Gospel Principles
Unit 3: Communication between God and Man
Chapter 9: Prophets of God
Concept 2: What Is a Prophet?
"A prophet is a man called by God to be his representative on earth. When a prophet speaks for God, it is as if God were speaking. A prophet is also a special witness for Christ, testifying of His divinity and teaching His gospel. A prophet teaches truth and interprets the word of God. He calls the unrighteous to repentance. He receives revelations and directions from the Lord for our benefit. He may see into the future and foretell coming events so that the world may be warned.
A prophet may come from various stations in life. He may be young or old, highly educated or unschooled. He may be a farmer, a lawyer, or a teacher. Ancient prophets wore tunics and carried staffs. Modern prophets wear suits and carry briefcases. What, then, identifies a true prophet? A true prophet is always chosen by God and called through proper priesthood authority.
Latter-day Saints sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as prophets. However, when we speak of "The prophet of the Church," we mean the President of the Church, who is President of the high priesthood.
Discussion
What is a prophet?
What powers and gifts does he have?
What does he do?
What office does he hold in the Church?"