Erin Ropelato

Discover the 3 Primary Sources of Truth in the Gospel of Jesus Christ

What do you do when you have a question about the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Where do you go to find the truth?

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are the source of all truth.

Mosiah 4:9 teaches, ”Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.”

Jesus Christ, Himself, taught, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

Did you know there are only three primary sources of truth? Do you know what they are?

The three primary sources of truth are found in the word of God:

the scriptures
the words of living prophets
the Holy Ghost.

The word of God is the best place to go when you have a question. The word of God is found in the scriptures and in the teaching of today’s living prophet and apostles. The word of God can also come to us individually, through the Holy Ghost.

1. The Scriptures

The 8th Article of Faith states, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” We find the word of God in the holy scriptures, especially in the Book of Mormon.

Christ shared His testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon when He said, “And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to the printing of the Book of Mormon, which contains the truth and the word of God—” -Doctrine and Covenants 19:26

2. The Words of Living Prophets

While serving as a counselor in the First Presidency, President J. Reuben Clark Jr. taught, “Prophets, seers, and revelators… have the right, the power, and authority to declare the mind and will of God to his people, subject to the over-all power and authority of the President of the Church.” (“When are Church Leaders’ Word Entitled to Claim of Scripture?” Church News, July 31, 1954, 9-10).

Twice a year, we get to hear the words of living prophets and apostles during General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held each April and October. During General Conference, the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other church leader share messages about doctrines and principles of the gospel.

3. The Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a revelator of truth. One of the roles of the Holy Ghost is to testify of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

“Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old.” -Jacob 4:13

The Three Primary Sources of Truth

Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-39 shares all three primary sources of truth. The Lord said, “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen.” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-39)

Secondary Sources of Truth

There are many secondary sources of truth produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All resources published by the church are reviewed for doctrinal purity but are still secondary sources. These sources include manuals, books, hymns, videos, magazines, and more.

Be in the Word

Church leaders are continually inviting us to be reading the scriptures for ourselves. President Mark L. Pace, General Sunday School President, taught about being in the scriptures in the April 2024 General Conference. He said, “Dear brothers and sisters, we are so grateful for your efforts in reading the scriptures with Come, Follow Me. Thank you for all you are doing. Your daily connection with God and His word has profound consequences…

Reading the Savior’s teachings in the scriptures helps us transform our homes into sanctuaries of faith and centers of gospel learning. It invites the Spirit into our homes. The Holy Ghost fills our souls with joy and converts us into lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

Over these last several years, while reading the books of holy scripture, we have observed the panorama of God’s teachings to His children in all the major gospel dispensations.” (“It Is Wisdom in the Lord That We Should Have the Book of Mormon”).

What a sweet reminder to be in the word of God found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets and apostles, and through the Holy Ghost.

A Musical Reminder

Several years ago, while serving in Primary, our children learned the beautiful song “If I Listen With My Heart” by Sally DeFord. This song reminds us of the three sources of truth- each verse teaching us where to find truth. First in the scriptures. Second in the words of living prophets. Third in from the Holy Ghost.

Here is a version from the Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square of “If I Listen With My Heart.” (Don’t you love musical reminders! I know I do!)

Erin Ropelato

Discover the 3 Primary Sources of Truth in the Gospel of Jesus Christ

1. The Scriptures

2. The Words of Living Prophets

3. The Holy Ghost

The Three Primary Sources of Truth

Secondary Sources of Truth

Be in the Word

A Musical Reminder

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