I like you LDS guys!! I don't understand why the Christian people put you guys down your prophecies and beliefs are relatively the same as theirs are. It's all superstition. However, yous guys seem to follow your beliefs more better and you are not phoney. Yes, I like the LDS people.
Thanks for this video. It’s important to have a proper framework when studying the prophetic claims of the Prophet Joseph. Before I joined the church, there were certain “failed” prophecies of Joseph that I used to criticize the truth claims of the church. When put in the proper context, I began to understand that the claims I and critics made truly held no weight. Indeed it was Doctrine and Covenants 87 that did more for me in bolstering the claims of Joseph as Prophet than did any supposed “failed” prophecy.
Hehe, antis keep listing these prophecies in the comments of pro LDS videos... but I'm thankful that you were able to confront their allegations and debunk every last one of them. No matter what they say the credibility of Joseph Smith cannot be damaged, for he was a true Prophet ofGod, the Prophet of the Restoration.
These are very interesting, and fun. For me personally it doesn’t matter who has said something or what evidence necessarily there is, since I have felt the Holy Ghost testify to me. The evidences are interesting though, and serve to confirm the witness I already have.
So glad to see someone who has done His homework and has the spirits assistance to dispel the misunderstandings.I feel like it's sad because these people who post these things about the church are whole heartedly sincere in what they say.My testimony cannot be broken because you tell me Brigham young says people are living on sun etc.however I do love those who are scholarly in these areas it helps me to become more scholarly to defend the church.I feel the spirit enlighten and comfort me with the things you have said and I didn't feel the effects the spirit brings with their words even tho they can be so convincing its so great what you do
Thank you for all of your hard work and for sharing it! This has been amazing for me and I can’t wait for my parents to start watching your videos. When you brought up Matthew 24, I believe that “this generation” is a continuation of the fig tree parable in the verses that immediately precede. Here’s why I believe that and what it may mean: Later in the gospels we read of Christ cursing a fig tree. The cause of this cursing and the way that it is cursed is clearly symbolic of what happened to the nation of Israel not long after (70 AD). I believe the fig tree parable from Matt 24 is the restoration of the fig tree that was cursed and destroyed. From its destruction in 70 AD onward (for nearly 2000 years) Israel did not exist as a nation. Then finally in 1948 it was officially reestablished for the first time. In a way this could be seen as the replanting of the fig tree-no? Seeing that a generation typically lasts 70-90 years, and Israel was restored as a nation 73 years ago, we may be very close to the second coming of Christ. I think this is important to consider under the light of several specific comments and promises made recently by the prophets and seers of our church. Also, President Benson seems to have prophesied concerning this at a BYU devotional back in 1981. I know there are a lot of people who have made and are making premature claims about the second coming, but as Samuel (and the Nephites and the Lamanites who heard his prophecies) could know-so do I believe that we can know. If you have any feedback or critical analysis about that theory I would love to hear it! I haven’t watched all of your videos yet but if you haven’t made an end-times prophecies video you should! Either way thanks again for all your hard work!
Thank you for watching the videos and sharing them! I have not heard of an interpretation of the fig tree being replanted, but it could theoretically be a possibility.
Hi! About the generation prophecies being cleared because Jesus used the word “generation” in Matthew 24:34. Matthew was written in greek. The greek word translated to generation is genea. It can have multiple meanings, some of which are “birth, descent, children and race.” This verse has been translated differently by some people because of this but in general is translated as generation. Some have translated the verse to mean, “the people living when these signs begin.” My point is, when translating from an ancient foreign language, there is lots of room for speculation but when it is given directly into our language there is much less room for speculation. I.e. Joseph smith said generation, we know that is the word given, not any other word. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. P.S. I love your video’s. By far your work is the most thorough and factual i’ve come across. You don’t beat around the bush, dodge with humor or in general give a long winded talk that doesn’t actually answer the question. I really appreciate that. God Bless!
Thanks for your kind words about the channel - I greatly appreciate what you shared! As far as your question, I will share a number of different possibilities and in some ways I regret not doing this a little better in the video - or at least making sure it was clearer in my description that I was trying to show there were additional items involved, other than the definition of “this generation”. Before I get into the 3 parts of the video where the term is mentioned, let me first make a few comments about this phrase, addressing directly that aspect of your question. When Jesus said “this generation” in Mark 13, Matthew 24 & Luke 21, it is somewhat confusing, because he starts talking about everything with reference to the temple in Jerusalem not having one stone left unturned - this destruction happened in 70 AD. Then, immediately after describing the temple’s destruction, when asked what sign will there be when “these things” shall come to pass, he describes a number of additional things that will happen and says, “this generation” shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. It is confusing because the temple destruction is not clearly separated out from these “last days” items. Dualistic prophecy? Possibly - but it drives home the point even more that “this generation” could be viewed in a broader scope or definition (as exampled by some of the words you have shared.) Even if we try and clarify the potential definition to signify the last days, we still have a challenge. Joseph, in clarifying this verse in the JST of Matthew 24 in the Pearl of Great Price says (JS-M 1:34)“…this generation, in which these things shall be shown forth, shall not pass away until all I have told you shall be fulfilled.” Yet if you read all of the things listed of these last days, a number of them can be shown to have been going on now for ‘multiple generations’, but if this generation was to be literal (using meaning in Joseph’s day) then it would give the impression that all of these things would start and finish in a generation, which clearly hasn’t happened. As far as the understanding of the term “this generation” in Christ’s day vs. in Joseph Smith’s day - you may have a good point there. However, Joseph would often use Biblical language which would carry over the Biblical meanings. When Joseph was translating scripture and receiving revelations, it was couched in the Biblical vernacular of the day (the King James translation). I speak a lot about this in the video I did called “Understanding Book of Mormon Word Choices” - here is the direct link to that video: ua-cam.com/video/YwkWBSZdimY/v-deo.html This Biblical language could carry over the Biblical interpretation of the phraseology - not a guarantee, but definitely plausible. Ok, now all that being said, let me point out a few things about each of those 3 instances I share in the video of “this generation,” some of which I point out in the video, but wish I would have developed more and clarified that all 3 of these things aren’t solely dependent on how we define “this generation.” 1. The temple to be built in Jackson County. This can be viewed in several ways. First, it can be viewed more of a command than a prophecy, because of the word “shall”. There was also some conditional aspects - see the slide in the video and my words from about 3:50 - 4:40; notice the word “if” used about a dozen times. More importantly though, this command was revoked & postponed as I mention in the video, quoting D&C 124: 49,51: 49 - “Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men 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 of their offerings…. 51 - “Therefore, for this cause have I accepted the offerings of those whom I commanded to build up a city and a house unto my name, in Jackson County, Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith the Lord your God.” Some have also speculated that D&C 84 was actually accomplished in certain ways - if you read D&C 84:4 - there is a comma suggesting that what would occur in this generation was a building up of the temple - could be viewed as a general description of this is how it would begin - the building of a temple - the venue of where that first temple was built was changed (D&C 124:49,51) but it still happened in that generation - see the detailed elaboration from Jeff Lindsay (quoting D. Charles Pyle) at this link (then look for the section “What about the failed prophecy of a temple in Missouri?”): www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophets.shtml#temple 2. The second “this generation” was the slide I showed and discussed from 6:25 to 7:35 of the video. This was in reference to the bloodshed coming to the United States, the 10 tribes being restored and the protection of the Saints gathering to Zion. While some of this could be in the future, the Saints looked at this as being fulfilled in various ways in that generation - the Civil War brought about the bloodshed, the Saints were protected (by their gathering to Zion which culminated in going to Utah, which was unaffected from the Civil War. The restoration of the ten tribes - the actual words used were to PREPARE the way for the return, not that the return would happen in that generation (other than that the gathering had commenced then). You could still argue that some of the destruction & wicked destroyed could be yet in the future, in which case this may have had a dualistic prophecy nature and the broad use of “this generation” may have some application. Here is also a nice, easy to follow, “color-coded” treatment of this prophecy done by Fairmormon: www.fairmormon.org/answers/Question:_Why_did_Joseph_prophesy_that_the_wicked_%22of_this_generation%22_would_be_swept_from_the_face_of_the_land_and_the_Lost_Ten_tribes_would_be_gathered%3F 3. The third “this generation” was the slide I showed and discussed from 9:35 - 10:05 about there are those of the “rising generation that shall not taste death before Christ comes.” There are a number of different tangents possible on this one. First of all, the most important - Joseph begins that quote with “Were I going to prophesy” - so at the outset we really have to acknowledge this doesn’t even count if Joseph himself is clarifying he isn’t prophesying. If “this generation” has some ambiguity, then “rising generation” could be said to be even a level above that in timing vagueness. So this could be another way of saying the Second Coming is close with another take on the word generation. Also - we think of not tasting of death as translation. Is it possible that somewhere in the world, some individuals were translated and did not taste death before Christ’s coming? (None that I know of but it doesn’t mean its not possible or didn’t happen somewhere in the world). Or is this something to do with the Second Coming - right before, which we don’t clearly understand; we are told the righteous will be “caught up” and changed in a twinkling of an eye - a lot of uncertainty about timing and details on any of these aspects, but again another possibility (especially if the “rising generation” was interpreted as those who would participate in the Second Coming). Lots of interesting thoughts that could be plausible interpretations. Just a side note - these last 2 “generation” quotes are from the History of the Church, which can have challenging problems with sources. I haven’t looked these up to try and see where they might fit in that source spectrum, but just know it adds the possibility of additional confidence issues; but rather than go down that route, I think it is easy enough to just take them at face value and argue the points I discussed above. Lastly I would share one of my favorite articles on this topic - you can find it at Fairmormon, under the title “The Nature of Prophets and Prophecy” - here is the direct link: www.fairmormon.org/archive/publications/the-nature-of-prophets-and-prophecy-2
It is really funny to me, that so many people will pass right over the conditional aspect of so many of these prophecies. Or the double standard that you pointed out, which if evenly applied would even mean that Jesus made a false prophecy. Thanks for the video, I very much enjoyed it.
Passing over conditional clauses or treating commandments directed at human beings with the agency to disobey God has always irritated me. I've occasionally wondered if the originators of these criticisms truly don't grasp the details or if they just don't care. Anti-Mormon rhetoric works by training the mind to be doubtful rather than rational, so maybe they're victims of their own methodology?
I found a prophecy that was fulfilled that you didn’t mention. D&C 133 vs 27 speaks of them crossing over a highway. It references Isaiah 11 vs 11 & 2 Nephi 21 vs 11. If you read the “modern exodus” by President Nelson, it speaks of the Saints crossing the frozen solid Mississippi river (dry shod) to escape from their enemies. In doing more research, the day that the Saints began leaving Nauvoo was Feb 7, 1846. Jews around the world on this same day held a fast commemorating the “Song of the Sea” that speaks of when the Children of Israel crossed over the sea on dry shod. The Lord used this event to show that He had set His hand again a second time to rescue His people. Just as Joseph Smith prophesied earlier in D&C 133 vs 27, they crossed over toward the desert: Modern Sinai or Salt Lake City.
I have heard a number of interpretations of that verse over the years, but your description is something I wasn't familiar with - thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights.
Whoa this is amazing.🙏 And I was even baptized on that day, Feb. 7, in 1987. I'll never forget, while I was immersed under the water I opened my eyes and it felt as if time stood still. I had an immense feeling of peace in that moment. It's a memory, among many others, that will always stay with me. And now I'll also think of the details you shared here when I think of my baptism which carries significant meaning and symbolism since it is about the blessings that accompany God's covenant people.
“Everlasting” just means that it’s an eternal principle. An exemple of an everlasting principle is the law of gravity. It might not be practiced in outer space; but, the principle doesn’t cease to function. When the conditions are met, the promises are sure.
Your information is great. You use nice multimedia tools. Here’s another subject you may consider teaching - the hundreds of biblical metaphors. Someone will do it!
Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God. The church of Jesus Christ is on the earth. I invite all to hear the word of God! I especially invite the native people of North, Central and South America to read the Book of Mormon. It’s a history book of your people. You may see the similarities between your written and oral histories with the Book of Mormon. You are a chosen people.
lets face it we adore Joseph but there are others that denounce him, mock him, it is like a religion to them, instead of practicing their own religion, they besmudge ours, they achieve great happiness from this act. they are the ones that achieve great happiness in doing harm to their brothers, and guess where Christ is going to send them.
I don’t know if anyone has ever done a count. A book from Duane Crowther called The Prophecies of Joseph Smith lists over 400. I highlight a number of my favorites in the video I did entitled: “Joseph Smith’s Prophecies Fulfilled - Evidences” Here is the link to that video: ua-cam.com/video/BBAVZj62wVY/v-deo.html
For the unbeliever, get over it. Christ when speaking the words, “this generation,” is speaking of this particular “generation” of this particular cycle of creation. When Joseph Smith was told, “if you live to the age of 85, you will see the second coming.” Well, Joseph was killed long before he reached the age. The ifs are far too many and always conditional. 👍👍 Oh, by the way, whether mortal or post mortal we all will witness the second coming.
Yeah. Seriously. Your videos are very detailed and thorough. I am 17, and have been a faithful member of the church my whole life. Your video on the validity of the Book of Mormon helped me have faith after a slight faith crisis I had while attempting to be an apologist on the comments of an "Anti-Mormon" video. I was bombarded with questions I had no answers to, and I was presented with things I hadn't known before. This overload of negative feedback just made me sick... and I didn't know for sure at that point if the chutch was TRULY true. I had "known" it, and felt the spirit, but they even attacked my personal beliefs and way we feel when we feel the spirit... like it isn't real. Anyway, I just want to thank you for your amazing content and your enthusiasm in the plainness of the truth.
Thank you so much for sharing! Thanks for defending the truth online, even though it led to a mini faith crises! I am glad I had a video that was helpful for you in the circumstances. Understanding the arguments of critics I think can actually make our faith stronger (see the recent book ‘Faith is Not Blind’ from Bruce & Marie Hafen) but can be shaking as we try and understand and interpret new things, especially if it comes at us all at once - this is actually part of of the next ‘answering critics’ video I am releasing, so watch for that soon.
I’ve been watching a lot of videos lately. I’m LDS but the one thing I can’t get past and makes me want to leave the church is the sabbath. There is just no where where the lord changed the sabbath. It’s the fourth commandment but more than that it was a rule in Genesis before there were even commandments. The Bible says the law, not one little tiddle would change.
Here is an article addressing your question that I hope you will find helpful: www.fairmormon.org/archive/publications/ask-the-apologist-celebrating-the-sabbath-on-saturday
If not one little tiddle would change, then tell me why you're not using your priesthood to conduct animal sacrifice. If nothing was to change, we should see cattle being moved into our temples on a daily basis, right? Or animals being sold on their outskirts? Do you need scriptural justification for every aspect in the Restored Gospel? The Ten Commandments were given to the Israel in the days of their restoration to God in the times of Moses. God uses symbolism in many of His dealings with men. Animal sacrifice pointed the way to Jesus Christ. The Sabbath pointed to the seventh day, on which the GODS completed the Father's work of creation. In the Gospel, however, Jesus' work was completed on the _first_ day of the week, and that work covered _the entire Earth_ and its people. And because of that, the _entire Earth_ was redeemed. This is why the Sabbath was changed to the first day of the week, and why it was no longer relevant to the seventh day Sabbath. The Gospel Sabbath points to the _first day of the week_ because the work of Jesus pertains not only to man, but to the Earth itself, which was incomplete until the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! (And when Jesus was resurrected, that was when the Earth's new day of completion was finished!) Because of Christ's death and resurrection, the very Earth will suffer death and be resurrected to Eternal Glory. The Restoration of the Gospel is a restitution of revelation, and you can be assured that is the Lord wanted to keep the ancient Sabbath of Moses, that He would have restored animal sacrifice and the seventh-day Sabbath. If you gain a testimony of this Gospel, you need not nitpick each part of it; you need only gain a testimony of the whole of it, then accept the parts of it as they come. This is because the Lord will not let HIS prophets lead you astray, now or ever. ✋😎
Hi! I did a study as well, the law that doesn’t change I believe are the 10 commandments and Saturday is the 7nth day while Sunday is the first. I tried to figure out if maybe they counted days differently back then but they didn’t. With further study I found it was the Catholic church that changed the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday as a “sign of their authority.”
I just saw that someone else responded to your question and it made me remember that I had recently addressed this topic in greater detail to someone commenting on another video and wanted to come back here and copy/paste it for you as well: The Jews still observe the Sabbath as the original Saturday because they do not acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. The Christian world, after the resurrection of Christ, changed their weekly day of worship to the day of Christ’s resurrection, calling it the “Lord’s Day” The description of the Lord’s Day in the Bible Dictionary is instructive: “Occurs in the Bible only in Rev 1:10. The first day of the week is meant, being the day of our Lord’s Resurrection and also the day on which the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles. References to its weekly observance are found in Acts 20:7; 1 Col. 16:1-2; and in many early Christian writers. It was never confounded with the Sabbath, but carefully distinguished from it (Col. 2:16). The term is used also in D&C 59:9-13.” The reference to D&C 59 help illustrate the Lord’s desire for us in the latter days to continue to recognize our day of worship as this “Lord’s Day” or Sunday - the day of Christ’s resurrection. Here are a number of links that should also prove helpful in addressing the topic (there will be some overlap here but would rather give you too much than too little): www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1978/01/i-have-a-question/why-do-we-observe-the-sabbath-on-sunday?lang=eng www.fairmormon.org/answers/Question:_Why_do_Mormons_follow_the_practice_of_most_Christians_by_resting_and_worshiping_on_Sunday%3F www.fairmormon.org/archive/publications/ask-the-apologist-celebrating-the-sabbath-on-saturday askgramps.org/sabbath-day-changed-sunday/
I just read the link that was sent you and wow that was perfect.I love that it has helped me too it makes so much sense.Sunday was the day of Christ resurrection all things became new sacrifice became sacrament and possibly one reason it was changed was perhaps to symbolize that change?Has any of that helped?
I like you LDS guys!! I don't understand why the Christian people put you guys down your prophecies and beliefs are relatively the same as theirs are. It's all superstition. However, yous guys seem to follow your beliefs more better and you are not phoney. Yes, I like the LDS people.
Thanks for this video. It’s important to have a proper framework when studying the prophetic claims of the Prophet Joseph. Before I joined the church, there were certain “failed” prophecies of Joseph that I used to criticize the truth claims of the church. When put in the proper context, I began to understand that the claims I and critics made truly held no weight. Indeed it was Doctrine and Covenants 87 that did more for me in bolstering the claims of Joseph as Prophet than did any supposed “failed” prophecy.
Wow - thanks for sharing your comment and personal experience!
Hehe, antis keep listing these prophecies in the comments of pro LDS videos... but I'm thankful that you were able to confront their allegations and debunk every last one of them. No matter what they say the credibility of Joseph Smith cannot be damaged, for he was a true Prophet ofGod, the Prophet of the Restoration.
Yes, I don't know if antagonists doing this are either ignorant or deceptive, but neither is good...
These are very interesting, and fun. For me personally it doesn’t matter who has said something or what evidence necessarily there is, since I have felt the Holy Ghost testify to me. The evidences are interesting though, and serve to confirm the witness I already have.
If…. If is good.
So glad to see someone who has done His homework and has the spirits assistance to dispel the misunderstandings.I feel like it's sad because these people who post these things about the church are whole heartedly sincere in what they say.My testimony cannot be broken because you tell me Brigham young says people are living on sun etc.however I do love those who are scholarly in these areas it helps me to become more scholarly to defend the church.I feel the spirit enlighten and comfort me with the things you have said and I didn't feel the effects the spirit brings with their words even tho they can be so convincing its so great what you do
Your comment means so much to me - thank you for sharing!
Thank you for all of your hard work and for sharing it! This has been amazing for me and I can’t wait for my parents to start watching your videos.
When you brought up Matthew 24, I believe that “this generation” is a continuation of the fig tree parable in the verses that immediately precede.
Here’s why I believe that and what it may mean:
Later in the gospels we read of Christ cursing a fig tree. The cause of this cursing and the way that it is cursed is clearly symbolic of what happened to the nation of Israel not long after (70 AD).
I believe the fig tree parable from Matt 24 is the restoration of the fig tree that was cursed and destroyed. From its destruction in 70 AD onward (for nearly 2000 years) Israel did not exist as a nation. Then finally in 1948 it was officially reestablished for the first time. In a way this could be seen as the replanting of the fig tree-no?
Seeing that a generation typically lasts 70-90 years, and Israel was restored as a nation 73 years ago, we may be very close to the second coming of Christ. I think this is important to consider under the light of several specific comments and promises made recently by the prophets and seers of our church. Also, President Benson seems to have prophesied concerning this at a BYU devotional back in 1981.
I know there are a lot of people who have made and are making premature claims about the second coming, but as Samuel (and the Nephites and the Lamanites who heard his prophecies) could know-so do I believe that we can know. If you have any feedback or critical analysis about that theory I would love to hear it!
I haven’t watched all of your videos yet but if you haven’t made an end-times prophecies video you should! Either way thanks again for all your hard work!
Thank you for watching the videos and sharing them! I have not heard of an interpretation of the fig tree being replanted, but it could theoretically be a possibility.
Hi! About the generation prophecies being cleared because Jesus used the word “generation” in Matthew 24:34. Matthew was written in greek. The greek word translated to generation is genea. It can have multiple meanings, some of which are “birth, descent, children and race.” This verse has been translated differently by some people because of this but in general is translated as generation. Some have translated the verse to mean, “the people living when these signs begin.” My point is, when translating from an ancient foreign language, there is lots of room for speculation but when it is given directly into our language there is much less room for speculation. I.e. Joseph smith said generation, we know that is the word given, not any other word. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. P.S. I love your video’s. By far your work is the most thorough and factual i’ve come across. You don’t beat around the bush, dodge with humor or in general give a long winded talk that doesn’t actually answer the question. I really appreciate that. God Bless!
Thanks for your kind words about the channel - I greatly appreciate what you shared!
As far as your question, I will share a number of different possibilities and in some ways I regret not doing this a little better in the video - or at least making sure it was clearer in my description that I was trying to show there were additional items involved, other than the definition of “this generation”. Before I get into the 3 parts of the video where the term is mentioned, let me first make a few comments about this phrase, addressing directly that aspect of your question.
When Jesus said “this generation” in Mark 13, Matthew 24 & Luke 21, it is somewhat confusing, because he starts talking about everything with reference to the temple in Jerusalem not having one stone left unturned - this destruction happened in 70 AD. Then, immediately after describing the temple’s destruction, when asked what sign will there be when “these things” shall come to pass, he describes a number of additional things that will happen and says, “this generation” shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. It is confusing because the temple destruction is not clearly separated out from these “last days” items. Dualistic prophecy? Possibly - but it drives home the point even more that “this generation” could be viewed in a broader scope or definition (as exampled by some of the words you have shared.)
Even if we try and clarify the potential definition to signify the last days, we still have a challenge. Joseph, in clarifying this verse in the JST of Matthew 24 in the Pearl of Great Price says (JS-M 1:34)“…this generation, in which these things shall be shown forth, shall not pass away until all I have told you shall be fulfilled.” Yet if you read all of the things listed of these last days, a number of them can be shown to have been going on now for ‘multiple generations’, but if this generation was to be literal (using meaning in Joseph’s day) then it would give the impression that all of these things would start and finish in a generation, which clearly hasn’t happened.
As far as the understanding of the term “this generation” in Christ’s day vs. in Joseph Smith’s day - you may have a good point there. However, Joseph would often use Biblical language which would carry over the Biblical meanings. When Joseph was translating scripture and receiving revelations, it was couched in the Biblical vernacular of the day (the King James translation). I speak a lot about this in the video I did called “Understanding Book of Mormon Word Choices” - here is the direct link to that video:
ua-cam.com/video/YwkWBSZdimY/v-deo.html
This Biblical language could carry over the Biblical interpretation of the phraseology - not a guarantee, but definitely plausible.
Ok, now all that being said, let me point out a few things about each of those 3 instances I share in the video of “this generation,” some of which I point out in the video, but wish I would have developed more and clarified that all 3 of these things aren’t solely dependent on how we define “this generation.”
1. The temple to be built in Jackson County. This can be viewed in several ways. First, it can be viewed more of a command than a prophecy, because of the word “shall”. There was also some conditional aspects - see the slide in the video and my words from about 3:50 - 4:40; notice the word “if” used about a dozen times. More importantly though, this command was revoked & postponed as I mention in the video, quoting D&C 124: 49,51:
49 - “Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men 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 of their offerings….
51 - “Therefore, for this cause have I accepted the offerings of those whom I commanded to build up a city and a house unto my name, in Jackson County, Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith the Lord your God.”
Some have also speculated that D&C 84 was actually accomplished in certain ways - if you read D&C 84:4 - there is a comma suggesting that what would occur in this generation was a building up of the temple - could be viewed as a general description of this is how it would begin - the building of a temple - the venue of where that first temple was built was changed (D&C 124:49,51) but it still happened in that generation - see the detailed elaboration from Jeff Lindsay (quoting D. Charles Pyle) at this link (then look for the section “What about the failed prophecy of a temple in Missouri?”):
www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophets.shtml#temple
2. The second “this generation” was the slide I showed and discussed from 6:25 to 7:35 of the video. This was in reference to the bloodshed coming to the United States, the 10 tribes being restored and the protection of the Saints gathering to Zion. While some of this could be in the future, the Saints looked at this as being fulfilled in various ways in that generation - the Civil War brought about the bloodshed, the Saints were protected (by their gathering to Zion which culminated in going to Utah, which was unaffected from the Civil War. The restoration of the ten tribes - the actual words used were to PREPARE the way for the return, not that the return would happen in that generation (other than that the gathering had commenced then). You could still argue that some of the destruction & wicked destroyed could be yet in the future, in which case this may have had a dualistic prophecy nature and the broad use of “this generation” may have some application. Here is also a nice, easy to follow, “color-coded” treatment of this prophecy done by Fairmormon:
www.fairmormon.org/answers/Question:_Why_did_Joseph_prophesy_that_the_wicked_%22of_this_generation%22_would_be_swept_from_the_face_of_the_land_and_the_Lost_Ten_tribes_would_be_gathered%3F
3. The third “this generation” was the slide I showed and discussed from 9:35 - 10:05 about there are those of the “rising generation that shall not taste death before Christ comes.” There are a number of different tangents possible on this one. First of all, the most important - Joseph begins that quote with “Were I going to prophesy” - so at the outset we really have to acknowledge this doesn’t even count if Joseph himself is clarifying he isn’t prophesying. If “this generation” has some ambiguity, then “rising generation” could be said to be even a level above that in timing vagueness. So this could be another way of saying the Second Coming is close with another take on the word generation. Also - we think of not tasting of death as translation. Is it possible that somewhere in the world, some individuals were translated and did not taste death before Christ’s coming? (None that I know of but it doesn’t mean its not possible or didn’t happen somewhere in the world). Or is this something to do with the Second Coming - right before, which we don’t clearly understand; we are told the righteous will be “caught up” and changed in a twinkling of an eye - a lot of uncertainty about timing and details on any of these aspects, but again another possibility (especially if the “rising generation” was interpreted as those who would participate in the Second Coming). Lots of interesting thoughts that could be plausible interpretations.
Just a side note - these last 2 “generation” quotes are from the History of the Church, which can have challenging problems with sources. I haven’t looked these up to try and see where they might fit in that source spectrum, but just know it adds the possibility of additional confidence issues; but rather than go down that route, I think it is easy enough to just take them at face value and argue the points I discussed above.
Lastly I would share one of my favorite articles on this topic - you can find it at Fairmormon, under the title “The Nature of Prophets and Prophecy” - here is the direct link:
www.fairmormon.org/archive/publications/the-nature-of-prophets-and-prophecy-2
It is really funny to me, that so many people will pass right over the conditional aspect of so many of these prophecies. Or the double standard that you pointed out, which if evenly applied would even mean that Jesus made a false prophecy.
Thanks for the video, I very much enjoyed it.
Passing over conditional clauses or treating commandments directed at human beings with the agency to disobey God has always irritated me. I've occasionally wondered if the originators of these criticisms truly don't grasp the details or if they just don't care. Anti-Mormon rhetoric works by training the mind to be doubtful rather than rational, so maybe they're victims of their own methodology?
I found a prophecy that was fulfilled that you didn’t mention. D&C 133 vs 27 speaks of them crossing over a highway. It references Isaiah 11 vs 11 & 2 Nephi 21 vs 11. If you read the “modern exodus” by President Nelson, it speaks of the Saints crossing the frozen solid Mississippi river (dry shod) to escape from their enemies. In doing more research, the day that the Saints began leaving Nauvoo was Feb 7, 1846. Jews around the world on this same day held a fast commemorating the “Song of the Sea” that speaks of when the Children of Israel crossed over the sea on dry shod. The Lord used this event to show that He had set His hand again a second time to rescue His people. Just as Joseph Smith prophesied earlier in D&C 133 vs 27, they crossed over toward the desert: Modern Sinai or Salt Lake City.
I have heard a number of interpretations of that verse over the years, but your description is something I wasn't familiar with - thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights.
Great comment and so true .
Whoa this is amazing.🙏 And I was even baptized on that day, Feb. 7, in 1987. I'll never forget, while I was immersed under the water I opened my eyes and it felt as if time stood still. I had an immense feeling of peace in that moment. It's a memory, among many others, that will always stay with me.
And now I'll also think of the details you shared here when I think of my baptism which carries significant meaning and symbolism since it is about the blessings that accompany God's covenant people.
The Safety Society one had me laughing so hard. I love it!
Thanks - it was definitely my favorite part of the video!!
“Everlasting” just means that it’s an eternal principle. An exemple of an everlasting principle is the law of gravity. It might not be practiced in outer space; but, the principle doesn’t cease to function. When the conditions are met, the promises are sure.
What about those of us from Europe who decended from queen and kings?
Great thought - thanks for sharing
I literally can’t convey how amazing these are.
Your information is great. You use nice multimedia tools. Here’s another subject you may consider teaching - the hundreds
of biblical metaphors. Someone will do it!
Thanks for all your work!
Thank you 😊
Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God. The church of Jesus Christ is on the earth. I invite all to hear the word of God! I especially invite the native people of North, Central and South America to read the Book of Mormon.
It’s a history book of your people. You may see the similarities between your written and oral histories with the Book of Mormon. You are a chosen people.
Wonderful!! Thank you!!💙💙💙
Honestly, I find you very entertaining
Thank you
Thanks for all of your dedication in putting these together. They’re an uplifting Sabbath-day watch.
Thank you!
Hmmm ok
Amo tus videos hermanó, gracias por tú trabajo !!!!!
lets face it we adore Joseph but there are others that denounce him, mock him, it is like a religion to them, instead of practicing their own religion, they besmudge ours, they achieve great happiness from this act. they are the ones that achieve great happiness in doing harm to their brothers, and guess where Christ is going to send them.
how many prophecies did joseph Smith fulfilled? exact amount or estimated amount.
I don’t know if anyone has ever done a count. A book from Duane Crowther called The Prophecies of Joseph Smith lists over 400. I highlight a number of my favorites in the video I did entitled:
“Joseph Smith’s Prophecies Fulfilled - Evidences”
Here is the link to that video:
ua-cam.com/video/BBAVZj62wVY/v-deo.html
Janice Kapp Perry wrote a song for the young women called Rising Generation
For the unbeliever, get over it. Christ when speaking the words, “this generation,” is speaking of this particular “generation” of this particular cycle of creation.
When Joseph Smith was told, “if you live to the age of 85, you will see the second coming.” Well, Joseph was killed long before he reached the age. The ifs are far too many and always conditional. 👍👍
Oh, by the way, whether mortal or post mortal we all will witness the second coming.
If he lived to 85, He may have come
He didn’t, so the prophecy is void
The dislikes were the ones that didn't listen🤣
It wouldn't surprise me!
Yeah. Seriously. Your videos are very detailed and thorough. I am 17, and have been a faithful member of the church my whole life. Your video on the validity of the Book of Mormon helped me have faith after a slight faith crisis I had while attempting to be an apologist on the comments of an "Anti-Mormon" video. I was bombarded with questions I had no answers to, and I was presented with things I hadn't known before. This overload of negative feedback just made me sick... and I didn't know for sure at that point if the chutch was TRULY true. I had "known" it, and felt the spirit, but they even attacked my personal beliefs and way we feel when we feel the spirit... like it isn't real. Anyway, I just want to thank you for your amazing content and your enthusiasm in the plainness of the truth.
Thank you so much for sharing! Thanks for defending the truth online, even though it led to a mini faith crises! I am glad I had a video that was helpful for you in the circumstances. Understanding the arguments of critics I think can actually make our faith stronger (see the recent book ‘Faith is Not Blind’ from Bruce & Marie Hafen) but can be shaking as we try and understand and interpret new things, especially if it comes at us all at once - this is actually part of of the next ‘answering critics’ video I am releasing, so watch for that soon.
Awesome! Thank you!
I guess now you have one more subscriber.
Great work.
Thursday - May 27, 2021.
I know. It's obvious the Time has come. For people to know
I’ve been watching a lot of videos lately. I’m LDS but the one thing I can’t get past and makes me want to leave the church is the sabbath. There is just no where where the lord changed the sabbath. It’s the fourth commandment but more than that it was a rule in Genesis before there were even commandments. The Bible says the law, not one little tiddle would change.
Here is an article addressing your question that I hope you will find helpful:
www.fairmormon.org/archive/publications/ask-the-apologist-celebrating-the-sabbath-on-saturday
If not one little tiddle would change, then tell me why you're not using your priesthood to conduct animal sacrifice. If nothing was to change, we should see cattle being moved into our temples on a daily basis, right?
Or animals being sold on their outskirts?
Do you need scriptural justification for every aspect in the Restored Gospel? The Ten Commandments were given to the Israel in the days of their restoration to God in the times of Moses. God uses symbolism in many of His dealings with men. Animal sacrifice pointed the way to Jesus Christ. The Sabbath pointed to the seventh day, on which the GODS completed the Father's work of creation. In the Gospel, however, Jesus' work was completed on the _first_ day of the week, and that work covered _the entire Earth_ and its people. And because of that, the _entire Earth_ was redeemed. This is why the Sabbath was changed to the first day of the week, and why it was no longer relevant to the seventh day Sabbath. The Gospel Sabbath points to the _first day of the week_ because the work of Jesus pertains not only to man, but to the Earth itself, which was incomplete until the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! (And when Jesus was resurrected, that was when the Earth's new day of completion was finished!)
Because of Christ's death and resurrection, the very Earth will suffer death and be resurrected to Eternal Glory.
The Restoration of the Gospel is a restitution of revelation, and you can be assured that is the Lord wanted to keep the ancient Sabbath of Moses, that He would have restored animal sacrifice and the seventh-day Sabbath. If you gain a testimony of this Gospel, you need not nitpick each part of it; you need only gain a testimony of the whole of it, then accept the parts of it as they come. This is because the Lord will not let HIS prophets lead you astray, now or ever. ✋😎
Hi! I did a study as well, the law that doesn’t change I believe are the 10 commandments and Saturday is the 7nth day while Sunday is the first. I tried to figure out if maybe they counted days differently back then but they didn’t. With further study I found it was the Catholic church that changed the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday as a “sign of their authority.”
I just saw that someone else responded to your question and it made me remember that I had recently addressed this topic in greater detail to someone commenting on another video and wanted to come back here and copy/paste it for you as well:
The Jews still observe the Sabbath as the original Saturday because they do not acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. The Christian world, after the resurrection of Christ, changed their weekly day of worship to the day of Christ’s resurrection, calling it the “Lord’s Day”
The description of the Lord’s Day in the Bible Dictionary is instructive:
“Occurs in the Bible only in Rev 1:10. The first day of the week is meant, being the day of our Lord’s Resurrection and also the day on which the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles. References to its weekly observance are found in Acts 20:7; 1 Col. 16:1-2; and in many early Christian writers. It was never confounded with the Sabbath, but carefully distinguished from it (Col. 2:16). The term is used also in D&C 59:9-13.”
The reference to D&C 59 help illustrate the Lord’s desire for us in the latter days to continue to recognize our day of worship as this “Lord’s Day” or Sunday - the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Here are a number of links that should also prove helpful in addressing the topic (there will be some overlap here but would rather give you too much than too little):
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1978/01/i-have-a-question/why-do-we-observe-the-sabbath-on-sunday?lang=eng
www.fairmormon.org/answers/Question:_Why_do_Mormons_follow_the_practice_of_most_Christians_by_resting_and_worshiping_on_Sunday%3F
www.fairmormon.org/archive/publications/ask-the-apologist-celebrating-the-sabbath-on-saturday
askgramps.org/sabbath-day-changed-sunday/
I just read the link that was sent you and wow that was perfect.I love that it has helped me too it makes so much sense.Sunday was the day of Christ resurrection all things became new sacrifice became sacrament and possibly one reason it was changed was perhaps to symbolize that change?Has any of that helped?
👍