In a letter dated 9 March 1965, the Universal House of
Justice stresses the "profound difference" that exists between the
"interpretations of the Guardian and the elucidations of the House of
Justice in exercise of its function to 'deliberate upon all problems which have
caused difference, questions that are obscure, and matters that are not
expressly recorded in the Book."' (Wellspring of Guidance, p. 52) Among
these is the outlining of such steps as are necessary to establish the World
Order of Bahá'u'lláh on this earth. The elucidations of the Universal House of
Justice stem from its legislative function, while the interpretations of the
Guardian represent the true intent inherent in the Sacred Texts. The major
distinction between the two functions is that legislation with its resultant
outcome of elucidation is susceptible of amendment by the House of Justice
itself, whereas the Guardian's interpretation is a statement of truth which
cannot be varied.
(From a letter dated 25 October 1984 written on behalf of the
Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; ‘Messages from the
Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986)
