If God called apostles and prophets in biblical times, why wouldn’t He call them today? The Bible provides a strong foundation for the belief that God uses prophets and apostles to guide His people, teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and provide revelation in times of uncertainty. From the New Testament to the Restoration of the gospel, scripture offers a framework for understanding why modern-day prophets and apostles can have an important role in the lives of believers.
What Does the Bible Say About Apostles and Prophets?
One of the clearest passages is found in Ephesians 4:11–14. Paul teaches that Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to help perfect and strengthen the Saints. Their purpose was to build up the body of Christ, promote unity and knowledge of the Savior, and help believers avoid being “tossed to and fro” by false teachings and deception.
This passage suggests that apostles and prophets serve an important purpose: helping people recognize truth and remain grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a world filled with competing ideas and influences, their role can provide spiritual direction and clarity.
Does God Still Reveal His Will Through Prophets?
The Old Testament also teaches a principle of continuing revelation. Amos 3:7 states, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
For believers, this scripture offers an important perspective: God does not have to stop communicating with His children simply because biblical prophets lived thousands of years ago. Personal revelation can guide individuals, while prophetic revelation can provide direction for the Church and its members.
Why Did Jesus Call Apostles?
During His mortal ministry, Jesus Christ called apostles and gave them responsibility to teach His gospel and testify of Him. Their mission was not limited to the years Jesus personally walked the earth. After His Resurrection and Ascension, His apostles continued preaching, serving, and building the Church.
This matters because the gospel was intended to continue after Christ’s mortal ministry. The apostles carried His message to others, helping establish and strengthen the early Christian Church.
What Happened During the Apostasy?
According to the Restoration perspective, the early Church eventually experienced widespread loss of priesthood authority and prophetic leadership. As apostles were persecuted and martyred and apostolic authority was lost, what is commonly described in Latter-day Saint teaching as the Great Apostasy occurred.
This does not mean that God stopped loving His children. Rather, the Restoration teaches that priesthood authority and the fullness of the gospel were eventually restored so that the Church could once again have prophets and apostles authorized to act in Christ’s name.
The Restoration of Prophets and Apostles
The Restoration began with Joseph Smith in the 1800s. As a young man seeking to know which church was true, Joseph turned to the Bible and found the invitation in James 1:5 to ask God for wisdom.
He prayed for guidance and, according to his testimony, received a divine answer. This became the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel and priesthood authority. Through Joseph Smith, apostles and prophets were again called to help lead the restored Church under the direction of Jesus Christ.
Why Would We Need Prophets Today?
The world continues to change, but the need for spiritual guidance remains. Questions about family, morality, faith, purpose, and how to navigate difficult circumstances can leave people searching for reliable answers.
Modern-day prophets and apostles are intended to help believers stay focused on Jesus Christ rather than being overwhelmed by the changing messages of the world. Their teachings do not eliminate personal agency. Instead, individuals can study, pray, seek the Spirit, and decide whether to follow the guidance they receive.
Prophets Can Help Us Through Turbulent Times
Life can feel turbulent, especially when fear, conflict, uncertainty, and competing voices dominate our attention. One of the blessings of prophetic leadership is the opportunity to receive consistent reminders to focus on Jesus Christ and eternal truths.
Rather than allowing the news, social media, or cultural pressures to determine what deserves our attention, believers can turn to scripture and the words of living prophets for spiritual perspective and direction.
Are There Modern-Day Apostles and Prophets?
From a Latter-day Saint perspective, the answer is yes. The Bible teaches that Christ gave apostles and prophets for the strengthening and perfecting of His Church, and the Restoration teaches that this pattern continues today through living prophets and apostles.
The central purpose is not simply to have religious leaders. It is to help people come closer to Jesus Christ, understand His gospel, receive spiritual guidance, and find peace and truth in an uncertain world.
If you are exploring whether modern-day prophets and apostles are consistent with the Bible, consider studying the scriptures for yourself and praying for personal confirmation. The question is ultimately one that each person can take directly to God.
