"Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them."
I have this note in my scriptures.
"Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained the connection between scriptures and personal revelation: "What makes [Latter-day Saints] different from most other Christians in the way we read and use the Bible and other scriptures is our belief in continuing revelation. For us, the scriptures are not the ultimate source of knowledge, but what precedes the ultimate source. The ultimate knowledge comes by revelation. With Moroni we affirm that he who denieth revelation 'knoweth not the gospel of Christ' (Mormon 9:8). The word of the Lord in the scriptures is like a lamp to guide our feet (see Ps. 119:105), and revelation is like a mighty force that increases the lamp's illumination manyfold. We encourage everyone to make careful study of the scriptures and of the prophetic teachings concerning them and to prayerfully seek personal revelation to know their meaning for themselves."
("Scripture Reading and Revelation", Ensign, Jan 1995, 7)
I have come to find that personal revelation that comes when pondering the scriptures may teach new things to me, but it is never an original thought. There is always another witness. I will find a second and third witness by other scriptures, words of the prophets, and general conference talks. I can know that the personal revelation I receive is true when it supports these other witnesses. If it does not and is counter to the counsel given by the prophets, then I know that revelation is from the wrong source. Reading and storing up the words of God in my mind is so important in this process. How else can the spirit bring to remembrance other witnesses if I have nothing for it to work from?
Day 1977
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