The crowning evidence that Abinadi was a prophet rests in the fact that he preached the word of God. It is generally supposed that a prophet must foretell the future; this is not necessarily so. The primary responsibility of a prophet is to be a teacher of the word of God and to bear personal witness of Christ (Revelation 19:10).
As necessary and appropriate, prophets may prophesy future events. Such prophecies, however, are of little or no value independent of the inspired declaration of the truths of salvation. Indeed, faith comes by hearing the heaven- sent word as taught by the servants of God, which testimony is always accompanied by the spirit of prophecy and revelation (see Romans 10:17; Teachings, p. 148).