Criticism of Mormonism/Books/Mormonism 101/Chapter 9

Chapter 8: The Book of Mormon

A FAIR Analysis of: Criticism of Mormonism/Books A work by author: Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson

Chapter 10: The Atonement

Index of Claims in Chapter 9: The Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price

by Michael W. Fordham

There are two things that are key to understanding prophecy: One is an understanding of what prophecy actually is, and second is the interpretation of the specific prophecy itself. Before I respond to the specific allegations by Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson of false prophecy that they say are contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, let's make sure we understand what we are talking about. Therefore, let's examine these two keys of understanding prophecy. What is Prophecy?

It is essential that the reader understand just what prophesy is, and what it is not. McKeever and Johnson do not define for us what they believe to be actual prophecy, which means they could reject any and all utterances of a prophetic nature by the prophet Joseph Smith without having to justify their argument. Since the term "prophecy" is used in connection with Joseph Smith as a prophet, yet McKeever and Johnson repeatedly use the term "prediction" (2/3 of the time they refer to sections 84 & 87 of the D&C as prediction rather than prophecy), we need to ask; is a prophecy the same thing as a prediction?

prophecy n., pl. -cies. 1. the foretelling or prediction of what is to come. 2. something that is declared by a prophet, esp. a divinely inspired prediction, instruction, or exhortation. 3. any prediction or forecast. 4. the action, function, or faculty of a prophet.1

prediction n. 1. the act of predicting. 2. an instance of this; something predicted; prophecy.2

The first "key" in understanding prophecy is that prophecy is by "divine inspiration."3 A prediction differs from a prophecy in that there is no divine inspiration in predictions. A prediction is a "best guess" or a "personal opinion" based upon the information available at the time. So, if Joseph Smith only made "predictions" as McKeever and Johnson repeatedly say,4 then no "divine" word is involved, and they have no argument of false prophesy, and we can disregard anything they say against Joseph Smith, prophecy, the Doctrine and Covenants, or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this matter. Now, I am not naïve, neither are the readers of this article, so it is important to understand that I am not attempting to use a "technical" cop-out to claim the two sections of the Doctrine and Covenants used by these critics are not really prophecy. In fact, while Section 84 is more along the lines of instruction than prophecy, for purposes of this discussion, I can fully agree with McKeever and Johnson that these two sections are prophetic statements made by Joseph Smith. However, I disagree with their interpretations and understanding of history. I only use this as an example to point out the lack of attention to detail, and serious scholarship, used by critics who seem to be more than willing to use their own definitions, not to mention ignoring the actual text, context, and evidence, that would support the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith, Jr. This is important in that it gives us an indication of their true motives.

The term "prophesy" can be used in conjunction with false prophets as well as true prophets. So how do we tell the difference? A false prophet is not necessarily one who makes false prophecies. A prophet is a teacher. A false prophet is one who teaches false doctrine. A true prophet is one who teaches true doctrine. So how does Joseph Smith fit this description? Keeping the words of Christ in mind, when he said to his apostles concerning others who were casting out evil spirits, we find a clue in Mark 9:38-40.

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbade him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part.

Anyone who has read the scriptures brought forth by and through Joseph Smith will readily see that he was not against Christ. Anyone who has read other, non-scriptural, writings and sermons of Joseph Smith will readily see that he was not against Christ. Anyone who has read the writings of those who personally knew Joseph Smith will readily see that he was not against Christ. Anyone who knows the historical fact that Joseph Smith gave his life for his belief in, and devotion to, the Savior knows that he was not against Christ. Since Joseph Smith was not against the Savior, then he was "on our part," as Christ said. So why then, are men like McKeever and Johnson, who proclaim themselves Christians, who claim to follow Christ, so eager to malign Joseph Smith? Most critics of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints frequently judge Joseph Smith's prophecies with a standard that is just as damaging to Biblical prophecies, thereby showing a double standard of interpretation. They seem willing to allow any possible explanation and exception for Biblical prophecies, but none for those of Joseph Smith. Critics don't seem to realize that the standards they use to judge Joseph Smith can also be used to attack the Biblical prophets and Jesus Christ. In fact, McKeever and Johnson give a perfect example of this, which I will point out shortly. The Rules of Interpreting Prophecy

The second "key" of understanding prophecy is the interpretation of prophecy. In determining whether or not a prophecy has come true, there are many factors to consider. Anyone who takes time to study prophecy in the Bible would know that there are some rules of prophetic interpretation to keep in mind when understanding prophecy. Michael T. Griffith has given a list of these rules.

  1. Almost all prophecy is conditional to one degree or another, even if this is not stated in the prophecy itself (which is often the case).
  2. In many cases human actions and choices can alter, postpone, or prevent the fulfillment of prophecy.
  3. A prophecy is not always telling us what will happen, but what could happen under certain circumstances.
  4. A prophet can misunderstand the timetable for a prophecy's fulfillment (this, of course, does not invalidate the prophecy itself).
  5. A prophet can be mistaken about certain details of a prophecy but correct with regard to its central message.
  6. A prophecy can apply to more than one occurrence or time period, i.e., it can have dual application.
  7. A prophecy's fulfillment can be intended to take place in the spirit world or during the millennium, even if this is not stated in the prophecy itself.
  8. The fulfillment of prophecy can go unobserved and/or unrecorded.
  9. A prophecy can contain rhetorical overstatements. For example, a prophecy might read that "every single house" in a certain town will be "leveled to the ground," when what is really meant is that the town will suffer heavy destruction.
 10. Such terms and expressions as "soon," "quickly," "in a little while," "shortly," etc., are often given from the Lord's perspective of time--so that "soon," for example, might turn out to be a very long time by our reckoning.
 11. The text of a prophecy can undergo alteration to the point that it no longer reflects the original intent of the prophecy.5

Much has been written about Biblical prophecies that appear not to have come to pass, thus showing them false. However, if the rules of prophetic interpretation are employed, the Bible can be shown not to have any false prophecies. One example that would cause critics to exclaim a false prophecy in the Bible if they used the same standard of interpretation as they do with Joseph Smith, can be found in 2 Kings 20:1-7.

Here the prophet Isaiah visited Hezekiah, who was "sick unto death," and said to him, "Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live." Hezekiah, in prayer, reminded the Lord of all of his good works. The Lord, then, responded mercifully to his plea. He changed his mind and instructed Isaiah to go back to Hezekiah and tell him that his prayers had been heard; the Lord would heal him and he would live for fifteen more years. Was Isaiah any less a prophet of God because the Lord told him something would happen, and it didn't, for whatever reason?6

According to the way McKeever and Johnson interpret the prophecies in the Doctrine and Covenants, the illness Hezekiah had should have killed him, and rather quickly since he was "sick unto death." However, he lived another 15 years. Thus, according to the apparent rules by which they interpret prophecy, Isaiah was a false prophet. They would so judge Joseph Smith, and as we shall see, they do. However, by observing the rules of interpretation and correct context, the circumstances of this particular prophecy changed. Hezekiah pleaded with the Lord, and the Lord was merciful. In addition, we do not know what kind of sickness he had. Maybe the original intent of Isaiah's words was that Hezekiah would die, but not right away. The Bible does not word it to that effect, but then, we do not have the original manuscripts which to compare and see. So, according to rule number 2, this is not a false prophecy.

I do not believe the Bible contains any false prophecies. It is only a matter of interpretation. Also, I do not wish to dwell on several Biblical examples since this is not a study of the prophetic statements in the Bible. The point is, there are more Biblical prophecies that appear, without investigation, not to have been fulfilled, but for the purpose of this discussion, it is not necessary to detail them, only to show that while upholding any and all Biblical prophecies, McKeever and Johnson use a double standard in interpreting Joseph Smith's prophecies.

General Comments

I find it interesting that McKeever and Johnson do not seem very interested in specifics as they only make general comments. This is usually indicative that the authors are not interested in serious research, disregard evidence, and are willing to accept any explanation, true or not, that would dismiss the prophecy or prophet they do not accept. First, I'll respond to some of their general comments, then I'll be specific about why they are just plain wrong about their accusations of false prophecy.

McKeever & Johnson: Although there are several questionable predictions made in the Doctrine and Covenants…

I can't help but wonder what these "several questionable predictions" are.7 Notice that M&J claim there are "several" and only regard them as "predictions," not prophecy.

McKeever & Johnson: …two that seem to stand out from the rest come from sections 84 and 87.

If these are the two that "stand out," then by all means let's examine them. However, if these two are vindicated as authentic prophecy, then M&J should recognize, by their own statement, that the "several" other reasons they have against these other "predictions" would have even less ground upon which to disregard the prophecies of Joseph Smith. That being the case, I wonder if McKeever and Johnson would be willing to concede to even the possibility of divine inspiration (prophecy) attributed to Joseph Smith.

McKeever & Johnson: The writings from those who lived at the time of Smith's revelation show that the Mormons were anticipating the imminent construction of this building.

Yes they did. But what does this prove? The people, who were living at the time of Christ, fully expected Christ to return during their lifetimes. Since that did not happen, does that invalidate what Jesus said? According to McKeever and Johnson it should. Luckily, as Latter-day Saints, we do not use a double standard, and therefore we are willing to analyze the prophetic utterances of Joseph Smith the same way we do those of Jesus Christ and other prophets.

McKeever & Johnson: Despite the fact that the Saints were forced to leave the area around a year after the prediction was given, they still hoped to return and see the prophecy come to fruition.

Actually, we still do.

McKeever & Johnson: . . . Joseph Fielding Smith, later conceded that the prophecy could not come to pass in the way many earlier Saints had believed it would.

Joseph Fielding Smith "conceded" nothing. Joseph Smith said so himself. My rebuttal on this section contains a more complete record of what Joseph Smith actually said. This is ignored by McKeever and Johnson, as well as the rest of our critics.

McKeever & Johnson: Mormon historian Richard S. Van Wagoner noted Smith's "prophetic failures" regarding Zion and the return of Christ led Sidney Rigdon, Smith's right-hand man, to eventually lose faith in the LDS prophet.

Actually, Sidney Rigdon became disassociated with the church when he was not chosen to be the leader after the murder of Joseph and Hyrum. Since Joseph Smith made no false prophecies, it had nothing to do Joseph Smith's "prophetic failures." In addition, critics such as McKeever and Johnson ignore the statements Joseph Smith made concerning the Saints being driven out of Missouri, going to the Rocky Mountains, and that the Center Place of Zion (Missouri) would not be settled until another time. I will cover this material later in this chapter.

And so it goes. McKeever and Johnson have no real argument. They have to invent history, ignore facts, and use a double standard in order to refute Joseph Smith. Specific Comments Concerning Section 84

Now that we have a general background and understanding of what we are talking about, and a general idea of how McKeever and Johnson argue against Joseph Smith's prophecies, let's look specifically at sections 84 and 87 of the Doctrine and Covenants and see if they contain false prophecy, or if Joseph Smith is vindicated as a prophet, seer, and revelator.

There are two objections McKeever and Johnson give as to why they disregard section 84 as prophecy. First, is the term "this generation," and second is the fact that the Saints were forced out of the area, which, according to critics in general, indicates establishing Zion at that time and building the temple was not really God-ordained and thus it is a false prophecy. There are major flaws with both of these conclusions.

The basic argument McKeever and Johnson use to claim D&C 84 contains false prophecy is that it states, "this generation" will not pass until a temple is built on that site. Since this revelation was given in 1832, and no one is alive today from then, they, along with like-minded critics, are quick to classify section 84 as a false prophecy. They also claim that since Joseph Smith uttered it, he must be a false prophet. This is the perfect example I mentioned of a double standard of interpretation critics use against Joseph Smith, for Jesus Christ used the very same terminology. Let's look at what Jesus himself said to the people of his day concerning prophecies of His second coming. Matthew 24:34 quotes Christ as saying, "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." Luke 21:32 repeats this prophecy.

What are "all these things," and have they come to pass?

  1. Many shall come in Christ's name, deceiving many (Matthew 24:5, Luke 21:8)
  2. Wars and rumours of wars (Matthew 24:6, Luke 21:9-10)
  3. Famines (Matthew 24:7, Luke 21:11)
  4. Pestilences (Mathew 24:7, Luke 21:11)
  5. Earthquakes (Matthew 24:7, Luke 21:11)
  6. Apostles killed (Matthew 24:9, Luke 21:16)
  7. Many shall be offended (Matthew 24:10)
  8. Many shall be betrayed (Matthew 24:10)
  9. Men will hate one another (Matthew 24:10)
 10. False prophets will deceive many (Matthew 24:11)
 11. Iniquity shall abound (Matthew 24:12)
 12. Love of many shall wax cold (Matthew 24:12)
 13. Gospel shall be preached in all the world (Matthew 24:14)
 14. Distress of nations (Luke 21:25)
 15. Men's hearts will fail them because of fear (Luke 21:11)
 16. Sun shall be darkened (Matthew 24:29, Luke 21:25)
 17. Moon shall not give her light (Matthew 24:29, Luke 21:25)
 18. Stars shall fall from heaven (Matthew 24:29, Luke 21:25)
 19. Sign of the Son of man shall appear (Matthew 24:30, Luke 21:27)

Some of "these things" occurred during Christ's time period. Some have continued since then. Some have escalated into our time. Some have not occurred yet. So we must ask, since Joseph Smith is charged with false prophecy concerning "this generation," did Jesus Christ utter a false prophecy? Absolutely not! But, according to McKeever and Johnson's rules of interpretation, he did, because "this generation" passed away without "all these things" being fulfilled. So, if Joseph Smith uttered a false prophecy about "this generation" so did Christ. I have never read anything from anyone who is a critic of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that attacks Jesus Christ, or the Bible, for making a prophecy of "this generation" which has not yet occurred. Yet it has been many centuries longer from the time of Christ until now, than it has been from the 1830's till today. It should be noted that D&C 84 does not say the "people now living," it says "this generation." The word "generation" has different meanings. According to scripture, the word "generation" can have reference to a time frame, a people, or even a dispensation. Without specific wording which would indicate exactly what the word "generation" means, it is dishonest to accuse one (Joseph Smith) of false prophecy, while accepting another (Jesus Christ) when both use it in a general form.

The main problem critics have in interpreting D&C 84 is timing. They cannot understand that when the scriptures use words such as "this generation," "a little season," "nigh," "soon to come," "quickly," and "in due time," it can mean several years, or even centuries. They have no problem with accepting a long time when the Bible makes these statements, but they refuse to interpret Joseph Smith with the same standard. To criticize such terminology is to claim the Bible false. The four hundred years of Israel's Egyptian captivity was a "little season" to the Lord. All the scriptural terms of time (nigh, shortly come to pass, at the doors, about to be, soon to be, in due time, not many days, a little season, near, close at hand, time will come, not many years, and generation) are not specific in numbers of years. Most of them are conditional. To say that "next generation" as used in the Bible can mean thousands of years, and turn around and say these very same words mean only a hundred years when used in the Doctrine and Covenants is hypocritical. Scripture comes from one source, God. His prophets write as they are inspired by the Holy Ghost. The Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Bible use the same terms, with the same meaning, because they come from the same source. You cannot interpret one in one way, and another in a different way. When the Lord wants something accomplished, it will be done, in the Lords time.

McKeever and Johnson, along with our other critics, obviously think they know the timetable of the Lord. Perhaps it would be advantageous for critics to apply Biblical principles when it comes to understanding the time and seasons of the Lord. Perhaps McKeever and Johnson should read the Bible with regards to this matter of "next generation." After all, as it states in the Bible:And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.8

Even if we look at the prophecy in D&C 84 as if the term "this generation" does mean a time frame of about 100 - 120 years (just to give M&J the benefit of the doubt), it still does not mean it is a false prophecy by LDS terms. D&C 124:49 states, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of man to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept their offerings." The Latter-Day Saints were driven out of the area by the mobs that violently persecuted them. In light of this scripture, the mobs are responsible for the temple not being built, not the LDS or God. But then, "this generation" could be referring to Latter-Day Saints as a whole, and not only are we still here, but we are growing in number.

McKeever and Johnson only quote verses 4 and 5 of D&C 84. They must not think anything else in the section is of enough significance to show a false prophecy, for they don't spend any time examining the rest of it. D&C 84 is a revelation on priesthood, as it pertains to temple ordinances. That being the case, there are a few other verses which are significant in understanding this particular temple as revealed in this section. Since McKeever and Johnson are concerned that the temple was not built, and is not even yet built, we need to understand if they, and the Lord, have the same understanding of events that were, and are to happen concerning this temple. These other verses give us a clue as to when this temple needs to be completed. First, however, we need to understand the pattern that the Lord uses in revealing doctrine to mankind. It is important to examine the time line of events to see the pattern the Lord had in mind (Obviously Mckeever and Johnson did not examine church history and started with the premise that Joseph Smith was a false prophet.) The Lord does not reveal things all at one. He does so one step at a time as indicated in Isaiah 28:9-13:

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little...

Not only was this the pattern in the Old Testament days, it was the pattern during Christ's time as well, as noted in the following scriptures:

   * I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.9
   * For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
   * For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
   * But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.10

This pattern continues. Thus things were revealed to Joseph Smith one step at a time. So what was the pattern for temple building as revealed to Joseph Smith?

The authority of the priesthood was necessary to perform the ordinances of the temple. Continuing with section 84, we learn that the ordinances are directly connected with priesthood authority.

Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh11

How did the priesthood authority come about for these temple ordinances? If you are familiar with LDS Church history (which McKeever and Johnson don't seem to be), remember that the gospel, the doctrines and ordinances, were not revealed all at once. They were revealed from 1820 through 1844 to the Prophet Joseph Smith, line upon line, precept upon precept. After Joseph was murdered, other prophets have been given further directions from the Lord. Just as a new member learns of the gospel one step at a time, so did the early Saints. There was a gradual revealing of the doctrines and ordinances of the gospel. And, the doctrines came first, then the ordinances. So let's look at the pattern by which the doctrines and ordinances were revealed. In December 1832 the Lord stated the following in relation to building the Kirtland Temple:

Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God12

A few months later, in May of 1833, the Lord provided specific instructions on the construction of the Kirtland Temple.13 It is important to understand; that this instruction is in keeping with the pattern the Lord has used throughout all time, as He has instructed His prophets in the building and making of many things. The Lord gave instructions on building Noah's Ark (Genesis 6). The Lord gave instructions on how the Tabernacle was to be built (Exodus 26). The Lord gave instructions on how the Ark of the Covenant was to be built (Exodus 25). The Lord gave instructions on the making of candlesticks (Numbers 8). The Lord gave instruction in the building of altars (Joshua 22). The Lord gave instructions for the building of temples (1 Chronicles 28). The fact that the Lord gave instructions on the building of the Kirtland Temple14 is strong evidence of the divine call of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God.

The Kirtland Temple was dedicated on March 27, 1836; however, it was not built with the same purpose as temples today are. This was a "preparatory" temple. It wasn't until this temple was built that the keys of the priesthood could be restored.

PURPOSE OF KIRTLAND TEMPLE. The Kirtland Temple holds a peculiar place in the annals of temple building. It is not like other temples. It was built primarily for the restoration of keys of authority. In the receiving of these keys the fulness of gospel ordinances is revealed. The keys of salvation and exaltation for both the living and the dead were given within its sacred walls. An endowment, such as was necessary at the time, was also given. This was not as complete as the endowment later revealed.

In the Kirtland Temple there was no provision made for the salvation of the dead. It had no baptismal font, for it was only a preparatory temple. It had no provision for the endowment ordinances which were later revealed. It was a temple, however, and fully answered the purpose of its creation.15

The purpose of the Kirtland Temple was fulfilled on April 3, 1836 when the priesthood keys were restored.16 These keys were restored by Jesus Christ (Keys of Resurrection), Moses (Keys of the Gathering of Israel), Elias (Keys of the Blessings of Abraham), and Elijah (Keys of Sealing).

According to the principle of "line upon line, precept upon precept," construction could now begin on a temple in which these priesthood keys could be used. On April 6, 1841, construction of the Nauvoo Temple began. As most of the Saints left Nauvoo under threat of mob violence in early February 1846, a special crew stayed behind and completed the temple. Three months later the building was considered complete and was publicly dedicated on May 1, 1846. Thus we see the first edifice was for the restoration of priesthood peys, and the second edifice was for the application of those keys for the living. The next temple that was completed was the St. George Temple, in which endowments for the dead began.17 "The first endowments for the dead in this dispensation were performed in the St. George Temple. Endowments for the living were performed in Nauvoo."18

The line upon line, and precept upon precept, which the Lord revealed was;

  1. Kirtland Temple for the priesthood keys
  2. Nauvoo Temple for the full ordinances for the living
  3. St. George Temple for the ordinances for the dead 

So we see that the Lord works the same today as He did yesterday. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."19 So how does this temple in Missouri that Joseph Smith spoke of fit in with the process of temple building? This temple is to be the "chief temple."

The center place! Let Israel gather to the stakes of Zion in all nations. Let every land be a Zion to those appointed to dwell there. Let the fulness of the gospel be for all the saints in all nations. Let no blessing be denied them. Let temples arise wherein the fulness of the ordinances of the Lord's house may be administered. But still there is a center place, a place where the chief temple shall stand, a place to which the Lord shall come, a place whence the law shall go forth to govern all the earth in that day when the Second David reigns personally upon the earth. And that center place is what men now call Independence in Jackson County, Missouri, but which in a day to come will be the Zion of our God and the City of Holiness of his people.20

How can this temple be the "chief" temple without others? Since it is to be the chief temple, and since the Lord has revealed construction plans for His tabernacles and temples in the past, it would only be logical to assume that the Lord would reveal the pattern in which this temple is to be built.

This is only a faint outline of some of our views in relation to these things, and hence we talk of returning to Jackson county to build the most magnificent temple that ever was formed on the earth and the most splendid city that was ever erected; yea, cities, if you please. The architectural designs of those splendid edifices, cities, walls, gardens, bowers, streets, &c., will be under the direction of the Lord, who will control and manage all the matters; and the people, from the President down, will all be under the guidance and direction of the Lord in all the pursuits of human life, until eventually they will be enabled to erect cities that will be fit to be caught up--that when Zion descends from above, Zion will also ascend from beneath, and be prepared to associate with those from above.21

D&C 84 also mentions a specific purpose for this temple in Missouri.

Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses-for the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the consecrated spot as I have appointed22

This offering is a book listing the generations of the human race from Adam down through the centuries until the last person. The keys that Elijah held were the sealing keys.23 The keys that Elijah gave to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland temple were for the sealing of families in the eternities.24 This is the acceptable sacrifice, which will be by the Sons of Levi.

Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.25

McKeever and Johnson bring up another point on why they feel this is a false prophecy.

McKeever & Johnson: Despite the fact that the Saints were forced to leave the area around a year after the prediction was given, they still hoped to return and see the prophecy come to fruition.

Why would God give instructions for the building a temple if He knew the Saints would be driven out of Missouri? God changed His mind because the Saints were not obedient. The Lord can change His mind depending on the obedience, or disobedience, of His children.

Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.26

The Lord can change His mind while His command is in the process of being obeyed.

And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.27

Not only does the Lord change things in His own wisdom, He will also change His mind if a prophet can convince Him that the change is warranted (at least within the prophet's understanding):

And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.

And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.28

The Lord can even change His mind about the commands He has given. For example, what the Lord directed concerning circumcision changed.

He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.29

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.30

The Law of what could and could not be eaten was changed.

Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

This chapter in Leviticus gives a list of what not to eat. It specifically mentions the camel, coney, hare, swine, eagle, ossifrage, ospray, vulture, raven, owl, hawk, cuckow, cormorant, swan, pelican, eagle, stork, heron, lapwing, bat, weasel, mouse, tortoise, ferret, chameleon, lizard, snail, and mole. Yet the Lord saw fit to change it.31

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.32

As circumstances change, what the Lord has directed will change also. The temple in Jackson County Missouri, the center place of Zion, the chief temple, did not have the necessity of being the first temple built. It has a specific purpose, which event will occur yet in the future. In December of 1990, plans were announced by the First Presidency of the Church to build a temple in St. Louis, Missouri. President Gordon B. Hinckley presided in the groundbreaking for this temple on October 30, 1993. The temple was dedicated in June of 1997. This temple marked the 50th operating temple and the first temple in Missouri. Although this is not the temple that is being discussed here, it is significant that temple building is taking place in Missouri.

Building the Foundation, Not the Completion

Anti-Mormon sources, such as Mormonism 101, would have you deny Christ. Christ did not utter false prophecy, some of His prophecies just have not happened yet. When the scriptures mention "generation," it has several meanings. Critics recognize this when speaking about the words of Christ or the ancient apostles and prophets, yet they deny any possibility of Joseph Smith having the same meaning, and restrict his mention of "generation" to approximately a hundred years. This double standard only shows the hypocritical arguments and deceptive means used to attack The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So let's now examine the purposes of the Lord and the sayings of Joseph Smith concerning the Saints, Zion, and Missouri to see if these things will sustain Joseph as a prophet of God.

McKeever and Johnson's point in their charge, is that if God was behind the revelation in D&C 84, then the Mormons could not have been driven out of Missouri by men. What McKeever and Johnson don't understand, is that the Lord spoke of the future glory of Zion. The Saints were only to lay the foundation of Zion, not build it in its entirety. The foundation is the preparing for the event to take place. This "redemption" of Zion takes place in separate phases. The first phase to take place has to be the foundation:

Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you-that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come; And also that you might be honored in laying the foundation, and in bearing record of the land upon which the Zion of God shall stand;33

This revelation was given August 1, 1831, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, just over a year before D&C 84 was given to Joseph Smith (September 22 and 23, 1832). This shows the original intent of the Lord was to lay the foundation of Zion, not build it in its entirety. The question would then become, is there any indication of a time frame for these "things which are to come?" There most certainly is. A few verses later we read, "And now, verily, I say concerning the residue of the elders of my church, the time has not yet come, for many years, for them to receive their inheritance in this land."34 So the time for the Saints to inherit Zion was not in their day, and wouldn't be for "many years."

There was also another term the Lord used to indicate that Zion would not be established during that time. "Therefore it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season, for the redemption of Zion."35 By using terms such as "the time has not yet come," "many years," and "wait a little season" it is obvious that Zion would not be established during that time, only that the foundation would be laid.No matter how loudly or often McKeever and Johnson, or any other critic, say Zion was to be established fully by the Saints during the Missouri period, that was not the design of the Lord, nor was that the instruction given to Joseph.

So how was this foundation to be built? How could the land of Zion be built unless the Saints owned the land upon which to build? It couldn't! So the Lord told the Saints to purchase the land, so that the temple and other buildings could be legally built. That was the foundation. Zion cannot be Zion if someone other than the Lord's people owns the land. So the Lord gave instructions to buy the land, as a foundation, in preparation of the gathering.

Wherefore, I the Lord will that you should purchase the lands, that you may have advantage of the world, that you may have claim on the world, that they may not be stirred up unto anger. Wherefore, the land of Zion shall not be obtained but by purchase or by blood, otherwise there is none inheritance for you.36

How much land was bought? According to Lucien Carr in his history of Missouri, it was over 250,000 acres.37 In spite of McKeever and Johnson's apparent unwritten belief that anything the Lord instructs man to do will be accomplished without any hardships or difficulties, the Lord was very clear that there were going to be hardships. "For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."38 And how severe would the tribulations be? "For Satan putteth it into their hearts to anger against you, and to the shedding of blood."39 This is exactly what happened in Missouri. Businesses were destroyed. Over two hundred houses were burned down or otherwise destroyed. Twelve hundred people were driven out of Independence,40 with about fifteen thousand total being driven out of the region. Hundreds were murdered, some very brutally,41 and this included children. That the people would be driven out of "Zion" temporarily is without question. "Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered."42 The foundation of Zion is in place, as prophesied; thus proving that Joseph Smith made a true prophecy in D&C 84.

Zion was to be an "inheritance." An inheritance is something that passes from one generation to the next. An inheritance is not something that you obtain immediately, but only at a future time:

And I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts. And this shall be my covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand, and ye shall possess it again in eternity, no more to pass away.43

They that remain, and are pure in heart, SHALL RETURN, and come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion.44

Again, let's look at the timing of these revelations, as it reveals a very important clue as to the intentions of the Lord. Section 38 was given on January 2, 1831, well over a year before section 84. Section 101 was given December 16, 1833, over a year after section 84 was given. The intention of the Lord never changed, only the expectations of man. The Saints will return to claim it. Their land was stolen from them. The members of the church still look forward to the day when they will return.

The Lord gave every indication that the Saints were to lay the foundation of Zion in Missouri; that they would be driven out, even "unto bloodshed;" and that the Saints would return and the land would be an inheritance. The words proclaimed by Joseph Smith correctly prophesied these events. Perhaps McKeever and Johnson should have researched some history in the matter as well as studied the Doctrine and Covenants to understand what happened, why it happened, what the Lord said, and what will happen.Just in case McKeever and Johnson would want to argue that the literal next generation of children of those Saints of the 1830's have not returned to receive an inheritance in Zion is evidence of false prophecy, let's examine that premise as well. There is a problem with this analogy. Children, just like the term "next generation," in scriptural terms, means any descendants, not necessarily the next literal generation. So, the "children" could be grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or any number of descendent generations. This is evidenced by the Bible.45

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee46

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran47

Even Christ referred to Abraham as a father to those who were descendent by several generations.

Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:

Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?48

And just in case McKeever and Johnson want to argue that Zion is now in Salt Lake City, they would be wrong with this issue as well. There has been no other place appointed. Salt Lake City has not ever been appointed as the "center place" of Zion, or as Zion itself, and the Church still looks forward to the time when the prophecies will be fulfilled concerning Missouri as it pertains to Zion.

Since the Saints were driven out of Missouri, does that mean that Zion fell? Our critics would have you believe so. However, the answer to this important question can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants.

And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: surely zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there49

Perhaps if critics, including McKeever and Johnson, were to actually try reading entire sections of the Doctrine and Covenants instead of looking for a few words they can take out of context to use in their deceptive arguments, and take some time to read history books of America from the time period, including specifically LDS history, they would understand what happened in context of what was prophesied.

Remember that the Lord said a year before section 84 was given that the land of Zion would be an inheritance,50 and later said that only the foundation was to be laid at that time.51 D&C 97 of the Doctrine and Covenants tells more about Zion and the conditions of its establishment.

VERILY I say unto you my friends, I speak unto you with my voice, even the voice of my Spirit, that I may show unto you my will concerning your brethren in the land of Zion, many of whom are truly humble and are seeking diligently to learn wisdom and to find truth.52

McKeever and Johnson forget, or choose to ignore, the first rule of interpretation: the fact that prophecies can be conditional. The principle of obedience is stressed by the Lord in D&C 97:18, but the promise is definite: "if zion do these things, she shall prosper."

In not reading the entire account of Zion in the Doctrine and Covenants, proper context cannot be understood. Obedience is the basis upon which all blessings are received. The Saints in Missouri were promised that they would prosper, become great, and not be moved out of their place if they would be obedient unto that which the Lord required of them in this revelation. Unfortunately, the Saints did not act as they should have, and as a result, were driven from Missouri. This is also what the Bible teaches us about people as they obey the Lord.53 Parley P. Pratt, in his autobiography, writes:

This Revelation was not complied with by the leaders of the Church in Missouri as a whole, notwithstanding many were humble and faithful; therefore, the threatened judgment was poured out to the uttermost, as the history of the five following years shows.54

The disobedience of the Saints at the time resulted in the chastisement from the Lord: "And now I give unto you a word concerning Zion. Zion shall be redeemed, although she is chastened for a little season."55 This chastisement was the removal from Missouri until such time as the Saints deserve to inhabit Zion. The Lord did the same thing to peoples in the past as the Bible tells us.

Joseph Smith's thoughts were continually on Zion, and at this time he must have felt very anxious about the Saints. The Lord, therefore, gives him the assurance that Zion will be redeemed (v. 13), and that all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly; and to the sanctification of the Church (v. 15). The Church will come out of the fire of persecution, purified, for God will raise up unto Himself a pure people (v. 16). How long a time it will take to raise up a people willing to serve God in righteousness, He does not say. But it will be done. Israel was in Egypt 400 years, and the Babylonian captivity lasted 70 years, does that make the Bible false? It does not, for the purposes of God were accomplished.56

McKeever and Johnson have not shown a false prophecy of Joseph Smith. Instead, they have only shown their own double standard, lack of knowledge of history, refusal to actually read the Doctrine and Covenants in its entirety, and ignorance of biblical principles.One more item on this subject: Joseph Smith wrote a letter in which we can gain an understanding of just what the prophet actually thought about Zion and the Saints. This letter is a response from the prophet after learning that members of the Church had been killed and driven from their homes by mobs. I will quote the entire letter. The parts in italic text are important for this discussion.

Kirtland Mills, Ohio

December 10, 1833.

Edward Partridge, W. W. Phelps, John Whitmer, A. S. Gilbert, John Corrill, Isaac Morley, and all the Saints whom it may concern:

Beloved Brethren:

This morning's mail brought letters from Bishop Partridge, and Elders Corrill and Phelps, all mailed at Liberty, November 19th, which gave us the melancholy intelligence of your flight from the land of your inheritance, having been driven before the face of your enemies in that place.

From previous letters we learned that a number of our brethren had been slain, but we could not learn from the letters referred to above, that there had been more than one killed, and that one Brother Barber; and that Brother Dibble was wounded in the bowels. We were thankful to learn that no more had been slain, and our daily prayers are that the Lord will not suffer his Saints, who have gone up to His land to keep His commandments, to stain His holy mountain with their blood.

I cannot learn from any communication by the Spirit to me, that Zion has forfeited her claim to a celestial crown, notwithstanding the Lord has caused her to be thus afflicted, except it may be some individuals, who have walked in disobedience, and forsaken the new covenant; all such will be made manifest by their works in due time. I have always expected that Zion would suffer some affliction, from what I could learn from the commandments which have been given. But I would remind you of a certain clause in one which says, that after much tribulation cometh the blessing. By this, and also others, and also one received of late, I know that Zion, in the due time of the lord, will be redeemed; but how many will be the days of purification, tribulation, and affliction, the Lord has kept hid from my eyes; and when I inquire concerning this subject, the voice of the Lord is: Be still, and know that I am God; all those who suffer for my name shall reign with me, and he that layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again.

Now, there are two things of which I am ignorant; and the Lord will not show them unto me, perhaps for a wise purpose in Himself I mean in some respects and they are these: Why God has suffered so great a calamity to come upon Zion, and what the great moving cause of this great affliction is; and again, by what means he will return her back to her inheritance, with songs of everlasting joy upon her head. These two things, brethren, are in part kept back that they are not plainly shown unto me; but there are some things that are plainly manifest which have incurred the displeasure of the Almighty.

When I contemplate upon all things that have been manifested, I am aware that I ought not to murmur, and do not murmur, only in this, that those who are innocent are compelled to suffer for the iniquities of the guilty; and I cannot account for this, only on this wise, that the saying of the Savior has not been strictly observed: "If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee; or if thy right arm offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee." Now the fact is, if any of the members of our body is disordered, the rest of our body will be affected with it, and then all are brought into bondage together; and yet, notwithstanding all this, it is with difficulty that I can restrain my feelings when I know that you, my brethren, with whom I have had so many happy hours sitting, as it were, in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; and also, having the witness which I feel, and ever have felt, of the purity of your motives are cast out, and are as strangers and pilgrims on the earth, exposed to hunger, cold, nakedness, peril, sword I say when I contemplate this, it is with difficulty that I can keep from complaining and murmuring against this dispensation; but I am sensible that this is not right, and may God grant that notwithstanding your great afflictions and sufferings, there may not anything separate us from the love of Christ.

Brethren, when we learn your sufferings, it awakens every sympathy of our hearts; it weighs us down; we cannot refrain from tears, yet, we are not able to realize, only in part, your sufferings: and I often hear the brethren saying, they wish they were with you, that they might bear a part of your sufferings; and I myself should have been with you, had not God prevented it in the order of His provident, that the yoke of affliction might be less grievous upon you, God having forewarned me, concerning these things, for your sake; and also, Elder Cowdery could not lighten your afflictions by tarrying longer with you, for his presence would have so much the more enraged your enemies; therefore God hath dealt mercifully with us. O brethren, let us be thankful that it is as well with us as it is, and we are yet alive and peradventure, God hath laid up in store great good for us in this generation, and may grant that we may yet glorify His name.

I feel thankful that there have no more denied the faith; I pray God in the name of Jesus that you all may be kept in the faith unto the end: let your sufferings be what they may, it is better in the eyes of God that you should die, than that you should give up the land of Zion, the inheritances which you have purchased with your moneys; for every man that giveth not up his inheritance, though he should die, yet, when the Lord shall come, he shall stand upon it, and with Job, in his flesh he shall see God. Therefore, this is my counsel, that you retain your lands, even unto the uttermost, and employ every lawful means to seek redress of your enemies; and pray to god, day and night, to return you in peace and in safety to the lands of your inheritance: and when the judge fail you, appeal unto the executive; and when the executive fail you, appeal unto the president; and when the president fail you, and all laws fail you, and the humanity of the people fail you, and all things else fail you but god alone, and you continue to weary him with your importunings, as the poor woman did the unjust judge, he will not fail to execute judgment upon your enemies, and to avenge his own elect that cry unto him day and night.

Behold, he will not fail you! he will come with ten thousand of his saints, and all his adversaries shall be destroyed with the breath of his lips! all those who keep their inheritances, notwithstanding they should be beaten and driven, shall be likened unto the wise virgins who took oil in their lamps. But all those who are unbelieving and fearful, will be likened unto the foolish virgins, who took no oil in their lamps: and when they shall return and say unto the Saints, Give us of your lands behold, there will be no room found for them. As respects giving deeds, I would advise you to give deeds as far as the brethren have legal and just claims for them, and then let every man answer to God for the disposal of them.

But, perhaps, the people in Liberty may feel willing, God having power to soften the hearts of all men, to have a press established there; and if not, in some other place; any place where it can be the most convenient, and it is possible to get to it; God will be willing to have it in any place where it can be established in safety. We must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Again, I desire that Elder Phelps should collect all the information, and give us a true history of the beginning and rise of Zion, and her calamities.

Now hear the prayer of your unworthy brother in the new and everlasting covenant: O my God! Thou who hast called and chosen a few, through Thy weak instrument by commandment, and sent them to Missouri, a place which Thou didst call Zion, and commanded Thy servants to consecrate it unto Thyself for a place of refuge and safety for the gathering of Thy Saints, to be built up a holy city unto Thyself; and as thou hast said that no other place should be appointed like unto this, therefore, I ask Thee in the name of Jesus Christ, to return Thy people unto their houses and their inheritances, to enjoy the fruit of their labors; that all the waste places may be built up; that all the enemies of Thy people, who will not repent and turn unto Thee, may be destroyed from off the face of the land; and let a house be built and established unto Thy name; and let all the losses that Thy people have sustained, be rewarded unto them, even more than four-fold, that the borders of Zion may be enlarged forever; and let her be established no more to be thrown down; and let all Thy Saints, when they are scattered as sheep, and are persecuted, flee unto Zion, and be established in the midst of her; and let her be organized according to Thy law; and let this prayer ever be recorded before Thy face. Give Thy Holy Spirit unto my brethren, unto whom I write; send Thine angels to guard them, and deliver them from all evil; and when they turn their faces toward Zion, and bow down before Thee and pray, may their sins never come up before Thy face; neither have place in the book of Thy remembrance; and may they depart from all their iniquities. Provide food for them as Thou doest for the ravens; provide clothing to cover their nakedness, and houses that they may dwell therein; give unto them friends in abundance, and let their names be recorded in the Lamb's book of life, eternally before Thy face. Amen.

Finally, brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all until His coming in His kingdom. Amen.

JOSEPH SMITH, JUN.57

This letter clearly shows that Joseph Smith knew what was going to transpire concerning Missouri. He knew the people would suffer ("I have always expected that Zion would suffer some affliction," and "after much tribulation cometh the blessing."), he did not think Zion would be redeemed any time soon ("Zion, in the due time of the Lord, will be redeemed," and "how many will be the days of purification, tribulation, and affliction, the Lord has kept hid from my eyes."), he encouraged the Saints to remain within the law ("employ every lawful means to seek redress of your enemies."), he knew legal redress would not be successful ("when the judge fail you," "when the executive fail you," "when the president fail you," and "and all things else fail you."), and he understood that the enemies of the Lord might not be destroyed until the judgement ("he will come with ten thousand of his saints," and "all his adversaries shall be destroyed with the breath of his lips.")

History has proven that Joseph Smith was 100% correct in what he said in this letter. Legal means of redress were not successful. The Saints remained within the law. Final judgement has not yet happened for those who are enemies of the Lord. What Joseph Smith had to say concerning Zion, even the timing, came true, thus Joseph Smith must be a true prophet of God.

If McKeever and Johnson expect to be taken seriously, if they seriously think Joseph Smith was a false prophet, if they truly believe D&C 84 is one of two sections which "stand out" as evidence of false prophecy, then it would behoove them to actually research the easily available material before coming to a conclusion. Instead, they start out with the assumption of false prophecy, and then attempt, by not presenting any evidence, to assert that the lack of evidence is evidence of a false prophecy. It makes them look foolish when the actual evidence, usually from the very same source they are using (in this case the Doctrine and Covenants), is brought forth.58

There is plenty of evidence that Joseph knew the Saints would not stay in Missouri; thus he knew that Zion would not be built up in his day. In fact, he knew the Saints would be moving to the Rocky Mountains. This particular movement was even prophesied of in the Bible.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.59

It is evident that Joseph knew this prophecy concerned the church he had restored. In March of 1831, which was before section 84 was given, the Lord revealed to Joseph an event that would take place before the Second Coming: "Zion shall flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains, and shall be assembled together unto the place which I have appointed."60 Better yet, I have already demonstrated that Joseph Smith knew, and correctly prophesied, the events that would take place. Why don't we look at some of the statements of others who also knew, and which bear witness of the validity of the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith, Jr.

   * In 1832, Joseph Smith gave a blessing to Paulina Eliza Phelps who recalled, "In blessing me Joseph said that I should live to go to the Rocky Mountains. I did not know at the time what the term 'Rocky Mountains' meant, but I supposed it to be something connected with the Indians. This frightened me for the reason that I dreaded the very sight of an Indian."61
   * "The Prophet [Joseph] came to our home (in Nauvoo) and stopped in our carpenter shop and stood by the turning lathe. I went and got my map for him 'Now' he said, 'I will show you the travels of this people.' He then showed our travels through Iowa, and said, 'Here you will make a place for the winter; and here you will travel west until you come to the valley of the Great Salt Lake! You will build cities to the North and to the South, and to the East and to the West; and you will become a great and wealthy people in that land.'"62
   * "I want to say to you before the Lord [said Joseph] that you know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and Kingdom than a babe upon its mother's lap. You don't comprehend it. It is only a little handful of Priesthood you see here tonight, but this Church will fill North and South America- it will fill the world. It will fill the Rocky Mountains. There will be tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints who will be gathered in the Rocky Mountains, and there they will open the door for the establishing of the Gospel among the Lamanites.... This people will go into the Rocky Mountains; they will there build temples to the Most High. They will raise up a posterity there, and the Latter-day Saints who dwell in these mountains will stand in the flesh until the coming of the Son of Man. The Son of Man will come to them while in the Rocky Mountains."63
   * "In late August 1842 while at Montrose Iowa Joseph prophesied saying, "I prophesied that the Saints would continue to suffer much affliction and would be driven to the Rocky Mountains. Many would apostatize; others would be put to death by our persecutors or lose their lives in consequence of exposure or disease, and some of you will live to go and assist in making settlements, and build cities, and see the Saints become a mighty people, in the midst of the Rockv Mountains.""64
   * "I had before seen him in a vision and now saw while he was talking his countenance change to white; not the deadly white of a bloodless face, but a living, brilliant white. He seemed absorbed in gazing at something at a great distance, and said: 'I am gazing upon the valleys of those mountains.... Oh the beauty of those snow-capped mountains! The cool refreshing streams that are running down through those mountain gorges!' Then, `gazing in another direction, as if there was a change in locality Joseph said 'Oh the scenes that this people will pass through! The dead that will lie between here and there!' Then turning in another direction as if the scene had again changed Joseph said, 'Oh the apostasy that will take place before my brethren reach that land! But the priesthood shall prevail over all its enemies, triumph over the devil and be established upon the earth, never more to be thrown down!'… It is impossible to represent in words the grandeur of Joseph's appearance. his beautiful descriptions of this land, and his wonderful prophetic utterances as they emanated from that glorious inspirations that overshadowed him. There was a force and power in his exclamations."65
   * "After the death of Joseph Smith, when it seemed as if every trouble and calamity had come upon the Saints, Brigham Young . . . sought the Lord to know what they should do, and where they should lead the people for safety, and while they were fasting and praying daily on this subject. President Young had a vision of Joseph Smith, who showed him the mountain that we now call Ensign Peak, immediately north of Salt Lake City, and there . . . an ensign [flag] fell upon that peak, and Joseph said, 'Build under the point where the colors fall and you will prosper and have peace.' "66

Remember that the Lord has declared that His word will be established in the mouth of two or more witnesses.67 Joseph Smith said, concerning being driven from Missouri:

   * They would be driven even by bloodshed
   * They would go to the Rocky Mountains
   * They would first lay the foundation of Zion (buying land)
   * They would return to accept Zion as an inheritance
   * He did not know the time of their return

Everything Joseph Smith said concerning Zion and Missouri has come true. McKeever and Johnson loose this argument from every conceivable point of view. There are too many witnesses to Joseph's prophetic calling to dismiss it as easily as M&J have done. As far as the building of the temple, we still look forward to that day when it shall be built. To condemn D&C 84 as false prophecy is the same as condemning the Bible and all of its prophets, including Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord. He spoke the same language, using the same words, with the same meaning, as the ancient prophets did. The Bible vindicates Joseph Smith as a true prophet of God.