Increase spiritual knowledge
Study scriptures, words of living prophets- Be receptive to spirit of revelation
Latter-day Saints have an obligation to increase their spiritual knowledge by studying the scriptures and the words of the living prophets, admonished Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve.
In his Saturday afternoon address, he said, "When we read and study the revelations, the Spirit can confirm in our hearts the truth of what we are learning; in this way, the voice of the Lord speaks to each of us.
"Today, I hope we are prepared and eager to understand what President Gordon B. Hinckley is teaching us, for he along with the other apostles will teach us how to cope and how to live in these troubled times."
Speaking of Joseph Smith's First Vision, Elder Ballard said it made the world a different place. "The heavens, long silent, were once again opened, and revealed light and truth poured forth, that eventually resulted in the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints upon the earth."
The times of the restoration "were incredible times," he explained, "as the spirit of revelation moved powerfully upon the Prophet Joseph Smith.
"Interestingly, it was those who knew Joseph best who were most astonished at this process. They understood more than anyone else the limitations of his formal education and natural ability."
Elder Ballard listed the books of scripture received through revelation and commented, "Oh, how marvelous are the revelations we have received from the Lord! I have often said either Joseph Smith was the Lord's instrument by which the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness was accomplished, or he was not. There is no possible compromise of this doctrine. I raise my voice to the whole world in testimony that I know without reservation or question that Joseph Smith opened this dispensation through divine revelation. . . ."
Elder Ballard said among the "most marvelous of relevations" ever given to man is the 76th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, often referred to as "The Vision." "This vision may have been one of the Prophet Joseph Smith's most powerful and significant spiritual experiences.
"What a wondrous experience for Joseph and Sidney. For more than an hour, the Lord showed them our premortal life, earth life and life after death. As a result of that revelation, mankind's understanding of Heavenly Father's plan for our eternal happiness and peace was expanded and enhanced to a remarkable degree."
Elder Ballard quoted extensively from another revelation, this one given to President Joseph F. Smith in 1918, as recorded in D&C 138, that spoke of the great work of the redemption of the dead.
"What great, eternal light and knowledge comes to us from the marvelous revelations from God to His faithful prophets," exclaimed Elder Ballard. "How grateful we should be for the understanding that has come to us as a result of all of the revelations that have been given to us in this last great dispensation.
"May we be open and receptive to the spirit of revelation as it has moved upon our prophets in the past, and as it will yet move upon our prophets in the future."
