MORMON BELIEFS

Revelation

The Articles of Faith in the Mormon Church are the 'basic beliefs' that all members of the Church should believe in and live by. They are the beliefs written by the Prophet Joseph Smith through revelation given to him by the Lord in 1842.

Article of Faith #9 in the Mormon Church states that, "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."1

Revelation is communication from God to His children. It comes through diverse channels according to the needs and circumstances of individuals, families, and the Church.

Revelation is an integral part in proclaiming to be the true Church of Jesus Christ. Christ taught his followers that revelation is the "rock upon which he would build his Church."2 

In the Mormon Church, it is believed that the Lord reveals His will to the Church through the current prophet. The Prophet, who currently is Gordon B. Hinckley, is the one who relays the will of the Lord to the people of the Mormon 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."3

This is not new – revelation was given to ancient prophets and they have been given to modern day prophets. It is believed that God continues today to guide His church by revealing His will to His chosen servants. It states in Amos 3:7 that, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

In the Mormon Church, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are prophets, seers and revelators to the Church and to the world. The President of the Mormon Church is the only one authorized to receive revelation for the members of the Church.

 Every person is entitled to revelation for himself or for whom he has stewardship over. When the gift of the Holy Ghost is received, he is then entitled to revelation. "No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations." Mormons believe that those who enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost have the spirit of revelation. A testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ comes from the Holy Ghost. Book of Mormon prophet Moroni stated that, "By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."4

One cannot receive revelation for the Church or for another family. It is believed that through faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ, men, women, husbands and wives have the right to receive revelation for themselves as well as their families.

For more information on the Mormon Church or their beliefs, please see the following websites:

Mormon Church

Basic Beliefs