Direct revelation

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Direct Revelation is also known as “Dialogue Revelation” or “Revelation-Discourse”, where God or his angels communicates directly, in person, or by voice and impression or just by impression. Scholars believe that the pattern which God uses to communicate directly is in private - in a private manner, or in isolated places as seen with the appearance of the angel in the tomb of Jesus (Luke 24:1-5), or the appearance of Moses and Elijah on Mount Hermon, (or Mount Transfiguration) during the transfiguration of Jesus Christ (Mark 9:1-4). (to use the more obvious examples). Although, when Jesus appeared to Saul (the Apostle Paul), the men with him heard the voice, but saw no one (Acts 9:4-7). So it was not an absolutely private manner in this case.

Direct revelation is "open communication" between God and man, or the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) and man, without any other exterior (secondary) means. It is where the Spirit itself, be it God himself, his Holy Ghost or any of his angels, can communicate with a person who has the faith of mind and heart to listen. Direct revelation can occurr between evil spirits and man, but this mode of communication is believed the cause of a failing faith. The difference then applies to the state of faith within the person and the focus of that faith, such as to God himself or to another spirit.

In ecclesiastical terms and purposes, direct revelation or dialogue revelation is the communication of a God's will to a person, by words, impression, visions, dreams or actual appearance. Examples of this is seen in God communicating the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 34:4); or the devil communicating knowledge to Jesus Christ during his temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-12) or the appearance of an angel to the wife of Zorah telling her that she shall bear a son (Judges 13:2); or the Lord instructing Moses to strike a rock in the desert to extract water (Exodus 17:6). Direct revelation has been classified under “special revelation” by Orthodox Theology, but the word "direct" has come to make this type of revelation distinct.

Direct revelation is not unique to the scriptures, and the explanation of “special revelation” lists examples that are direct revelation. It is believed by orthodox Christians that direct revelation had ceased with the last of the early apostles (Apostle John) within the first century of the early Christian Church. Yet, as recent as the nineteenth century, many believe that God restored it by way of Joseph Smith Jr. and the First Vision, which occurred in the spring of 1820, in a grove of trees, a private area located at Palmyra, New York. Since then, direct revelation has been the teaching and practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the belief of the Latter-day Saints that direct revelation is available to all mankind who diligently seek God with sincerity, and real intent.[1]

There are two basic types of direct revelation, (1) Public and (2) Personal. These two separate the type and the purpose of direct revelation received from God. Since these types of revelation centers on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the following information relates their beliefs and doctrine.

Public - refers to the revelation of God’s will to his chosen prophets, seers, and revelators. This revelation is to lead the Church, its functions, direction, and doctrinal stance. It is also to introduce any new doctrine that God decides to impart to the Church and the world. "These public revelations usually illuminate scriptural passages that are doctrinal rather than those that are descriptive or directive."[2]

Personal or Private - "Every devoted, obedient and righteous person on the earth has and does receive revelation from God".[3] Personal or private revelation pertains to that person's life. A person can receive personal revelation from God in a similar manner or ways as would God's prophet, but the difference lies in its purpose. This revelation is to edify, enlighten and fill the soul of that person and assist them in their life, both in a general sense and a religious or spiritual sense. It is also to help that person develop a personal witness of Jesus Christ and his gospel and to bring him/her to work out their salvation, as their relationship with Jesus Christ increases. A person can receive private revelation for him/herself or for their immediate family, but will not receive this revelation for others outside their family or for the Church. This revelation is in contrast to public revelation, but is considered an integral part of the life of the faithful.

Personal (direct) revelation is given in accordance to the level of faith and understanding of that person. This means that a person who is not able to understand deeper doctrines of God, will not receive such. In terms of a non-religious person, personal revelation will relate to knowledge and understanding in which he/she is able to receive and comprehend.

In light of that, sometimes personal revelation has an effect upon nations or the world, but in a more indirect manner. In this sense God inspires certain people in history to impart knowledge and moral truths. Basically, God "enlightens" the works of certain people that have influence or will have influence upon the world. God apparently enlightened "...great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others. This was to bring whole nations to a higher level of understanding."[4]

[edit] References

  • Givens, Terryl L., “The Book of Mormon and Dialogue Revelation” – Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Vol 10 / Num. 2, (2001).
  • Paulsen, David L. & Alvord, Brent, "Joseph Smith and the Problem of the Unevangelized", Farms Review 17/1 (2005).
  • Kendrick, L. Lionel “Personal Revelation,” Ensign, Sept. 1999, 7
  • Oaks, Dallin H., "Scripture Reading and Revelation", Ensign, Jan. 1995, 7

[edit] Notes:

  1. ^ Book of Mormon, "Moroni 10:4"
  2. ^ Oaks, Dallin H., "Scripture Reading and Revelation", Ensign, Jan. 1995, 7 Scripture Reading and Revelation - Article
  3. ^ McConkie, Bruce, "Mormon Doctrine" 1966, pp.664 "Revelation".
  4. ^ Paulsen, David L. & Alvord, Brent, "Joseph Smith and the Problem of the Unevangelized", Farms Review 17/1 (2005), pp.192.

All Bible scripture references are from the King James Version of the Bible. Scriptural Search

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