Ultimate Source of Revelation (Truth)

[Traveler]

With the passing of the Pope and the election of a new Pope, I have been pondering some of the similarities we LDS have with our Catholic cousins.  We have a Prophet that guides us, and the Catholics have a Pope.  But these are men and regardless of how we may revere them – it is possible that they make mistakes.

Our Protestant cousins do not believe in a Pope or Prophet.  They believe that scripture is the infallible word of G-d.  The term “Sola Scriptura” which is laten for scripture alone is their ultimate source of revelation.  We also believe scripture to be the word of G-d but with a caveat that scripture needs to be interpreted correctly.

One of the more unique principles of LDS theology is the importance of personal revelation.  I should not have to remind anyone here that many falling into apostasy have done so thinking they have received for themselves a more sure revelation about various things.

So, it would seem that there is a question – What is to be more relied upon?  Prophets?  Scripture?  Personal Revelation?  What is the ultimate source of Revelation?

As I meditated on this problem a thought came to me.  What does Scripture say?  And then what do the Prophets say?  And again, what has the spirit revealed?  In essence, I believe that we LDS have what I would call a trifecta of ultimate source for revelation.  The best way to put this is – In the mouth of two or three witnesses will G-d establish the truth of his word.

We are taught by many witnesses to read and study the scriptures, listen to our prophets and to ask in sincere prayer what is true.  This is our ultimate source of truth and light – a minimum trifecta of ultimate means to be sure of revelation.  If scripture testifies, plus our prophets testifies and also the spirit testifies to us in personal revelation then we can be sure that we have connected and have the ultimate source of revelation.

And yet there is more?

 

The Traveler

[Still_Small_Voice]

“For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding” -- II Nephi 31:3

I believe the LORD will speak to us in a way that will best help us and in a way we will understand.  These mercies had been given to me over and over in my life thus far.

[mikbone]

58 minutes ago, Traveler said:

And yet there is more?

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/10/47eyring?lang=eng

The important / eternal / core Doctrine of Jesus Christ is simple.

Core doctrine is what our testimonies should be built upon.  Core doctrine is unmistakable.  It is reinforced repeatedly in scripture, modern revelation, and personal revelation.

Esoteric ‘doctrine’ is not important, rarely alluded to, confusing, and should never be one’s foundation of testimony. 

Edited 8 hours ago by mikbone

[MrShorty]

Sounds similar to something I have seen/heard Scott Woodward talk about on several occasions. Here's one of his youtube videos talking about his heuristic for what he calls "doctrinal confidence":

 

[CV75]

9 hours ago, Traveler said:

With the passing of the Pope and the election of a new Pope, I have been pondering some of the similarities we LDS have with our Catholic cousins.  We have a Prophet that guides us, and the Catholics have a Pope.  But these are men and regardless of how we may revere them – it is possible that they make mistakes.

Our Protestant cousins do not believe in a Pope or Prophet.  They believe that scripture is the infallible word of G-d.  The term “Sola Scriptura” which is laten for scripture alone is their ultimate source of revelation.  We also believe scripture to be the word of G-d but with a caveat that scripture needs to be interpreted correctly.

One of the more unique principles of LDS theology is the importance of personal revelation.  I should not have to remind anyone here that many falling into apostasy have done so thinking they have received for themselves a more sure revelation about various things.

So, it would seem that there is a question – What is to be more relied upon?  Prophets?  Scripture?  Personal Revelation?  What is the ultimate source of Revelation?

As I meditated on this problem a thought came to me.  What does Scripture say?  And then what do the Prophets say?  And again, what has the spirit revealed?  In essence, I believe that we LDS have what I would call a trifecta of ultimate source for revelation.  The best way to put this is – In the mouth of two or three witnesses will G-d establish the truth of his word.

We are taught by many witnesses to read and study the scriptures, listen to our prophets and to ask in sincere prayer what is true.  This is our ultimate source of truth and light – a minimum trifecta of ultimate means to be sure of revelation.  If scripture testifies, plus our prophets testifies and also the spirit testifies to us in personal revelation then we can be sure that we have connected and have the ultimate source of revelation.

And yet there is more?

 

The Traveler

I think there is a difference between the source, the means (trifecta), the receipt and the application of truth.

My read of the scriptures (and my experience) is that the Son of God is the source of all truth for this world. He conveys it in many ways, from the sustenance of all existence and life on earth to the immortal parallels in eternity. The means of conveyance, which requires the involvement of the Holy Ghost, depends on how much and how well the existing organized entity can act or be acted upon. Elements act very little, life forms act somewhat, and people act very much. The "receipt" of truth is addressed in Elder Kearon's last General Conference talk. As we put forth a good faith effort in following Christ a disciples, we get better and better at it. A great part of receiving the truth is applying it to the glory of its Source. How well we receive and apply truth will determine how well the trifecta works. But the Lord has promised that He will bless even a particle of faith or even the desire to believe.

The Holy Ghost has several roles of increasing conveyance: witnessing the truth of a matter, an intermediary of sorts in prayer (a form of quickening); serving as a constant companion to illuminate our choices; acting as the agent for purification and sanctification; confirming or validating the fulfillment of covenants in alignment with with Christ's atonement (Holy Spirit of Promise).