Mosiah 8 Prophets, Seers, and Revelators

The terms “prophet,” “seer,” and “revelator,” are frequently made reference to today because the Apostles are sustained as such in General Conference. They receive “keys” of authority when they are ordained. Basically, a prophet prophesies, as seer sees, and a revelator reveals. All of these spiritual gifts are given of the Lord for the purpose of blessing his children upon the earth. All of the Apostles hold all of the keys. However, only the Prophet is authorized to exercise all of the keys, or in other words, preside over and direct the church by revelation. When he dies, the authority to exercise all of the keys falls to the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. He becomes the Prophet. Seniority is based on the time the individual is ordained an Apostle and not on his age. However, if two are ordained the same day, the older man is ordained first.