Do Modern-Day Prophets Exist?

Throughout history, God has always chosen prophets to lead His people, provide revelation, and teach truth. From Noah and Moses to Isaiah and John the Baptist, the scriptures are filled with examples of God using chosen messengers to deliver His will.

But that leads us to an important question:

Does God still call prophets today? And if He did, how would the world react?

For many, the idea of a living prophet seems unnecessary. Some believe that revelation ended with the Bible. Others claim that personal spiritual guidance is enough. But if God has worked through prophets for thousands of years, would He suddenly stop? Or does He still communicate with His children today in the same way He always has?

Let’s explore what different Christian denominations believe and what the Bible itself has to say about modern-day prophets.

Do Christians Believe in Prophets Today?

The answer depends on who you ask. Across Christianity, there are many different views on whether God still calls prophets in our time.

Mainstream Christian Denominations

Most Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and other traditional Christian groups believe that prophets existed in the past but are no longer necessary. They believe that with the completion of the Bible, God has already given all the guidance needed for salvation.

For them, prophets were a historical necessity, but they argue that the role was fulfilled through Christ and His apostles.

Charismatic & Pentecostal Movements

Some Christians, particularly in Pentecostal and Charismatic churches, believe that prophecy still exists today. They emphasize the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the ability to receive divine revelation, heal the sick, and speak in tongues. However, they typically do not believe in a single authoritative prophet leading the entire church.

Evangelical Christians

Many evangelicals believe that God still speaks to individuals but does not call prophets in the biblical sense. They emphasize personal revelation and inspiration but reject the idea that one person could be divinely appointed to speak for all of God’s children.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Unlike other Christian groups, Latter-day Saints believe that God has always called prophets—and that He continues to do so today.

We believe that:

• Joseph Smith was called as a prophet to restore Christ’s church in the latter days.

• The authority of the apostles has been restored, just as it was in Christ’s time.

• The church is still led by a living prophet today—currently President Russell M. Nelson—who receives divine revelation for the world.

For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the idea that God has stopped calling prophets contradicts both scripture and historical patterns. If God truly is unchanging, why would He suddenly stop speaking to His children?

Does the Bible Support the Idea of Modern Prophets?

Many Christians believe that prophets were only necessary in ancient times, but the Bible itself teaches otherwise.

1. Amos 3:7

"Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants, the prophets."

This verse tells us that God always works through prophets. If that was true in biblical times, why would it not still be true today?

2. Ephesians 4:11-13

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ—till we all come to the unity of the faith."

Are we all united in faith? Clearly not. This passage suggests that prophets are still needed until that unity is achieved.

3. Matthew 10:41

"He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward."

Christ Himself stated that those who accept and listen to prophets will be blessed. If that was true then, it is still true today.

4. Acts 2:17-18

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams."

This prophecy directly states that people will continue to receive revelation in the last days. We are in those last days now.

So if the Bible teaches that prophets are part of God’s plan, the next question is: Would people accept a modern prophet?

How Would the World React to a Living Prophet?

History tells us exactly how people would respond—because it’s the same way they have always reacted.

• Noah warned of a coming flood. He was mocked.

• Moses led Israel out of bondage. The people constantly complained.

• Isaiah prophesied of Christ. Few listened.

• Christ Himself performed miracles. He was rejected and crucified.

So if a prophet were to stand up today and declare, "God has spoken!"—what would happen?

Most would dismiss him as:

• “Crazy.”

• “A false teacher.”

• “Unnecessary—we already have the Bible.”

When Joseph Smith claimed to have seen God the Father and Jesus Christ, he was persecuted and eventually martyred. Today, when President Russell M. Nelson speaks, many ignore or dismiss his words.

But if God has always worked through prophets, and if He never changes, then wouldn’t it make sense that He still speaks through living prophets today?

Why Modern Prophets Matter

As a Latter-day Saint, I am deeply grateful for living prophets.

• They warn us of dangers in the world.

• They teach us God’s will.

• They receive revelation for the entire Church.

Just as God led His people through Moses, Isaiah, and Peter, He still leads us today through Russell M. Nelson and the apostles.

Christ’s church was never meant to be led without prophets. That’s why the Restored Church stands apart—it is led today the same way it was led in Christ’s time.

Next Question: What Church Resembles the New Testament Church?

Now that we’ve discussed prophets, let’s explore:

What Christian denomination most closely resembles the New Testament Church?

Hint: Look at Ephesians 2:19-20 and Matthew 16:18-19.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them in the comments below.

Transcription:

    Hi, my name is Joe Cirillo with Gospel First, and thanks for your decision to follow me on this exciting journey to find Christ Christ-restored church in our day. But before I give you question number 32, did you get the answer to question 31? Is God capable of sending a prophet to the earth today? If yes, How do you think that the prophet would be received?

Well, beliefs about whether God can call prophets today vary among different Christian denominations and groups. Many mainstream Christian denominations, such as Catholics, Lutherans, and Presbyterians, believe that while God can communicate with individuals, the role of the prophet as seen in the Bible has largely ceased with the completion of the canon of Scripture.

They emphasize that the teachings of the Bible and Jesus Christ provide all the guidance that's needed for faith and practice. Many within the Charismatic and Pentecostal movements believe that God can still call prophets today. They emphasize the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit and the possibility of receiving new revelations, prophetic messages, and guidance from God.

Yet, some evangelical Christians also believe in the possibility of modern prophets. Although they may not have the same institutional structure as the restored church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they may support the idea of individuals receiving prophetic messages or insights from God.

The Restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints firmly believes that God continues to call prophets today. It holds that Joseph Smith was a modern prophet and that the church is led by a living prophet who receives divine revelation. The prophet for the world today is President Russell M.

Nelson. Now, several scriptures in the Bible suggest that God can send prophets in modern times. Here are a few key passages. Amos chapter 3 verse 7 says, Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants, the prophets. Now this verse indicates that God communicates with His people through prophets.

Then you have Ephesians chapter 4 verses 11 to 13 and it says, And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Well, this passage implies that God established his prophets as part of the church's structure to guide and edify believers.

Then you have Matthew chapter 10, verse 41. He who received a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. Now, this verse indicates the continued role and importance of prophets. Then we have Acts chapter 2, verse 17 to 18, that says, And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh.

Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And on my menservants, and on my maidservants, I will pour out my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy. So this passage suggests that God will continue to inspire people to prophesy in the last days.

So, in summary, while some Christian groups believe that God continues to call prophets today, others maintain that the prophetic role was specific to Biblical times and has since been fulfilled. Now, thank God for living prophets that lead and guide His church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, that clarify the confusion that exists today.

And question number 32. What Christian denomination most closely resembles the New Testament Church of the Bible? And of course, I'd love to hear your thoughts.