) TLDP:440
receiving the Word of the Lord
And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts. (Revelation received during conference of elders of the Church, Nov. 1, 1831) D&C 1:33
[W]hen we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. (Revelation received in Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839: why many are called and few chosen) D&C 121:37
receiving the Word of the Lord
But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.
3. And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have. (Revelation for certain elders of the Church, Aug. 8, 1831) D&C 60:2-3
The Spirit of the Lord will not dwell in unclean tabernacles, and when the spirit is withdrawn, darkness supersedes the light, and apostasy will follow. This is one of the greatest evidences of the divinity of this latter-day work. In other organizations men may commit all manner of sin and still retain their membership, because they have no companionship with the Holy Ghost to lose: but in the Church when a man sins and continues without repentance, the Spirit is withdrawn, and when he is left to himself the adversary takes possession of his mind and he denies the faith. (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:309) TLDP:632
[W]here there is not a feeling of obedience, the Spirit of God will be withdrawn; people cannot retain it and be in rebellion against the authorities and counsels of the church and kingdom of God. (In Bowery, Sept. 20, 1857, JD5:265) TLDP:433
One who has never received the gift of the Holy Ghost cannot possibly work miracles by his power. . . .
Now, righteous men, bearing the holy priesthood of the living God and endowed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, who are magnifying their callings—and such are the only men upon the earth with the right to receive and exercise the gifts of the spirit—will do so circumspectly and in all humility. They will not spectacularly advertise their divine power nor boast about it. Neither will they display it for money. Of this you may be sure. CR1956Apr:72
Related Witnesses:
God never bestows upon His people, or upon an individual, superior blessings without a severe trial to prove them, to prove that individual, or that people, to see whether they will keep their covenants with Him, and keep in remembrance what He has shown them. Then the greater the vision, the greater the display of the power of the enemy. . . .
So when individuals are blessed with visions, revelations, and great manifestations, look out, then the devil is nigh you, and you will be tempted in proportion to the vision, revelation, or manifestation you have received. (In Tabernacle, Feb. 17, 1856, JD3:205-06) TLDP:647-48
receiving the Word of the Lord
Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall.
10. But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work;
11. Except thou do this, thou shalt be delivered up and become as other men and have no more gift. . . .
14. And this is the reason that thou hast lost thy privileges for a season—
15. For thou hast suffered the counsel of thy director to be trampled upon from the beginning. (Revelation regarding the lost manuscript pages, July 1828) D&C 3:9-11,14-15
