Joseph Smith "IS" God's prophet vs "WAS" God's prophet

[_Buffalo]

When I was a missionary, the manual was very clear about how you're supposed to testify about Joseph Smith. You're supposed to say he "is God's prophet" not "was God's prophet." I found it odd that they specifically made sure to refer to him in the present tense. What's up with that?

[_DarkHelmet]

It's like saying Jesus was our savior. Jesus is the savior and Joseph is the prophet. He lives.

[_Darth J]

Buffalo, you had a thread like this a while ago that essentially asked the same question.

One way to look at this question could be to look at how frequently members of the church bear testimony of Joseph Smith in the present tense.

You will usually hear believing Latter-day Saints saying something along the lines of, "I know that Jesus is the Christ/Savior/head of this Church." The present-tense is means that Jesus lives now; that this is an ongoing thing.

If Joseph Smith is dead and his work is accomplished as leader of the Church, then one would expect to hear something like, "Joseph Smith was the prophet who restored the Gospel; was the prophet who opened this dispensation," etc. So do Latter-day Saints talk about Joseph Smith in the present tense, suggesting that he is actively leading the Church in some way?

Robert K. Dellenbach, "The Miraculous Translation of the Book of Mormon", New Era, June 1996

And why are they seeking after the name of Joseph Smith? Because the Book of Mormon testifies of the divinity and atonement of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Because Joseph is the prophet of the Restoration.

Ali K. Choucair, "My Guide to Jesus Christ", Ensign, July 1997

To me it is significant and wonderful to know that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration, an instrument in the Lord’s hands in the translation of the Book of Mormon and its coming forth as a witness of his divinity as the Only Begotten Son of the Eternal Father.

Marcos A. Aidukaitis, October 2008 General Conference

I bear my testimony that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Because of this, I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I know that he did not write the Book of Mormon but translated it by the power of God. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God on the earth today, the only man on the earth who holds all the keys of the priesthood and has the right to exercise them. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that He lives. I know that God lives and loves us. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Seeking the Good", Ensign, May 1992

I bear humble witness that our Heavenly Father knows and loves each of his children and that his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer. Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His successors, from Brigham Young to our present prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson, are also modern-day prophets of God.

L. Aldin Porter, "“To Bear Testimony of Mine Only Begotten”", Ensign, May 2001

Approach your Father in Heaven having expelled your prejudices and biases. Leave your heart open to receive the impressions that come from eternal sources. Many inspiring treasures will be revealed to you. There will, in time, come into your heart and mind an assurance that Jesus Christ is the living Son of the living Father. With it will come a knowledge that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration and that there are apostles and prophets on the earth today. You will come to know with a sure knowledge that President Gordon B. Hinckley is the prophet to the world as well as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Wolfgang H. Paul, April 2006 General Conference

I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son and that he is the prophet of the Restoration. I know that President Gordon B. Hinckley is the prophet of God today.

C. Scott Grow, October 2005 General Conference

I testify that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration.

M. Russell Ballard, "Feasting at the Lord’s Table", Ensign, May 1996

I testify to you that Jesus is the Christ. He lives and invites everyone to partake of the joyful feast of the gospel. Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days.

Robert K. Dellenbach, "Hour of Conversion", New Era, June 2002

When you come to know that this testament of Christ is true, you will know that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration and that Gordon B. Hinckley is the Lord’s prophet today.

David E. Sorenson, April 2005 General Conference

Jesus is the Christ. Joseph is the prophet of the Restoration. President Gordon B. Hinckley is our living prophet. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"Joel" from Mormon.org

Why am I Mormon? Because the Holy Ghost has testified to me countless times that Jesus is the Christ. That He lives. That Joseph Smith was and is the Prophet of the restoration and that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. That we are led by a prophet today.

Missionary blog: Joseph Smith was and is the prophet of the Restoration

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[_Buffalo]

It's like saying Jesus was our savior. Jesus is the savior and Joseph is the prophet. He lives.

I know that my redeemer lives
What comfort this sweet sentence gives
He lives! He lives who once was dead
He lives! my ever-living friend

He lives! To bless me with his love
He lives! To plead for me above
He lives! My hungry soul to feed
He lives! To bless in time of need

He lives! To grant me
He lives! To guide me with his light
He lives! To comfort me went faint
He lives! To hear my soul's complaint

He lives! To silence all my fears
He lives! To wipe away my tears
He lives! To calm my troubled heart
He lives! With blessings to impart

[_Buffalo]

Buffalo, you had a thread like this a while ago that essentially asked the same question.

Damn! Senility strikes again!