Question
Hi Gramps,
I am of the belief and understanding that wives are entitled to receive revelation for their families. Our friend’s husband does not believe this. Do you have any scriptures that would support this? I know that there were a few very righteous women in the scriptures.
Trudy
Answer
Dear Trudy,
There are not only a few righteous women, but many righteous women in the scriptures. If your friend’s husband does not believe that women could receive revelations from God, I’m afraid that he falls in the category of those spoken of in Section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants—
Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson–
That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God (D&C 121:34-38).
I assume that your friend’s husband would interpret the scripture, D&C 46:11-26, as referring to men only, but this is not so. Although the phrase to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God is used, the term “man” is used in the generic sense, meaning “person.” Otherwise women could not know by the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, nor could they believe on the words of those who do know. So it is with each of the gifts mentioned in the scripture below; they apply equally to both men and women, including the gift to prophesy, as mentioned in verse 22—
11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.
16 And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.
17 And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.
18 To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.
19 And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
20 And to others it is given to have faith to heal.
21 And again, to some is given the working of miracles;
22 And to others it is given to prophesy;
23 And to others the discerning of spirits.
24 And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;
25 And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.
26 And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God
Gramps
