The Bible consistently shows that God has called prophets throughout history, and the pattern of prophets continues today. Prophets serve as God’s spokespeople, revealing His will to humanity and guiding His people.
The Long History Of God Calling Prophets
Jeremiah 7:25 states:
“Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day, I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them.”
This verse shows a long-standing pattern of God calling prophets to communicate His will.
The Purpose Of Prophets In God’s Plan
Amos 3:7 emphasizes:
“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
Prophets are central to God’s plan, revealing His will and allowing us to exercise faith through their teachings. They are the first to know God’s plans and communicate them to humanity.
How God Speaks Through Jesus
Hebrews 1:1-2 notes:
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things.”
While prophets have always played a vital role, Jesus Christ represents the ultimate revelation of God’s will.
All Prophets Prophesied About Jesus
Matthew 11:13 explains that all prophets and the law prophesied until John, pointing to Jesus Christ as the central figure of God’s plan.
The Number Of Prophets & Positions In The Church
1 Corinthians 12:28 illustrates the organization of the Church:
“God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”
This shows that prophets continued to play a key role in the early Church alongside other offices and gifts.
The Role Of Peter In The Bible
Matthew 16:18-19 demonstrates that Peter was given authority in the Church, highlighting how leadership and prophetic roles are interconnected:
“Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church… I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”
Passing Of Authority From Ancient To Later Prophets
Matthew 17:3-4 shows Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus, illustrating the continuity of God’s prophetic authority. Ephesians 2:20 confirms that the Church is built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone.
Modern Day Prophets Mentioned In The Bible
Revelation 11 describes two witnesses prophesying before the Second Coming of Christ, showing that prophets will continue in the latter days:
“And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy 1,260 days… and when they shall finish their testimony, the beast… shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.”
The Power Bestowed Upon The Prophet Elijah
Malachi 4:5-6 promises Elijah’s return in the last days:
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord… and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.”
This demonstrates the enduring pattern of prophetic authority.
God’s Patterns Remain Constant
Hebrews 13:8 teaches:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
God does not change, so the pattern of calling prophets continues today, just as it has in the past.
Modern Prophets & Miracles
2 Nephi 27:23-26 emphasizes that God continues to perform miracles according to faith, highlighting that modern prophets can still be instruments of God’s power.
Importance Of Identifying True vs. False Prophets
1 John 4:1 warns:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
The focus today is not on whether prophets exist, but on discerning true prophets from false ones through the confirmation of the Holy Spirit.
Listening To Modern Day Prophets
Modern day prophets, such as Russell M. Nelson, continue the biblical pattern. Listening to their teachings and feeling confirmation through the Holy Spirit allows us to recognize true prophets in our time.
