Why the Christian LDS Church Is the True Church of Jesus Christ: A Journey from Islam to the Restored Gospel
By Bobby Darvish
darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim, my journey to finding truth has been a unique one. I grew up in an environment saturated with Islamic teachings and the cultural values surrounding Islam, but as I grew older and began to question its doctrines, I felt compelled to seek a deeper connection with God. My search ultimately led me to Christianity, and eventually to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Along the way, I discovered key differences that set the LDS faith apart from other Christian denominations, revealing it as the true church of Jesus Christ.
The Restoration of the Gospel: A Defining Difference
One of the most compelling aspects of the LDS Church is the belief in the Restoration of the gospel. Unlike other Christian denominations, which draw from post-biblical traditions or reformed practices, the LDS Church teaches that Christ’s original church fell into apostasy after the death of the Apostles and was later restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. This belief struck a powerful chord with me because, in Islam, there is also an acknowledgment of lost or corrupted revelations; however, Islam claims to "correct" this loss without continuity with the teachings of Christ or the Bible.
Joseph Smith’s First Vision in 1820 marked the beginning of this Restoration. In this vision, Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, who revealed that none of the existing churches held the fullness of the gospel. This concept of a direct restoration of Christ’s original church was something I had never encountered in any other Christian denomination. It became clear to me that the LDS Church stands apart by its claim of divine restoration rather than mere reformation—a return to Christ’s original teachings, priesthood authority, and ordinances rather than adapting them over centuries.
Priesthood Authority: Christ’s Power on Earth
In the LDS Church, priesthood authority is understood as the power given to worthy men to act in God’s name. This authority, which was lost after the Apostolic age, was restored through heavenly messengers to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1829. Through this priesthood, members of the LDS Church are baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and perform other sacred ordinances that are crucial for salvation. Many Christian denominations lack this concept of priesthood authority, relying instead on clergy or lay leadership without a distinct transfer of authority from Christ.
In Matthew 16:19, Jesus gave Peter the keys to bind on earth and in heaven, a significant act of conferring divine authority. The LDS Church maintains that this priesthood authority is necessary for salvation and eternal progression and holds it as the only church with that original line of authority restored by divine means. This truth resonated deeply with me, contrasting sharply with Islam’s impersonal approach to God and traditional Christianity’s absence of a unified priesthood authority.
Modern Prophets and Continuing Revelation
The LDS Church believes in a “living church” guided by prophets who receive revelation from God, just as Moses, Isaiah, and other prophets did in ancient times. This is critical because it provides ongoing guidance that is relevant to our contemporary lives. Today, the LDS Church is led by a prophet, along with apostles, who communicate God’s will and direction to His people. This continuous revelation is unique to the LDS Church and was a pivotal factor in my conversion.
Many Christian denominations hold to a closed canon of scripture, meaning they believe God no longer reveals new truths to humanity. Islam, while claiming to have the final revelation through the Prophet Muhammad, does not entertain the possibility of continued revelation. For me, the idea of a loving God who continues to guide His children is powerful, logical, and consistent with the biblical God who spoke to His people through prophets across centuries.
The Plan of Salvation: A Complete and Eternal Perspective
Another truth unique to the LDS Church is the Plan of Salvation, which provides a complete and eternal perspective on life and the afterlife. Unlike other Christian denominations, which often portray heaven and hell as the only two possible outcomes, the LDS Church teaches that God’s plan offers multiple degrees of glory, allowing individuals to progress and receive rewards according to their faithfulness and choices on earth. This doctrine reflects a God of both justice and mercy, aligning with the idea of a perfectly loving Father who desires all His children to reach their fullest potential.
Islam’s afterlife, by contrast, is limited to heaven or hell, often based on works and adherence to Islamic doctrine. Many other Christian denominations have similar black-and-white views of salvation. But the LDS perspective of eternal progression, learning, and growing resonates deeply with me. In my personal journey, I found great hope in knowing that God’s plan for us is expansive, providing everyone with opportunities for growth and redemption.
Baptism for the Dead and Family Sealings: Eternal Connections
One of the most profound aspects of the LDS faith is its doctrine of eternal families. Through temple ordinances, members of the LDS Church can be sealed to their families, linking generations and creating eternal bonds that transcend earthly life. Baptism for the dead is another unique practice, allowing those who did not have the opportunity to accept Christ in this life to receive that blessing in the next. This reflects God’s mercy and fairness, as He provides a way for every soul to hear the gospel message.
In Islam and most other Christian denominations, the focus on family is limited to this life, and there is little to no teaching on family connections in the afterlife. The LDS Church’s emphasis on eternal families and vicarious work for the dead solidifies its claim as the true church of Jesus Christ, carrying forward His love and compassion for all people, past and present.
The Spirit’s Witness: A Confirmation of Truth
Ultimately, it was through prayer and study that I received a personal witness of the truthfulness of the LDS Church. The Holy Ghost testified to my heart and mind that this was indeed the true church of Jesus Christ. This spiritual witness, often referred to as a “burning in the bosom” (Doctrine and Covenants 9:8), was a transformative experience for me, a confirmation that my journey from Islam to Christianity and finally to the LDS faith had brought me to the place God intended.
In conclusion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, in my view, the true church of Jesus Christ. It holds the fullness of the gospel, the restored priesthood authority, modern prophets, a comprehensive Plan of Salvation, and the promise of eternal families. These teachings set it apart from other Christian denominations and certainly from Islam. My testimony is rooted in the spiritual confirmation I received through the Holy Ghost, and I feel a profound responsibility to share these truths with others who seek a deeper relationship with God.
Sources:
- The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830.
- The Bible, Matthew 16:19; Doctrine and Covenants 9:8.
- “Joseph Smith’s First Vision: A Primary Source Analysis.” Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University.
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