By Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Blessing of Continuing to Prophets and Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives

Continuous revelation has been received and is being received through channels the Lord has established.

Today I will speak on continuing But we were companions as young revelation to prophets and continuing missionaries in England in the early personal revelation to guide our lives. 1960s, and I had a great love for him. Sometimes we receive revelation I considered the experience a tender even when we do not know the mercy for me. In recent years, I have Lord’s purposes. Shortly before Elder wondered if the Lord was preparing Jeffrey R. Holland was called to be me to be junior in the Twelve to an an Apostle in June of 1994, I had a incredible missionary companion who beautiful revelatory experience that was my junior companion when we he would be called. I was a regional were young missionaries.1 I some- representative and could see no rea- times warn young missionaries to son I would be given that knowledge. be kind to their junior companions

San Bernardo, Santiago, Chile

96 SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION because they never know when they Mormon, the might be their senior companion. keystone of our I have a firm testimony that this , came forth restored Church is led by our Savior, out of the earth in Jesus Christ. He knows whom to call fulfillment of the as His Apostles and in what order Lord’s pronounce- to call them. He also knows how to ment to Enoch. prepare His senior Apostle to be the The Father and the prophet and President of the Church. Son and angels and We were blessed this morning to prophets appear- hear our beloved prophet, President ing to the Prophet Russell M. Nelson, deliver a profound were bicentennial proclamation to the “directed by heaven to restore the had experienced. Many said it was world with respect to the Restoration necessary powers to the kingdom.”6 the most powerful revelation they had of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus The Prophet Joseph Smith received received before or after that time.11 Christ.2 This seminal declaration by revelation after revelation. Some have Those of us currently serving in the President Nelson has made it clear been addressed during this con- Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have that the Church of Jesus Christ owes ference. Many received been blessed in our day as significant its origin, existence, and direction for by the Prophet Joseph have been revelations have come through recent the future to the principle of continu- preserved for us in the Doctrine and prophets.12 President Russell M. Nelson ous revelation. The new proclamation Covenants. All the has been a commissioned agent of the represents a loving Father’s communi- of the Church contain the mind and Lord especially with respect to revela- cation to His children. will of the Lord for us in this last tions to help families build sanctuaries In an earlier day, President dispensation.7 of faith in their homes, gather scat- Spencer W. Kimball expressed the In addition to these great foun- tered Israel on both sides of the veil, feelings I have today. He stated: “Of dational scriptures, we are blessed and bless endowed members in sacred all things, that . . . we should be with continuing revelation to living temple ordinance matters. most grateful [for] is that the heav- prophets. Prophets are “commissioned When important changes to bless ens are indeed open and that the agents of the Lord, authorized to our homes were announced at the restored church of Jesus Christ is speak for Him.”8 October 2018 general conference, I founded upon the rock of revelation. Some revelations are of monumen- testified “that in the deliberations of Continuous revelation is indeed the tal importance, and others enhance the Council of the First Presidency very lifeblood of the gospel of the our understanding of essential divine and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles living Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”3 truths and provide guidance for in the temple, . . . after our beloved The prophet Enoch foresaw the days our day.9 prophet petitioned the Lord for revela- in which we live. The Lord acknowl- We are incredibly grateful for the tion . . . , a powerful confirmation was edged to Enoch the great wickedness revelation to President Spencer W. received by all.”13 that would prevail and prophesied Kimball extending priesthood and At that time, other revelations relat- of the “great tribulations” that would temple blessings to all worthy male ing to sacred temple ordinances had occur. Nevertheless, the Lord promised, members of the Church in June 1978.10 been received but not announced or “But my people will I preserve.”4 “And I have served with many of the implemented.14 This guidance com- righteousness will I send down out of Twelve who were present and par- menced with individual prophetic rev- heaven; and truth will I send forth out ticipated when that precious revela- elation to President Russell M. Nelson of the earth, to bear testimony of mine tion was received. Each of them, in and tender and powerful confirmation Only Begotten.”5 personal conversations, confirmed to those participating in the process. President Ezra Taft Benson taught the powerful and uniting spiritual President Nelson specifically involved with great power that the Book of guidance President Kimball and they the sisters who preside over the Relief

MAY 2020 97 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Personal revelation is the profound bless- ing received follow- ing baptism when we are “sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost.”19 I can remem- ber a special spiritual revelation when I was 15 years old. My precious brother was seeking guidance from the Lord as to how to respond to Society, Young Women, and Primary We also know that some have had our dear father, who did not want my organizations. The final guidance, in challenges to their faith that may not brother to serve a mission. I prayed the temple, to the First Presidency and be fully appreciated, understood, with sincere intent too and received Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was or resolved. personal revelation of the truthfulness profoundly spiritual and powerful. We Some of our most stalwart and of the gospel. each knew we had received the mind, faithful members have suffered a chal- will, and voice of the Lord.15 lenge to their faith for a season. I love The Role of the Holy Ghost I declare with all solemnity that con- the true account of W. W. Phelps, who Personal revelation is based on tinuous revelation has been received had forsaken the Church and testified spiritual truths received from the and is being received through channels against the Prophet Joseph Smith in Holy Ghost.20 The Holy Ghost is the the Lord has established. I testify the a Missouri court. After repenting, he revealer and testifier of all truth, espe- new proclamation President Nelson wrote to Joseph, “I know my situation, cially that of the Savior. Without the delivered this morning is a revelation you know it, and knows it, and Holy Ghost, we could not really know to bless all people. I want to be saved if my friends will that Jesus is the Christ. His seminal help me.”17 Joseph did forgive him, role is to bear witness of the Father We Extend an Invitation to All to Feast put him back to work, and lovingly and the Son and Their titles and at the Lord’s Table wrote, “Friends at first are friends Their glory. We also declare our heartfelt again at last.”18 The Holy Ghost can influence desire to be reunited with those who Brothers and sisters, regardless of everyone in a powerful way.21 This have been struggling with their testi- your situation, please know that the influence will not be constant unless monies, been less active, or had their Church and its members will welcome one is baptized and receives the gift names removed from Church records. you back! of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost We desire to feast with you “upon the serves also as a cleansing agent words of Christ” at the Lord’s table, Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives in the process of repentance and to learn the things we all should do.16 Personal revelation is available to forgiveness. We need you! The Church needs you! all those who humbly seek guidance The Spirit communicates in marvel- The Lord needs you! Our heartfelt from the Lord. It is as important as ous ways. The Lord used this beautiful prayer is that you will join with us in prophetic revelation. Personal, spiri- description: worshipping the Savior of the world. tual revelation from the Holy Ghost “I will tell you in your mind and in We know that some of you may have has resulted in millions receiving the your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which received offense, unkindness, or testimony necessary to be baptized shall come upon you and which shall other conduct that is not Christlike. and confirmed members of The dwell in your heart.

98 SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION “Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation.”22 Although its impact can be incred- ibly powerful, it most often comes quietly as a still, small voice.23 The scriptures include many examples of how the Spirit influences our minds, including speaking peace to our minds,24 occupying our minds,25 These principles prepare us to when we are trying to bless others in enlightening our minds,26 and even receive, recognize, and follow the fulfilling our responsibilities. sending a voice to our minds.27 prompting and guidance of the Holy I can remember as a young bishop Some principles that prepare us to Ghost. This includes the “peaceable receiving a desperate call from a receive revelation include: things . . . which bringeth joy [and] . . . married couple a short time before I life eternal.”30 was to catch an airplane for a busi- • Praying for spiritual guidance. Our spiritual preparation is greatly ness engagement. I pled with the Lord Reverently and humbly we need to enhanced when we regularly study before their arrival to know how I seek and ask28 and be patient and the scriptures and truths of the gospel could bless them. It was revealed to submissive.29 and ponder in our minds the guid- me the nature of the problem and the • Preparing for inspiration. This ance we seek. But remember to be response I should give. That revela- requires that we be in har- patient and trust in the Lord’s timing. tory guidance allowed me to fulfill the mony with the Lord’s teachings Guidance is given by an omniscient sacred responsibilities of my calling as and in compliance with His Lord when He “deliberately chooses bishop despite very limited availability commandments. to school us.”31 of time. Bishops all over the world • Partaking of the sacrament wor- also share these same kinds of experi- thily. When we do this, we wit- Revelation in Our Callings and ences with me. As a stake president, I ness and with God Assignments not only received important revelation that we take upon ourselves the The Holy Ghost will also provide but also received personal correction name of His holy Son and that revelation in our callings and assign- that was necessary to accomplish the we remember Him and keep His ments. In my experience, significant Lord’s purposes. commandments. spiritual guidance most often comes I assure you that revelatory guid- ance can be received by each of us as we humbly labor in the Lord’s vineyard. Most of our guidance comes from the Holy Ghost. Sometimes and for some purposes, it comes directly from the Lord. I personally testify that this is true. Guidance for the Church, as a whole, comes to the President and prophet of the Church. We, as modern Apostles, have had the privilege of working and traveling with our current prophet, President Nelson. I paraphrase what Wilford Woodruff said about the Prophet Joseph Smith; it is equally true of President Nelson. I have seen Rexburg, Idaho, USA “the workings of the Spirit of God

MAY 2020 99 Monson announced a lower age requirement for missionary service. 13. Quentin L. Cook, “Deep and Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 11. 14. The revelations related to sacred temple ordinances were implemented in all temples beginning on January 1, 2019. It is important to understand that specific details about temple ordinances are discussed only in the temple. However, principles are taught. Elder David A. Bednar beautifully taught the significance of temple covenants and ordinances and how through them “the power of godliness can flow into our lives” (“Let

BY JORGE COCCO SANTÁNGELO This House Be Built unto My Name,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 86). 15. This process and the meetings held occurred in the Salt Lake Temple in

THE LAST SUPPER, January, February, March, and April 2018. The final revelation to the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve was on with him, and the revelations of Jesus 6. Ezra Taft Benson, “The Gift of Modern April 26, 2018. Christ unto him and the fulfillment of Revelation,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 80. 16. See 2 Nephi 32:3. 32 7. See Ezra Taft Benson, “The Gift of Modern 17. Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus those revelations.” Revelation,” 80. Christ in the Latter Days, vol. 1, The My humble plea today is that each 8. Hugh B. Brown, “Joseph Smith among Standard of Truth, 1815–1846 (2018), 418. of us will seek continuing revelation the Prophets” (Sixteenth Annual Joseph 18. Saints, 1:418. Smith Memorial Sermon, Logan Institute 19. 3 Nephi 27:20. to guide our lives and follow the Spirit of Religion, Dec. 7, 1958), 7. 20. The Holy Ghost is a member of the as we worship God the Father in the 9. See Hugh B. Brown, “Joseph Smith Godhead (see 1 John 5:7; Doctrine and name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, of among the Prophets,” 7. In all cases, the Covenants 20:28). He has a body of spirit revelations are in harmony with the word in the form and likeness of man (see whom I bear witness in the name of of God given to previous prophets. 130:22). His Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ 10. See Official Declaration 2; see influence can be everywhere. He is unified also 2 Nephi 26:33. The revelation in purpose with our Heavenly Father and NOTES implemented doctrine set forth in the Jesus Christ, our Savior. 1. In 1960 when the age for missionary that “all are alike unto 21. For a comprehensive understanding of the service for young men was reduced from God,” including “black and white, bond Light of Christ and the difference between 20 to 19 years of age, I was one of the last and free, male and female” (2 Nephi the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost, see 20-year-olds; Elder Jeffrey R. Holland was 26:33). This remarkable revelation was 2 Nephi 32; Doctrine and Covenants 88:7, one of the first 19-year-olds. received and confirmed in the sacred 11–13; “Light of Christ,” Bible Dictionary. 2. See “The Restoration of the Fulness of upper room of the Salt Lake Temple by See also Boyd K. Packer, “The Light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial the Council of the First Presidency and Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Apr. 2005, Proclamation to the World,” in Russell M. Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. 8–14. Nelson, “Hear Him,” Ensign or Liahona, 11. Many of the Apostles indicated that the 22. Doctrine and Covenants 8:2–3. May 2020, 91–92. This proclamation joins revelation was so powerful and so sacred 23. See Helaman 5:30; Doctrine and with five others that have been delivered that any words used to describe it would Covenants 85:6. in this dispensation by the First Presidency be insufficient and, in some ways, would 24. See Doctrine and Covenants 6:23. and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. diminish the deep and powerful nature of 25. See Doctrine and Covenants 128:1. 3. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: the revelation. 26. See Doctrine and Covenants 11:13. Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 243; see also 12. See “The Family: A Proclamation to the 27. See Enos 1:10. Matthew 16:13–19. World,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 28. See Matthew 7:7–8. 4. Moses 7:61. 145. This proclamation was announced 29. See Mosiah 3:19. 5. Moses 7:62. The Lord continued, “And by President Gordon B. Hinckley at 30. Doctrine and Covenants 42:61. righteousness and truth will I cause to the general Relief Society meeting held 31. Neal A. Maxwell, All These Things Shall sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather on September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake Give Thee Experience (2007), 31. out mine elect from the four quarters of City, Utah. See also Thomas S. Monson, 32. Wilford Woodruff, in Teachings of the earth” (Moses 7:62; see also Psalm “Welcome to Conference,” Ensign or Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith 85:11). Liahona, Nov. 2012, 4–5. President (2007), 283.

100 SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION