Student Choice Assignment #5: Revelation

What five principles of revelation does the Hiram Page crisis in section 28 teach members of the church?

#1 There is only one person who has higher authority to receive true revelation. “no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church except my servant Joseph Smith, Jun.” (D&C 28:2-3)

#2 The only one who was allowed to receive this revelation is the one whom the Lord calls and not anyone else that believes they have been called.

#3 “you shall go unto the Lamanites and preach my gospel unto them; and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings thou shalt cause my church to be established among them” (D&C 28:8) Missionary work in the world will go forth no matter what happens and people will always preach the gospel.

#4 “And now, behold I say unto you that it is not revealed, and no man knoweth where the city Zion shall be built, but it shall be given here after. Behold, I say unto you that it shall be on the borders by the Lamanites.” (28:9) This shows in support that Hiram Page was not receiving revelation from the Lord that was not true. This also proves that the place of Zion had not yet been revealed.

#5 Revelation from the Lord through his prophet is the only way that modern day revelation can be obtained on the earth today. It is through the prophets that we can gain guidance and wisdom in our lives for today. (D&C 28)

What does section 28 teach you about the tension between personal revelation and agency with prophetic revelation and authority? Which is more important? Why?

Section 28 teaches me about the idea that personal revelation and agency when it comes to prophetic revelation is a very fine line that some people choose to draw. There are some that would think that their own personal revelation on subjects are more important or trump the teachings of the prophet and modern revelation. This though I believe should not be the case, prophetic revelation and authority is extremely important and it is vital that we as Saints listen to this revelation and follow it. The reason for this is because the prophet gets revelation for everyone on this earth and if we do not follow it then we will are not following the commandments that the Lord has set for us.