March 20, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde
(The following writings are my own opinions, and believes, not statements of fact, which I have obtained through tremendous study of end-times prophecy as written in the bible. I have prayerfully included God in my studies to remain on-track for seeking truth. I do not speak as a representative of any religion).
You might feel that you have an excellent relationship with your church. You might even declare that you KNOW that the doctrine of your church is TRUE! You feel that your church has made you a good person. You have done a great deal of “Good Works” hoping that they will increase your chances in obtaining a higher degree in heaven.
You have been a faithful tithing payer, which has come as a result of tremendous personal sacrifice. You have a very strong relationship with your church, and KNOW that it is only through your church that you will be able to receive exaltation.
You are comfortable with your relationship with Jesus Christ, but sometimes place the churches importance over your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you have a “direct” personal relationship with Christ, or is it only through the church that you have this relationship?
As someone who was once exactly where you are today, I had no idea of the spiritual danger that I was in… (hear me out, my message today is out of love). I realized that this scripture was actually referring to me:
Matthew 7:21–23:
21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
22 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”
23 “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Today, I would like to talk about having a relationship directly with Jesus Christ, and help you see where the church is interfering with this relationship. God has led you to this writing, I encourage you to prayerfully read it to see what he is trying to teach you.
When a church declares that you need them in order to obtain salvation, a moment of pause should occur. Is this true? Do we need a church for Anything as it relates to our salvation? Let’s take a look at some specific examples of church teachings as they relate to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as He taught when He was on the earth, and see how they compare.
Let’s start with repentance.
Repentance through Church
- The repentance process involves the church.
- You must confess certain sins to a church leader.
- Serious sins must be taken to a “Church Court” to determine what else must be done to receive forgiveness.
- Additional tasks can be added from this court involving punishments determined by the church.
- The church is involved in granting a person forgiveness for their sins.
Repentance Taught by Jesus Christ
When Jesus Christ was on the earth, He taught His gospel. This is the gospel that He expects for us to follow today. This is what He taught regarding repentance:
Repentance is not a ritual, not a checklist to earn salvation—but a heart process that leads you back to God through Jesus Christ.
Here are the biblical steps of repentance, simply and truthfully:
1. Recognize Your Sin
“I acknowledge my transgressions…” — Psalm 51:3 (KJV)
2. Feel Godly Sorrow (Not Just Guilt)
“Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation…” — 2 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV)
3. Turn Away from Sin
“Let the wicked forsake his way…” — Isaiah 55:7 (KJV)
4. Turn TO God
“Let him return unto the Lord…” — Isaiah 55:7 (KJV)
5. Confess It to God
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive…” — 1 John 1:9 (KJV)
6. Believe in Jesus Christ
“Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” — Mark 1:15 (KJV)
7. Begin a New Direction
“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance…” — Matthew 3:8 (KJV)
God Is the One Who Forgives
“I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions… and will not remember thy sins.”
— Isaiah 43:25 (KJV)
That’s God speaking directly:
- Forgiveness comes from Him alone
- It’s not earned—it’s given
But Forgiveness Comes Through Jesus Christ
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
— Colossians 1:14 (KJV)
This is how it works:
- God forgives
- Jesus paid the price
So, forgiveness is:
From God → through Jesus → given to us by grace
Do you see anywhere in Christ’s teachings that a church should be involved in the repentance process? That’s because it is a false teaching. Repentance is a direct process with God, through Jesus Christ. It is GOD who forgives, not a church.
Can you see that if a person believes this church teaching, they are actually being led away from the true teachings and gospel of Jesus Christ?
Let me share some other Church Teachings that lead a person away from the true relationship that they should have directly with Jesus Christ:
Temple Ordinances / Ceremonies
- Church teaching: Certain temple ceremonies (like the endowment, washing and anointing, and sealing ordinances) are essential to enter the highest heaven.
- Biblical truth: Jesus is the only mediator. Salvation is by faith in Him alone, not by rituals:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
- No ritual or temple ceremony is required to receive forgiveness or eternal life.
Baptism for the Dead
- Church teaching: Living members must be baptized on behalf of deceased ancestors so they can receive salvation.
- Biblical truth: Baptism is a personal confession of faith, a symbol of your own repentance:
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” — Mark 16:16 (KJV)
- Scripture never teaches proxy salvation. Each person must repent and believe personally.
But one might ask, what about this scripture?
1 Corinthians 15:29 (KJV):
“Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?”
Understanding this scripture is important. Paul is writing to the Corinthians about the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15). The chapter emphasizes that Christ was raised and that all believers will also be raised. Verse 29 is part of a series of rhetorical questions Paul uses to argue that if there is no resurrection, then many Christian practices are meaningless.
Paul does not teach the practice; he simply references it to support the reality of resurrection.
Some scholars suggest Paul is referring to a local or misunderstood practice among the Corinthians, not a universal church command. Others say it may have been symbolic or proxy-like, showing faith in resurrection. Importantly, the Bible does not elsewhere command or teach baptizing for the dead.
Paul’s focus is not on promoting the practice; it’s to argue that the resurrection of the dead is real.
The practice cannot be taken as a doctrine required for salvation, because nowhere else does Scripture endorse it, and salvation is always presented as through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV).
Tithing and Church Payments as a Requirement
- Church teaching: Full obedience in tithing (paying 10% of income to the church) is required for temple access and full salvation blessings. It MUST be paid directly to the church.
- Biblical truth: While giving is suggested for those who follow Christ, and a blessing, salvation is not bought by money:
“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 (KJV)
- God does not withhold forgiveness or salvation based on donations. Tithing is considered our “Good Works,” but has nothing to do with our salvation.
Keeping the “Law of the Church”
- Church teaching: Obedience to church-specific commandments (Word of Wisdom, Word of Law, temple rules) is necessary for exaltation.
- Biblical truth: Salvation is not earned by following man-made church rules, but by trusting in Christ’s finished work:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” — Titus 3:5 (KJV)
- External obedience is fruit of salvation, not the cause of it.
Priesthood Authority / Church Membership
- Church teaching: Only those baptized by a priesthood authority can receive true salvation and ordinances.
- Biblical truth: Christ is the only High Priest, and His authority alone saves:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)
- Church membership is not required to access God’s grace.
If a person believes these CHURCH teachings, it interferes from their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They are more likely to have a relationship with their church, and not a direct relationship with Jesus Christ, as He would want us to have.
Jesus also gave us some insight to a person who is committed to a church and not Himself.
Matthew 7:21–23:
21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
22 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”
23 “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Is having a relationship with your church that teaches gospel principles that lead you away from the true teachings of Jesus Christ worth NOT HAVING Christ even recognize you? Can’t you see the importance here?
Yes, your church might have helped you become a good person and live a terrific life. But this church has also taught you things that are against the teachings of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible. This is NOT HIS gospel.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible is complete and finished. He has even told us that we are not to consider anything outside, new or changed from the gospel that He taught when He was on the earth. Let’s look:
Galatians 1:8–9
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”
Even if an angel came from heaven preaching a “different” gospel, it would be false. The gospel of grace through faith in Jesus Christ is unchangeable. He states this TWICE.
His gospel was NOT restored. That word is a DECEPTION. This church CHANGED the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a big difference here. Restored means to bring it back to its original doctrine and teachings. Changed means to add additional doctrine and replace some of the original teachings. Can you not see the deception in that word alone?
I invite you to all to start a personal relationship with Jesus Christ today that does not go through your church. Just between you and Him. One of the first things to do is to understand the gospel that He taught while He was on the earth as recorded in the bible. Learn what He meant when He was teaching us:
Ephesians 2:8–9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
- Meaning: Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not something we earn by doing good deeds.
Romans 3:28
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
- Meaning: Justification (being declared righteous) comes through faith, not by following the law or doing works.
Titus 3:5
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
- Meaning: God saves us because of His mercy, not because of anything we’ve done.
Galatians 2:16
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
- Meaning: Faith in Christ is the only way to be made right with God. Works cannot achieve salvation.
John 6:28–29
“Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”
- Meaning: The “work” God requires is faith in Jesus, not human effort or rituals.
“But is it really necessary to learn the Gospel of Jesus Christ when I’m so comfortable with my church’s teachings? I’m a good person, and live a good life.”
You can simply answer that by realizing that you truly do not know Jesus Christ, and He does not know you, just as the scripture states. If you want Jesus Christ to know you, then YES…IT is Paramount that you begin to learn His Gospel, and come away from the deceptive teachings that you have been taught.
I must tell you that when we all die, it is my belief that your church will be nowhere to be found. No temples or buildings, no former leaders in leadership positions, (they will be having their own interviews with God and receiving consequences for leading people astray as false prophets). It will only be you and Jesus Christ. I would suggest that you get to know Him better than you currently know your church.
God is exposing the truth to you for a reason. He wants you to know Jesus Christ and the gospel that He taught.
He wants you to know that you do not need to spend a lifetime wondering if you are Good Enough, or have Done Enough to make it to a certain degree in Heaven, for that is Not His gospel. We are saved because of His grace, and not by our own works.
We will be rewarded for the good works which we have done, but they have nothing to do with our salvation whatsoever.
Stop relying on your OWN abilities to find truth. Give this burden of discovering truth to Him, and let Him show you the way. He will give you promptings and thoughts as to what you can do next in your discovery. Follow those promptings as He will give to you. Through this journey, you will realize another important truth:
Gospel of John 15:5:
“Without me ye can do nothing.”
It is important that we realize this.
Don’t just go to Him and ask Him if something is true or not. Give this burden to HIM, and let HIM show you what is true. Let HIM drive the car for a change, and You sit in the passenger seat. He will drive you to your next stop in searching for the truth, and let you out to learn, study, or find what is necessary in learning the truth that you seek. Let Him lead and teach you the truths that He is exposing to you.
It is God’s desire that all of us learn who Jesus Christ really is and the Gospel that He taught when He was on the earth. God wants us to see past the deceptions that have corrupted some churches, which is why He is exposing these things to you now.
For those who continue in their PRIDE, or choose to remain in the COMFORT of their church, they will not discover these truths that God is now revealing. Be humble, and teachable. Have a strong desire for truth, and I promise that you will know the TRUE gospel of Jesus Christ. God will bring you out of the shadows of deception, and you will indeed know Jesus Christ, and He will know you.
I wish you all of the best. This has personally been an incredible journey that I have experienced first-hand. I can tell you how awesome it is to have such a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I now know what to expect when I die. I KNOW that I will be living with Him in “heaven,” and no longer have to wonder if I am good enough. I also have great comfort in knowing that I will be included in the rapture, and will be lifted up to meet Christ in the clouds, and will forever be with Him.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
He will spare me the final 7-year Tribulation period that the earth will encounter, due to His rescue plan.
The fact that your leaders are speechless when it comes to the prophecies recorded in the bible regarding the end times is quite telling. I must tell you, again that it is my opinion, the reason that they are not teaching about the end times is because the less you know, the easier you will be deceived.
GOD desires that you know about the end times. This is exactly why He shared the details with His prophets in the Bible. And, furthermore, after the prophets received the revelations from God, they KNEW it was important to share with the people. This is why they recorded everything in the bible. These prophecies were NOT intended to be ignored…Especially by someone who is proclaiming to be a current prophet.
- Revelation 1:1–3 – “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him… to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass… Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
God revealed the end times to John so we could read, understand, and obey.
- Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
God always reveals important events to His prophets so His people can know His will. The 7-year Tribulation Period is Months away from starting, and the current prophet is not saying anything about it??? This shows me right here that God is currently not talking to this man as He would a true prophet of God.
- 1 Peter 1:10–12 – “Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you… it was revealed unto them, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you…”
Prophets’ knowledge of God’s plan, including end times, was meant for our benefit.
In closing, another important reason that you need to seek the truth is that we are entering one of the most important periods of History that the world has ever experienced…The 7-Year Tribulation Period, or final 7 years upon this earth.
This time will be filled with deception. The antichrist will soon be on the earth, and his purpose to get as many people to follow his as possible. And this time, following him means an actual commitment of taking his MARK, the mark of the beast, which a person pledges their very soul in doing so, and losing their salvation forever.
The less you know, the easier you will to be deceived. The more you know, the easier it is to see your way through. People who are not teaching you about the end times should be considered to be highly suspect of NOT looking out for your best interest.
Think rationally for just a moment… Wouldn’t a true prophet of God be teaching you the exact words of the prophets in the bible that teach all of the details of the end times, because not knowing would expose you to risk of losing your very soul?
If you are still not awake after reading this, there is nothing more that I can do for you. I do know that if you miss the rapture that you will be exposed to tremendous trials and hardship, as a final attempt from God to wake you up to see the true teachings of Jesus Christ. I refer to this process as “learning the hard way.” Good luck.
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