Doctrinal Study
Prophets
Overview
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to be led by living prophets—inspired men called to speak for the Lord, as did Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul, Nephi, Mormon, and other prophets of the scriptures. We sustain the President of the Church as prophet, seer, and revelator—the only person on the earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church. We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.
Like the prophets of old, prophets today testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They make known God’s will and true character. They speak boldly and clearly, denouncing sin and warning of its consequences. At times, they may be inspired to prophesy of future events for our benefit.
We can always trust the living prophets. Their teachings reflect the will of the Lord, who declared: “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” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:38).
Our greatest safety lies in strictly following the word of the Lord given through His prophets, particularly the current President of the Church. The Lord warns that those who ignore the words of the living prophets will fall (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:14–16). He promises great blessings to those who follow the President of the Church:
“Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;
“For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.
“For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory” (Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6).
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Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
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Topical Guide, “Prophets, Mission of”
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Bible Dictionary, “Prophet”
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Guide to the Scriptures, “Prophet”
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“Prophets of the Restoration”
“Follow the Prophet”
“Watchman on the Tower”
Tabernacle Choir Videos
“My Redeemer Lives”
Learning Resources
General Resources
“5 Ways to Sustain and Follow the Prophets,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org
“Follow the Brethren on Social Media,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org
“Meet Today’s Prophets and Apostles,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org
“Sustaining Our Prophets and Apostles,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org
“Prophets of the Restoration,” Church History
“Prophets,” ComeUntoChrist.org
“Why Does God Call Prophets?” ComeUntoChrist.org
Church Magazines
Colette Lindahl, “Prophetic Words in an Unexpected Place,” Ensign or Liahona, October 2016
LaRene Porter Gaunt, “Words of the Prophets—Just for You,” Ensign, June 2015
Sandra Tanner and Cristina Franco, “God Speaks through Prophets,” Ensign or Liahona, March 2010
“Follow the Prophet,” Friend, March 2010
Ann Jamison, “Sharing Time: The Prophets’ Examples,” Ensign or Liahona, November 2000
Janette Hales Beckham, “Sustaining the Living Prophets,” Ensign, May 1996
Mark E. Petersen, “Another Prophet Now Has Come!” Ensign, January 1973
Study Manuals
In the News
“Prophets,” Newsroom
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Stories
Teaching Resources
Teaching Outlines
Stories and Activities for Teaching Children
“Prophets,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children
Media
Audio
“The Prophet and Revelation for the Church,” Scripture Stories—Doctrine and Covenants Stories, episode 12
“Special Witnesses of Christ,” The Latter-day Saints Channel Q&A, episode 66