Mitt Files — Prophets and Priesthood

Thomas Spencer Monson

This is the second in a series focusing on Mitt Romney's spiritual beliefs. As a full-time representative of Jesus Christ I am called to invite others to come unto Christ. Feel free to contribute to this discussion, but keep comments focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ. View earlier Mitt Files here.

This is Thomas S. Monson. He is the Lord's prophet on Earth today.

You may be surprised to learn that there are prophets and apostles among us, but if you've read and believe the Bible you understand there is precedent for that statement. God called prophets—first Adam and then others like Noah, Moses, Abraham, Jeremiah and Isaiah—throughout the ages to lead earnest followers of Christ, teach true doctrine, and point the world to the Savior and His atoning sacrifice. Prophets understand that it is only through the merits and mercy of Jesus Christ that we can be saved. They carry a special witness and testimony of the Savior's redeeming love.

Prophets also carry a special priesthood, even the power of God to act for the salvation of His children. God is a God of order, so ordinances like baptism and marriage must be performed by His priesthood authority in order to be binding. The living prophet is the only man who carries all the priesthood keys and the authority to use them. Fourteen other men are sustained as prophets, seers and revelators. They make up the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I was raised to believe in a living prophet and I sustain him today. But the sacred calling of the prophet became personal to me when in fall 2005 Gordon B. Hinckley—the prophet at the time—challenged everyone to read the Book of Mormon before the end of the year. He extended this powerful promise to those who would do so—

Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God. (A Testimony Vibrant and True, August 2005 Ensign)

I took the prophet up on that challenge, and I found his promise to be entirely true.

Blessings follow those who follow the prophet. Unfortunately not everyone chooses to heed his God-inspired counsel. We'll talk about that next time we meet.

MORE ONLINE 
The Power of the Priesthood, President Boyd K. Packer
Willing and Worthy to Serve, President Thomas S. Monson
Prophets and Apostles Speak Today