All Flesh

Everyone can receive revelation from God.

Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi hears his father describe a spiritual dream or vision he had experienced. He decides that he wants to experience something similar. Why does he think that is possible? Because God loves all of His children:

I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.

1 Nephi 10:17

Nephi was likely familiar with the teachings of Jeremiah, who was a contemporary of his father. Jeremiah emphasized spiritual self-reliance and prophesied that in the future, personal revelation would be widespread:

They shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord

Jeremiah 31:34; see also Jeremiah 17:5, 2 Nephi 4:34

The Old Testament prophet Joel also foresaw a time of ubiquitous revelation:

I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

Joel 2:28-29

Peter quoted this passage from Joel to explain why many disciples of Christ were able to speak in tongues on the day of Pentacost. (See Acts 2:14-21.) When the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith, he also quoted this passage, saying “that this was not yet fulfilled, but was soon to be” (Joseph Smith—History 1:41).

So it’s not surprising to see the Lord teaching this same principle in His preface to the Doctrine and Covenants:

That man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—

But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world. …

And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth: I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:19-20, 34

In Russell M. Nelson’s first general conference as president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he said:

Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know. … My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. … Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.

“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” General Conference, April 2018

Today, I will increase my capacity to receive personal revelation. I will rely upon God’s promise to “make these things known unto all flesh” as I seek to better understand the gospel of Jesus Christ and to receive guidance for my personal life.