Discuss D&C 1:38
What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. D&C 1:38
Apart from Priesthood Blessings, my question is, who has the power to speak for God? Obviously the Prophet and the Twelve have to power to speak in God’s name. Do General Authorities, Stake Presidents, Bishops/Branch Presidents, Relief Society Presidents, HP Group Leaders, Elders Quorum Presidents, Teachers Quorum Presidents and Deacon Quorum Presidents, also have the power to speak for God? If so, do we all have the power to speak for God? How do we know if someone is a mouth piece for God or just expressing an educated opinion or their own personal weirdness?
Along the same vein, who is the Lord’s Anointed? Clearly from this scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants 132:7; God is speaking of the Prophet Joseph Smith. In our day the Lord’s Anointed is Thomas S Monson. Does this anointing also extend to the Twelve, General Authorities, so on and so forth right down the line; or is this Anointing a special Priesthood blessing received in the Temple such as the Second Endowment or Calling of Election?
If you know the answers to my questions, don’t be shy, please do tell. Inquiring minds want to know.