By definition, any man or woman who has the testimony of Jesus is a prophet, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (see Revelation 19:10; Teachings, p. 119). Those who lived before the meridian of time and enjoyed the promptings and guidance of the Holy Ghost rendered messianic prophecies; they testified to their fellows (as the Spirit bore witness to their souls) of the reality of the coming Messiah. Those who have lived since the meridian of time and enjoyed those same Spirit-guided impressions of prophecy render messianic testimonies; they testify to their fellows of the resurrection and living reality of Jesus the Christ. Jacob, the brother of Nephi, later exclaimed that “none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ” (Jacob 7:11). Indeed, all the prophets give witness of Christ (Acts 10:43).“The Workmanship Thereof Was Exceedingly Fine”
A covenant-centered religion required a covenant sanctuary. The fact that the Nephites constructed a temple suggested that all remnants of Israel, wherever they had been scattered, if they possessed the priesthood would have done likewise (see Abraham, facsimile 2:3).
Sacred works require sacred places- edifices “which my people,” the Lord said, “are always commanded to build unto my holy name” (D&C 124:39).
