Do Lds Prophets Function As The Biblical Prophets?

[Stone holm]

He's white and his lineage comes from Europe. Europe is the mother Gentile as Nephi refers to in 1 Nephi 13. Read thus chapter in depth.

Yeah, well first skin color has nothing to do with it, and secondly, there are more than one definition of Gentile -- the definitions are: 1) Anybody without any blood of the tribes of Israel in them, 2) anybody who is not a Jew (meaning either of Judah or Benjamin), and 3) anybody not a Mormon. The first two are both commonly used in the Scriptures, the second is commonly used in the Church. Its been established by DNA testing that the Ethiopians who are not white are nevertheless Jewish, and there is another black African tribe which has been determined to be Levite. Most people coming into the Church today are either of the tribe of Ephraim or Manasseh (not by adoption but actually of those two tribes).

[brightpath]

I could turn the question around and say to you with so much mixing going on how can a mere blessing predict what tribe you belong to. How do you become the literal seed in this blessing? The title page if the BofM identifies 3 groups of people in earth. The Lamanites(Native Americans), the Jews(Judah), and the Gentiles( rest of the world). So if you are not a Native American or Jew you are a Gentile. Now if a Gentile accepts the gospel and is faithful they will be adopted into the House of Israel. Notice the title page does not mention the lost 10 tribes. They are separate from us to come forth once the NJ is built.

Edited April 23, 2013 by brightpath

[JAHS]

LDS prophets function today the way God needs them to function for us at our particular time.

The word "prophet" comes from the Greek prophetes, which means "inspired teacher." By scriptural definition, a prophet is anyone who has a testimony of Jesus Christ and is moved by the Holy Ghost (Rev. 19:10). This goes for both males and females. President Wilford Woodruff said of Brigham Young to a congregation:

"He is a prophet, I am a prophet, you are, and anybody is a prophet who has the testimony of Jesus Christ, for that is the spirit of prophecy" (Journal of Discourses 13:165)

[Stone holm]

LDS prophets function today the way God needs them to function for us at our particular time.

The word "prophet" comes from the Greek prophetes, which means "inspired teacher." By scriptural definition, a prophet is anyone who has a testimony of Jesus Christ and is moved by the Holy Ghost (Rev. 19:10). This goes for both males and females. President Wilford Woodruff said of Brigham Young to a congregation:

"He is a prophet, I am a prophet, you are, and anybody is a prophet who has the testimony of Jesus Christ, for that is the spirit of prophecy" (Journal of Discourses 13:165)

Yep, but I do believe what is being referred to in this thread is the President of the Church and possibly those GAs who are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators. Notice in the three-fold description of their callings the word administrator is absent. Not sure the Biblical Prophets were administrators, not even sure they were what we customarily think of as teachers, but possibly they were. The Biblical Prophets seemed to act primarily as mouthpiece messengers of God who simply declared His will and His law and went around rebuking Kings and generals, etc. So filled with the Spirit that some seemed about half out of their minds. Can you picture any of the Biblical Prophets wearing the equivalent of a business suit and tie for their times? I can't.

[Lightbearer]

I would say that the Prophet today is greater than any of the Old Testament prophets and equal in authority to the First Presidency in the New Testament (namely Peter, James, and John). He is a prophet with the same keys, authority and powers that Moses, Elijiah, Elias, Abraham, John the Baptist, and all the Prophets held. Because this is the dispensation of the fullness of times in which all things would be restored all of the prophets or their representative gave their keys to Joseph Smith Jr. and these have been had in the Church ever since. For a connection of this authority I refer you to the following:

"And the sons of Moses, according to the Holy Priesthood which he received under the hand of his father–in–law, Jethro; And Jethro received it under the hand of Caleb; And Caleb received it under the hand of Elihu; And Elihu under the hand of Jeremy; And Jeremy under the hand of Gad; And Gad under the hand of Esaias; And Esaias received it under the hand of God. Esaias also lived in the days of Abraham, and was blessed of him— Which Abraham received the priesthood from Melchizedek, who received it through the lineage of his fathers, even till Noah; And from Noah till Enoch, through the lineage of their fathers; And from Enoch to Abel, who was slain by the conspiracy of his brother, who received the priesthood by the commandments of God, by the hand of his father Adam, who was the first man— Which priesthood continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years. And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God. And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live. Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory. Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also; And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel; Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. For he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power, to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power. And again, the offices of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belonging unto the high priesthood. And again, the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons. Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses—for the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the consecrated spot as I have appointed— And the sons of Moses and of Aaron shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, upon Mount Zion in the Lord's house, whose sons are ye; and also many whom I have called and sent forth to build up my church. For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies. They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God. And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord; For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him. And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood. Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved. But whoso breaketh this covenant after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come. And wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood which ye have received, which I now confirm upon you who are present this day, by mine own voice out of the heavens; and even I have given the heavenly hosts and mine angels charge concerning you."(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:6-42)

The reason I give this long quote is to impress upon us the awesome power the Lord has given us in the last days and to show a connection to Israel and to Moses and Aaron who's sons we are by virtue of our ordination. President Thomas S. Monson, that wonderful servant of the Lord, the Lord's anointed has the same power and keys of authority of Moses to gather scattered Israel and to bring a light to the gentiles. That is what the great Mission of the Church is in the last days is to bring all of Israel and all the world unto Christ and His Kingdom

[brightpath]

The only problem is that they are all Gentile prophets that are adopted into Israel. Thomas S Monson is not equal or greater than the prophets of old.

[Robert F. Smith]

Yep, but I do believe what is being referred to in this thread is the President of the Church and possibly those GAs who are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators. Notice in the three-fold description of their callings the word administrator is absent. Not sure the Biblical Prophets were administrators, not even sure they were what we customarily think of as teachers, but possibly they were. The Biblical Prophets seemed to act primarily as mouthpiece messengers of God who simply declared His will and His law and went around rebuking Kings and generals, etc. So filled with the Spirit that some seemed about half out of their minds. Can you picture any of the Biblical Prophets wearing the equivalent of a business suit and tie for their times? I can't.

You might try reading the Bible to get your bearings on the nature of prophets. They varied across the broad range. Some were uneducated, some were priests (Jeremiah & Ezekiel), some were members of the official court of the king (Joseph & Isaiah). Some, like the Ephraimite Samuel, performed several roles simultaneously (prophet, priest, judge, seer). Some went about in ecstatic bands of prophets, some two by two (Elijah & Elisha), others all alone. Some, like the Levites Moses and Aaron, shared separate major functions, one the high priest and mouthpiece for his brother, the other a combination general, prophet, and chief judge -- Moses appointing subordinates to hear cases at issue among the Israelites in Midian (on the advice of his father in law, the priest of Midian). Administration by delegation.

The prophets might be well-dressed or naked, depending on instructions from God, or according to their station in life. Who are you to determine what they may wear?

[volgadon]

Can you picture any of the Biblical Prophets wearing the equivalent of a business suit and tie for their times? I can't.

If you read the Hebrew Bible carefully, few prophets were as distinctive in their dress as Elijah was. In fact, his wild appearance set him apart.

Others were more urbane.

Amos, for instance, would have been closer to upper middle class in today's world.

[volgadon]

You might try reading the Bible to get your bearings on the nature of prophets. They varied across the broad range. Some were uneducated, some were priests (Jeremiah & Ezekiel), some were members of the official court of the king (Joseph & Isaiah). Some, like the Ephraimite Samuel, performed several roles simultaneously (prophet, priest, judge, seer). Some went about in ecstatic bands of prophets, some two by two (Elijah & Elisha), others all alone. Some, like the Levites Moses and Aaron, shared separate major functions, one the high priest and mouthpiece for his brother, the other a combination general, prophet, and chief judge -- Moses appointing subordinates to hear cases at issue among the Israelites in Midian (on the advice of his father in law, the priest of Midian). Administration by delegation.

The prophets might be well-dressed or naked, depending on instructions from God, or according to their station in life. Who are you to determine what they may wear?

You beat me to it, and said it more eloquently.

[Robert F. Smith]

The only problem is that they are all Gentile prophets that are adopted into Israel. Thomas S Monson is not equal or greater than the prophets of old.

The only problem with that is that prophets and priests such as Abraham lived at a time when there was no Israel, and would not be until the name-change and covenant with his grandson Jacob - Israel, though whom the Abrahamic covenant is operative. Indeed,the Law of Moses would not be invoked for generations after that.

[Avatar4321]

LDS prophets function today the way God needs them to function for us at our particular time.

The word "prophet" comes from the Greek prophetes, which means "inspired teacher." By scriptural definition, a prophet is anyone who has a testimony of Jesus Christ and is moved by the Holy Ghost (Rev. 19:10). This goes for both males and females. President Wilford Woodruff said of Brigham Young to a congregation:

"He is a prophet, I am a prophet, you are, and anybody is a prophet who has the testimony of Jesus Christ, for that is the spirit of prophecy" (Journal of Discourses 13:165)

It's amazing how few people recognize this. A prophet is one with the Spirit of Prophesy. The Spirit of Prophesy is the testimony of Jesus Christ. Prophets testify of Christ. It's what they did in ancient times. It's what they do now.

[Avatar4321]

Yep, but I do believe what is being referred to in this thread is the President of the Church and possibly those GAs who are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators. Notice in the three-fold description of their callings the word administrator is absent. Not sure the Biblical Prophets were administrators, not even sure they were what we customarily think of as teachers, but possibly they were. The Biblical Prophets seemed to act primarily as mouthpiece messengers of God who simply declared His will and His law and went around rebuking Kings and generals, etc. So filled with the Spirit that some seemed about half out of their minds. Can you picture any of the Biblical Prophets wearing the equivalent of a business suit and tie for their times? I can't.

So dress determines if they function the same?

We should all be prophets (IE people who testify of Christ) and Revelators for our families and those who have stewardship over. The main difference the First Presidency and Twelve have, that I see, is they are called and sustained to be Seers. I dont know that that will ever be a general gift to the Church, but considering the Lord said He would show nothing to Joseph or the Twelve that He wouldnt reveal to the least of the Saints, I see no reason why we shouldnt believe we can be called as Seers as well. We just wont be the Seer for the entire church as they are.

[ksfisher]

Thomas S Monson is not equal or greater than the prophets of old.

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (New Testament, Matthew, Matthew 18)

Edited April 24, 2013 by ksfisher

[Stone holm]

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (New Testament, Matthew, Matthew 18)

Point being?

[ksfisher]

Point being?

Point being, how can you say that one prophet is greater than another. Christ seems to believe that those who are the most humble and obedient are the greatest.

[Calm]

Joseph was the administrator of the Pharaoh, he was dressed in such a way his brothers didn't recognize him....can't get much more corporate than that.

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/41?lang=eng

38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thouart:

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him rulerover all the land of Egypt.

44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

46 ¶And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

Edited April 24, 2013 by calmoriah

[Stone holm]

Joseph was the administrator of the Pharaoh, he was dressed in such a way his brothers didn't recognize him....can't get much more corporate than that.

http://www.lds.org/s...gen/41?lang=eng

True and Ezra Taft Benson was the Secretary of Agriculture -- but I don't recall sustaining him as an administrator.

[Avatar4321]

True and Ezra Taft Benson was the Secretary of Agriculture -- but I don't recall sustaining him as an administrator.

Moses was an administrator. As was Joshua.

[brightpath]

The only problem with that is that prophets and priests such as Abraham lived at a time when there was no Israel, and would not be until the name-change and covenant with his grandson Jacob - Israel, though whom the Abrahamic covenant is operative. Indeed,the Law of Moses would not be invoked for generations after that.

Abraham was Hebrew and from the chosen seed. The chosen seed of God carried on the priesthood. Noah>Shem>Abraham>Isaac>Jacob. If you follow the priesthood lineage then you will see the line of the chosen seed.

[Vance]

Abraham was Hebrew and from the chosen seed. The chosen seed of God carried on the priesthood. Noah>Shem>Abraham>Isaac>Jacob>Joseph>Ephraim . If you follow the priesthood lineage then you will see the line of the chosen seed.

So, is Joseph Smith Jr. in the line of the chosen seed? Edited April 25, 2013 by Vance

[brightpath]

No he was a Gentile adopted into Israel that was chosen to bring forth the BorM and restored gospel to the Gentiles. Christ said Israel will reject the gospel and so the Gentiles will get it. It's there turn right now they have the restored gospel.

[CASteinman]

So, is Joseph Smith Jr. in the line of the chosen seed?

Absolutely!

[Stone holm]

Absolutely!

Chosen seed? Hm.....

[brightpath]

Joseph Smith was a Gentile adopted into the House of Israel. So he is a part of the chosen seed through adoption. He fulfilled the prophecy in the BofM titlepage that states the BofM " shall come by way of the Gentile". He knew this and thats why he never claimed to be the choice seer in 2 nephi 3.

[cdowis]

JS was a direct descendant of Joseph, 2 Nephi chapter 3