The Gift of Personal Revelation

What is personal revelation? In the Bible dictionary the definition of "revelation" is to make known or uncover. I find that to be very accurate in the fact that when we receive revelation for ourselves, we are able to uncover truths that we had been searching for, or which we had been yearning for. We are all given the light of Christ. With that light, we are able to feel when something is right and true verses when things are not. When baptised by the proper priesthood authority of God, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift enables us to receive personal revelation and have the companionship of the Holy Spirit ALL THE TIME if we are keeping the commandments that our Heavenly Father has set for us.

"For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge that it is of God" (Moroni 7:16).

As the prophet Joseph Smith studied from the Bible to know which church he should join, he read in the book of James chapter 1 verse 5, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Joseph described how the spirit worked on him to give him personal revelation saying, "never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did..." (JSH pg.48).

It was personal revelation that led Joseph Smith to go into the grove of trees that spring morning and to ask Heavenly Father which church he should join. This act would later change the course of the world as we know it. I too have found that personal revelation has led me to make good choices in my life as I study out questions that I have from the scriptures.

I testify that as we truly want to know for ourselves answers to questions, and to have the personal companionship of the spirit with us, we must do the things and live according to the example our Savior Jesus Christ has set for us. He set the perfect example for us to follow. We can receive personal revelation as we strive everyday to search for that spirit and those good things that help us feel our Heavenly Father's presence.

"...behold that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God" (Moroni 7:13).

We can all receive personal revelation. What a marvelous gift from God! To learn more about personal revelation, check out www.mormon.org.