Discover the true doctrines of the gospel that lead to eternal happiness, drawn from the Bible and LDS Quad. Learn how the restored gospel, through priesthood authority and ongoing revelation, corrects man-made beliefs like faith alone and sola scriptura, offering a path to joy as experienced in temple covenants.

True Doctrines of the Gospel

By Michael B. Nhem

In a world filled with confusion, where over 50,000 Christian denominations offer varying teachings, the search for true doctrines is vital for eternal life. As a Polysomnographic Technologist who finds peace in faith, and a husband sealed for 34 years in the Seattle Temple, I’ve learned that God’s truth—revealed through the Bible and the LDS Quad—guides us away from man-made doctrines. Concepts like sola scriptura (scripture alone), once saved always saved, and faith is all you need have crept into modern beliefs, yet they stray from the fullness of Christ’s gospel. Let’s explore the true doctrines of the gospel, rooted in scripture and restored through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to bring clarity and hope.

The Problem of Man-Made Doctrines

Many churches today rely on interpretations that deviate from the Savior’s teachings. Sola scriptura, the belief that the Bible alone is sufficient, ignores the need for ongoing revelation, as Amos 3:7 states, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Once saved always saved suggests eternal security regardless of actions, contradicting 2 Nephi 25:23 from the Book of Mormon: “For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” Faith alone, excluding works, overlooks James 2:17: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” These doctrines, born of human reasoning, lack the divine authority and completeness of Christ’s original Church.

The True Doctrines Revealed

Christ established His Church with a foundation of apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20), endowed with priesthood authority to teach and perform ordinances. The LDS Quad restores these truths, countering man-made errors with divine revelation.

1. The Need for Ongoing Revelation

God speaks today as He did in ancient times. Doctrine and Covenants 1:38 affirms, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” The Bible alone cannot address modern challenges; prophets like Joseph Smith, called in 1820, bring new scripture, such as the Book of Mormon, which 2 Nephi 29:8 promises: “For I command all men… that they shall write the words which I speak unto them… for a wise purpose in me.”

2. Salvation Through Grace and Works

Salvation requires both grace and effort. 2 Nephi 25:23 emphasizes that grace saves us “after all we can do,” aligning with Philippians 2:12: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” The restored gospel teaches that ordinances like baptism and temple sealings—such as my eternal marriage—are essential, not optional, countering the once saved always saved fallacy.

3. Faith Accompanied by Works

True faith is active. James 2:26 declares, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” The Book of Mormon echoes this in Alma 34:17: “Ye cannot be saved in your sins.” My family’s commitment to service and obedience reflects this doctrine, blessing us with unity and joy over 34 years.

4. Priesthood Authority and Ordinances

Christ’s Church requires divine authority. Hebrews 5:4 states, “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” The restoration through Joseph Smith restored the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods (Doctrine and Covenants 13), enabling ordinances that bind families eternally, a truth I’ve lived through my temple sealing.

5. The Role of Prophets and Apostles

The Church must have living prophets. Ephesians 4:11-13 notes their role “till we all come in the unity of the faith,” a need unmet by denominations relying on past scripture alone. Today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues with a prophet and twelve apostles, guided by Doctrine and Covenants 107:23.

The Restoration of True Doctrines

After the apostasy—when priesthood authority and revelation ceased (2 Thessalonians 2:3)—God restored His Church on April 6, 1830, through Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith—History 1:19 records Christ’s declaration: “They teach for doctrines the commandments of men.” The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price correct these errors, offering the fullness of the gospel. This restoration, prophesied in Acts 3:21 as the “restitution of all things,” ensures true doctrines guide us today.

A Call to Embrace True Doctrines

Man-made doctrines lead to confusion, but God’s restored truths bring peace. As a father of four, I’ve seen the blessings of living these principles, from temple covenants to daily faith. I invite you to study the Bible and LDS Quad with an open heart. Moroni 10:4-5 promises, “Ask God… if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart… he will manifest the truth… by the power of the Holy Ghost.” Reject sola scriptura, once saved always saved, and faith alone, and embrace the true doctrines of Christ’s restored Church. Contact me to learn more.