Why did Christ not Return in 1891, as Joseph Smith Predicted?
From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research

Cut: One of the anti-Mormon “Questions Mormons should ask themselves” suggests that Joseph Smith made an incorrect prediction because the Second Coming did not occur in 1891.

The passage in question is found in Section 130 of the Doctrine and Covenants. It is reported in abbreviated form, and Joseph acknowledged as he recorded it that he didn't understand the meaning or intent of the revelation. Joseph Smith reported:

I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following: “Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter” (Doctrine and Covenants 130: 14-15).

Many critics end the quote at this point, and then they hope the reader will assume that the statement is a prophecy that the Savior would come in the year 1890 or 1891, since the Prophet Joseph was born in 1805. However, if the reader will continue further in that passage, they will see that Joseph Smith himself stated:

I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his face (Doctrine and Covenants 130:16).

The actual content of Joseph's prophecy does not occur until the next verse:

I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time (Doctrine and Covenants 130:17).

Without a doubt, that prophecy came true. The Lord did not return to the earth for His Second Coming before that time.

It should also be noted, that this revelation followed the pattern of other conditional prophecies in the scriptures. The Lord stated some event that would have to occur if the prophecy were to be fulfilled. In this case, it was conditional on Joseph living to be eight-five years old. Of course, that did not happen. Joseph was martyred at the age of 38.

This issue is discussed also in the FAIR wiki article on David Patton’s mission call, which may be seen at http://en.fairmormon.org/David

The full FAIR wiki article on the 1891 prophecy, including all scriptural and academic references, may be accessed at http://en.fairmormon.org/Jos90.

If you have any topic or question you would like to see addressed pleased contact Carolyn Wright at http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php Just check the box for the Meridian Article Editor.

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