Understanding the LDS Concept of the Prophet and Continuing Revelation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes God speaks to humanity today through a living prophet, guiding the Church through ongoing revelation.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) teaches that God actively communicates with humanity.
- This communication, called continuing revelation, comes primarily through a living prophet.
- The President of the Church is sustained as the prophet, seer, and revelator for the entire Church.
- This concept allows for clarification and expansion of doctrine and guidance over time.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a prophet is understood as a person called by God to be His representative on Earth, speaking His will and guiding His people. Continuing revelation is the belief that God has not ceased communicating with humanity, but rather continues to reveal His mind and will through this prophet and other authorized leaders, offering guidance relevant to contemporary times.
The Prophet's Role and Authority
The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sustained by members as the prophet, seer, and revelator. He is considered the sole individual authorized to receive revelation for the entire Church. His role involves teaching doctrine, interpreting scripture, providing guidance on moral and spiritual issues, and leading the Church's global operations. While other Church leaders, including his two counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, are also sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators, the President of the Church holds the presiding authority and responsibility for receiving and declaring revelation that impacts the whole Church.
How Continuing Revelation Works
Revelation in the Church is understood to come in various ways, not always as dramatic visions or audible voices. Often, it manifests as spiritual impressions, thoughts, feelings, or insights that are confirmed through prayer and study. For the Church as a whole, revelation to the prophet typically involves clarifying existing doctrine, providing direction for the Church's growth, or addressing new challenges. Important doctrinal or policy changes are usually presented to and sustained by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles before being announced to the Church. This process ensures that the Church is led by divine guidance while maintaining unity and order.
This ongoing communication from God is not seen as contradicting earlier revelations but rather as clarifying, expanding upon, or applying eternal principles to new circumstances. It affirms a living, active God who is personally involved in the lives of His children and the direction of His Church.
Why It Matters
The concept of a living prophet and continuing revelation is foundational to the theology and practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It provides members with a sense of direct divine leadership, offering clear guidance in an often complex world. This belief explains the Church’s ability to adapt and respond to modern challenges while maintaining its core principles. It also underscores the conviction that God's love and concern for humanity are ongoing, and that He continues to reveal truths necessary for salvation and happiness.
- **Dynamic Guidance:** God's direction is not confined to ancient texts but is ongoing and relevant to today's world.
- **Clarity and Adaptation:** Doctrine can be clarified, expanded, or applied to new situations over time.
- **Unity:** Provides a central, authoritative voice for the Church globally, ensuring consistent direction.
- **Personal Connection:** Encourages individual members to seek personal revelation within their own stewardship.
Sources
- General Conference addresses of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (churchofjesuschrist.org)
- Gospel Topics Essays, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (churchofjesuschrist.org)
