Principles of Revelation

A prior post, “How Can I Recognize the Holy Ghost,” discusses how we can recognize and understand the Holy Ghost by studying and living principles of revelation. This study guide contains a few scriptures that help us see how principles of revelation are taught throughout the scriptures. The entirety of the scriptures and the words of the prophets and apostles teach us principles of revelation, and as we study the principles of revelation and make an effort to live these principles, we can be confident in our experiences with the Spirit.

We gain a testimony through the Holy Ghost

• Matthew 16:15-17 – Peter gained a testimony by the Holy Ghost, and not through “flesh and blood,” or the temporal, physical senses.
• Alma 38:6 – Alma gained his testimony through the Spirit of God.

We experience a change of heart through the Holy Ghost

• Mosiah 5:1-2 – The Spirit of the Lord wrought a mighty change on the people of King Benjamin.
• 3 Nephi 27:20 – We are sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost.

It requires effort to speak the language of the Holy Ghost

• 2 Nephi 32:1-3 – The Holy Ghost can be compared to a language
• Alma 17:2-3 – The sons of Mosiah had the spirit of revelation because they searched the scriptures diligently, and they gave themselves to much fasting and prayer.
• 1 Nephi 15:6-11 – Laman and Lemuel didn’t receive revelation because they did not ask.
• D&C 9:7-9 – Before we receive revelation, the Lord wants us to study it out.
• Alma 34:20-27, Alma 37:36-37 – We need to counsel with the Lord in everything we do, every minute of every day, and if we will do that, he will “direct” us for good.
• 3 Nephi 9:19-20 – It requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit to have the Holy Ghost with us.
• Mosiah 3:19 – We must yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit.

We must work to receive the Holy Ghost

After baptism, we are confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the confirmation ordinance, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Of that ordinance, Elder David A. Bednar taught:

“The simplicity of this ordinance may cause us to overlook its significance. These four words—’Receive the Holy Ghost’—are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction—an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26). The Holy Ghost does not become operative in our lives merely because hands are placed upon our heads and those four important words are spoken. As we receive this ordinance, each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to so live that we indeed ‘receive the Holy Ghost’ and its attendant spiritual gifts.”¹

He then taught several principles about how we can receive the Holy Ghost: “What should we do to make this authorized admonition to seek for the companionship of the third member of the Godhead an ongoing reality? Let me suggest that we need to (1) sincerely desire to receive the Holy Ghost, (2) appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into our lives, and (3) faithfully obey God’s commandments.”²

As I have studied the scriptures, I have learned many principles that we must live to receive the Holy Ghost.

We receive the Spirit by making an effort in prayer

• 1 Nephi 18:3 – The Lord showed Nephi great things after Nephi prayed often.
• Mosiah 24:10-14 – The voice of the Lord came after they poured out their hearts to him.
• Alma 5:45-46 – Alma fasted and prayed many days before receiving a manifestation of the Spirit.
• Alma 58:10-11 – The Lord spoke peace to their souls after they poured out their souls in prayer.
• 3 Nephi 19:9 – The Lord’s disciples prayed for that which they most desired: the Holy Ghost.

We receive the Spirit by making a greater effort to study

• Alma 17:2-3 – The sons of Mosiah searched the scriptures diligently.
• Helaman 10:2-4 – A voice came unto Nephi as he was pondering.
• 3 Nephi 11: 3-6 – They didn’t understand the voice until they made an effort.
• Moroni 10:3-5 – We need to read, ponder, and pray to receive knowledge by the Spirit.

We receive the Spirit by exercising faith

• 1 Nephi 15:8-11 – Laman and Lemuel did not believe the Lord would answer their prayers.
• Alma 12:10 – He that will not harden his heart, to him is given a greater portion of the word.
• Alma 32:27-28 – Desire to believe and exercise faith to feel the Spirit.
• Alma 37:38-42 – The Liahona only worked by faith, and stopped working when they forgot their faith.
• 3 Nephi 19:20-22 – We are given the Holy Ghost as we believe in the Savior.
• Ether 4:11 – The Lord will give manifestations of the Spirit to those who believe.

We receive the Spirit as we repent

• Alma 36:17-20 – Repentance brings Alma joy.
• Moroni 8:25-26 – Repentance and the remission of sins bringeth meekness, which brings the Holy Ghost.

The Lord expects us to make decisions as we seek revelation

• D&C 9:7-9 – We need to study it out, make a decision, and ask if it is right.
• 1 Nephi 16:23-25 – Nephi made a bow and arrow, and asked his father where to go, which then caused his father to ask the Lord.
• Ether 2:22 to 3:6 – The Lord asks the Brother of Jared to make his own choice.

We receive the Spirit by being Obedient

• Mosiah 2:36 – If you transgress, you withdraw yourselves from the Spirit.

We receive the Spirit by separating ourselves from the world

• 3 Nephi 30:2 – Turn from your wicked ways, that ye may be filled with the Holy Ghost.
• Moroni 10:32-33 – Deny yourselves of all ungodliness to be sanctified in Christ

We receive the Spirit as we keep our covenants

• D&C 20:77, 79 – As we keep our sacrament covenants, we may always have His Spirit to be with us.
• Mosiah 18:10 – The Lord pours his Spirit upon us as we serve him and keep his commandments.

We experience the Holy Ghost in many different ways

We often talk about “feeling” the Holy Ghost. But there are many ways the Spirit influences us, so there are many ways that we can recognize the promptings of the Spirit.

We can have the Spirit without recognizing it

• Alma 10:5-6 – Amulek was called many times but would not hear.
• 3 Nephi 9:20 – Lamanites were baptized with the Holy Ghost and they knew it not.

The Holy Ghost invites us to do good

• Moroni 7:13-16 – Everything that invites to do good is inspired of God.

The Holy Ghost inspires us to act

• Acts 2:37 – After hearing Peter testify of Christ, the people asked what they should do.
• Alma 22:15 – After hearing Aaron’s testimony, King Lamoni’s father asked what he should do.
• JSH 1:11-13 – After reading from the book of James, Joseph Smith felt power come to his heart, which caused him to conclude that he must do as James directed (which was to ask of God).

The Holy Ghost inspires us to Love

• Enos 1:9-13 – Enos felt a desire for the welfare of the Nephites, then the Lamanites.
• Mosiah 28:3-4 – The Spirit caused the sons of Mosiah to love the Lamanites.
• Moroni 9:4-5 – Because of the Nephites’ wickedness, the Spirit ceased striving with them and they lost their love.

The Holy Ghost inspires us to hunger and thirst after righteousness

• Mosiah 5:2 – The Spirit wrought a change upon the people of King Benjamin, so they had no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.
• Alma 13:12 – After being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, they abhorred sin.

The Holy Ghost inspires us to be faithful

• 1 Nephi 4:6 – Nephi was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand what to do.
• Words of Mormon 1:7 – The Spirit whispered to Mormon for a wise purpose that he didn’t understand.
• Alma 37:9-12 – Alma received revelation for a wise purpose, which purpose was not revealed to him.

The Holy Ghost gives us knowledge and understanding

• Alma 18:34-35 – The Spirit gave Ammon knowledge.
• Alma 32:27-34 – The Spirit enlightens our understanding, and becomes delicious to us.
• Alma 38:6 – The Spirit makes things known to us.
• JSH 1:73-74 – After being baptized, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were filled with the Holy Ghost, their minds were enlightened, and the scriptures were laid open to their understanding.

The Holy Ghost comforts us

• Alma 4:15 – Alma was very sorrowful, but the Spirit did not fail him.
• Alma 26:27 – When the sons of Mosiah were depressed, the Lord comforted them.
• Helaman 3:35 – Their souls were filled with joy and consolation.
• Helaman 5:45-48 – A pleasant voice came to them saying “peace.”

Principles of revelation can help us judge our promptings

It is possible to misunderstand promptings that we receive. (See D&C 50:15 “And then received ye spirits which ye could not understand, and received them to be of God; and in this are ye justified?”). But as we learn the principles of revelation, we can use them as something like a measuring stick to determine whether the promptings are from the Holy Ghost.

Moroni taught, “it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; . . . I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.” (Moroni 7:15-16).

Another example is found in a story recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 28. Hyram Page, one of the eight witnesses to the Book of Mormon, claimed that he had received revelations. He was so convincing that even Oliver Cowdery believed him. In response to Joseph’s inquiry about these revelations, the Lord said, “no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses.” (D&C 28:2). The Lord’s house is a house of order (see D&C 132:18). So one way to know whether the prompting we experience is from the Holy Ghost is to determine whether it is consistent with the teachings of the prophets. The Holy Ghost will not prompt us to do something contrary to the teachings of the prophets and apostles. The more we study the words of the prophets and apostles, the more we can know whether what we are feeling is the Holy Ghost.

Principles of revelation can help us discern whether what we think or feel is from the Holy Ghost.

There are many prophetic statements regarding revelation

The prophets and apostles consistently teach about revelation and the gift of the Holy Ghost. The more we study their words, the more principles of revelation we learn.

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.” Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, “Chapter 10: Prayer and Personal Revelation,” p. 132.

“… I can taste the principles of eternal life, and so can you. They are given to me by the revelations of Jesus Christ; and I know that when I tell you these words of eternal life as they are given to me, you taste them, and I know that you believe them. You say honey is sweet, and so do I. I can also taste the spirit of eternal life. I know that it is good; and when I tell you of these things which were given me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you are bound to receive them as sweet, and rejoice more and more.” Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, “Chapter 45: Joseph Smith’s Feelings about His Prophetic Mission,” p. 525.

President Russell M. Nelson

“I promise you—not the person sitting next to you, but you—that, wherever you are in the world, wherever you are on the covenant path—even if, at this moment, you are not centered on the path—I promise you that if you will sincerely and persistently do the spiritual work needed to develop the crucial, spiritual skill of learning how to hear the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, you will have all the direction you will ever need in your life. You will be given answers to your questions in the Lord’s own way and in His own time.” Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for Our Lives.”

“I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation . . . . Nothing opens the heavens quite like the combination of increased purity, exact obedience, earnest seeking, daily feasting on the words of Christ in the Book of Mormon [see 2 Nephi 32:3], and regular time committed to temple and family history work.” Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for Our Lives.”

President Dallin H. Oaks

“I feel to add two other cautions we should remember in connection with this precious direct, personal line of communication with our Heavenly Father.

“First, in its fulness the personal line does not function independent of the priesthood line. The gift of the Holy Ghost—the means of communication from God to man—is conferred by priesthood authority as authorized by those holding priesthood keys. It does not come merely by desire or belief. And the right to the continuous companionship of this Spirit needs to be affirmed each Sabbath as we worthily partake of the sacrament and renew our baptismal covenants of obedience and service.

“Similarly, we cannot communicate reliably through the direct, personal line if we are disobedient to or out of harmony with the priesthood line. The Lord has declared that ‘the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness’ Unfortunately, it is common for persons who are violating God’s commandments or disobedient to the counsel of their priesthood leaders to declare that God has revealed to them that they are excused from obeying some commandment or from following some counsel. Such persons may be receiving revelation or inspiration, but it is not from the source they suppose. The devil is the father of lies, and he is ever anxious to frustrate the work of God by his clever imitations.” Dallin H. Oaks, “Two Lines of Communication,” October 2010.

Elder David A. Bednar

“In the scriptures, the influence of the Holy Ghost frequently is described as ‘a still small voice’ and a ‘voice of perfect mildness.’ Because the Spirit whispers to us gently and delicately, it is easy to understand why we should shun inappropriate media, pornography, and harmful, addictive substances and behaviors. These tools of the adversary can impair and eventually destroy our capacity to recognize and respond to the subtle messages from God delivered by the power of His Spirit. . . .

“We as members of the Church tend to emphasize marvelous and dramatic spiritual manifestations so much that we may fail to appreciate and may even overlook the customary pattern by which the Holy Ghost accomplishes His work. The very ‘simpleness of the way’ of receiving small and incremental spiritual impressions that over time and in totality constitute a desired answer or the direction we need may cause us to look ‘beyond the mark.’

“In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon, and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances. This is in part the meaning of the scripture that declares, ‘Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God.'” David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” April, 2011.

Example of applying principles of revelation

As we study the scriptures and read the words of the prophets and apostles, we see examples of what it means to live principles of revelation. But sometimes it can be challenging to recognize how those apply in our day-to-day lives. Elder Bednar gave what I believe to be a remarkable example in a “Face to Face” event held on May 12, 2015. This is my transcript of a video, so I would encourage you to watch the video, and forgive any of my transcription errors:

Q. How do I tell the difference between promptings from the Holy Ghost and my own thoughts?

Q. Can you teach me to recognize the Holy Ghost when he speaks to me?

A. Elder Bednar: I think we overcomplicate this. I think we overanalyze it. Moroni teaches that all good emanates from Christ. So if you have a thought to do something good, it’s prompted by the Holy Ghost. So, for example, if a student goes to early morning seminary class and your mother every day says “be sure to say your prayers,” and one day you forget to say your prayers, and in your mind you hear your mother’s voice saying, be sure to say your prayers, is that the Holy Ghost, or is that you? What difference does it make? Is Moroni going to come to deliver that message, or would the Holy Ghost use the memory of your angel mother to deliver the same message?

So if it invites and entices to do good, it comes from Christ, and we ought to do it. Now, I’m sure these folks who ask the question say, what if I am making a decision about to go to this school or that school? How do I begin to know the difference? You study it out in your own mind. You don’t just sit and wait for heaven to deliver the answer. You have to learn about the two options. You do your best to understand and compare them, and then ultimately you make a choice, and you take that option that you’ve selected in prayer to our Heavenly Father and you ask in the name of Christ if this is the right one. You and I have the responsibility to study that out. If it’s right, then over time you will come to know by the simple reassurance of the Holy Ghost that this is the thing to do.

Sometimes you have two good options and you never feel really strong about one or the other. There are even some times where our Heavenly Father will say, you make a judgment here. If it’s wrong, you’ll be warned as you begin to try and apply the decision that you’ve made. No member of this church who is trying to be good will fail to be warned by the Holy Ghost if they are headed in a direction that’s not right. But you won’t always know that, necessarily, before you begin pressing forward.

So, we have to study it out, we have to act, and most answers from the Holy Ghost come a little bit at a time, not all at once. They come in small packages, not great big bundles. So we can pray one time and say we didn’t get an answer, but you probably got a part of the answer. But you have to keep pressing forward to get the other parts of the answer that help you know which path you need to pursue.

Conclusion

The scriptures and the teachings of the prophets and apostles are filled with principles of revelation. In the April 2010 general conference, Julie B. Beck, then the Relief Society General President, said, “The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life.”³

If we want to recognize and understand promptings from the Holy Ghost, we need to study the principles of revelation, and immerse ourselves in the language of the Spirit by always seeking to live those principles.

References

1. David A. Bednar, “Receive the Holy Ghost,” General Conference October 2010, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/receive-the-holy-ghost?lang=eng. ↩︎
2. Bednar, “Receive the Holy Ghost.” ↩︎
3. Julie B. Beck, “And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit,” April 2010, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/and-upon-the-handmaids-in-those-days-will-i-pour-out-my-spirit?lang=eng&id=p7#p7. ↩︎