Are we all revelators since we can receive personal revelation?

Question

Gramps,

I was wondering, we often label prophets and apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. I was wondering, since we all can receive personal revelation, are we all revelators?

Chanse

Answer

Dear Chanse,

You are correct that we can and should receive revelation from the Holy Ghost.  President Russell M. Nelson has talked about how important this is, particularly for us as we move forward.  He has encouraged us saying,

“Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses— yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat day after day, month after month, year after year, you will“grow into the principle of revelation.”  Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives

But that doesn’t answer your question does it?  You asked if this makes us all revelators.  No.  On the church website, Guide to the Scriptures, it is explained:

 “The Holy Ghost is a revelator,” said Joseph Smith, and “no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations.”

In the Lord’s Church, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are prophets, seers, and revelators to the Church and to the world. The President of the Church is the only one whom the Lord has authorized to receive revelation for the Church (D&C 28:2–7). Every person may receive personal revelation for his own benefit. Guide to the Scriptures – Revelation

In other words, a “revelator” is someone, whom the Lord has specifically called to lead the church and speak for Him to the world.  We can receive revelation for ourselves, and those we have a stewardship over, but we do not receive revelation for the whole church.

Keep striving to receive the Holy Ghost, Chanse, there are great blessings for those who do so.

Gramps