Have you ever questioned how God guides His people through leaders appointed in His name? Understanding when President Russell M. Nelson was called as prophet sheds light on the divine structure God employs to lead His church today. It matters to believers because it reveals God’s continuing revelation and His desire for direct communication with His followers.
This exploration focuses on President Nelson’s call to be a prophet, which aligns with biblical principles of leadership and guidance within the church. God has always chosen prophets to guide His people, and understanding this recent development opens avenues for deeper faith.
When Was President Nelson Called As Prophet?
President Russell M. Nelson was called as the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 14, 2018, following the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. His set-apart occurred during a sacred meeting where he was ordained and blessed to lead the church through revelation and inspiration.
The Significance of Prophets in the Bible
Understanding the role of a prophet is essential for recognizing the significance of President Nelson’s calling. Prophets are individuals chosen by God to communicate His will. Scripture provides numerous examples of prophets throughout history, including Moses, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, who guided Israel through pivotal times.
According to Amos 3:7, “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” This verse underscores the active role prophets play in receiving direction and guidance from God. God still calls prophets today, just as He did in biblical times.
What President Nelson’s Call Means for Today
President Nelson’s position resonates with the ongoing need for divine guidance in modern times. His call reassures church members of the continuation of prophetic leadership. This conveys that God has not left His children alone in a morally complex world.
Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” God’s unchanging nature assures believers that He continues to provide prophets to guide His people through cultural and spiritual challenges.
The Process of Calling a Prophet
The process of calling a new prophet involves more than just naming a successor. It is a sacred, inspired procedure conducted by those who remain faithful to God’s revelations. When President Monson passed, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as the governing body, was ready to carry out this process.
The principles of succession favor revelation over politicking. Each member of the Quorum first receives personal revelation on whom the Lord desires to lead His church. Following individual confirmations, they reach a consensus and sustain the chosen leader by vote.
The Role of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles plays a crucial role in determining who becomes the next prophet. They have the apostolic responsibility to testify of Christ and lead the church. Their authority stems from the same principles outlined in Acts 1:24-26 when the apostles sought divine assurance for selecting Judas’s replacement.
The apostles fast and pray, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. Such actions echo James 1:5, which encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, and He provides it generously. It confirms that God is willing to guide His people through their leaders.
The Announcement and Sustaining of President Nelson
On January 14, 2018, after prayer and consideration, the Quorum unanimously sustained President Nelson. This action is crucial. The members of the church collectively support their prophet during a sustaining vote, demonstrating faith in God’s choice.
The sustaining of President Nelson is more than a formality; it signifies the faith and commitment of over 16 million church members worldwide. It aligns with 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, where Paul encourages the faithful to respect and hold their leaders in high regard for their work in the Lord.
How President Nelson Leads with Revelation
President Nelson emphasizes the importance of personal revelation. He encourages church members to strengthen their relationship with God to receive guidance in their lives. This approach aligns with the biblical understanding of revelation as central to God’s relationship with His people.
In John 10:27, Jesus states, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” This reaffirms the need for believers to recognize and follow divine guidance in their lives. President Nelson leads by example, inviting all to seek personal revelation through prayer and scripture study.
Emphasis on the Doctrine of Christ
President Nelson’s teachings center on understanding the doctrine of Christ. He emphasizes that knowing the Savior is foundational for each believer. Understanding Christ’s character and teachings transforms lives.
In 3 Nephi 27:27, the Lord invites believers to “become as He is.” Efforts to become like Christ fall into the teachings of this modern prophet, who emphasizes daily discipleship and aligning personal choices with Christ’s example.
The Power of the Temple
His focus on the importance of temples aligns with ancient biblical practices where temples served as sacred spaces for worship and divine encounter. President Nelson consistently reminds members about the blessings that flow from temple worship.
In 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul reminds believers that they are the temple of God. This truth integrates with President Nelson’s repeated promises that the temple can become a personal refuge, making sacred connections with God possible.
Prophetic Counsel during Challenges
President Nelson has guided the church during unprecedented times of challenge. His messages resonate with scriptural emphasis on finding strength during tribulations. Challenges aren’t new for God’s people; in Isaiah 41:10, God assures, “Fear not, for I am with you.”
During the global pandemic, he encouraged believers to focus on faith rather than fear and seek spiritual growth amidst uncertainty. This echoes Jesus’s words in Matthew 6:34, where He advises not to be anxious about tomorrow. Such counsel reminds members to trust in God’s provision.
A Call to Action for Members
President Nelson continually issues specific invitations to take action in living the gospel. Invitations to repent, serve, and strengthen ties with family highlight the practical application of being a disciple. His call for members to “lift where you stand” truly inspires action within their communities.
James 2:26 teaches that faith without works is dead. President Nelson calls believers to live out their faith actively, translating beliefs into tangible actions that bless others.
Lessons on Faith and Trust
Each message from President Nelson offers lessons on faith and trust in God. The scriptural notion of trusting God parallels throughout the journey, affirming that faith is essential in receiving God’s promises. Hebrews 11:1 provides a clear definition: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
His teachings encourage developing faith that anticipates God’s involvement and trust in His timing. Believers are invited to exercise faith, even in uncertainty, committing their paths to God.
Engaging with President Nelson’s Prophetic Leadership
Members are encouraged to engage actively with President Nelson’s leadership. This engagement fosters deeper spiritual growth and reinforces personal commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Recognizing prophetic leadership enhances unity within the church.
Church members should approach the teachings of President Nelson with the same seriousness as they would biblical scripture. His messages resonate deeply and align with God’s truths, inviting believers into a covenant connection with their Savior.
Personal Accountability and Agency
President Nelson teaches that each person has the agency to choose to follow God’s path. While his teachings provide guidance, individuals must embrace accountability for their choices. Deuteronomy 30:19 urges, “Choose life that you may live.” This emphasizes the importance of making choices aligned with divine principles.
Agency is a sacred gift that allows believers the opportunity to develop personal relationships with God. President Nelson’s teachings empower members to use that agency wisely as they follow spiritual promptings.
Practical Steps in Following Prophetic Counsel
Taking action based on prophetic counsel is vital for spiritual growth. Here are practical steps to implement:
- Engage in daily prayer and scripture study.
- Attend church services and participate in worship.
- Serve in community efforts and church callings.
- Seek personal revelation regarding decisions.
- Share the gospel with others to fulfill the Great Commission.
Conclusion: Embracing the Call to Action
Understanding when President Nelson was called as prophet clarifies his role in God’s ongoing plan. This calling affirms that God still speaks today, providing direction through living prophets. Members are encouraged to actively engage with his teachings and take personal responsibility in their faith journeys.
In reflecting on this profound calling, believers are invited to further explore their roles and responsibilities in living the gospel. This journey involves cultivating relationships with God, embracing prophetic counsel, and actively participating in the divine work taking place today. Are you ready to follow the counsel of a modern prophet to deepen your faith and discover God’s voice more clearly?
Explore more faith-based topics and articles to deepen your understanding of God’s word and His guidance for your life. Consider reading about prophecy in the Bible or learn more about evangelism.