From the theological perspective of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, it is indeed considered the one true church. This core belief stems from its foundational scriptures, which declare the Church to be "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth" (D&C 1:30).
The Church's Core Doctrine of Restoration
The assertion of being the "one true church" is central to the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members believe that after an ancient apostasy led to a loss of divine authority and essential doctrines, God restored His church through the Prophet Joseph Smith in the 19th century. This restoration included:
- Divine Authority: The re-establishment of the priesthood—God's power and authority given to man to act in His name.
- Complete Doctrine: The restoration of full and accurate doctrines, principles, and ordinances, clarifying truths that were lost or corrupted over time.
- Prophetic Guidance: The re-establishment of a living prophet and apostles, providing continuous revelation and guidance from God to His Church today.
This restoration, they believe, makes The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unique as the divinely appointed conduit for God's power and teachings on Earth.
What "One True Church" Means in Latter-day Saint Theology
The concept of the "one true church" within Latter-day Saint theology is not meant to diminish the good found in other faiths, but rather to assert a unique claim regarding divine authority and completeness of doctrine.
- Restored Priesthood Authority:
- Latter-day Saints believe that the original authority held by apostles in biblical times was lost and subsequently restored to Joseph Smith through heavenly messengers. This restored authority is essential for performing saving ordinances like baptism, conferring the Holy Ghost, and administering the sacrament (communion).
- Completeness of Gospel Principles:
- The Church teaches that the fulness of the gospel, including all necessary doctrines and ordinances for salvation and exaltation, has been revealed anew. This includes teachings on the nature of God, the purpose of life, the plan of salvation, and the role of families in eternity.
- Direct Revelation and Guidance:
- A distinguishing characteristic is the belief in ongoing revelation through a living prophet and apostles, providing current guidance for the Church and its members in an ever-changing world. This is seen as a continuation of the pattern found in ancient biblical times.
Historical and Theological Context
The belief in being the "one true church" is deeply intertwined with the Latter-day Saint understanding of religious history. They believe that a "Great Apostasy" occurred after the death of the ancient apostles, leading to changes in Christian doctrine and organization. The establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is viewed as a "restoration" of the original church that Jesus Christ organized, complete with its priesthood authority, doctrines, and organizational structure. Therefore, from this perspective, it is the only institution on earth authorized by God to perform saving ordinances and teach His complete gospel.
Implications of This Belief
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the belief in it being the one true church carries significant implications:
- Commitment to the Gospel: It fosters a strong sense of purpose and commitment to live according to the teachings and commandments.
- Missionary Work: It underpins the global missionary efforts, driven by a desire to share what they believe to be the restored truth with all people.
- Covenant Path: It guides members to participate in ordinances and covenants offered only within the Church, which they believe are necessary for eternal progression.