Prophecies of Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, is viewed by adherents of the Latter Day Saint movement as a prophet in the tradition of the ancient prophets recorded in the Bible. During his life, Smith made several prophecies, many documented in the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture in several denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement.

There is much dispute surrounding the known and alleged prophecies of Smith. Some critics contend that Smith could not be a genuine prophet because they claim that some of his prophecies did not come true. Latter Day Saint adherents have responded to these claims by putting forth the following six arguments:

One oft repeated explanation of the supposed non-fulfillment of this prophecy is that the phrase "in this generation" is used figuratively to designate those of this "gospel dispensation" (those who have received or will receive divine revelation during the "dispensation" of revelation and inspiration from God (or "heaven") since the time that Joseph Smith began receiving such revelation, and afterwards, (as it is used in a similar fashion in some instances in the Bible).

Another plausible explanation that this prophecy was fulfilled can be taken at face value from this revelation (D&C 84), in that it was received in Kirtland, Ohio. And though verse 3 indicates that the place of the temple (in Independence, MO) was indicated "by the finger of the Lord" (previously), the phrase in verse 4 "beginning at this place" is rather a transition of reference to Kirtland, Ohio, where Joseph Smith was at when this revelation was received by him And, indeed, the Kirtland Temple was built and finished and dedicated by the spring of 1836.

The reference to building "New Jerusalem" in this context then is not one of physical edifices (though the 'temple' being reared "in this generation" was, but occurred in Kirtland, OH, and not in Independence, or Jackson County, MO)—but, rather indicated that 'building' or developing the future inhabitants of that city (yet to be built physically) began in earnest, spiritually, by the reception of priesthood keys, as well as priesthood organization of quorums, and temple practices and ordinances revealed by Joseph Smith to holders of both the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood among duly ordained male members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Kirtland who received these things were begun in the temple there, Ohio finished within four years from the year this prophecy was given.

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