Lesson 7 Themes of the Doctrine and Covenants: Revelation Key Words General Revelation Special Revelation Prophet Scriptures for this Lesson D&ClOO:la D&C 1:4, 5, 8 D&C43:1a D&C 9:3a-d D&C42:17a D&C59:1c D&C27:1, 2b D&C64:2f D&C31:1d D&C52:4e D&C10:11b D&C81:1d D&C83:7a-b D&C16:1c Revelation is the process of making things known. The word is a form of the verb to reveal which means to disclose or to make things visible which were otherwise hidden and to make things clear or plain to the sight. We are exposed to all kinds of revelations in our lives every day. News organizations work incessantly to break a big story or to uncover the secrets of politics, economics or society. Science searches deep within life and in the space beyond us to discover new facts about the universe in which we live. Education and learning are the means of seeing things not known to us. In Christian thought, the concept of revelation specifically applies to God's revelation of Himself to us. It is the means by which God tells us who He is, what He is like, what He is doing and what is expected of us by God. Theologians speak about two kinds of divine revelation. General revelation is the discovery of God as His fingerprints are found in creation. This is an incomplete but important witness of God. Glimpses of God are available in nature, but the view is incomplete. For example, it is easy to see that He is a God of order and law. It is also possible to surmise that God is powerful, brilliant, imaginative, majestic and great. Scientific discovery also represents a kind of general revelation. The knowledge, which has been unfolding in multiple discoveries in the physical world, is the result of a spirit of revelation. This spirit of revelation has been working Page -41-
in man though man may attribute it to natural causes and evolutionary processes. Nevertheless, the germ thought for every major invention must be regarded as revelation. It is a disclosure of things unknown to man before. We may dismiss it as an "idea," or a "hunch," but where does an idea or hunch come from? It comes from that Light that lighteth every man that comes into the world (Restoration Beliefs, pg 73). A more specific and personal revelation is needed to discover the deeper, plain truths about God and who He is. Nature will give incomplete clues about His justice, mercy, love, purity, holiness or eternal nature. This deeper revelation is called special revelation. The scriptures are the result of special revelation. This is revelation in which God tells us very specific and clear things about Himself. It is the primary purpose of special revelation to reveal the person, mind and will of God. Along the way it also teaches us about ourselves as we relate to God. It is also found in answers to prayers, instruction and guidance given by the Holy Spirit, inspired utterances through angels and the servants of God. Special revelation is the guide for correctly interpreting and understanding general revelation. Revelation is all about getting to know God. Our relationship with God begins as he reveals information about himself. As we receive it and believe it, which is an act of faith, we begin to experience life together with God. Then there is commitment and transformation as faith grows as the result of revelation. This results in the joyous desire to spend time with God's people to learn more about him by witnessing his work in their lives, as well as the desire to share the revelation of who God is and what he has done through Jesus Christ with the world, Revelation culminates in mission in the same way that someone who has fallen deeply in love cannot stop talking about the person they enjoy and introducing him or her to everyone they know (Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears, Doctrine, page 38). Common consent and revelation are very closely related principles. The discussion in Lesson 6 taught that common consent is based on the principle of special revelation. We seek God's will, He answers through the scriptures and the work of the Holy Ghost and we agree to obey. Everything the D&C says about Page -42-
common consent applies to the principle of revelation. All Christians believe that God has given special revelation. They hold up the Bible as a record of that special revelation. Outside of the Restoration, Christians have become convinced that the Lord stopped giving scripture level revelation with the death of the Apostles and Paul. The D&C is a bold refutation of that idea. Parley P. Pratt said, There are three classes of mankind in Christendom; one acknowledges a God of revelation, with power to speak to the people; another, that God can not speak, and must not speak; and the third class are infidels, and believe there is no God (Parley P. Pratt quoted in How We Got the Doctrine and Covenants 12 ). God Initiates Revelation It is clear from the D&C that God initiated revelation. In Section 17 we see that immediately after God created mankind He gave commandments to them (D&C 17:4b). Earlier in the same section the Lord says that He gave commandments to Joseph Smith and these words of heaven gave Joseph power to translate the Book of Mormon (D&C 12 Turley, Richard and Slaughter, William, How We Got the Doctrine and Covenants, (Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Co.:2012), pg xi. 17:2). The Lord said that His voice was to the ends of the earth so all who will hear, may hear (D&C 1:3a). He initiated contact to save as many as will hear His voice. He also initiates revelation to help His people and bring blessings Verily I say unto you, my friends, Behold, I will give unto you a revelation and commandment, that you may know how to act in the discharge of your duties concerning the salvation and redemption of your brethren, who have been scattered on the land of Zion, being driven and smitten by the hands of mine enemies; on whom I will pour out my wrath without measure in mine own time (D&C loo:la). We understand that the Lord gives revelation as law to the church through the prophets. Nevertheless, God will reveal Himself to any person as it seems good to Him. He may use any or all of His spiritual avenues as well. What I the Lord have spoken I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice, or by the voice of my Page -43-
servants, it is the same; for behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen (D&C 1:8). For Instruction In the preface to the revelations (D&C 1:4) the Lord gave commandments because He knew the calamities which were to come upon the world. He spoke to warn and protect all who would listen to Him. Wherefore I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jr., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments, and also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world (D&C 1:4a). The Lord's instruction has also been given for the purpose of perfecting and refining His people. Behold, I am God, and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding; and inasmuch as they erred it might be made known; and inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed; and inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent; and inasmuch as they were humble, they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from ti~e to time (D&C 1:5a-c). Compare this to what is written in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Revelation is useful is making us Saints and citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. How Revelation is Received The process of receiving revelation is very nicely described and illustrated in the D&C. Section 41:1b was introduced in the previous lesson. Revelation comes when a one person or a group of persons come before God by the prayer of faith to seek wisdom from on high. In this case, Section 42 was the result of the elder' s prayer and faith. This is confirmed in the opening words of Section 43: 0 hearken, ye elders of my church, and give ear to the words which I shall speak unto you: for, behold, verily, verily I say unto you, that ye have received a commandment for a law unto my church, through him whom I have appointed Page -44-
unto you, to receive commandments and revelations from my hand (D&C 43:1a). There are other examples also. Joseph Smith III received a revelation known as Section 119 after the General Conference observed a day of fasting and prayer on April 9, 1887. In 1902, President Joseph Smith III had been in prayer and was given instruction by means of an open vision. A similar testimony is recorded by subsequent prophets of the church. This is a pattern or example for each member of the church to remember and follow. The Saints are admonished to seek the Lord in all things. Asking and knocking for guidance and wisdom are promised to be answered by the Lord, if done in faith (see D&C 4:2b; 10:2c; 11:2c and 12:2c). The process of asking is not a passive act of tossing a question heavenward and waiting. Oliver was told that he must study out the matter before him. 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; 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; 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 (D&C 9:3a-d). The importance of asking the Lord is reinforced in D&C 42, 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 (D&C 42:17a). God communicating with His people is a sign of His blessing upon the people. When the heavens are sealed and the voice of God is silent, the blessings of God are absent. When His people are responsive, God showers light and truth upon them. and it shall bring forth in its strength; and they shall also be crowned with blessings from above; yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time; they that are faithful and diligent before me (D&C 59:1c). Page -45-
Teach the Revelations The prophecies given to the church are to be taught to the Saints and to the people of the world. Behold, I say unto thee, Oliver, that it shall be given unto thee that thou shalt be heard by the church in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach them by the Comforter, concerning the revelations and commandments which I have given... and thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and revelations, with power and authority unto the church (D&C 27:1, 2b). For the discipline of the church There are multiple mentions in the latter day revelations in which the Lord rebukes or chastises individuals or the church in general. Some revelations give guidance about dealing with sin and disobedience in the church. And he that repenteth not of his sins, and confesseth them not, then ye shall bring him before the church, and do with him as the Scriptures saith unto you, either by commandment, or by revelation (D&C 64:2f). A long series of instructions can be found throughout the revelation known as Section 42. These deal with various kinds of difficulties and sins that must be resolved in the church. Understood by Prayer Revelation comes by prayer. Not every part of a revelation may be clear at first reading. Continued study and prayer is required to gain the most of the revealed word. And they shall give heed to that which is written and pretend to no other revelation, and they shall pray always that I may unfold them to their understanding (D&C 31:1d). Discerning of Spirits Among the insights of the Restored Gospel is the guidance God has given regarding discerning of spirits and the ability to determine who is a genuine servant of the Lord and who is not. And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise, and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you (D&C 52:4e). Do Not Deny Revelation Revelation is a chief means of communication from God to the church. To discount or reject this revelation is a Page -46-
rejection of the intended blessing and will lead to condemnation and a loss of God's favor. Build upon my rock, which is my gospel; deny not the spirit of revelation, nor the spirit of prophecy, for woe unto him that denieth these things (D&C 10:11b) Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings which I give unto you, ye become transgressors, and justice and judgment is the penalty which is affixed unto my law (D&C 81:1d). Revelation is a vital ministry of God to the church. It also becomes a part of the ministry of God's people to each other and to the world in which they live. Through the revealed word of God people are brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The means of salvation (the atonement of Jesus Christ) is made known by revelation. The response required of people to the gospel (repentance and faith) is identified in the word. The principles of Saintly living are identified in the gospel. By revelation the Saints understand the role of priesthood, the ordinances, stewardship and the government or functioning of the church are identified. All of these are needed for the church to be the church of Jesus Christ and to please God. Revelation also helps the church to understand its mission in the world and the means by which it is to be accomplished (missionary work, the message of salvation, priesthood duties, etc.). The church and the Saints have been advised to And And now I give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life; for you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God. For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ (D&C 83:7a-b). I behold I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written; for in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my Rock (D&C 16:1c). Page -47-
Select Questions for Discussion 1. In general terms, what is revelation? 2. What is the purpose of God given revelation? 3. What is meant by the term general revelation? Give some examples. 4. Please define special revelation and give examples. 5. What is the process by which revelation may be obtained? 6. What is the church to do with the revelations of God? 7. What is the instruction of D&C 83:7 and 16:1? Why is this important? 8. What did you learn from this lesson? Page -48-