Article of Faith 13
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
There is much here to admire.
This statement reflects values that resonate deeply:
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Moral purity
- Kindness
- Perseverance
These are not only good qualities…
they are qualities the Bible affirms.
And it is important to say this clearly:
👉 Many Latter-day Saints genuinely strive to live this way.
Why This Matters
This article highlights something that can be easy to misunderstand:
👉 Good people can be sincerely committed… and still be mistaken about what is true.
Character and sincerity matter.
But they are not the same as truth.
What This Means in LDS Experience
LDS culture places a strong emphasis on:
- Family values
- Moral discipline
- Service and community
- Personal responsibility
And many who grow up within the LDS Church develop:
- Strong work ethic
- Deep commitment to family
- A desire to live upright lives
These are real strengths.
And they should be recognized.
The Critical Difference
This is where a careful distinction must be made.
Mormonism emphasizes:
- Becoming good
- Living worthy
- Progressing through effort and obedience
The Bible teaches:
- No one is truly righteous on their own
- Good works cannot make us right with God
- Righteousness is given—not achieved
This does not diminish the value of good character.
It places it in the right order.
What Scripture Reveals
Goodness Cannot Save Us
“There is none righteous, no, not one.”
(Romans 3:10)
This is not a statement about effort.
It is a statement about condition.
Our Best Efforts Are Not Enough
“All our righteous acts are like filthy rags…”
(Isaiah 64:6)
Even our best attempts at goodness fall short of God’s standard.
Righteousness Is Given Through Christ
“Not having a righteousness of my own… but that which is through faith in Christ…”
(Philippians 3:9)
This is the turning point.
Righteousness is not something we build.
It is something we receive.
Good Works Follow Salvation
“We are His workmanship… created in Christ Jesus for good works…”
(Ephesians 2:10)
Good works matter.
But they are the result of salvation—not the cause of it.
Why This Changes Everything
This brings us full circle.
Because after everything we’ve looked at…
the question becomes:
What are you trusting in?
- Your sincerity?
- Your effort?
- Your ability to live well?
Or…
- The finished work of Christ?
A Gentle but Important Question
If standing before God depended on your goodness…
would it be enough?
Or are you trusting in something greater than yourself?
Final Thought
There are many sincere, kind, and morally committed people in the world.
And many within the LDS Church reflect those qualities in admirable ways.
But the gospel is not:
👉 “Be good enough, and you will be accepted.”
The gospel is:
👉 “You could never be good enough… and that’s why Jesus came.”
And when that truth settles in…
goodness no longer becomes something you strive to earn acceptance—
it becomes something that flows from having already received it.