Question
Gramps,
Chad Daybell is in solitary confinement until he breathes his last breath. He claimed voices that talked to him were dead ancestors. He used them to manipulate his family, justifying an affair. He used control to get his wife to do family history and move to Rexburg. Seems like the spirit is nothing like what the voices told him. We see what happened to him now. Innocent lives were lost due to his evil.
Do people receive revelation from ancestors?
Spencer
Answer
Spencer,
The concept of ancestral revelation is deeply rooted in the Church’s emphasis on family history and eternal relationships. Members engage in genealogical work, performing proxy baptisms for their deceased ancestors, believing that these ordinances offer salvation opportunities for those who have passed away without the chance to accept the gospel in this life. This practice underscores a commitment to connecting families across generations, reflecting the Church’s teachings on eternal families.
At the heart of ancestral revelation lies the belief in a spirit world where the spirits of the departed reside. The Church teaches that this realm is a place of continued progression and communication. Scriptures within the Church, such as Doctrine and Covenants, affirm that the dead can hear and respond to revelations and prayers made on their behalf. This theological framework provides the basis for members to believe that their ancestors can offer guidance, comfort, and confirmation of the Church’s truth.
While official Church doctrine provides the foundation, personal experiences of revelation from ancestors vary widely among members. These experiences often manifest as profound feelings of peace, joy, or a sense of divine confirmation rather than tangible visions or apparitions.
Many members describe receiving subtle spiritual impressions during temple worship or personal prayer. These impressions may come as a deep sense of assurance, inner prompts, or a heightened awareness of divine presence. Unlike dramatic paranormal events, these experiences are characterized by their gentle and affirming nature, reinforcing the individual’s faith and commitment.
Some individuals recount moments of feeling a strong connection to their ancestors, especially during or after performing proxy ordinances. These connections are often accompanied by a serene sense of love and unity, suggesting a spiritual acknowledgment of the work being done on behalf of their forebears. Such experiences, while deeply meaningful, are personal and may not be universally felt among all members.
Officially, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains a cautious stance regarding personal revelations from ancestors. While the Church acknowledges that members may receive spiritual impressions, it emphasizes the importance of discernment and alignment with established doctrine.
The Church encourages members to seek personal revelation through prayer, scripture study, and righteous living. This personal communication with God is seen as a primary source of guidance and confirmation. While ancestral connections are valued, the Church advises members to rely on divine guidance rather than seeking specific revelations from deceased relatives.
The Church advises against becoming preoccupied with paranormal phenomena or seeking signs from the deceased. Leaders have counseled members to focus on living a Christ-centered life and to regard spiritual experiences as personal and subjective. This approach helps prevent distractions from core spiritual practices and maintains focus on eternal principles.
The Church places a greater emphasis on collective revelation through its leaders and authoritative teachings. Members are encouraged to seek guidance from the Prophet, apostles, and official Church publications rather than relying solely on personal experiences. This ensures consistency in doctrine and spiritual understanding across the global Church community.
Gramps
