The False Prophecies of Joseph Smith: A Critical Examination

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), is one of the most controversial figures in American religious history. To his followers, he was a prophet who restored the true church of Jesus Christ. However, to many others, Smith’s legacy is marked by questionable claims, contradictions, and failed prophecies. The Bible provides a clear test for identifying a true prophet:

“When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.” — Deuteronomy 18:22

By this biblical standard, any person claiming to speak for God must have a perfect track record when it comes to prophecy. This article will examine several of Joseph Smith’s most well-known prophecies and assess whether they align with the biblical test of a true prophet.

1. The Second Coming Prophecy (1835)

In February 1835, Joseph Smith reportedly declared that God had revealed to him that the return of Jesus Christ would occur within 56 years:

“President Smith… said that God had revealed to him that the coming of the Lord was nigh, even fifty-six years should wind up the scene.” — History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 182

If this prophecy were true, Jesus would have returned by 1891. However, history shows that no such event took place. This prophecy alone would disqualify Smith as a true prophet according to the biblical standard.

2. The Temple in Missouri (1832)

In Doctrine and Covenants 84:1-5, Joseph Smith prophesied that a temple would be built in Independence, Missouri, within the lifetime of his generation:

“Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city of New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.”

Nearly two centuries later, no such temple has ever been built in Independence. The LDS Church now owns land there, but no construction has begun, and many of the people alive during Smith’s time have long since passed away.

3. The Destruction of the U.S. Government (1832)

In Doctrine and Covenants 87, Joseph Smith prophesied that the American Civil War would lead to the destruction of all nations:

“And it shall come to pass… that war shall be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place. For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States…”

While the Civil War did occur, it did not lead to the destruction of all nations. The war ended in 1865, and the prophecy remains unfulfilled. Predicting a North vs. South war in the 1830s wasn’t particularly groundbreaking, considering the tensions already brewing at the time.

4. David Patten’s Mission (1838)

Joseph Smith prophesied that Apostle David W. Patten would serve a mission the following spring:

“Verily thus saith the Lord: Let my servant David W. Patten go on a mission… the next spring.” — Doctrine and Covenants 114:1

However, Patten was killed in October 1838, months before he could ever serve the mission. This prophecy not only failed but demonstrated that Joseph Smith claimed to speak for God on matters that did not come to pass.

5. The Redemption of Zion (1834)

Joseph Smith claimed that God would redeem Zion (Missouri) and that the saints would possess the land:

“Zion shall not be moved out of her place… but verily, thus saith the Lord, even so will I give unto the inhabitants of Zion.” — Doctrine and Covenants 97:19-20

Instead, the Mormons were forcibly expelled from Missouri in 1838 during the Mormon War. To this day, the land remains outside the LDS Church’s possession.

The Biblical Standard for Prophets

The Bible is unequivocal in its instruction on how to discern false prophets:

• Perfect Accuracy — Every prophecy must come true (Deuteronomy 18:22)

• Sound Doctrine — Their teachings must align with Scripture (Isaiah 8:20)

• God’s Glory, Not Their Own — True prophets always point people back to God, not to themselves (Jeremiah 23:16).

Joseph Smith fails on all three counts. His prophecies often promoted his own status as a prophet, and many of his teachings — including the plurality of gods, exaltation of man, and the rejection of the Trinity — are in direct contradiction to biblical doctrine.

Why Does This Matter?

False prophets are dangerous because they claim to speak for God while leading people away from the truth. The Bible warns that in the last days, many false prophets will arise:

“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” — Matthew 24:24

Joseph Smith’s influence has led millions into a belief system that distorts the gospel of Jesus Christ. The LDS Church teaches that salvation is earned through obedience to church ordinances rather than by grace through faith alone — a fundamental departure from the biblical gospel.

Conclusion

By the biblical standard, Joseph Smith was a false prophet. His prophecies failed, his doctrines contradicted Scripture, and his movement led people away from the truth of the gospel. While Mormons today may view him as a visionary, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that his revelations were nothing more than the words of a man, not the voice of God.

As Christians, our responsibility is to test every spirit and hold fast to the truth of God’s Word:

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” — 1 John 4:1

The truth matters — not just for the sake of theological debates, but for the eternal souls of those who seek God.

If you’re questioning the claims of Joseph Smith or the LDS Church, I encourage you to return to the Bible alone. There, you’ll find a God whose promises never fail and whose Word stands forever.

If you’re currently in the LDS Church or have questions about its teachings, reach out. Let’s have a conversation rooted in Scripture, not tradition. The truth is worth seeking — and finding.