God has never seemed to feel a restriction in time or geography to accomplish His purposes. Rather, He calls those whom He has prepared and who are willing to serve. Thus, His Old Testament prophets came from Egypt, Babylon, and points between, including Canaan, Israel, and Judah. New Testament Apostles were from Judea, Galilee, and nearby areas, but they traveled throughout the known world before their deaths, preaching the gospel of the Son of God.

The Reformers who paved the way for an eventual restoration were European. The political and religious climate in the New England area of the United States in the early nineteenth century was the perfect place for that restoration-religious fervor, a new country with room for a new church to grow, and a country that was on the verge of growing to become the dominant force in the world for the next two hundred years or more. Had the Lord called a prophet from Jerusalem, He would have kept very busy just keeping His chosen ones alive through all the political and military upheaval and activity of that region.

Joseph Smith Jr. founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the state of New York in April, 1830. He served as its first President and as prophet and seer of the Church. Joseph Smith was a remarkable man. Of that there seems to be little room for doubt. But a prophet? That is an important question-a very important question. Joseph was given to deep questions about the subject of religion as a young man. He sought truth among the organized religions of his day, but remained unsatisfied. In time, as an answer to his sincere pleadings with God on this subject, he received a visit from two heavenly beings: God the Father and the Son. From this foundation, he received education and preparation through future revelations, answers to prayers, heavenly ministrants, and the quiet whisperings of the Holy Spirit.

But why did God break His long silence of nearly two millennia to now call an obscure young man as prophet? The answer is more simple than you might think. It’s a matter of prophecy and preparation. But mostly it’s a simple matter of God’s will. He chose Joseph Smith to be the prophet through whom He would restore sacred truths and saving knowledge. Joseph Smith did not ask to be a prophet.

It is left to each of us, however, to ask God whether Joseph was called to become a prophet. Learning the answer to that question may is key to knowing more about the doctrines Christ revealed through him.

See also: josephsmith.com

Suppose that God were to insert into today’s world a modern Moses, a prophet assigned once again the stewardship for directing God’s kingdom on earth. If such an event were to happen, it would be the most significant spiritual outpouring in centuries. It would be important to investigate it. One claim to such a prophetic appointment that is worth examining is that of Joseph Smith Jr., divinely appointed leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This web site does not have the mission of putting forth his entire case (see instead www.josephsmith.com). However, the doctrine and organization that came forth under his direction is remarkable in both its comprehensive breadth and pinpoint accuracy relative to what was lost through apostasy.

Let’s look at the list of questions outlined in How can I know if a man is a true prophet?

• Q. Did he claim that the call came from Deity, even though the calling itself may have come through another person in a position of authority?

• A. “I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually see? For I had seen a vision: I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it” (Joseph Smith-History 1:25).

• Q. Did he receive priesthood authority to act in God’s name?

• A. “In 1829, [Joseph Smith Jr.] received priesthood authority from John the Baptist and from Peter, James, and John” (Guide to the Scriptures, s.v. “Smith, Joseph Jr.”).

• Q. Does he offer revelations and pronouncements from God that he considers binding on the people he leads?

• A. All but 3 of the 138 revelations that make up the book Doctrine and Covenants were received by Joseph Smith and are considered canon and therefore binding on the Latter-day Saints.

• Q. Does he teach universal truths that cross cultures and political boundaries?

• A. As one example of the breadth of Joseph’s intended message, the title page of the Book of Mormon states that it is “to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations” (emphasis added).

• Q. Does he address social issues in clarifying and sometimes radical ways?

• A. Joseph Smith‘s revelation on a health code (see Doctrine and Covenants 89) is a good example of his radical approach to health that has been proven to be very much in accord with good health practices today.

• Q. Does he both maintain and reform status quo religion?

• A. See, for example, his teachings on the Godhead.

The answers to these additional questions are similarly positive and clarifying. However, you should do the research and answer them yourselves, and then turn to God to ask Him yourself for a spiritual confirmation regarding whether Joseph Smith was truly called as a prophet. Then you owe it to yourself to examine his fellow prophets in line as prophets and apostles over Jesus Christ’s restored Church:

• Did he go through some sort of spiritual preparation for the calling?
• Does he now or did he have a major weakness or trial to overcome?
• Does he have opponents who do not believe his calling as prophet?
• Does he have both a reliance on and a willingness to expand sacred texts (scripture)?
• In what ways does he testify of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of mankind?

Sources

Where Have All the Prophets Gone? by Scott R. Petersen

Encyclopedia of Religion, s.v. “Prophecy”

The Encyclopedia of Mormonism, s.v. “Smith, Joseph: The Prophet”

*Reflections on having a modern prophet.

Lifespan

Born July 19, 1876 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Died July 2, 1972, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Joseph Fielding Smith was baptized a member of the Church at age 8 in 1884. He served a mission in England 1899-1901, and was ordained an Apostle at age 33. From age 44 to 93, he served as Church Historian. When he was aged 68-72, he served as president of the Salt Lake Temple, and in 1951 (age 74) became president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. At age 93, Joseph Fielding Smith was sustained as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served until his death in 1972.

Preparation and Calling

Joseph Fielding Smith was the son of a prophet (Joseph F. Smith) and the grandson of Hyrum Smith, Assistant President of the Church and brother of Joseph Smith Jr., the first prophet of this dispensation. He loved the scriptures and studied them his entire life, becoming one of the Church’s foremost theologians. He served as an Apostle for 60 years in preparation for his eventual calling as the prophet of the Lord.

Interaction with God

Not much is known about Joseph Fielding Smith’s actual interactions with Deity. From his teachings, however, we can see that he was a man who cared deeply about the scriptures and desired to keep his life and teaching in line with the accepted revelations of the Lord. His natural inclination was perhaps to look for direction and answers in what the Lord had already given His children before seeking additional instruction.

Social Situation

During the two and a half years of President Smith’s tenure as prophet, the first stakes were organized in Africa and Asia. In America, the turbulent 70s were just beginning, and his counsel to adhere closely to the revealed gospel of Jesus Christ provided a much needed voice of clear direction in a country that was seeking meaning in life.

Key Teachings

Joseph Fielding Smith taught that we have an obligation to both seek and understand God’s word as revealed in the holy scriptures, and then to hold fast to that word with unshakable faith and action. In essence, God has given us what we need to gain exaltation and return to live with Him, so let nothing interfere with your commitment to do that will.

Lifespan

Born April 4, 1870 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Died April 4, 1951 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

At age 21 (1891), George Albert was called on his first mission-to southern Utah. From age 22-24, he and his wife, Lucy, served a mission in the southeastern United States. He was ordained an Apostle in 1903 at age 33. From 1919-21, Elder Smith was president of the European Mission. At age 73, he became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and was sustained as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1945 at age 75. He passed away on his birthday six years later.

Preparation and Calling

George Albert Smith was named for his grandfather, George A. Smith, who was a cousin to Joseph Smith and a counselor to Brigham Young. For seven years (1903-10), he served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles with his father, John Henry Smith, the only father and son duo to do so since the restoration of the Church in 1830. His life was a pattern of righteousness, and his family bore a strong heritage of Church leadership. That heritage figured strongly into his character and his service.

Interaction with God

The most well-known spiritual experience of George Albert Smith could be considered a gift from God, though it did not involve a member of the Godhead directly. At a time of great difficulty and self-doubt, he had a dream in which he met his grandfather, George A. Smith. In a brief interview, George Albert was able to respond positively to his grandfather’s question, and thereafter regained both his physical and spiritual strength. He later referred to this incident as a major turning point in his ministry.

Social Situation

President Smith served during the time when Europe was recovering from World War II. He sent missionaries to many countries where they had been unable to go previously because of the war, and initiated the sending of vast amounts of food and supplies to the Saints in Europe who suffered so badly during and after World War II.

Key Teachings

The teachings of President George Albert Smith can be perhaps best be summarized with this statement, which he made during a general conference of the Church in April 1948: “Every happiness and every joy that has been worthy of the name has been the result of keeping the commandments of God and observing his advice and counsel” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1948, pp. l62).

Lifespan

Born April 3, 1814 in Mantua, Ohio.

Died October 10, 1901 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Lorenzo Snow performed missionary service in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Great Britain before the age of 30. At age 34 he was ordained an Apostle by Heber C. Kimball. In his 30s, he served a mission to Italy, England, Switzerland, and Malta. At 50 he served in the Hawaiian Islands. From ages 59-63 he served in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and at 71 served a mission to the Indians of the northwestern United States. At age 84, in 1898, he was sustained as President of the Church, and died at age 87.

Preparation and Calling

Lorenzo Snow’s extensive missionary service taught him humility and spiritual acuity. He knew and was taught by every latter-day prophet prior to his calling.

Interaction with God

President Snow is one of the few latter-day prophets who spoke of having seen the Savior Jesus Christ personally in the Salt Lake Temple, where the Lord told him not to wait to reorganize the First Presidency following President Woodruff’s passing. Rather, he should proceed immediately with the reorganization. He is also well known for the revelation he received in 1899 to reinstate the law of tithing in the Church.

Social Situation

The federal government’s persecution of the Church because of plural marriage had led to serious financial troubles. This was the situation facing the Church during President Snow’s administration. Following much consideration and prayer, while speaking at a general conference in St. George, Utah, President Snow paused for several minutes, then announced to the congregation that he had just had a revelation concerning the law of tithing as the means for resolving this challenging problem.

Key Teachings

President Snow is perhaps best known for reinstituting the law of tithing and for continually expanding the missionary work of the Church, opening missions in Mexico, New Zealand, Japan, and Germany during his adminstration.

Lifespan

Born December 23, 1805 in Sharon, Vermont.

Died June 27, 1844 in Carthage, Illinois, at the hands of a mob.

Ministry

As founder and first President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith created communities of Church members in New York, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. He served as the leader of the Church from the day it was organized on April 6, 1830, until he was martyred on June 27, 1844.

Preparation and Calling

At age 14, Joseph Smith sought God for help in finding the “true” organized religion in his area. In answer to that prayer, he saw in vision God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Three years later, he began a tutelage by an angel named Moroni, who would visit and instruct him at regular yearly intervals for the next four years. On September 27, 1827, Joseph Smith was given possession of the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated, and his ministry was underway.

Interaction with God

Joseph Smith received open visions and felt the quiet whisperings of the Holy Ghost. He prophesied, pondered, prayed, and received answers to those prayers. He was familiar with the appearance of angels, and he translated ancient records through the gift of the Spirit. The records of his interactions with Deity provide something of an instructional manual of how one is to talk with God.

Social Situation

In Frontier America, religious reformation was a very active issue. Under heavenly direction, Joseph Smith began a church with remarkable doctrine and vision. As the church grew, local communities became uneasy, even fearful, of the political and spiritual influence being exercised by the “Mormons.” As a result, those communities persecuted and killed Church members, including killing Joseph Smith himself in June, 1844. Under the direction of Brigham Young, Joseph’s successor, the Church moved west to the Great Salt Lake Valley and it surrounding environs.

Key Teachings

Joseph Smith taught clearly of the nature of the Godhead and mankind’s relationship to them. He taught that Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are separate and distinct beings, united in purpose. Man’s purpose is to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, qualifying through righteous living and the grace of Christ to regain the Father’s presence in the afterlife, where all of His richest blessings can be bestowed on him. Joseph also emphasized the importance of priesthood authority in governing the Church and conducting its ordinances.