Question: Does the ordination blessing given to Heber C. Kimball contain a false prophecy that he may "stand unto the coming of our Lord"?

FAIR Answers—back to home page

Question: Does the ordination blessing given to Heber C. Kimball contain a false prophecy that he may "stand unto the coming of our Lord"?

This is not a claim that Heber will live to see the second coming as a mortal, but merely that he will remain faithful in his calling and duties until the Lord's millennial reign

It is claimed that the ordination blessing given to Heber C. Kimball is an example of false prophecy.

Here is the text of the blessing:

that he shall be made like unto those who have been blessed before him [see Lyman E. Johnson and Brigham Young]; and be favored with the same blessing. That he might receive visions; the ministration of angels, and hear their voice; and even come into the presence of God; that many millions may be converted by his instrumentality; that angels may waft him from place to place, and that he may stand unto the coming of our Lord, and receive a crown in the Kingdom of our God; that he be made acquainted with the day when Christ shall come; that he shall be made perfect in faith; and that the deaf shall hear, the lame shall walk, the blind shall see, and greater things than these shall he do; that he shall have boldness of speech before the nations, and great power.

The only statement which is even slightly problematic is the promise that Kimball "May stand unto the coming of our Lord."

This is not a claim that Heber will live to see the second coming as a mortal, but merely that he will remain faithful in his calling and duties until the Lord's millennial reign.

Notes