“It is Given Unto Many to Know the Mysteries of God Nevertheless They Are Laid Under a Strict Command”

Bryan Richards

Stephen R. Robinson

"But doesn't God reveal things to people who are not priesthood leaders? Isn't it possible for exceptional individuals to learn by direct revelation mysteries that are unknown to others? Yes, this is possible, but always with one hugely important condition that is stated in Alma 12:9: 'It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him' (emphasis added). In other words, many of the faithful may receive revelations from God—even revelation regarding the mysteries. But they are commanded at the same time to keep their mouths shut! They can share with others what God has already revealed to the Church in the scriptures and through his prophets, but the rest is private, and keeping it private is a sacred obligation. In effect the Lord tells those who are blessed with additional insights, 'If I wanted everyone to know, I would instruct the prophet to teach it to the Church. But this is for you alone, so keep it to yourself.' Therefore, anyone in the Church (or out of it, for that matter) who shares a private revelation out of stewardship does so in violation of God's 'strict command.'" (Following Christ, pp. 102-3)

Marion G. Romney

"I do not tell all I know. If I did, the Lord could not trust me." (Lucile C. Tate, Boyd K. Packer: A Watchman on the Tower, pp. 178)

Boyd K. Packer

"…as students there are some questions that we could not in propriety ask.

"One question of this type I am asked occasionally, usually by someone who is curious, is, 'Have you seen Him?' That is a question that I have never asked of another. I have not asked that question of my Brethren in the Council of the Twelve, thinking that it would be so sacred and so personal that one would have to have some special inspiration—indeed, some authorization—even to ask it.

"Though I have not asked that question of others, I have heard them answer it—but not when they were asked. I have heard one of my Brethren declare, 'I know, from experiences too sacred to relate, that Jesus is the Christ.' I have heard another testify, 'I know that God lives, I know that the Lord lives, and more than that, I know the Lord.' I repeat: they have answered this question not when they were asked, but under the prompting of the Spirit, on sacred occasions, when 'the Spirit beareth record.' (D&C 1:39.)

"There are some things just too sacred to discuss: not secret, but sacred; not to be discussed, but to be harbored and protected and regarded with the deepest of reverence.

"There are many difficult questions, including some that we will not be able to answer, and many things are to be taken on faith. As a teacher, therefore, do not let difficult questions create difficult problems for you or for those you teach." (Teach Ye Diligently, pp. 86-7)

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