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The word revelation is defined
as making something manifest, especially something of great
significance that was not previously known. Revelation can
come to an individual on a personal matter, to a father for
his family, to an ecclesiastical leader for a congregation, or
to a prophet of God for the entire world.
Revelation Directs the Lord’s Church
In the spirit of Hebrews 1:1-2, the Church of Jesus Christ is
to be directed by God, with revelation being the “rock” upon
which the Church is to be built (Matthew 16:16-18). Such was
the case when Jesus instructed and directed leaders in
establishing his Church, while receiving direction from God
the Father. Though Christ left his earthly existence, he
remains with us always unto the end of the world according to
the promise given before his ascension (Matthew 28:20). He is
with us through the power of the Holy Ghost (Luke 12:23 and
John 14:26). |
Christ spoke directly to Saul in a vision (Acts 9:3-6) and to
Peter in like manner (Acts 10). Christ gave many revelations
to John in what came to be the Book of Revelation in the New
Testament. In all of these cases the revelation came long
after the ascension of Christ. Prophets and others can have
the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:39), in each case given
in its proper order and in agreement with the scriptures.
Revelation Defined and Manifested Today
The apostle Bruce R. McConkie defined revelation in two parts:
personal revelation and revelation for the Church. Personal
revelation is given to individuals for their own personal
guidance; revelation for the Church is given to
Church-appointed leaders for the entire Church body (Mormon
Doctrine, Bruce R. McConkie, Bookcraft 1979, pages 643-647).
The ninth article of faith states: “We believe all that God
has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that
He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining
to the Kingdom of God” (AOF 9), indicating on-going
revelation.
There is comfort in the doctrine about a living God who would
interact with his children on a personal level while providing
broader guidance through appointed Church leaders. The
doctrine of continuous revelation gives new meaning to prayer
and to the importance of divine counsel. It makes God and his
Son Jesus Christ more alive to all of us.
Upon studying the writings of the apostle Paul one can become
even more convinced of the truthfulness of the doctrine of
continuous revelation. In 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 Paul writes:
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which
God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath
revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth
all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Paul provides
similar insights into revelation in the 14th chapter of his
first letter to the Corinthians and in the third chapter of
his letter to the Ephesians. Paul wrote these letters long
after the ascension of Christ. He did not consider himself or
others to be without the gift of continuing revelation, and
nor should we.
Conclusion
It is surprising how many Christian churches today do not
believe in on-going revelation. To limit revelation to that
which was provided by Jesus Christ before his ascension into
heaven would be akin to saying that God no longer speaks to
his children, or has no further instruction to provide. One is
reminded of a question concerning a quiet God and how
preposterous such a notion is: “is God the great I am, or the
great I was?”
Doctrinal
Study: Divine
Communication: Revelation
Download the
Sword Series™ essay on Revelation |
