Personal Online Journal

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

A United Voice

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“I have discovered in my ministry that those who have become lost [and] confused are typically those who have most often … forgotten that when the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve speak with a united voice, it is the voice of the Lord for that time. The Lord reminds us, ‘Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same’ [D&C 1:38]” (M. Russell Ballard, “Stay in the Boat and Hold On!” 90).

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See also “Lesson 2: Prophets and Apostles Solemnly Proclaim,” The Eternal Family Teacher Manual (2015)

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Neither the President of the Church, nor the First Presidency, nor the united voice of the First Presidency and the Twelve will ever lead the Saints astray or send forth counsel to the world that is contrary to the mind and will of the Lord. 
An individual may fall by the wayside, or have views, or give counsel which falls short of what the Lord intends. But the voice of the First Presidency and the united voice of those others who hold with them the keys of the kingdom shall always guide the Saints and the world in those paths where the Lord wants them to be. ("Eternal Keys and the Right to Preside", Joseph Fielding Smith, Apr 1972)
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The prophet and President of the Church can receive revelation individually that becomes doctrine when it is sustained by the united voice of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see Acts 10; Official Declaration 2). ("How Is Doctrine Established?", LaRene Porter Gaunt, Sep 2013 Ensign)
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In trying all matters of doctrine, to make a decision valid, it is necessary to obtain a unanimous voice, faith and decision. In the capacity of a Quorum, the three First Presidents must be one in their voice; the Twelve Apostles must be unanimous in their voice, to obtain a righteous decision upon any matter that may come before them…. Whenever you see these Quorums unanimous in their declaration, you may set it down as true. (Journal of Discourses 9:91-92)
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It is not definitive because it does not purport to declare the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or even to give any official Church position on the meaning of any particular scripture. Only the President of the Church or the First Presidency can perform those sacred functions. Modern revelation clearly declares that an Apostle can write "by wisdom," but not by commandment (D&C 28:5). (His Holy Name, Dallin H. Oaks, (1998) p. viii-ix)
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The doctrines of the restored gospel are found in the standard works of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the teachings of the living prophets and apostles, and in the authorized declarations and proclamations of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ultimately, however, only the President of the Church and the Quorum of the First Presidency have the authority to define the doctrines of the Church....
True ... doctrine... comes from God and is correct and accurate. The sources of such doctrine are the authorized teachings of the Lord's anointed servants and the scriptures. (Increase in Learning, David A. Bednar, (2011) p. 152-153)





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