1. True revelation will edify the recipient. It must therefore be in words that are coherent or in a feeling whose message can be understood by one who is spiritually receptive. ...
2. The content of a true revelation must be consistent with the position and responsibilities of the person who receives it. ... Those selected by the Lord to exercise this gift would "come in at the gate and be ordained as I have told you before" (D&C 43:7)-- thus excluding the possibility of secret callings or appointments to receive revelation. ... One of the surest evidences of false revelations (those based on mortal authorship or devilish intervention) is that their content, judged according to reason, is communicated through channels other than those the Lord has prescribed for that subject.
3. True revelation must be consistent with the principles of the gospel as revealed in the scriptures and the teachings of the prophets. The Lord will not give revelations that will contradict the principles of the gospel. His house is a house of order.
Revelations may add to the body of existing gospel knowledge ("line upon line, precept upon precept" - D&C 98:12), guide leaders in the duties of their callings, or assist individual members in applying gospel principles to particular circumstances. ...
The test of edification as a way of screening out spurious and deceptive revelations from Satan was reaffirmed in a succeeding revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith (D&C 52:14-18.)
This revelation also specifies the related tests of prayerfulness, contrite spirit, meek language, compliance with gospel ordinances, and refraining from being physically "overcome."
(The Lord's Way, pp. 45-76)
