Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Saturday morning session of October 2022 general conference. Using an airplane analogy, he gave four elements of the framework of personal revelation. The following is a summary of what he said.
Elder Renlund’s conference talk summary
Airplane pilots operate within a framework to safely unleash the potential of their aircraft. In a similar way, personal revelation is received within a framework.
Like airplane pilots, people need to understand the framework within which the Holy Ghost functions to provide personal revelation. Four elements to this framework are:
- The scriptures.
- Purview not prerogative.
- Harmony with commandments.
- Trust and openness.
First, feasting on the words of Christ in the scriptures stimulates personal revelation. The scriptures also teach how to receive personal revelation.
Second, “we receive personal revelation only within our purview, and not within the prerogative of others.”
Third, personal revelation will be in harmony with the commandments of God and covenants made with Him. “When we ask for revelation about something God has already given clear direction, we open ourselves up to misinterpreting our feelings and hearing what we want to hear.”
Fourth, recognize what God has already revealed personally, while being open to receive further personal revelation “line upon line and precept upon precept.”
“I invite you to have the confidence to claim personal revelation for yourself, understanding what God has revealed, consistent with the scriptures and commandments He has given through His appointed prophets, and within your own purview and agency.”
Notable quotes from Elder Renlund’s conference talk
“With the help of the Holy Ghost we can transform our divine nature into our eternal destiny.”
“If we have received personal revelation for our situation and the circumstances have not changed, God has already answered our question.”
“Even as we trust God’s prior answers, we need to be open to further personal revelation.”
See the full text of Elder Renlund’s talk: ‘A Framework for Personal Revelation’
Who is Elder Renlund?
- Elder Dale G. Renlund was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Oct. 3, 2015.
- He was a professor of medicine at the University of Utah and medical director of the Utah Cardiac Transplant Program.
- Elder Renlund is the son of Swedish immigrants, served a mission in Sweden from 1972 to 1974, speaks Swedish and considers the country his “other homeland.”
- He met his wife, Sister Ruth Lybbert Renlund, in his home ward in Salt Lake City. After mustering up the courage to ask her out, she said, “No.” He was more successful when he tried again a few months later. They were married on June 16, 1977, in the Salt Lake Temple and are the parents of one daughter.
What has Elder Renlund done recently?
- During the April 2022 general conference, he spoke on truths in the Young Women theme.
- Watch 2 Apostles lead a ‘virtual tour’ of the iconic Washington D.C. Temple
- Elder Renlund invites young adults to learn and understand the history of the Church
- With 4 temples under construction in their country, Elder Renlund urges Filipino Saints: Be a temple-ready people
- How Elder Renlund helped youth at FSY feel the Savior’s love, one by one
- Elder Renlund throws out first pitch at Camden Yards, reflects on time in Baltimore
