from: Gospel Principles
A prophet is a man called by God to be His representative on earth. He teaches truth and interprets the word of God. He receives revelations and directions from the Lord for our benefit. He is a special witness for Christ, testifying of His divinity and teaching His gospel. He
calls the unrighteous to
repentance. When he speaks for God, it is as if God were speaking.
Many people live in darkness, unsure of God's will. They believe that the heavens are closed and that people must face the wold's perils alone. How fortunate are the Latter-day Saints! We know that God communicates to the Church through His prophets.
Meet Thomas S.
Monson, our current living prophet! He is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has the right to revelation for the entire Church. He holds "the keys of the kingdom," meaning that he has the authority to direct the entire Church and kingdom of God on earth, including the administrations of priesthood ordinances (Matt. 16:19).
We should do those things the prophets tell us to do. The Lord will never allow the President of the Church to lead us astray. Moreover, if we obey, the Lord promises, "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" (D&C 21:6). Pretty cool blessings to me!
***Additional scriptures:
-
Num. 12:6; Luke 1:70 (God speaks
thru prophets)
-1Sam. 9:9 (prophet called a seer)
-Amos 3:7 (God reveals His secrets to the prophets)
-
Mosiah 8:16-18 (a seer can now of things past & things to come)
-D&C 45:10, 15 (God speaks today as in days of old)
-D&C 43:1-7 (only the prophet is authorized to receive revelations for the Church)