Revelation
Definition
Revelation in the Book of Mormon is direct divine communication with human beings, occurring through multiple media: visions, dreams, the voice of the Spirit, angels, and inspired writing. Revelation is not a rare privilege but a recurring experience, theoretically available to every believer (see Moroni’s promise, 10:3–5). The text itself is presented as the product of revelation: “written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord … to come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof.”
Where It Appears
Revelation appears from the very first page: Lehi receives a vision of the pillar of fire (1 Nephi 1:6), then is carried away in a vision where he sees God, Christ, and the twelve apostles. Nephi receives personal revelation interpreting his father’s vision (1 Nephi 11–14). Jacob son of Lehi testifies that he received “many revelations and the spirit of much prophecy” (Jacob 1:6). In the Book of Alma, Alma argues that God “imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also” (Alma 32:23). The Jaredite record in the Book of Ether concludes with the declaration that the Lord told the brother of Jared: “Because of thy faith thou hast seen me” (Ether 3:13). And at the very end of the record, Moroni promises the reader that God will “manifest the truth of these things unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:4–5).
Narrative and Theological Function
Revelation is the fundamental engine of the plot: nothing happens in the narrative except by an initiative of revelation. Lehi leaves Jerusalem by revelation. Nephi builds the ship by revelation. The entire journey from Jerusalem to the promised land unfolds under continuous divine direction. At the theological level, revelation establishes a foundational principle: God is not silent or distant; He speaks, guides, and makes His purposes known to human beings. This principle stands in contrast with the idea — dominant in post-apostolic Christianity — that revelation had ceased.
Relationship to Other Concepts
Revelation produces prophecy: the prophet is a recipient and conveyor of revelation. Revelation produces the record: writing itself is an inspired act, and sacred books are understood as recorded revelation. Revelation makes translation possible: Joseph Smith did not translate by human language but “by the power of God.” Revelation is linked to faith: faith creates readiness to receive revelation, and revelation strengthens faith.
In Comparative Context
In the Bible, revelation is generally confined to recognized prophets and ceases for long periods (as in the time of Eli the priest). In the Book of Mormon, revelation is more widespread: family patriarchs (Lehi), military commanders (Moroni), and new converts (Alma the Younger) all receive revelation. A second difference is that the text offers a “technique” for personal revelation: prayer, a sincere heart, real intent, faith in Christ (Moroni 10:4). This “methodizing” of revelation has no equivalent in the Bible.