‘All truth’ versus modern revelation — John 16:13
‘All truth’ versus modern revelation — John 16:13
Question — John 16:13 tells us that Jesus gave his apostles ALL truth through the Spirit; thus, Joseph Smith and his teachings and ‘revelations’ are unnecessary and inappropriate.
Answer —
- John 15:16 — ‘All truth’ was given only to the apostles; “…I have chosen you and ordained you…”
- 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 — Paul ascended to the Third Heaven where he “heard unspeakable words, not lawful for man to utter”. Paul knew things not recorded in the Bible.
- Matthew 13:11 — “…given unto you to know the mysteries…but to them it is not given…”. Also, we only have the writings of 5 out of the 16 New Testament apostles. Peter died in 66 A.D., but the book of Revelation was received by John in 96 A.D. This testifies of additional revelation, ongoing revelation.
- 2 Nephi 29 — “…because that ye have a Bible, ye need not suppose that it contains all my words…”
- Moroni 10:4-5 — If all truth has already been revealed and recorded, what role dos the Holy Spirit play?
- Acts 2:1-4 — All were filled with the Holy Ghost, they spoke in tongues, the Spirit gave utterance.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 — All scripture given by inspiration, profitable for doctrine.
- Doctrine and Covenants 76:5-10 — “…to them will I reveal mysteries, hidden mysteries of the kingdom, the wonders of eternity…”
- What is truth? Psalm 119:151, Daniel 4:37, Daniel 10:22, Amos 3:7, Doctrine and Covenants 68:3-4, John 14:6, John 17:17, Doctrine and Covenants 84:45, Doctrine and Covenants 93:24-28.
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