Undoubtedly discouraged because he had not been more successful, Nephi was given a blessing few people are given. Was his calling and election made sure? Peter admonished the saints “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” (2 Peter 1:10).
Nephi had seemingly been thoroughly proven of the Lord who found “that the man [was] determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man [had found] his calling and his election made sure” (TPJS, 150). He had been blessed forever. The Lord knew that he would not ask for anything contrary to his will (Helaman 10:5). While it may be argued that his calling and election was not made sure, it really doesn’t matter. That assurance was between Nephi and the Lord. We do recognize though, the ninth characteristic of a prophet.
Nephi was granted power. Prophets are granted power. Joshua was promised that “the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9). Elijah was given power to bring famine by causing the rains to cease (see 1 Kings 17:1–7). Jesus promised the twelve apostles he ordained “that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (John 15:16). The Lord knew these men would not ask anything contrary to his will, just as he knew Nephi wouldn’t. The Nephite Twelve were given the same blessing (see 3 Nephi 27:28). Peter James and John were given the same power as Nephi (Helaman 10:7): “whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). The Prophet Joseph was indeed a prophet and was granted these same powers. He testified:
“The Lord once told me that what I asked for I should have. I have been afraid to ask God to kill my enemies, lest some of them should, peradventure, repent.
I asked a short time since for the Lord to deliver me out of the hands of the Governor of Missouri, and if it needs must be to accomplish it, to take him away; and the next news that came pouring down from there was, that Governor Reynolds had shot himself. And I would not say, Beware, O earth how you fight against the Saints of God and shed innocent blood; for in the days of Elijah, his enemies came upon him, and fire was called down from heaven and destroyed them.” [TPJS, 340]
Nephi was indeed a prophet and so was Joseph Smith.
Jacob, brother of Nephi had power over the elements (Jacob 4:6) just as Nephi, son of Helaman was given in these verses (Helaman 10:8–9). The Nephites and the Jaredites were smitten unto destruction. The prophets warned them just as the Lord told Nephi to warn the Nephite people (vv. 10–11; see also Mormon 8:6–8; Ether 15:19). Prophets are granted power.