Why do we need living Prophets?
by Robert Rosskopf

When one thinks of prophets, they might conjure up images of Moses, dividing the Red Sea. It is easy to forget that prophets are as human as the rest of us, and just as fallible. This may have been the predominant reason for the historic rejection of prophets. Even Jesus complained that no man is a prophet in his own country. To Simon, Jesus was just another prophet, until he learned through prayer that Jesus was the very Son of God. Jesus gave him the nickname of Peter, which means seerstone. Simon Peter would one day lead the church as a prophet of God. It is the ability to receive revelation from God, and follow his instructions, that sets someone apart as a prophet of God. A man cannot call himself to be prophet; the Lord must call him, for above all else, a prophet represents the Lord.

A prophet is a living link between God and mankind. A prophet is an abassador of God. He acts will full authority, given to him by God.

Many people are under the impression that Jesus was the culmination of God's work, and that there would be no more prophets. Jesus never said that there would be no more prophets. He did say:

"Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:"
- Matthew 23:34

Jesus also taught us how to tell the difference between a true prophet and a false prophet.

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit."
- Matthew 7:16-17

God is, and has always been, since before the foundation of the world, interested in the salvation of mankind. This is not just a physical salvation, but a spiritual one. Physical salvation comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is a free gift to all men. Spiritual salvation requires obedience to the directives and commandments of God. Abraham was blessed, because he was obedient to the Lord in all things.

"Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." - Genesis 26:5

What is the difference between a charge, a commandment, a statute and a law?

Mishmereth, or "charge" indicates someone's assigned duties. These are not set in stone. They could and do change from time to time. Only a living prophet would know when the Lord desires to change someone's duties. In the church, men are called of God, by prophecy and revelation, and thus receive their duties.

A Mitsvah, or "commandment" is a blueprint of how to live our lives. It is the ideal, the standard that God has set. It describes the boundaries of what might be considered a Christian or Jew; how we must act to be numbered among the faithful. Even these can change from time to time. A Jew must never eat pork. A Christian can eat pork. Christians and Jews can drink, as long as they don't get drunk. Mormons abstain from alcoholic beverages altogether.

Chuqqah, or "statute" refers to a custom or prescribed ceremony. The Temple ordinances are chuqqah, and they can and do change. Only a living prophet would know when the Lord desires us to change a ceremony, or add a ceremony, or stop a ceremony.

Torah, or "law" refers to the civil law and the penalties for breaking it. These are established practices that assure fairness in judgment. These too can change from time to time.

When we refuse to follow a living prophet, we turn a deaf ear to our savior and redeemer, Jesus Christ. How can he give us inspiration and direction, if we refuse to listen to him, or his chosen emmisaries?