50+ LATTER-DAY SAINT ARTWORKS ILLUSTRATING PERSONAL REVELATION
Receiving direction and assurance from God is a very personal experience. Often, it is hard to put into words. Visual arts can express that deep spiritual and emotional meaning to the mind and heart without an explanation.
Find inspiration in these scriptural-based works of art representing personal revelation and our relationship with God. Each makes the perfect addition to your Come Follow Me studies.
Stories and Symbolism From the Holy Bible
The Bible is full of stories about trusting God. Jesus Christ often taught about truth through parables such as the sower sowing his seed. In this symbolic story, we learn about the various ways people accept or reject God’s direction. In His teachings, Christ used symbolic phrases like “living water" and "light of life". Both phrases illustrate the nourishing effect of His word.
We also read many accounts of individuals who received important direction directly from God and acted on it. Joseph and Mary, for example. Elijah, Moses, Mordecai, Esther, David, Daniel, and Joshua--to name a few. This first collection of LDS art reminds us that we can also find light and clarity as we seek Jesus Christ in our lives.
Stories and Symbolism from The Book of Mormon
Similarly, The Book of Mormon includes account after account of individuals and societies who received direction from God. It highlights patterns we can follow in our lives to develop our relationship with God and find lasting joy.
We also find accounts of those who rejected God’s word. The patterns in these instances are just as obvious. We learn that the adversary will never support his followers for the long hall. Only Christ--who gave His life for us--has the power to help us heal and grow into our true potential. This next collection of LDS art shows some favorite stories and symbolism from The Book of Mormon that teach us the variety of ways God speaks to us as His children.
Personal Revelation Through Prayer & Fasting
Jesus Christ set the ultimate example of communicating with our Father in Heaven. In His life and ministry, He was continually thanking God, serving Him, and making time to receive direction for His divine mission as the Savior of the World.
We see similar examples throughout the scriptures, early church history, and even among believers in our modern world. Prayer is one of the most natural ways that the human family has sought their Creator. Fasting, or going without food and drink for two consecutive meals, can add strength to our prayers. It allows us to be more open and more prepared to receive spiritual impressions from Heaven.
Acting On What You Already Know
Personal revelation does not do us a whole lot of good unless we act on it. In The Book of Mormon, we read about two brothers, Laman and Lemuel, who received warning and direction directly from an angel and immediately began to doubt it. Had they followed their doubts, they would have failed in their goal. So it is with us.
These next pieces of LDS art show scriptural and modern examples of what it means to act on the personal revelation we receive. We might not have the full picture or know the end result yet, but as we act and build on where we are at right now, God promises that: “For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly” (Doctrine & Covenants 71:6). In other words, God can only guide our feet once we begin to move them.
Personal Revelation and Light Symbolism
Often in the scriptures and even in literature not purely religion-based, light is a metaphor for truth. The same also applies in many LDS art pieces. Light, like truth, allows us to see the world more clearly. It offers guidance in dark places and warms us when we feel surrounded by cold.
That is also true of personal revelation. It does not mean we always like the direction or correction God gives us. In some cases, it might not even make sense at first, But we will always be glad that we chose to act in faith.
From Darkness to Light by Simon Dewey
Rising to a Higher Power by Carin Fausett
Personal Revelation Through Scripture Study
The scriptures are God’s word. They are one of the most direct ways to understand God’s nature and His will for us as His children. With so many conflicting opinions, ideologies, and news reports God’s word gives us access to an unchanging source of truth.
This next collection of LDS art illustrates that studying the scriptures is often the way God answers us. They show that whether you are a prophet of God or a young child, the same method to find comfort and guidance works. Because, as Peter taught: “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34).
Personal Revelation and Ministering Angels
Angels are not always a common theme in LDS art, at least outside of portraying scripture stories. That is why we love the directions our artists have taken in these next pieces. Each painting is a reminder that God still sends His angels and that they still minister to us, even now.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said of the nature of God: “He watched over His mortal family constantly, heard their prayers always, and sent prophets (and later apostles) to teach, counsel, and guide them. But in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near.”
“He watched over His mortal family constantly, heard their prayers always, and sent prophets (and later apostles) to teach, counsel, and guide them. But in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near.”
Receiving Personal Revelation In the Temple
Each LDS temple is designed, constructed, and dedicated to become the house of the Lord. As such, the grounds, building, and interior are kept immaculate and quiet. It creates the perfect space to meditate and feel the Savior’s presence as we perform temple ordinances. Many individuals have expressed feeling deep peace or even coming to life-altering insights while taking time there to ponder.
Quality LDS temple art can help bring some of that peace into your own home. This collection is only a portion of our extensive temple art collection. For more, visit our LDS online store.
The Restoration and Personal Revelation
Personal revelation played a foundational role in the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even after Joseph Smith read James 1:5 and felt directed to pray, every convert that came after the First Vision had to study it out and receive a spiritual witness for themselves that it was true.
Early church history accounts have inspired several of our artists. They have brought those important scenes and events to life with their insight and styles. We like that these scenes of the Sacred Grove, Joseph Smith, and the First Vision are so relatable. There is nothing about each scene that feels out of reach. They remind us that we too can approach our Father in Heaven with our questions and see miracles unfold in our lives.
Connecting with God’s Creations
At the end of the day, one of the best ways to seek personal revelation or feel God’s presence is by getting out in nature. When we take time away from the fast pace and the noise of the world, our thoughts tend to be more clear. It allows us to slow down and remember what is most important in our lives. In these moments, we are more prepared to receive guidance, comfort, and direction from our Creator.
Enjoy these last LDS art paintings featuring peaceful scenes and landscapes.