POSITIVE PROMISE OF THE LORD TO SEND A MESSENGER.
The Prophet Malachi, speaking in the name of the Lord, says:
Behold, I will send my messenger and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple." (Malachi 3:1).
This is another proof that a divine messenger is to be sent to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. That this passage does not refer to His first coming is shown by the following verse, which reads,
"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap." (Malachi 3: 2).
NECESSITY OF PROPHETS AND APOSTLES IN THE CHURCH.
The words of Jesus show that inspired prophets and apostles are necessary in His Church. He commanded His disciples in these words,
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU." (Matthew 28: 19, 20).
If all things whatsoever Jesus commanded are to be taught today how can one teach them unless he be inspired of God? It needs a prophet to reveal these things anew to mankind, for the Bible does not contain ALL the teachings and doings of the Savior. St. John in speaking of the doings of Jesus, says that "even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." (John 21: 25).