Do we need modern-day prophets if we already have the Bible? Christians have debated this question for centuries. Some believe the prophetic office ended with the early Church and the completion of the biblical canon. Others believe God continues to work through prophets today.
The Bible contains several passages that can help us understand why some Christians believe the gift and role of prophecy continue in the modern world.
What Is the Purpose of Prophecy?
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul encourages believers to desire spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy. He explains that prophecy serves a practical purpose: it speaks to people “for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.”
These purposes are not limited to one historical period. People today still need strength, encouragement, and comfort. From this perspective, prophecy can be understood as one way God communicates guidance and spiritual support to His people.
Prophets Help Build Up the Church
Ephesians 4:11–13 describes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as gifts Christ gave to His Church. Their purpose was to equip believers for service, build up the body of Christ, promote unity in faith, and help believers grow in their knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Paul connects these gifts with spiritual maturity. Believers are not meant to remain like “infants tossed back and forth” by every new teaching. Instead, they are encouraged to grow in truth, love, unity, and knowledge of Christ.
Those who believe prophets continue today see this passage as evidence that prophetic ministry can still serve the Church by helping believers remain focused on Christ and grow together in faith.
Prophecy in the Last Days
Acts 2 records Peter quoting the prophet Joel, who spoke of a time when God would pour out His Spirit upon people and sons and daughters would prophesy. The passage describes prophecy, visions, and spiritual gifts as part of God’s work in the “last days.”
For Christians who believe these promises remain applicable, this provides a biblical basis for expecting spiritual gifts—including prophecy—to continue beyond the New Testament period.
“The Lord God … Reveals His Secret”
Amos 3:7 offers another important principle:
“Surely the sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”
In its original context, this passage concerns God’s dealings with Israel. Those who apply the principle to the present day see it as evidence that God can reveal His purposes to His people through prophets when He chooses to act among them.
Prophets as Spiritual Watchmen
Ezekiel 33 uses the image of a watchman standing on a tower. The watchman’s responsibility was to see danger approaching and warn the people. If the warning was given and ignored, the responsibility belonged to those who refused to listen. If the watchman failed to warn the people, the watchman was held accountable.
This metaphor illustrates an important role associated with prophets: warning people about spiritual dangers and calling them to change their ways.
For believers who accept modern prophetic ministry, this watchman role remains relevant because societies and individuals continue to face moral and spiritual challenges. A prophet’s responsibility is therefore not simply to predict future events, but also to teach, warn, encourage, and point people back toward God.
Do We Need Prophets Today?
The answer depends in part on how someone interprets the biblical evidence and understands continuing revelation. Christians who believe prophecy ceased after the apostolic era generally view the Bible as the completed source of inspired revelation and understand contemporary ministers as teachers and interpreters of Scripture.
Other Christians, including members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe God continues to call prophets and apostles. They see passages about prophecy, spiritual gifts, spiritual guidance, and watchmen as evidence that God can continue to communicate with His children through inspired servants.
The Purpose Is to Point People to Christ
Whatever one’s position on modern prophets, the New Testament makes the central purpose of Christian ministry clear: building up believers and helping them grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
From this perspective, the value of prophecy is not simply receiving information about the future. It is about strengthening faith, providing encouragement and correction, warning against spiritual danger, promoting unity, and helping people become more Christlike.
For those who believe modern prophets are called by God, their purpose is not to replace Jesus Christ or the Bible, but to help God’s people understand His will, remain spiritually grounded, and follow Christ in their own time.
