Prophets

Shawn McCraney questions the need for prophets in contemporary Christianity, contrasting LDS Church teachings that emphasize following a prophet as a divine guide with a perspective that suggests such roles may be religious constructs for control and visibility. He references biblical passages used by the LDS Church to justify the continuation of prophets, yet challenges these with the idea that Jesus' death and resurrection eliminated the need for ongoing prophetic leadership.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the importance of understanding biblical scripture within its full context, warning against selective and literal interpretation that can lead to misconstrued doctrines. He highlights the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Jesus, indicating that while God historically communicated through prophets, this role served its purpose and requires careful contextual examination rather than forming new doctrinal bases solely on isolated verses.

The role of "prophet" has evolved after the ascension of Jesus Christ, with apostles holding a higher authoritative position as firsthand witnesses of Jesus, exemplified by Paul who was called directly by God rather than man's decision like Mathias. Scriptures suggest that today, the spiritual gift of prophecy exists among men and women, but the unique office of Prophet is singularly fulfilled by Jesus Christ, negating the need for prophets akin to Moses.

The teaching emphasizes that all prophets before Christ pointed to Him, and that Jesus ultimately revealed God's will directly, rendering the old intermediaries unnecessary. Through Jesus, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, individuals can have a direct relationship with God, making human mediators and religious institutions obsolete in the New Covenant.

The Transfiguration of Jesus signifies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, represented by Moses and Elijah, who appeared alongside Jesus to discuss His impending death in Jerusalem, highlighting the unity between the Old and New Testaments. This event emphasizes that Jesus alone fulfills the roles necessary for salvation, while encouraging believers to direct their devotion solely towards Him, rather than earthly religious leaders.

The Transfiguration marks a pivotal moment in Christ’s ministry, serving as a manifestation of His true glory and preparing His disciples for the upcoming trials by revealing His power and confirming His messianic mission. This event underscores the unity between the New Testament and the Old Testament, represented by Moses and Elijah, who appear alongside Jesus, highlighting the fulfillment of both the law and prophecy.

Shawn emphasizes the unique role of Jesus Christ as the unifying figure between the Old and New Testaments, acting as the essential link connecting heaven and earth, and highlighting his role as the ultimate fulfillment of the gospel whose grace and glory surpass the laws and promises represented by Moses and Elijah. Additionally, Elijah is portrayed as a powerful prophetic figure known for his dramatic appearances and significant miracles, such as his confrontations with Ahab and the prophets of Baal, as well as his divine encounters and actions leading to the anointing of Elisha as his successor.

Elijah was a prophet known for his confrontations with King Ahab and his queen Jezebel, and for predicting their downfall, as well as delivering harsh divine messages, often resulting in miraculous events; he was ultimately taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire, leaving a lasting legacy on the nation. Meanwhile, Moses, an important figure in Jewish history, was saved from death as a child, raised in the Egyptian court, and trained in both Egyptian wisdom and his Hebrew faith, which prepared him to become the legislator and leader of the Jewish people.

Moses' life can be viewed in three key stages: the first being his upbringing in Egypt, the second starting at age forty when he chose to support his suffering fellow Israelites, resulting in his exile to Midian; there, he spent forty years learning and communing with God, preparing him for his final stage as the leader and prophet who would guide Israel from Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land. In his roles as both a leader and a prophet, Moses was instrumental in directing the Israelites through pivotal events such as the exodus from Egypt, the march to Sinai, and the subsequent conquest of territories, solidifying his legacy as a central figure in Old Testament history.

Moses experienced unique, direct communications with God that included remarkable events such as the burning bush and God’s revelation on Mount Sinai through thick darkness and a divine voice, among others, culminating in a lasting relationship with God marked by the pillar of cloud and fire in the tabernacle. His prophetic gifts, expressed through poetry and leadership, showcased his enduring commitment to his people's well-being, his unparalleled courage, wisdom, and faith, culminating in his final farewell in Deuteronomy, where he blesses the tribes and appoints Joshua as his successor before passing away atop Mount Nebo.

Moses is depicted as a prototype of Christ, highlighting their parallel roles as prophets, lawgivers, and representatives of their people, and emphasizing that Christ himself acknowledges this connection by stating "Moses wrote of me." Additionally, Elijah's role is highlighted as a prophetic precursor to Christ's teachings, embodied by John the Baptist in spirit, and is expected to have a future fulfillment with another advent as suggested in various scriptures, like Malachi 4:5.

The teaching suggests that the future forerunner of the Messiah's second coming could be a prophet or several prophets empowered with the spirit of Elijah, and they may be accompanied by proponents of "the law" inspired by the spirit of Moses, as mentioned in Revelation 11:2-12. This aligns with the prophecy in Malachi 4:1 and Joel 2:31, indicating these figures will precede the "dreadful day of the Lord," distinguishing them from John the Baptist, who came before Christ's first coming of grace rather than His subsequent coming in judgment.