Revelation and the Living Prophet

Joseph Smith knew the importance of revelation in the Church.

Beginning with the First Vision, Joseph Smith was God’s prophet chosen to reveal His word and will to the earth. As he grew into this role, Joseph gained a clear understanding of the order of revelation in the Church. Here are some of Joseph Smith’s teachings on revelation and the role of the living prophet.

Revelation Is Essential

“The doctrine of revelation far transcends the doctrine of no revelation; for one truth revealed from heaven is worth all the sectarian notions in existence.”

“Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it. … No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy [see Revelation 19:10].”

The Order of Revelation

“Thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church; for I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead” (D&C 28:6–7).

“The Presidents or [First] Presidency are over the Church; and revelations of the mind and will of God to the Church, are to come through the Presidency. This is the order of heaven, and the power and privilege of [the Melchizedek] Priesthood. It is also the privilege of any officer in this Church to obtain revelations, so far as relates to his particular calling and duty in the Church.”

Follow God’s Prophet

“There are a great many wise men and women too in our midst who are too wise to be taught; therefore they must die in their ignorance, and in the resurrection they will find their mistake.”

Joseph Smith Jr. Receiving Revelation, by Daniel Lewis