Adam Awake

True Prophets, True Disciples, and True Messengers

by Lucas Jackson · · Revised · 13 min read

This is a follow up post to the False Prophets, False Priests, and False Teachers one. These are some of the characteristics of True Prophets, True Disciples, and True Messengers.

True messengers come directly from the presence of God. Their calling originates from God. They walk the path required for salvation and obtain the promise. That’s what makes them worthy of listening to. The pattern is clear, those who enter heaven, while in the flesh, receive a message or book and are then commanded to give that message to the people. The message originates from the throne of Heaven. That’s how you distinguish a true message. It comes from God, it is His voice sounded through His messenger. The message is all the authority that these messengers need. Because God Himself has testified to them in the presence of His angels. That’s the spirit of prophecy or the testimony of Jesus.1 From Him to the messenger. That’s the pattern played out in scripture over and over again.

That’s why we need to hearken to the WORDS. Nephi emphasizes this in his final discourse.2 Messages from God are important, not the messengers.

Think about the temple. It teaches this pattern. If a messenger isn’t sent by God, from His presence, what does he have to offer but his own best guess? Brigham Young once called himself “a Yankee guesser.”3

In His Presence

Prophets have been in the presence of God and the angels.

…he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels… 1 Nephi 1:8 …I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1 Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne… Alma 36:22 …Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:56 …the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. Ezekiel 1:1 …I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me… 1 Nephi 11:14 …they saw the heavens open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them. Helaman 5:48

They have stood in the Lord’s council.

For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard his word?… Jeremiah 23:18 But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way… Jeremiah 23:22

They have perceived and heard His word.

…who hath marked his word, and heard it? Jeremiah 23:18

God reveals His secret unto them.4

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7

The Lord makes Himself known to them in visions.

…If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision… Numbers 12:6 …he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time. 2 Nephi 4:23 …I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description… Joseph Smith—History 1:17

The Lord speaks to them in dreams.

…and will speak unto him in a dream. Numbers 12:6 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness. 1 Nephi 2:2

They speak with Christ face to face, as a man speaketh with a friend.5

And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend… Exodus 33:11 …for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Genesis 32:30 …I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face… Ether 12:39 And I saw the Lord; and he stood before my face, and he talked with me, even as a man talketh one with another, face to face… Moses 7:4 Thus I, Abraham, talked with the Lord, face to face, as one man talketh with another… Abraham 3:11

They walk with God.

…for fear came on all them that heard him; for he walked with God. Moses 6:39

Angels minister unto them.

…and angels came down and ministered unto me. 2 Nephi 4:24 …for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me… Jacob 7:5 …so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily. 3 Nephi 7:18 And the things which I shall tell you are made known unto me by an angel from God… Mosiah 3:2 …while the angels were ministering unto the disciples, behold, Jesus came and stood in the midst… 3 Nephi 19:15

Their faces shine from His presence.

…Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. Exodus 34:29 …his face shone with exceeding luster, even as Moses’ did while in the mount of Sinai, while speaking with the Lord. Mosiah 13:5

Made Clean

They are made clean or whole.

…Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Isaiah 6:7 …Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee… Zechariah 3:4 …Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. Enos 1:5

They are given a new name.

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham… Genesis 17:5 …Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Genesis 32:28 …thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Isaiah 62:2 …and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Revelation 2:17 …whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word. D&C 130:11 …ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters… Mosiah 5:7

They are clothed with a new garment.

…Take away the filthy garments from him… and I will clothe thee with change of raiment… So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. Zechariah 3:4–5 …for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness… Isaiah 61:10 O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness!… 2 Nephi 4:33

Sent with a Message

They are ordained by God.

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee… and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

They are given a message, by a book or a vision.

…the first came and stood before my father, and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read. 1 Nephi 1:11 …Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up… Revelation 10:9 …the same heavenly messenger delivered them up to me with this charge… Joseph Smith—History 1:59

They are commanded to speak for the Lord.

…for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Jeremiah 1:7

They speak only what the Lord gives them.

And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak. 1 Kings 22:14 …Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. Jeremiah 1:9 …and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Deuteronomy 18:18 …and prophesied unto the people whatsoever things the Lord put into his heart. Helaman 13:4

They have a divine commission.

And behold, an angel of the Lord hath declared it unto me… And behold, I was sent unto you to declare it unto you also… Helaman 13:7 And now I have spoken the words which the Lord God hath commanded me. Mosiah 3:23

They are sent forth to preach.

And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach… Mark 3:14 …he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard. 1 Nephi 1:18 …and after ye have witnessed him ye shall bear record that it is the Son of God. 1 Nephi 11:7

They are often called from outside the established order.

…I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the Lord took me as I followed the flock… Amos 7:14–15 …there was one Samuel, a Lamanite, came into the land of Zarahemla, and began to preach unto the people… Helaman 13:2

They are sent to the meek, the brokenhearted, and the captive.

…the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives… Isaiah 61:1

Faith comes by hearing those God sends.6

…and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?… Romans 10:14–15 …And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (or one sent to tell them?) So then faith comes by hearing the word of God. Lectures on Faith 3:1

How They Speak

All things are made known to them by the Spirit.

…for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets… 1 Nephi 22:2

They speak as they are inspired by the Holy Ghost.

…the holy prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost… D&C 20:26 …Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance… Moses 6:32

What they speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost is scripture, the will, mind, word, and voice of the Lord.

And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation. D&C 68:4

They testify of Christ in all things.

…who truly testified of him in all things… D&C 20:26

They point to Christ, not themselves.7

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 …why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? Acts 3:12 …We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God… Acts 14:15 …I am thy fellowservant… worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10

They seek the glory of Him that sent them.

…My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. John 7:16 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true… John 7:18

They teach people the consequences of sin.

…but as ye are not holy, and ye look upon me as a teacher, it must needs be expedient that I teach you the consequences of sin. 2 Nephi 9:48

They warn the people of their sins.

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. Ezekiel 3:17 …answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence… Jacob 1:19 …a prophet… which testifieth of your sins and iniquities… Helaman 13:26

Their spirit is contrite; their language is meek and edifies.

He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. D&C 52:16 …not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth… 2 Corinthians 4:2

They give the laws of the kingdom of God.

…according to the laws of the kingdom which are given by the prophets of God. D&C 58:18

God will fulfill all that is spoken by them.

…I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets. 3 Nephi 1:13 …whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. D&C 1:38 For it shall come to pass, that which I spake by the mouths of my prophets shall be fulfilled… D&C 42:39

Receiving them is receiving Christ.8

For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me… D&C 84:36 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. Matthew 10:40 Why is it that ye receive not the preaching of him whom God hath sent? If ye receive not this in your hearts, ye receive not me… JST Matthew 3:34

How They Live

They labor with their own hands, and are not paid for preaching.

…the priests whom he had ordained should labor with their own hands for their support… for their labor they were to receive the grace of God… Mosiah 18:24, 26 And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you… Mosiah 2:14 …I have never received so much as even one senine for my labor… Alma 30:33 …these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. Acts 20:34 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish. 2 Nephi 26:31

They lead by persuasion, gentleness, and love unfeigned.

No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned… D&C 121:41

They pray and weep for the people.

…For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them… 2 Nephi 33:3 …I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren… wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them. Enos 1:9

They invite all to come unto Christ.

Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him… Moroni 10:32 …he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him… 2 Nephi 26:33

Signs That Follow

The Lord promised these signs to “them that believe,” so they mark true disciples as well as prophets.9

They have power to heal the sick.

And to have power to heal sicknesses… Mark 3:15 In my name they shall heal the sick… D&C 84:68

They have power to cast out devils.

…and to cast out devils… Mark 3:15 In my name they shall cast out devils… D&C 84:67

They shall do many wonderful works.

In my name they shall do many wonderful works… D&C 84:66

In Christ’s name they shall open the eyes of the blind.

In my name they shall open the eyes of the blind… D&C 84:69

In Christ’s name they shall unstop the ears of the deaf.

…and unstop the ears of the deaf… D&C 84:69

In Christ’s name the tongue of the dumb shall speak.

And the tongue of the dumb shall speak… D&C 84:70

If any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them.

And if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them… D&C 84:71

The poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them.

And the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them. D&C 84:72

They don’t boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world.

But a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world… D&C 84:73

How They Are Received

They are persecuted for the truth.

…ye do cast out the prophets, and do mock them, and cast stones at them, and do slay them… Helaman 13:24 …they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain… 1 Nephi 1:20

Men hate them and cast out their name, as their fathers did the prophets.10

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil… for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. Luke 6:22–23 …for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:12

Their testimonies offend others.

…testifying against their works; and all men were offended because of him. Moses 6:37

They evoke fear in others because of their authority.

…no man laid hands on him; for fear came on all them that heard him… Moses 6:39 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. John 18:6 …they were struck with great fear, and fled from the presence of Alma and Amulek… Alma 14:29

Receive Them

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.11

I will continue to add to this list as I read and study the word of God. Leave a reply below if you have any thoughts, comments, or questions.

Notes

  1. “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). ↩
  2. “Hearken unto these words and believe in Christ… for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me” (2 Nephi 33:10–11). ↩
  3. “I am not going to interpret dreams; for I don’t profess to be such a Prophet as were Joseph Smith and Daniel; but I am a Yankee guesser…” Brigham Young, July 26, 1857, in the Bowery, Great Salt Lake City, Journal of Discourses 5:77. ↩
  4. Joseph Smith’s translation reads “Surely the Lord God will do nothing until he revealeth the secret unto his servants the prophets” (JST Amos 3:7; Amos 1:9 RE; Kent P. Jackson, Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible). See also William J. Hamblin, “The Sôd of YHWH and the Endowment,” Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 4 (2013): 147–54. ↩
  5. Joseph Smith’s translation of Exodus 33:20 explains why Moses could not see the Lord’s face at that time: “no sinful man hath at any time, neither shall there be any sinful man at any time, that shall see my face and live” (JST Exodus 33:20; Exodus 18:3 RE; Kent P. Jackson, Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible). ↩
  6. Lectures on Faith 3:1 (lecturesonfaith.com; also in the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants, p. 36, Joseph Smith Papers). The words in parentheses are the Lecture’s own explanation of Romans 10:14, which Joseph’s translation leaves unchanged; Paul continues, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (10:15). ↩
  7. Joseph Smith’s translation: “Seest thou not that I am thy fellow servant and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus? Worship God” (JST Revelation 19:10; Revelation 7:10 RE; Kent P. Jackson, Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible). ↩
  8. This is John the Baptist, in Joseph Smith’s translation of Matthew 3 (JST Matthew 3:34; Matthew 2:2 RE; Kent P. Jackson, Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible). It is not in the King James Version. ↩
  9. D&C 84:64–65; Mark 16:17–18. ↩
  10. Joseph Smith’s translation turns the command into a promise: “for ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad. For great shall be your reward in heaven” (JST Matthew 5:12; Matthew 3:14 RE; Kent P. Jackson, Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible). ↩
  11. D&C 84:36–38. ↩

Revised October 1, 2026. Rewritten in 2026. I wrote the original in 2014 in a more frustrated season, and I would rather invite questions than provoke. The argument and the scriptures are the same.

2 comments

Lilli · Feb 27, 2015

I don't know of any true prophet since Christ. For no prophet since Christ has ever kept his commandments and proven to be a true prophet, maybe not even any in the Bible. It is so rare to find a true follower of Christ, I really don't know anyone today who really believes in Christ and follows his teachings, though most people go to church or claim they believe in Christ, but their behavior gives them away. It's all lip service and church attendance is just too look good.

It's sad too, for those who are really trying to follow Christ would really appreciate knowing others who are trying to do so also. It would help to have a true prophet to actually give us guidance on how to follow Christ better. So sad that there are no true prophets today or if there are they are too hard to find and not making themselves known.

BeStill&Know · Apr 5, 2015

I would add a few things to your great list that are critical qualifiers:

1. They never receive remuneration for their ministry: not even one senine: Alma 30: 31-34;

2. The labor with their own hands for their support: Mosiah 2: 12-14; Alma 1: 26, D&C 52: 39

3. The don't carry purse or scrip: D&C 84:86

4. They preach the gospel in all places: in homes, on the streets, in the market places, in the synagogues--they don't confine their preaching to formal, comfortable, premeditated situations. (like the sons of Mosiah, Paul, the apostles)

5. They don't prepare their sermons before they deliver them. When preaching, the speak only as inspired by the Holy Ghost. Matthew 10:19; Mark 13: 11; Luke 12; 11-12; D&C 84: 85

5. They fear not men, but fear God only, and they boldly declare the word of God. (As Nephi) And they will boldly declare repentance before rulers and kings (as did Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Peter and Paul, Ammon and Aaron, Abinadi and of course Jesus)

6. They remember in all things the poor and the needy: D&C 52:40

7. The teach the commandments unto the children of men that they might also enter the rest of the Lord, or enter into His presence as they have done: Alma 13: 6, 13-30; Hebrews 5 (and numerous verses)

8. They come bearing an example and are ordained in such a manner that teaches people how to look to the Lord for redemption. Alma 13: 2

9. The diligently seek to sanctify a people that they might behold the face of God. D&C 84: 23; Exodus 19 & 20; TPJS 158-159 - Adam did this; Joseph Smith did this with his constant exhortation to have the saints make their 'calling and election sure', and finally with the invitation of the Lord to build the temple so He could come to the people in the temple to restore the fulness of priesthood to them, the priesthood that he had taken from them earlier: D&C 124: 28
10. They most often come among the people without recognizable priestly authority as Isaiah, Lehi, Amos, Moses, Abinadi, Paul, John the Baptist, Samuel the Lamanite, etc.

I very much appreciate your humble efforts to teach the truth and point to Christ. Bless you brother.