Revelation is a conversation between God and His children.  The scriptures tell us of many different types of revelations–from dreams to visions to angelic visitations.  These experiences, however, are the exception and not the norm.  That is why the stories are told and retold–they are unusual.  The most frequently experienced type of revelation is a quiet spiritual prompting that comes through the whispers of the Holy Ghost.

On the subject of revelation, chapter 8 verse 2 of the Doctrine and Covenants reads: “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.”  Sometimes, the Holy Ghost impresses feelings on a person.  At other times, He may whisper words directly to your mind.  Some people even say that they hear a voice, out loud, even though no one was there.  I have heard of revelation being accompanied by extremes in cold or heat.

Now that I had defined revelation, I can truly answer the question that has been asked: Who can receive revelation?  The answer is anyone.  Let me qualify that statement: anyone can receive revelation within the bounds of their own stewardship (or their own responsibility).  James E. Faust wrote that a person who has “received the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, [is] entitled to personal inspiration in the small events of life as well as when they are confronted with the giant Goliaths of life. If worthy, we are entitled to receive revelations for ourselves, [and] parents for their children… But the right of revelation for others does not extend beyond our own stewardship” (“Communion with the Holy Spirit,” Ensign, Mar 2002, 2–7).  Prophets are the only people whose stewardship envelopes the entire world.  I have heard it said that revelation through the prophet for the entire church is one conduit of information from Heavenly Father.  A second is personal revelation.  Both types of revelation originate from the same source.  Therefore, what comes out at the other end will never contradict each other.  In fact, they will complement each other.  It is just another example of promise reiterated in Doctrine and Covenants 6:28: “in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”

Having established that you can receive revelation, you might ask, what types of things can I receive revelation about?  We can receive revelation to help us with our specific personal needs, responsibilities, and questions and to help us strengthen our testimony.  In a speech at Brigham Young University in 1981, Dallin H. Oaks listed eight purposes of revelation: Testimony, Prophecy, To Comfort, To Uplift, To Inform, To Restrain, To Confirm, and To Compel to Action.  I would like to take a moment to touch on each of these things.

  1. Testimony: “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:13-17).   It is through personal revelation that we gain our testimonies—both initially in conversion as well as through the rest of our lives as our testimonies are strengthened.
  2. Prophecy: I will leave this one alone as it pertains mostly to the Prophet.
  3. To Comfort: “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes” (D&C 121:7-8).  Sometimes, in times of trial or anguish, we can receive comfort (maybe just a warm feeling).
  4. To Uplift: Oaks said, “Because it raises our spirits and helps us resist evil and seek good, I believe that the feeling of uplift that is communicated by reading the scriptures or by enjoying wholesome music, art, or literature is a distinct purpose of revelation.”
  5. To Inform: Often, you will hear people saying how they prayed where to find lost keys and were inspired where to find it.  This is one of the ways that we can receive revelation.  If we pray for guidance on dealing with a particular situation and receive an answer, this is revelation.
  6. To Restrain: On this subject, Oaks said, “The revelation that restrains is one of the most common forms of revelation. It often comes by surprise, when we have not asked for revelation or guidance on a particular subject. But if we are keeping the commandments of God and living in tune with His Spirit, a restraining force will steer us away from things we should not do.”  People have said that they were crossing the street and warned to stop.  A bus than swoops by and the person would have been run over if they did not listen.  I was looking for a job and interviewed for a position that seemed nearly perfect.  I loved everything about the place and the people I would be working with.  As soon as I got home from the interview, I had a terrible, sick feeling of foreboding.  I could not get rid of it until I determined that I would reject the job if I were offered it.  I prayed about this decision and felt it confirmed to me.  Within moments, I received a call offering me the job which, to the surprise of the interviewer, I turned down.  I did not understand why at the time, but a few weeks later, I discovered that the position had been terminated.
  7. To Confirm: “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” (Doctrine & Covenants 9:7-8).  Part of our everyday decision making process should be to take our decisions to the Lord and ask if it is right.
  8. To Compel to Action: Sometimes, we just feel like we should do something and we don’t know why.

Revelation can come to you, if you seek it and live in a way that allows the Holy Ghost to be near you.

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