Living Prophet
What does the Bible teach about a living prophet?
Jesus is our living Prophet, Priest, and King. No one can take these roles from him.
The purpose of prophets in the Old Testament was to prophesy to the coming of the Messiah. Those prophets pointed toward the hope in the One who would come to redeem Israel, take away the world’s sin, and fulfill the law. Through faith in Jesus, God’s children have direct access to him at all times and in every need.
God has given us all we need to know about him in his Word, the Bible.
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
Hebrews 1:1-2
What does Mormonism teach about a living prophet?
Mormonism teaches that the LDS church will always have a man on earth as their living prophet. They believe he is the infallible servant of God. He tells the LDS church of God’s current desires.
Also called the “Prophet, Seer, and Revelator,” or the president. They believe that he, and he alone, receives direct revelations for the entire church. These revelations take precedence even over their written scriptures.
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).
Gospel Topics Essays: Prophets
Why This Matters
Mormons sincerely believe that God still speaks through a living prophet today—someone who can receive direct revelation for the whole world. They’re taught that following the prophet is the safest path, even when his words seem to contradict previous teachings or even the Bible. But when a man becomes the mouthpiece of God, what happens if he speaks something untrue? What if he leads people away from Christ without them realizing it?
This misplaced trust in the modern prophet is a significant concern. It’s a matter of ultimate authority. When a living prophet’s word is placed above the Bible—or used to reinterpret it—the foundation of truth shifts from God’s unchanging word to human opinion. That leaves people spiritually vulnerable. They may sincerely follow a prophet but unknowingly walk away from the gospel.
That’s why this matters. The Bible warns us not to follow even an angel from heaven—or anyone—if they preach a different gospel. God has already spoken fully and finally through his Son. We don’t need a new prophet to reveal more—we need to trust the One God already sent.
When our confidence is in Christ and his finished work and word, we are no longer tossed by changing teachings or new revelations. We stand firm because our faith is built not on a man but on the unshakable truth of God.
Scripture References
Hebrews 1:1-2
1 Timothy 2:5
Hebrews 9:24
Galatians 1:8–9
Summary
Christianity
Jesus is our Prophet, Priest and King.
Mormonism
A man on earth serves as the Living Prophet in Mormonism.