This Is the Spirit of Revelation
Lesson 5
Before class spray a small amount of air freshener around the room before anyone arrives... if possible.
As the lesson begins ask if anyone noticed anything different about the room? If no one does bring up the fact that revelation is like a smell... Sometimes it is strong - show them the air freshener and spray a bit about. Sometimes it is not noticeable, like for some of you as you entered the room didn't notice any smell at all. It is often called a "Still-Small-Voice".
During the restoration Joseph Smith was receiving revelation after revelation, he was translating ancient documents, giving blessings and revelations to individuals and was doing much to setup the kingdom of God on the earth. During this time there were claims of others that they were also able to receive revelation as well, and in some cases these revelations contradicted or were opposed to what Joseph Smith had received.
In the summer of 1830, Oliver Cowdery wrote to Joseph Smith from the home of Peter Whitmer, where the Church had been organized earlier that year: “I command you in the name of God to erase those words, that no priest craft be amongst us.” His passion was clear, but what had so alarmed the Church’s Second Elder that he would be so forceful in his communication with the Prophet?
Under divine commission, Oliver had written a document called the “Articles of the Church of Christ” that was later superseded by a second document written by Joseph, titled “Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ.” Joseph’s document used much of the same language but added significant passages clarifying and expanding on Oliver’s original. Joseph’s later document was accepted by the Church at its June 1830 conference as binding. Notwithstanding the Church’s acceptance, Oliver disapproved of a phrase in the list of requirements for baptism: “And truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins.”
Perhaps Oliver felt his involvement in the document’s development entitled him to make demands concerning the text. Joseph, however, disagreed, insisting that the requirement had come by revelation. In his response, Joseph asked “by what authority he [Oliver] took upon him to command me to alter, or erase, to add or diminish to or from a revelation or commandment from Almighty God.”
Persecution around his home in Harmony, Pennsylvania, had forced Joseph and his wife, Emma, to take up residence with the Whitmers in August 1830. Upon arriving, Joseph found that Hiram Page, the husband of one of the Whitmers’ daughters, had used a stone to receive two revelations concerning the Church.
Perhaps remembering his success persuading Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmers of their error concerning the “Articles and Covenants,” Joseph intended to reason with them until a conference that was to be convened in September. He soon discovered, however, that belief in Hiram Page’s supposed revelations was more widespread than he had thought, so he sought a revelation on the matter. Section 28 - Joseph Smith Papers
The revelation was addressed to Oliver Cowdery. Oliver was assured his voice would be heard but was warned that “no one shall be appointed to Receive commandments & Revelations in this Church excepting my Servant Joseph for he Receive them even as Moses & thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him.”
Teachings of Joseph Smith - Chapter 10
“Seeing that the Lord has never given the world to understand by anything heretofore revealed that he had ceased forever to speak to his creatures when sought unto in a proper manner, why should it be thought a thing incredible that he should be pleased to speak again in these last days for their salvation?
“Perhaps you may be surprised at this assertion, that I should say for the salvation of his creatures in these last days, since we have already in our possession a vast volume of his word which he has previously given. But you will admit that the word spoken to Noah was not sufficient for Abraham, or it was not required of Abraham to leave the land of his nativity and seek an inheritance in a strange country upon the word spoken to Noah, but for himself he obtained promises at the hand of the Lord and walked in that perfection that he was called the friend of God
. Isaac, the promised seed, was not required to rest his hope upon the promises made to his father, Abraham, but was privileged with the assurance of his approbation in the sight of heaven by the direct voice of the Lord to him.
“If one man can live upon the revelations given to another, might not I with propriety ask, why the necessity, then, of the Lord speaking to Isaac as he did, as is recorded in the 26th chapter of Genesis? For the Lord there repeats, or rather promises again, to perform the oath which he had previously sworn unto Abraham. And why this repetition to Isaac? Why was not the first promise as sure for Isaac as it was for Abraham? Was not Isaac Abraham’s son? And could he not place implicit confidence in the word of his father as being a man of God?
...
“But will all this purchase an assurance for me, or waft me to the regions of eternal day with my garments spotless, pure, and white? Or, must I not rather obtain for myself, by my own faith and diligence in keeping the commandments of the Lord, an assurance of salvation for myself? And have I not an equal privilege with the ancient saints? And will not the Lord hear my prayers and listen to my cries as soon as he ever did to theirs if I come to him in the manner they did?”
Alma 5:45-48 I have fasted and prayed many days - I do know of myself these things are true
D&C 46:11-14 To some it is given to know that Jesus is the Christ - to others it is given to believe on their words - that they might also be saved!
1 Nephi 2:16-18 Nephi sees the vision, Sam believes his words, Laman and Lemuel do not
D&C 46:8-11 Seek earnestly the best gifts, not all are given to all every man is given a gift by the spirit of God
Do you have the spirit of Revelation? Is that one of your gifts? Or is your gift to believe another?
Section 6:21-24 Cast your mind upon the night you cried unto me in your heart - did I not speak peace to your mind
concerning the matter!
Section 8:2-5 I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the Holy Ghost - this is the spirit of revelation - Moses used - it is your gift apply unto it!
Attention Activity:
Before class spray a small amount of air freshener around the room before anyone arrives... if possible.
As the lesson begins ask if anyone noticed anything different about the room? If no one does bring up the fact that revelation is like a smell... Sometimes it is strong - show them the air freshener and spray a bit about. Sometimes it is not noticeable, like for some of you as you entered the room didn't notice any smell at all. It is often called a "Still-Small-Voice".
Video - David A Bednar Patterns of Light
Methods, means, channels by which revelation comes to an individual.
Historical Context:
During the restoration Joseph Smith was receiving revelation after revelation, he was translating ancient documents, giving blessings and revelations to individuals and was doing much to setup the kingdom of God on the earth. During this time there were claims of others that they were also able to receive revelation as well, and in some cases these revelations contradicted or were opposed to what Joseph Smith had received.
History of the Church - Revelations in Context
Oliver Cowdery commands Joseph Smith to change his revelations -
In the summer of 1830, Oliver Cowdery wrote to Joseph Smith from the home of Peter Whitmer, where the Church had been organized earlier that year: “I command you in the name of God to erase those words, that no priest craft be amongst us.” His passion was clear, but what had so alarmed the Church’s Second Elder that he would be so forceful in his communication with the Prophet?
Under divine commission, Oliver had written a document called the “Articles of the Church of Christ” that was later superseded by a second document written by Joseph, titled “Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ.” Joseph’s document used much of the same language but added significant passages clarifying and expanding on Oliver’s original. Joseph’s later document was accepted by the Church at its June 1830 conference as binding. Notwithstanding the Church’s acceptance, Oliver disapproved of a phrase in the list of requirements for baptism: “And truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins.”
Perhaps Oliver felt his involvement in the document’s development entitled him to make demands concerning the text. Joseph, however, disagreed, insisting that the requirement had come by revelation. In his response, Joseph asked “by what authority he [Oliver] took upon him to command me to alter, or erase, to add or diminish to or from a revelation or commandment from Almighty God.”
Hiram Page uses a stone to receive revelation
Persecution around his home in Harmony, Pennsylvania, had forced Joseph and his wife, Emma, to take up residence with the Whitmers in August 1830. Upon arriving, Joseph found that Hiram Page, the husband of one of the Whitmers’ daughters, had used a stone to receive two revelations concerning the Church.
Perhaps remembering his success persuading Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmers of their error concerning the “Articles and Covenants,” Joseph intended to reason with them until a conference that was to be convened in September. He soon discovered, however, that belief in Hiram Page’s supposed revelations was more widespread than he had thought, so he sought a revelation on the matter. Section 28 - Joseph Smith Papers
The revelation was addressed to Oliver Cowdery. Oliver was assured his voice would be heard but was warned that “no one shall be appointed to Receive commandments & Revelations in this Church excepting my Servant Joseph for he Receive them even as Moses & thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him.”
Why is it important for us to understand the spirit of revelation?
Teachings of Joseph Smith - Chapter 10
“Seeing that the Lord has never given the world to understand by anything heretofore revealed that he had ceased forever to speak to his creatures when sought unto in a proper manner, why should it be thought a thing incredible that he should be pleased to speak again in these last days for their salvation?
“Perhaps you may be surprised at this assertion, that I should say for the salvation of his creatures in these last days, since we have already in our possession a vast volume of his word which he has previously given. But you will admit that the word spoken to Noah was not sufficient for Abraham, or it was not required of Abraham to leave the land of his nativity and seek an inheritance in a strange country upon the word spoken to Noah, but for himself he obtained promises at the hand of the Lord and walked in that perfection that he was called the friend of God
. Isaac, the promised seed, was not required to rest his hope upon the promises made to his father, Abraham, but was privileged with the assurance of his approbation in the sight of heaven by the direct voice of the Lord to him.
“If one man can live upon the revelations given to another, might not I with propriety ask, why the necessity, then, of the Lord speaking to Isaac as he did, as is recorded in the 26th chapter of Genesis? For the Lord there repeats, or rather promises again, to perform the oath which he had previously sworn unto Abraham. And why this repetition to Isaac? Why was not the first promise as sure for Isaac as it was for Abraham? Was not Isaac Abraham’s son? And could he not place implicit confidence in the word of his father as being a man of God?
...
“But will all this purchase an assurance for me, or waft me to the regions of eternal day with my garments spotless, pure, and white? Or, must I not rather obtain for myself, by my own faith and diligence in keeping the commandments of the Lord, an assurance of salvation for myself? And have I not an equal privilege with the ancient saints? And will not the Lord hear my prayers and listen to my cries as soon as he ever did to theirs if I come to him in the manner they did?”
Each of us need to obtain for ourselves an assurance of salvation, and or a testimony of the truth!
Alma 5:45-48 I have fasted and prayed many days - I do know of myself these things are true
Some have the spirit of belief in others!
D&C 46:11-14 To some it is given to know that Jesus is the Christ - to others it is given to believe on their words - that they might also be saved!
1 Nephi 2:16-18 Nephi sees the vision, Sam believes his words, Laman and Lemuel do not
Each of us should gain our testimony in our own way and through our own gifts - different than another!
D&C 46:8-11 Seek earnestly the best gifts, not all are given to all every man is given a gift by the spirit of God
Do you have the spirit of Revelation? Is that one of your gifts? Or is your gift to believe another?
Apply unto it! - Seek after the greatest gifts of God!
D&C 6:13 - The greatest gift is being saved in the kingdom of God!
What is the spirit of Revelation?
How can we recognize "Revelation" as information that comes from God?
Section 6:21-24 Cast your mind upon the night you cried unto me in your heart - did I not speak peace to your mind
concerning the matter!
Section 8:2-5 I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the Holy Ghost - this is the spirit of revelation - Moses used - it is your gift apply unto it!
Why does God say apply unto it to Oliver?
Revelation is a learned gift - an individual can become better and better and receiving/recognizing and understanding it!
The Spirit of Revelation is a Learned Gift:
Teachings of Joseph Smith - Chapter 10
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith
“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.
...
“No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations. The Holy Ghost is a revelator.”
How then can we determine if a Revelation is of God?
Has it come through the proper authority? - who has stewardship
Does it conflict with existing revelations? - be careful on this one!
Does it enlighten the mind - testify of Christ - and bring you closer to God?
Does it conflict with existing revelations? - be careful on this one!
Does it enlighten the mind - testify of Christ - and bring you closer to God?
Is a Revelation given to one - Doctrine to all? Should all be taught? Should all even be shared?
Ensign October 1991 - The Dual Aspects of Prayer - Francis M. Gibbons
For example, when President Heber J. Grant was a young man, presiding in the Tooele Stake, Patriarch John Rowberry gave him a special blessing. Afterward, the patriarch said to President Grant, “I saw something that I dared not mention.” President Grant later recorded it was made known to him at that moment that he would one day be the President of the Church. He never discussed this revelation with anyone, never recorded it, and revealed it only after it was an accomplished fact. (See Francis M. Gibbons, Heber J. Grant: Man of Steel, Prophet of God, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1979, p. viii.) How wise he was, for had he revealed it to others, his enemy, Satan, would have known and, with that knowledge, could have created unimaginable difficulties for him.
Often, we talk too much. We say things that need not be said or should not be said
; for in saying them, we may open a crevice which enables Lucifer to wedge his way into our lives. We learn from 2 Nephi that Satan “seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Ne. 2:27.) Satan and his followers are persistent in their quest to drag us down to their level.They will use any device or artifice to accomplish their end
. If they know, for example, of revelations such as the one given to President Grant, or if they see from our words or actions evidence of animosity or hatred or discord among us, they may capitalize on them in ways which will be detrimental to us. Wisdom suggests, therefore, that we suppress words and actions which might enable Satan to harm us or whose tendency might be to create discord or enmity.Ether 4:1-2 The things of the Brother of Jared were forbidden to be shown until after Jesus should die
Alma 63:12-13 All engravings were sent forth except those that were commanded to not go forth
Does everyone receive revelation in the same way?
1 Kings 19:11–12 It comes as a still small voiceJames 1:5–6 Let him ask in faith nothing wavering (See also NT Practical Religion Lesson)
Helaman 5:30 A voice of perfect mildness - did pierce even to the very soul
3 Nephi 18:18–21 Through prayer revelation may be received
D&C88:63–65 Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you - ask and receive
Some have said that they receive a burning in their bosom, or some other feeling by which they know that the revelation is of God. Each individual is different, and each person has their own way of thinking, acting, and has their own gifts given from God. We should not therefore believe that God also speaks to each individual in the same way
. Each gift is given by God for the benefit of the individual and the church, and each person's gift can give them a testimony of Jesus Christ in a different way.
If you have never felt a "Burning in your Bosom" should you thus state that you have never received revelation? NO! There are many means, ways and methods through which revelation comes - as distinct as individuals are!
Who then should we listen to...?
April 1996 - The Prophetic Voice - James E. FaustTeachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith - pg 143
We do not consider ourselves bound to receive any revelation from any one man or woman without his/her being legally constituted and ordained to that authority, and given sufficient proof of it.
I will inform you that it is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instruction for those in authority, higher than themselves; therefore you will see the impropriety of giving heed to them;
How then can we receive revelation for ourselves?
There are many means and administrations by which revelation can come!
Open Visions - First vision, vision of degrees of Glory, John's Revelation, Moses Communes with GodDreams - Lehi, Joseph Smith's Father, Pharoah of Egypt - Joseph, NebuchadnezzarThoughts placed in heart/mind - The most common way - Moses, Joseph Smith, everyone...Gift of Knowledge, Teaching, Wisdom, Tongues, etc.Devices of RevelationGod uses devices to provide information to man: See Devices of Revelation
Let us remember that revelation to an individual is individual revelation, let us always maintain the doctrine in its purity and teach only that which is taught by the apostles, prophets and scripture.
However, let us also question, seek and determine for ourselves the truths of the Gospel. We should always be able and willing to be able to in all times and places to give an answer to every man that asketh you the reason of the hope that is in us.
Lots, Urim and Thummim, Breastplate of the Priest - Glowing Stones, The white stone - used by resurrected celestial beings, Rod of Aaron/Nature, Liahona,
How is the spirit of revelation different from that received through a device such as Urim/Thummim, Seer Stone, Gift of Aaron, Priest Breastplate, etc.
- Be Reverent
- Be Humble
- Keep the Commandments
- Partake of the Sacrament
- Study the scriptures/daily
- Take time to Meditate/Ponder
Conclusion:
Let us remember that revelation to an individual is individual revelation, let us always maintain the doctrine in its purity and teach only that which is taught by the apostles, prophets and scripture.
However, let us also question, seek and determine for ourselves the truths of the Gospel. We should always be able and willing to be able to in all times and places to give an answer to every man that asketh you the reason of the hope that is in us.