The Gospel of Jesus Christ Restored?

The True Gospel Revealed in Scripture

This is a special Gospel of Christ page for the LDS

It’s written especially for those familiar with Latter-day Saint (LDS) teachings, to help bridge understanding between biblical truth and familiar language. While we’re not diving into definitions here, we’ve included a full glossary below to clarify key terms used in this message.

“…contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Jude 1:3 — The Gospel was never lost, never hidden, and never in need of restoration. It has always been complete in Christ. This page presents the Gospel message in plain and simple terms. John 14:6, Acts 4:12.

If you’re looking for deeper study, we’ve also provided links to other pages that explore the Gospel and Salvation in greater detail.

Scripture is clear: all are lost unless they come to Christ Jesus. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 and Romans 10:9–13.

God promises to reveal Himself to every person so that no one has an excuse. “The invisible attributes of God… are clearly seen.” Romans 1:18–20. Salvation comes only through the true Christ revealed in Scripture. While human understanding may be imperfect, God looks at the heart and knows who truly receives His Son. “With the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9–10, Galatians 1:6–9. That’s between God and the individual. But if someone doesn’t know the truth, how shall they be saved? “How shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14.

Jesus leads His Church today through His Spirit. While He may use leaders and organizations, the true authority rests in Him alone. “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13, Romans 8:14, Ephesians 4:11–13. According to Scripture, Christians — and only Christians — are the Church, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Bride of Christ. Not a building. Not a hierarchy. Not a system. “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” 1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 2:19–22.

The Church is the collective body of believers who belong to Him. The Bride of Christ is made up of those who follow Him, not those who follow a religious structure. “Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Ephesians 5:25–27, Revelation 19:7–8. Ultimately, following Christ and following a man-made system are two very different paths. One can’t serve two masters. “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24. And Scripture warns: "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit…" Colossians 2:8–9. One is the living Savior; the other is not — and may even obscure Him.

Not all religious systems lead to truth. This danger is not new — even in Jesus’ day the Pharisees and Sadducees were deeply religious — yet they missed the Messiah standing in front of them. “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” Matthew 23, John 5:39–40.

Today, many institutions bear the name of God but obscure the person of Christ. Galatians 1:6–9, 2 Corinthians 11:4, 1 John 2:22. Whether it’s Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, or any system (whether religious or cultural) that redefines Jesus or adds to or alters His Gospel, the warning remains: religion can be a substitute for relationship. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven…” Matthew 7:21–23.

List of relevant verses:
Matthew 6:24; Matthew 23; Matthew 7:21–23; John 14:6; John 16:13; John 5:39–40; Acts 4:12; Romans 1:18–20; Romans 3:23; Romans 8:14; Romans 10:9–10; Romans 10:9–13; Romans 10:14; 1 Corinthians 12:27; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6–9; Ephesians 2:19–22; Ephesians 4:11–13; Ephesians 5:25–27; Colossians 2:8–9; 1 John 2:22; Revelation 19:7–8

Our Need for Perfection

Only a perfect man can come to God: innocent, sinless, pure, and holy. But since no one is perfect, it’s impossible for us to approach Him on our own.

God’s Provision

That’s why God made a Way. God manifested Himself as Jesus — the Son of Man — and in doing so, is the Son of God. Jesus lived the perfect, holy life we could never live, and died on the cross as a criminal — though He was holy, innocent and pure.

Because He was holy, God gave Jesus the power to rise from the dead.

The Perfect Sacrifice

Just like the sacrifices of old, where an innocent lamb died in place of the sinner, Christ died for us. Those Old Covenant sacrifices were worldly, not spiritually perfect, and therefore, temporary. But Jesus, the Lamb of God, is spiritually perfect, and being God, His sacrifice was once and for all, permanent.

The Eternal Gospel

This was done by Jesus, and this message is the Gospel of Christ which was written before Creation, secured by God through every generation, throughout all eternity. It is FULL and complete, and does not need restoration. Every part of us, our whole being, is purified for Him.

True Restoration

When God speaks of restoration, this is what He is talking about — restoring the Creation back to its original, pristine, perfect, holy condition.

Universal Invitation

God makes sure we get the knowledge that we need to be saved, revealing Himself to all — and Jesus Christ died for all, the entire world in fact. He took all of our sins and abolished them forever.

Our Response

But this is an offer, like a holy marriage proposal — one must say "I do" in truth and love. That doesn't sound like "agency" to me.

If you want to compare it to worldly terms, it's like winning the lottery, but you have to legally claim it, or it is forfeit.

The Greatest Tragedy

The worst sin possible is to willingly reject this free gift of Grace. And there is nothing we can do to earn our approach to God — even our righteousness is as filthy rags to God, which is why we all need Jesus.

📖 Definitions (Glossary of Scriptural Terms)

This glossary is designed to reclaim biblical language from distortion and restore each term to its original, scriptural meaning. Many religious systems — including Latter‑day Saint (LDS) teaching — use familiar words but redefine them in ways that obscure the truth of the Gospel. By returning to the Word of God, these definitions anchor each concept in Scripture, showing what God Himself has revealed.

Each entry includes a short explanation and supporting verses so readers can see directly from the Bible how these truths were meant to be understood. The goal is simple: to replace man‑made reinterpretations with the clarity of God’s Word, and to highlight that every promise and covenant finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Agency

As understood here, agency is not a biblical concept. It’s foreign to the message of Jesus and contrary to the Word of God. Scripture teaches that we are born under God’s wrath, destined for destruction — unless He intervenes with love and mercy.
Agency, as taught in LDS doctrine, is foreign to Scripture. The Bible teaches not human neutrality, but human bondage to sin — and salvation only by God’s grace.
Romans 3:10–12; Ephesians 2:1–3; Romans 6:17–18

Atonement

The reconciliation between God and humanity made possible by the sacrificial death of Jesus.
Romans 5:10–11; 2 Corinthians 5:18–19; Colossians 1:20

Born Again

A spiritual rebirth — not physical — that occurs when someone places their faith in Christ and receives new life through the Holy Spirit.
John 3:3–5; 1 Peter 1:3, 23; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Covenants

A covenant is a sacred agreement or promise between God and His people. The Old Covenant was based on the Law; the New Covenant is based on grace through Jesus Christ. Together, these covenants are sacred, binding agreements initiated by God to establish His relationship with humanity, involving promises, responsibilities, and blessings. The biblical covenants are fulfilled in Christ.
Jeremiah 31:31–33; Hebrews 8:6–13; Luke 22:20

Faith

Trusting in God’s promises and character, especially in the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:1, 6; Romans 10:9–10; Galatians 2:20

Godhead

God in His fullness — manifest in the flesh as Jesus Christ, who indwells believers with His Spirit.
Colossians 2:9; Colossians 1:19; 1 Timothy 3:16

Gospel

The “Good News” that Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again to offer eternal life to all who believe.
Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4; John 3:16

Grace

God’s unearned favor and mercy — a gift freely given, not based on our actions or worthiness.
Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 5:15–17; 2 Corinthians 12:9

Holy

Set apart, pure, and perfect in moral and spiritual nature. Only God is truly holy.
1 Peter 1:15–16; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8

Imputed Righteousness

The righteousness of Christ credited to believers, making them acceptable before God.
2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 4:5–6; Philippians 3:9

Justification

The act of God declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Jesus. It’s a legal term — as if we’ve never sinned.
Romans 3:28; Romans 5:1; Galatians 2:16

Messiah

The “Anointed One” promised in the Old Testament, fulfilled in Jesus Christ as Savior and King.
Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Matthew 5:17; Acts 2:36; Luke 4:18–21

Natural Man

Spiritually lost and unable to progress on his own. However, he can be saved — born again into a new life — becoming the perfect man Adam was before his fall. Adam remains a man, even in heaven, in his glorified body. He is a redeemed heir to God’s promises, but not divine. All glory and honor belong to Jesus Christ alone.
1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:1–3; Romans 5:12

Propitiation

The act of appeasing God’s righteous wrath against sin through a perfect sacrifice — Jesus.
Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10

Redemption

The act of being bought back or rescued from sin — Jesus paid the price for our freedom.
Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13–14; 1 Peter 1:18–19

Repentance

Turning away from sin and turning toward God with a sincere heart.
Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3; 2 Corinthians 7:10

Restoration

God’s plan to return Creation to its original, perfect state — spiritually, morally, and physically.
Restoration in Scripture refers not to a lost gospel, but to God’s plan to renew creation.
Acts 3:21; Revelation 21:1–5; Romans 8:19–21

Righteousness

Being in right standing with God. Human righteousness is flawed; true righteousness comes through faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:21–22; Philippians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21

Sacrifice

In biblical terms, the offering of a life (often an innocent animal) to atone for sin. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice.
Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:10–12; John 1:29

Salvation

Being saved from sin and its consequences, and granted eternal life through Jesus.
Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5

Sanctification

The ongoing process of being made holy — set apart for God’s purposes — through the work of the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 4:3; John 17:17; Hebrews 10:14

Sin

Any thought, action, or attitude that goes against God's holiness and will. It separates us from Him.
Romans 3:23; 1 John 3:4; Isaiah 59:2

The Way

A term used in early Christianity to describe the path of salvation through Jesus, who said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
John 14:6; Acts 9:2; Acts 24:14

Works

The fruit, not the root. Works are the result of having been saved by grace through faith — not the means of salvation. Since they cannot save, this distinction is essential.
Ephesians 2:8–10; James 2:17–18; Titus 3:5

List of relevant verses:
Isaiah 6:3; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 59:2; Jeremiah 31:31–33; Micah 5:2; Matthew 5:17; Luke 4:18–21; Luke 13:3; John 1:29; John 3:3–5; John 3:16; John 14:6; John 17:17; Acts 3:19; Acts 3:21; Acts 4:12; Acts 9:2; Acts 24:14; Romans 1:16; Romans 3:10–12; Romans 3:21–22; Romans 3:23; Romans 3:25; Romans 3:28; Romans 4:5–6; Romans 5:1; Romans 5:10–11; Romans 5:12; Romans 5:15–17; Romans 6:17–18; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:18–19; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 2:16; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:1–3; Ephesians 2:8–10; Philippians 3:9; Colossians 1:13–14; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:8–9; Colossians 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 8:6–13; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:10–12; Hebrews 10:14; Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 1:15–16; 1 Peter 1:18–19; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 3:4; 1 John 4:10; Revelation 4:8; Revelation 21:1–5