In general, continuous revelation or continuing revelation is a theological belief or position that God continues to reveal divine principles or commandments to humanity.
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), continuous revelation is the principle that God or his divine agents still continue to communicate to mankind. This communication can be manifest in many ways: influences of the Holy Ghost; vision; visitation of divine beings; and others. By such means God guides his followers to salvation and without such His followers will eventually form their beliefs or practices after a god of their own making. Church founder Joseph Smith, Jr explained the importance and necessity of continuous revelation for the Church:
Latter-day Saints
The open scriptural canon of the LDS Church is based on the principle of continuous revelation. Its 9th Article of Faith states:
- We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
In the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), continuing revelation is the inspirational means by which each individual understands and interprets the Bible. By inspired interpretation, Quakers formed a dynamic, common set of beliefs known as testimonies.Quakers