Joseph Smith's status in Latter-day Saint belief

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Criticism

Critics charge that since Joseph claimed (or it was claimed in his behalf) the right to 'approve' whether or not someone gets 'into heaven,' this arrogates to a mortal a right properly reserved for God/Christ.

Response

It is not a novel idea to have mortal prophets involved in the post-mortal judgment. At the Last Supper, Jesus himself taught that:

28 Ye [the apostles] are they which have continued with me in my temptations. 29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:28-30; see also Matthew 19:28

A similar promise to participate in the judgment of those among whom they were called to serve was given to the twelve Nephite Disciples. [See ] This principle is also reiterated in modern revelation, see 1 Nephi 12:9-10. This principle is also reiterated in modern revelation, see D&C 29:12.

Since the Latter-day Saints accept the witness that Joseph was called as an apostle and prophet(see [D&C 21:1) with the same authority as that given to Peter, James, John, and others, they do not think it strange that he will likewise play a role in judgment. The witness of a prophet will always be brought against those who did not accept his witness of Christ.

Further reading

FAIR wiki articles

• Links to related articles in the wiki

FAIR web site

• FAIR Topical Guide:Consent for others to enter heaven?
• FAIR Topical Guide:Status of Joseph Smith

External links

• Stephen R. Gibson, "Can People Go To Heaven Without Joseph Smith's Consent?," One-Minute Answers to Anti-Mormon Questions (Bountiful, Utah: Horizon Publishers).

Printed material

• Printed resources whose text is not available online