The Wentworth Letter, written by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1842, holds a significant place in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Addressed to John Wentworth, the editor of the Chicago Democrat, this letter serves as a succinct statement of the basic beliefs and organizational structure of the Church. It was written at a time when the Church was facing considerable public scrutiny and misunderstanding, and the letter’s purpose was to clarify the Church’s position on various theological and social matters. Within the context of the early 1840s, when the Church was struggling with external opposition and internal development, the Wentworth Letter provided a critical opportunity for Joseph Smith to define the core doctrines of the Church in a clear and public way. The letter was published in the Times and Seasons (the Church’s newspaper at the time) and can be read online.²³⁵

The letter begins with a brief history of the founding of the Church, recounting the initial vision of Joseph Smith in 1820, when he saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, in what is now known as the First Vision. This foundational event is pivotal to understanding the distinctiveness of the Church and its doctrine, as it sets the stage for the Restoration of the gospel. The account of the First Vision, which was first published in the Times and Seasons in 1842, encapsulates the Latter-day Saint belief in a personal, direct relationship with God. The vision revealed to Joseph Smith that the creeds of the traditional Christian churches were wrong, and that he was called to restore the true gospel of Jesus Christ. The Wentworth Letter’s inclusion of this vision highlights its centrality to the Church’s narrative and the authenticity of its claim to divine restoration.

The Wentworth Letter also outlines the Articles of Faith, a concise list of thirteen key beliefs that provide a summary of the core doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These articles present an ordered expression of belief in the Godhead, the role of Jesus Christ as the Savior, the necessity of faith, repentance, and baptism, the ongoing need for the Holy Ghost, and the existence of prophets and apostles in the modern Church. Among the most important doctrines conveyed in the letter are the Church’s teachings on the nature of God and the Godhead. As reflected in the first Article of Faith, the Church emphasizes the distinctness of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, who are united in purpose but are separate beings. This understanding of the Godhead sharply contrasts with the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, where God is viewed as a singular, unified entity. The assertion of separate and distinct persons within the Godhead is fundamental to the theology of the Church and is reinforced by references to the scriptural foundation of these beliefs in the New Testament, such as in the prayers of Jesus (John 17:3, 9) and His baptism by John (Matthew 3:16-17).

The Wentworth Letter also elaborates on the role of modern-day prophets and apostles. As part of the Restoration, the Church teaches that God continues to speak to His people through living prophets, just as He did in biblical times. This belief in continuing revelation sets the Church apart from many other Christian traditions, which typically hold that prophecy ceased with the death of the apostles and the closing of the biblical canon. The inclusion of continuing revelation and the restoration of priesthood authority through the laying on of hands by John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John (Doctrine & Covenants 13; Doctrine & Covenants 27:12-13) is a key aspect of the Church’s doctrine that distinguishes it from other religious movements. The Book of Mormon further supports this concept, affirming that the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples (Alma 7:21), emphasizing the importance of purity in accessing divine guidance.

Another significant element of the Wentworth Letter is the doctrine of salvation and the necessity of baptism. The Church teaches that baptism by immersion for the remission of sins is essential for salvation, as outlined in the third Article of Faith. Latter-day Saints believe that baptism is not only symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ but also a necessary ordinance for membership in the Church and for the receipt of the Holy Ghost. This ordinance serves as a critical step in the process of individual salvation, as it provides a means of entering into a covenant with God, which is then ratified through the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. The letter’s clear emphasis on these ordinances highlights the Church’s distinctive view that both faith and works are integral to salvation. This differs from some Protestant teachings, where salvation is often viewed as being achieved solely through faith in Christ.

The Wentworth Letter also describes the practices of the Church that are intended to help its members lead righteous and virtuous lives. These include a focus on moral behavior, the importance of missionary work, and the call to serve one’s fellow beings through acts of charity and service. These principles are reflected in the thirteenth Article of Faith, which declares that Latter-day Saints believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men. The ethical framework presented in the letter is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and is seen as an essential part of the covenant relationship that members enter into through baptism. This commitment to living a virtuous life is not only a personal matter but also a collective one, as members of the Church are called to support and uplift one another.

The letter concludes with a brief mention of the practice of gathering Israel, which refers to the belief in the restoration of the ten lost tribes of Israel and the eventual establishment of a Zion society. This doctrine is tied to the Church’s broader vision of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His millennial reign. The gathering of Israel is not merely a physical return to the land of promise but also a spiritual gathering through the preaching of the gospel and the conversion of individuals to the faith. This idea is deeply embedded in the Church’s mission to spread the message of the gospel to all nations, fulfilling the prophecy of the last days as outlined in the Book of Mormon and the Bible (Isaiah 11:10-12; 1 Nephi 22:8).

The Wentworth Letter serves as a foundational document in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as it encapsulates the key beliefs, practices, and doctrines that define the faith. The beliefs outlined in the letter set the Church apart from other Christian denominations in several critical ways. The most significant differences are found in the Church’s understanding of the nature of God and the Godhead, its belief in the necessity of both faith and works for salvation, its emphasis on the role of modern-day prophets and apostles, and its doctrines concerning baptism and continuing revelation. These differences highlight the Church’s unique perspective on the gospel and the necessity of restoring the fullness of Christ’s teachings to the modern world.

Adopting this understanding and practice offers several unique privileges and benefits. The most prominent is the knowledge that God continues to speak to His people today through living prophets. This living connection to divine guidance ensures that members of the Church are not left to rely solely on historical scriptures or human interpretations but can receive personal revelation and instruction. Furthermore, the Church’s comprehensive understanding of salvation—encompassing faith, repentance, baptism, the reception of the Holy Ghost, and adherence to commandments—provides a clear path for spiritual progression, while its emphasis on the importance of community and service fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. Ultimately, the Wentworth Letter’s presentation of the gospel message provides a framework for both personal and collective salvation, rooted in a relationship with a loving and active God who continues to guide His children.