3
Nephi 3:19
Spirit
of Revelation
What
19 Now
it was the custom among all the Nephites to appoint for their chief
captains, (save it were in their times of wickedness) some one that
had the aspirit of
revelation and also prophecy; therefore, this Gidgiddoni was a great
prophet among them, as also was the chief judge.
Why
If
the chief captain has the spirit of revelation then he will be guided
to know what to do in times of battle as he will be directed by God.
Therefore they would be able to win all their battles.
Pattern
TG Guidance,
Divine
Amos
3:7
Prov.
3:6
Alma
8:14
14
And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being
weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and
anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in
the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed
down with sorrow, behold an angel of
the Lord appeared unto him, saying:
Alma
48:16
16
And also, that God would make it known unto them whither they
should go to defend themselves against their enemies, and by so
doing, the Lord would deliver them; and this was the faith of Moroni,
and his heart did glory in it; not in
the shedding of blood but in doing good, in preserving his people,
yea, in keeping the commandments of God, yea, and resisting iniquity.
The
scriptures are full of prophets and righteous leaders who led their
people in battle.
Moses,
Elisha, David, Moroni, Teancum,
Christ
He
is the source of revelation. He is the spirit of Revelation.
To
have the spirit of revelation is to have access to divine guidance.
D&C
6:14
14
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast
done; for thou hast inquired of
me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received
instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not
have come to the place where thou art at this time.
D&C
112:10
10
Be thou humble;
and the Lord thy God shall lead thee
by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.
Conference
The Spirit of Revelation
Revelation
is communication from God to His children on the earth and one of the
great blessings associated with the gift and constant companionship
of the Holy Ghost. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The Holy Ghost
is a revelator,” and “no man can receive the Holy Ghost without
receiving revelations” (Teachings
of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007],
132).
The
spirit of revelation is available to every person who receives by
proper priesthood authority the saving ordinances of baptism by
immersion for the remission of sins and the laying on of hands for
the gift of the Holy Ghost—and who is acting in faith to fulfill
the priesthood injunction to “receive the Holy Ghost.” This
blessing is not restricted to the presiding authorities of the
Church; rather, it belongs to and should be operative in the life of
every man, woman, and child who reaches the age of accountability and
enters into sacred covenants. Sincere desire and worthiness invite
the spirit of revelation into our lives.
Joseph
Smith and Oliver Cowdery gained valuable experience with the spirit
of revelation as they translated the Book of Mormon. These brethren
learned they could receive whatever knowledge was necessary to
complete their work if they asked in faith, with an honest heart,
believing they would receive. And over time they increasingly
understood the spirit of revelation typically functions as thoughts
and feelings that come into our minds and hearts by the power of the
Holy Ghost. (See D&C
8:1–2; 100:5–8.)
As the Lord instructed them: “Now, behold, this is the spirit of
revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the
children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. Therefore this
is thy gift; apply unto it” (D&C
8:3–4).
I
emphasize the phrase “apply unto it” in relation to the spirit of
revelation. In the scriptures, the influence of the Holy Ghost
frequently is described as “a still small voice” (1
Kings 19:12; 1
Nephi 17:45;
see also 3
Nephi 11:3)
and a “voice of perfect mildness” (Helaman
5:30).
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. Each of us should consider seriously and ponder
prayerfully how we can reject the devil’s enticements and
righteously “apply unto it,” even the spirit of revelation, in
our personal lives and families.
Patterns of Revelation
Revelations
are conveyed in a variety of ways, including, for example, dreams,
visions, conversations with heavenly messengers, and inspiration.
Some revelations are received immediately and intensely; some are
recognized gradually and subtly. The two experiences with light I
described help us to better understand these two basic patterns of
revelation.
As
you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I
promise you will “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah
2:5; 2
Nephi 12:5).
Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and
intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately
you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the
pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will
illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding
(see Alma
5:7; 32:28),
and direct and
protect
you and your family.
I
declare my apostolic witness that the Father and the Son live. The
spirit of revelation is real—and can and does function in our
individual lives and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. I testify of these truths in the sacred name of the Lord
Jesus Christ, amen.
Apply
seek
for and apply the spirit of revelation through sincere prayer and
then carefully follow the spirit in you actions and words.
Hymns
Help
me seek for Inspiration
Children
Teach
Me To Walk In The Light
