“Since we believe in modern revelation, is it ever written down and published and given to the Saints?”

Answer/ Brother Roy W. Doxey

Your question indicates that you believe what the scriptures and the ninth Article of Faith teach regarding the continuous nature of revelation. [A of F 1:9]

Of the standard works of the Church, the Doctrine and Covenants contains the bulk of the revelations received during the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. A careful examination of the History of the Church, however, will reveal that all of the written revelations received by the Prophet are not included in the Doctrine and Covenants. In this regard, Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, later president of the Church, wrote:

“We are blessed with revelation; the Church is built upon that foundation. All the revelations given do not have to be written. The inspiration may come to the brethren, stating what shall be done, as the Lord directs them. It does not have to be printed in a book. We have revelations that have been given, that have been written; some of them have been published; some of them have not.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:282.)

One consideration in responding to your question is the distinction between what may be called the formal revelation (written, as in the Doctrine and Covenants) and the informal (given by inspiration, a form of revelation in the spoken word that is sometimes published). The basis for both of these types of revelation is the following statement from a modern revelation. Bear in mind that when this revelation was given in November 1831, the leadership of the Church consisted of a First Elder and a Second Elder (there was no First Presidency or Twelve Apostles), and it was given to four elders:

“And, behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth—

“And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

“And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.” (D&C 68:2–4.)

Only the president of the Church receives revelation for the Church universally, and only under his direction may other prophets, seers, and revelators receive the right, the power, and authority to declare the mind and will of God to his people. When moved upon by the Holy Ghost, their words become scripture. But how does the hearer or reader know that they have been moved upon by the Holy Spirit? The answer: By that same power which gave the revelation. (See D&C 50:21–24.) Herein are power and vitality maintained in the Church. This principle has and will continue to move the Church onward to its divine destiny. Members of the Church rejoice in the knowledge that they are beneficiaries of continuous revelation through their chosen leaders.

The inspired instructions from the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles become scripture. Each Thursday they meet in the Salt Lake Temple, where decisions are made to further the kingdom of God. The experience of Elder John A. Widtsoe, a member of the Council of the Twelve, illustrates an important point. When asked when the last revelation was received by the Church, he replied that it was probably last Thursday.

Another time when inspiration is received is at the general conferences that are convened twice each year. One classification of revelation constitutes the answers to the problems of the day. One acquainted with the proceedings of general conferences knows that Latter-day Saints who take the counsel given there find solutions that bring successful living.

President Joseph Fielding Smith considered that members of the Church receive counsel by revelation at every general conference of the Church. (Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:205.) In this same vein, President Harold B. Lee stated the following in a general conference of the Church:

“Now, you Latter-day Saints, I think you have never attended a conference where in these three days you have heard more inspired declarations on most every subject and problem about which you have been worrying. If you want to know what the Lord would have the Saints know and to have his guidance and direction for the next six months, get a copy of the proceedings of this conference, and you will have the latest word of the Lord as far as the Saints are concerned. And [also] all others who are not of us, but who believe what has been said has been the mind of the Lord, the will of the Lord, and the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation. (See D&C 68:4.)” (Conference Report, Oct. 1973, p. 168.)

One of the distinctions to be made in answering your question is the application of the law of common consent in adding a book of scripture. In October 1880, for example, the Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and Covenants were presented to the general conference of the Church for acceptance of the membership of the Church. Again in the general conference of the Church held in April 1976, two important revelations were approved to be added to the Pearl of Great Price. This procedure is to receive concurrence on adding material to a standard work and to commit the Church to live the principles included in the addition. The revelation is valid regardless of what action might be taken, either positive or negative.

In view of what I have written, probably the following may answer your question. In the informal class to which I have referred earlier, inspiration or revelation is given in the general conferences and also in the official documents issued from the First Presidency of the Church. Remember, revelation does not have to be written or published to be revelation. Latter-day Saints have come to understand that real security in life comes through obedience to the counsel of the living oracles regardless of the medium of communication.

Is it necessary for revelation to begin with “Thus saith the Lord,” or “A revelation,” or “Hearken and listen to the voice of the Lord” as so many of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants? No, but one test of revelation is the Lord’s instruction to seek for confirmation by the Holy Ghost. The same Spirit that gave the revelation may certify to the faithful member of the Church of its truth.

The Prophet Joseph Smith said that to keep the commandments it is necessary to know them, and “we cannot expect to know all, or more than we now know unless we comply with or keep those we have already received.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 256.)

• Director of Correlation Review