One of the new entries in the Topics and Questions section of the Gospel Library is the entry The Only True and Living Church.

The Lord Himself declared that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30). What does that mean?

From the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel to the present, Church leaders have affirmed that all people are children of God. Our Heavenly Father loves and wants to bless all of His children.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not claim a monopoly on goodness and truth. There are countless people throughout the world who are examples of integrity and goodwill. And true and wholesome principles can be found in various religions and ethical systems throughout the world. Each of us has the right to believe and worship as our individual conscience leads us (see Articles of Faith 1:11).

At the same time, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a unique commission from God to offer the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. The gospel message we share includes precious restored truths not found anywhere else about God and our relationship to Him. The Church also has the priesthood authority from God to administer the ordinances by which we enter into a covenant relationship with Him.

Latter-day Saints believe and testify that living the restored gospel brings lasting joy, heals the consequences of sin, and prepares God’s children to live again in His presence.

The section “Exploring Your Questions” answers the following questions:

• How does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints view other religious traditions?
• What does it mean that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the “only true and living church”?
• Do you need to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be saved?
• Why doesn’t the Church accept the baptisms of other Christians?
• Does God have a “chosen people”?
• What are the Church’s views on religious freedom?

Read the entry The Only True and Living Church.

The Topics and Questions section of the Gospel Library has an alphabetical list of hundreds of topics of potential interest. It also has two helpful the sections: Seeking Answers to Questions and Helping Others With Questions.