Follow the Prophet… Regardless of Your Own Personal Revelation? Where Do You Stand with This Directive?

Posted June 1, 2025 End Times Watch

(Everything I write in this article is my own opinion. I do not represent or speak for any church or church representative.)

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are taught from a very early age to “Follow the Prophet.” We sing songs about this, and we hear our leaders repeat this counsel often. If we truly believe that he is a prophet of God, why wouldn’t we follow him?

First, I’d like to share what I’ve found regarding the Church’s teachings on following the prophet:

Doctrinal Teachings on Following the Prophet

In the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), there is a strong emphasis on following the prophet—even to the point that his word is considered more authoritative than personal revelation in cases of conflict. This teaching is often summarized with the phrase:

“When the prophet speaks, the thinking has been done.”

Though this exact phrase has been controversial and later softened, the doctrinal framework behind it remains. Here are some key sources that reinforce this idea:

Doctrine and Covenants 1:38

“What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken… whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

Interpretation: When prophets speak officially, it is considered as though God Himself is speaking.

Ezra Taft Benson – “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet” (1980)

This influential talk outlined several key ideas:

• “The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.”
• “The prophet will never lead the Church astray.”
• “The prophet is not required to say ‘Thus saith the Lord’ to give us scripture.”
• “The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.”
• “The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.”

Implication: If your personal revelation contradicts the prophet, you are expected to follow the prophet and trust that he speaks for God.

Church Manuals and General Conference Talks

These reinforce that personal revelation must align with the prophet:

“Personal revelation will never contradict the revelations God has given through His prophets.”
— Preach My Gospel, LDS missionary manual

Temple Recommend Interviews

One question asked is:

“Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator and as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?”

Interpretation: Full access to temple worship—and, by extension, one’s spiritual standing—is tied to sustaining (i.e., obeying and supporting) the living prophet.

Summary of LDS Doctrine on Prophetic Authority

• The prophet’s word is final in all doctrinal and practical matters.
• If your personal revelation conflicts with the prophet’s counsel, you are taught to trust the prophet.
• God will not allow the prophet to lead the Church astray (Wilford Woodruff teaching).

So far, nothing too shocking, right? Again, if you truly believe the prophet is a spokesman for God, it seems natural to follow his direction. So why am I writing this article?

Jesus Christ vs. The Church – Where Do You Place Your Trust?

Let me ask: What is more important to you—Jesus Christ or the Church? You might think they’re the same, but pause and reflect:
If you had to rank them in order of importance, what would you say?
Jesus Christ first?
The Church first?
Equal?

Let me point out something troubling that arises from the teachings I summarized above.

“If there is a conflict between your personal revelation and the prophet’s counsel, you are taught to trust the prophet.”

This idea is deeply concerning.

When God Speaks to You Personally

Many of you reading this have had sacred experiences receiving personal revelation from God. I know I have. In moments of sincere prayer, I have received clear, powerful direction. I knew it was from God. The Holy Ghost confirmed it. There was no doubt. These were holy moments.

Now imagine: the prophet gives counsel to the Church that contradicts the personal revelation you’ve just received from God. What do you do?

According to Church teachings, you’re expected to follow the prophet.

But ask yourself: Is that true faith—or is it a denial of God’s personal communication with you?

If God has spoken to you, and you ignore that revelation to follow a man—even a prophet—who are you really trusting?

Blind Faith and Guilt

The Church sometimes teaches that obedience to the prophet—even when it doesn’t make sense—is an act of “faith.” Doubting or questioning is often seen as a lack of spirituality or even apostasy. Guilt is attached to dissent.

But if your personal revelation truly comes from God, then following a conflicting human voice isn’t faith—it’s disobedience to God.

We’ve also seen moments where Church policies are likely influenced by legal or institutional concerns. Many members excuse these moments by saying the prophet was “speaking as a man.” But how do we know which moments are truly prophetic and which are not?

A Loving Call to Action

This is my plea, offered in love:

If anyone gives you spiritual guidance—whether a church, a prophet, or a spiritual leader—take it to God.
Pray. Listen. Confirm it.
If it contradicts what God tells you, then follow God. Always.

Even if you believe this scenario could never happen to you, adopt this principle—and you will never be deceived.

A Future Warning: The Coming Deception

Let me lay out a very possible event in the near future:

As prophesied, the signing of a seven-year peace treaty with Israel and surrounding nations will mark the beginning of the 7-Year Tribulation and the rise of the Antichrist as a world leader. During this time, a False Prophet will promote a One-World Religion, combining all major faiths—including, potentially, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

If the prophet tells us to unite with this global religion, and membership requires accepting the Mark of the Beast, this direction would NOT be from God.

You must take it to the Lord in prayer. And if God warns you against it, obey Him—even if it means disobeying the prophet.

A Scripture for the End Times

Matthew 24:24 (KJV)
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

This scripture is about you. If you’ve followed Jesus Christ your whole life, then you are among the very elect. And you are being warned: deception is coming—even to the faithful.

But there’s a safeguard:
Take all guidance to God. Let Him confirm it. Follow Him over man.

Closing Thoughts

The Church discourages members from using outside sources—including AI or non-Church materials—for religious learning. Doing so is often labeled disobedience or apostasy. But would God limit your search for truth?

Let’s return to the foundational scripture of the Church:

James 1:5 (KJV)
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

This is a promise. God invites you to ask, and He will guide you.

I encourage you to study the New Testament, especially the prophecies of the end times. Learn from God’s Word, not just from filtered church lessons. I believe the Church’s motives are no longer centered on spiritualy protecting its members during the end-times—but you can still be prepared.

Please subscribe to my blog: www.EndTimesWatch.blog. My goal is not to bash the Church, but to lovingly teach and prepare others for what’s coming. I’ve faithfully served in nearly every calling in my ward. Church members are truly the fruit of Christ. My concern is only this: Don’t be deceived. Be prepared.

God bless you as you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Trust His voice. If that is your plan, then you are ready to endure the end times.