Question
Gramps,
How do I explain to a non-member in a way that is easy to understand why we, as Latter-day Saints, say we belong to the one true Church?
Tyler
Answer
Tyler,
For many people outside of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one phrase can sound uncomfortable or even arrogant: the idea that Latter-day Saints believe theirs is the “one true church.” At first glance, it can sound like members are saying everyone else is wrong, that no other religion has truth, or that God only cares about one group of people.
But that is not actually how Latter-day Saints generally understand the doctrine.
According to LDS theology, the belief that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the “true church” is tied to the idea of the Restoration. Members believe that Jesus Christ originally established His Church during His mortal ministry, complete with apostles, priesthood authority, ordinances, and revelation from God. After the deaths of the original apostles, however, that authority and many gospel truths were gradually lost or changed over time.
Latter-day Saints believe that through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored His original Church to the earth.
That belief is rooted in scripture, modern revelation, and personal spiritual conviction.
One of the key scriptures Latter-day Saints point to is Doctrine and Covenants 1:30, where the Lord refers to the Church as:
“The only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.”
For many people, that verse raises immediate questions. Does this mean other churches are completely false? Does it mean Latter-day Saints think they are better than everyone else?
Not at all.
LDS leaders have repeatedly taught that truth exists in many religions and among many sincere believers.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained:
“We believe that most Christian churches teach some truths and do much good. But we also believe that the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.” (Summarized)
In LDS theology, the Church is considered “true” because Latter-day Saints believe it contains the fullness of Christ’s gospel, priesthood authority, and saving ordinances. It is considered “living” because members believe Jesus Christ continues to guide it through ongoing revelation.
That last part matters a lot.
Latter-day Saints do not believe God stopped speaking after the Bible was completed. They believe He still calls prophets and apostles today.
One of the biggest reasons Latter-day Saints believe the Church is Christ’s restored Church is priesthood authority.
According to LDS belief, authority to act in God’s name was given to prophets and apostles in ancient times. Members believe that after a long period of apostasy, authority was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery through heavenly messengers.
John the Baptist is believed to have restored the Aaronic Priesthood. (Doctrine & Covenants 13:1)
Peter, James, and John are believed to have restored the Melchizedek Priesthood. (Melchizedek Priesthood)
This priesthood authority is central to LDS belief because ordinances such as baptism, confirmation, temple ordinances, and sealing are believed to require God’s authority.
Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of authority when He called and ordained apostles in the New Testament:
Because of this, Latter-day Saints believe the Restoration was not just about restoring teachings, but restoring divine authority.
Another major reason Latter-day Saints believe the Church is true is the belief in continuing revelation.
The ninth Article of Faith states:
“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”
That idea of ongoing revelation is deeply woven into LDS theology.
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
“We’re witnesses to a process of restoration.” (Quoted by LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. The Ongoing Restoration)
Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ actively directs His Church today through prophets and apostles, just as He did in ancient times.
Elder David A. Bednar explained:
“This restored Church is true because it is the Savior’s Church… And it is a living church because of the workings and gifts of the Holy Ghost.” (Seminary Teacher Manual)
For members, this belief makes the Church feel dynamic rather than frozen in the past.
The Book of Mormon is also central to why Latter-day Saints believe the Church is true.
Joseph Smith described it as:
“the most correct of any book on earth.” (Book of Mormon Introduction)
Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ, supports the Bible, and serves as evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet.
The introduction to the Book of Mormon promises:
“Those who prayerfully study the book and ask God in sincerity if it is true will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost.”
For many members, their testimony of the Church is closely tied to personal experiences praying about the Book of Mormon.
James 1:5 is especially important in LDS history because Joseph Smith said it inspired him to pray for guidance:
That prayer eventually led to what Latter-day Saints call the First Vision.
One important part of LDS theology is that believing the Church is true does not mean believing other religions are worthless.
Latter-day Saints believe God loves all His children and inspires people everywhere.
The Church itself teaches:
“The restored gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and serve all people. We affirm the value of religious freedom, kindness, and respect toward people of all faiths.”
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught:
“Bring with you all that you have of good and truth which you have received from whatever source, and come and let us see if we may add to it.” (The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith)
That attitude has shaped how many Latter-day Saints approach conversations with people of other faiths.
Ultimately, Latter-day Saints believe the Church is true because they believe it is Christ’s restored Church.
That belief is not supposed to lead to pride or superiority. Ideally, it should lead to greater discipleship, humility, and gratitude.
Members believe the Church exists to help people come unto Jesus Christ through covenants, ordinances, service, repentance, and faith.
As the Book of Mormon teaches:
“We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ.” (2 Nephi 25:26)
For Latter-day Saints, the claim that the Church is “true” is not mainly about winning arguments. It is about a conviction that Jesus Christ restored His gospel, His authority, and His Church in modern times.
And, as with every spiritual conviction, members believe that testimony ultimately comes through personal study, prayer, and revelation from God.
Gramps
