Article of Faith 5: Authority and Calling

At First Glance

This statement may sound reasonable—even biblical. After all, Scripture does speak of:

• God calling individuals
• Leaders being appointed
• The laying on of hands

So what’s the concern? The concern is not that God calls people. The concern is who is recognized as having that authority—and who is not.

Why This Matters

This article answers a critical question: Who is authorized to speak for God? Because once that question is settled, everything else follows.

• Who can preach the gospel
• Who can baptize
• Who can define truth
• Who you are allowed to trust

In Mormonism, the answer is very specific—and very exclusive.

What This Means in LDS Teaching

In LDS theology, authority to minister does not come simply from a personal calling or a clear understanding of Scripture. It comes through priesthood authority—which must be passed down through an unbroken line of ordination within the LDS Church.

“A man must be called of God… by those who are in authority…”
(Articles of Faith 5)

This authority is believed to have been lost after the early apostles died and later restored through Joseph Smith.

As a result:

• Only those ordained within the LDS priesthood are authorized to preach the gospel in a binding way
• Only LDS priesthood holders can perform valid ordinances (such as baptism)
• Other Christian ministers are not recognized as having legitimate authority

LDS teaching is explicit on this point:

“There is no salvation outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
(Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine)

And regarding priesthood authority:

“Authority is necessary in the Church… A man must be called of God… by the laying on of hands.”
(Gospel Principles, 1997)

This means that even if a Christian pastor faithfully teaches the Bible…

…he is still viewed as lacking the authority to administer the gospel in a way that is recognized by God.

The Critical Difference

This is where the divide becomes unmistakable.

This is not just a structural difference. It determines whether access to God is controlled… or freely given.

What Scripture Reveals

Authority Comes from Christ

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
(Matthew 28:18)

Jesus is the source of authority—not an institution or lineage.

The Gospel Is Entrusted to Believers

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
(Matthew 28:19)

This commission was not limited to a future organization. It was given to those who follow Christ.

Every Believer Has Direct Access to God

“There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
(1 Timothy 2:5)

We do not need a human chain of authority to reach God. Christ Himself is our mediator.

Believers Are a Royal Priesthood

“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood…”
(1 Peter 2:9)

This does not eliminate leadership within the church. But it does mean that access to God is not restricted to a select group.

Why This Changes Everything

If authority is controlled by an institution… then your access to God is also controlled.

But if authority comes through Christ… then the door is already open.

This is the difference between:

A System of Gatekeepers

“You must go through the right people, in the right system, with the right authority.”

vs.

A Direct Relationship

“You can come to God through Jesus Christ—because He has already made the way.”

A Gentle but Important Question

Who told you that you needed their authority… in order to come to God? And where does that idea come from?

Final Thought

It is not wrong to believe that God calls people into ministry, but it is dangerous to believe that only a specific group holds the keys to God Himself. Because once that belief is in place…

truth becomes something that must be granted to you—
instead of something you can encounter directly through Christ.