Love it. This reminded me of something I came across when reading myself:
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COMMON OUTCRY I HEAR FROM SOME EX-MEMBERS, PROTESTANTS, AND EVEN ACTIVE MEMBERS: “WHERE IS THE NEW REVELATION/PROPHECY FROM THE CURRENT PROPHET?! DOESN’T HE SPEAK TO AND FOR GOD?!”
The Book of Omni takes place approximately between 323-130 B.C. Abinadom was one of five authors in this one-chapter-book. Abinadom wrote something profound and easily missed: “… I know no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy; wherefore, that which is sufficient is written…”
Now this in an of itself isn’t profound until you read the next book, Words of Mormon. Verse 3 tells us: “I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi.”
Nephi also tells us what purpose these small plates are for in 1 Nephi 1:3. It states, “Nevertheless, I have received a commandment of the Lord that I should make these plates, for the special purpose that there should be an account engraven of the ministry of my people.”
So these two scriptures, and a few others that can be found, suggest that those who were commanded to write on the Small Plates (which had a spiritual nature to it) were Prophets of God. Thus, Abinadom was a Prophet. So for the life of Abinadom he NEVER received “revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy…”
SUMMARY: There are MANY principles we can potentially learn from this. The two that stick out to me the most though is that:
1. It doesn’t mean God will ALWAYS reveal something new to EVERY Prophet. But WHEN and IF He does, it would be THROUGH His Prophet as they have the authority to speak for God and receive revelation for His Church (Amos 3:6 & D&C 28:2&7).
2. Sometimes we have to remember that our scriptures are documented revelation and prophecy. We need to search them, ponder them, pray for understanding when studying them, and apply them in our lives before we can expect God to provide us any further light and knowledge. We shouldn’t ask for more until we understand/appreciate what we already have and are prepared to act on it.
My Prophet Joseph Smith
For a long time now I've intuitively understood that Joseph Smith's role as a prophet was unique and wouldn't be matched by anyone after him. Not in scope, depth, or size. It's not to be expected.
People point to prophets after Joseph Smith not adding new scripture (or very little compared) as evidence more recent prophets aren't as in touch or inspired by Christ. That somehow something has been lost and the Church isn't on the right track.
The way I explained it to my husband when he asked about that recently - it's simple. Joseph Smith laid the foundation. He established copious amounts of new scriptures and doctrine upon which the Church was to build itself. The record-breaking amounts of revelation and doctrine from on high to one man was an intentional first layer.
What are the following prophets' charter? What is their stewardship? Their main job is to fulfill the tasks and prophecies laid forth by Joseph Smith. To take all those new scriptures and doctrine and spread them throughout the world. That's a huge job requiring a lot of revelation and miracles as to how to proceed. 188 countries/territories and 200 million Books of Mormon later, it's obvious they are led by the hand of Christ.
9 That through your administration they may receive the word, [first phase] and through their administration the word may go forth unto the ends of the earth, [second phase] unto the Gentiles first, and then, behold, and lo, they shall turn unto the Jews. [third phase]
Note: Phase 1 happened, Phase 2 is still going on and quite miraculous what they have accomplished thus far. Phase 3 is yet to come. Next two verses are Phase 4 and aligns with Revelation prophecies (Revelation 14:6-7).
10 And then cometh the day when the arm of the Lord shall be revealed in power in convincing the nations, the heathen nations, the house of Joseph, of the gospel of their salvation.
11 For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Doctrine and Covenants 90:9-11)
The Church and all her prophets are proceeding as planned. We have 14,000 new verses to understand, to absorb, to champion and to fulfill. We're busy getting those words to the ENDS of the EARTH. And those words are glorious and beautiful and powerful and formidable. We're the ones designated to pass them on and it takes the full force of God to penetrate countries, borders, languages, cultures, and traditions. Temples are dotting the earth. Our prophets have followed through wonderfully.
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Optional reading: Revelation 14:6-7 and the surrounding verses so you have enough context to understand that hasn't happened yet.