Part 9 – The Gospel of Jesus Christ as HE Taught When He Was on the Earth – Processing Emotions from Religious Betrayal

April 18, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde

(The views expressed here are my personal beliefs, shaped by extensive study of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible. I have prayerfully sought God’s guidance throughout my research to remain focused on truth. I do not speak on behalf of any religious organization.)

There are some people who are reading this series that I am writing, that are going through a very difficult process right now. They are just discovering that the religion that they believed with all of the heart has been deceiving them. They have been lied to by very trusted leaders. And, this discovery is incredibly hurtful.

So, why now? Why are the lies those religious “churches” taught for years just now being exposed? Understanding this is important.

The Bible makes it clear that nothing will remain hidden before God. As the Lord’s return approaches, truth is exposed, deception is uncovered, and even the secret intentions of the heart are revealed. What is done in darkness will come into the light—not just outward actions, but motives and thoughts. This is both a warning and a comfort: a warning to those hiding sin, and a comfort to those seeking truth, because God will ultimately make all things right and bring every hidden thing into judgment.

Here are the scriptures that teach us this:

Luke 8:17 (KJV)

“For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.”

Luke 12:2–3 (KJV)

“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.”

Ecclesiastes 12:14 (KJV)

“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

1 Corinthians 4:5 (KJV)

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts…”

Daniel 2:22 (KJV)

“He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”

Hebrews 4:13 (KJV)

“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

As ALL truth is now being revealed by God, people are beginning to discover some teachings from their church that are not true, and are NOT the sameas the Gospel of Jesus Christ as He taught in the Bible.

This discovery is usually met with denial, feeling the need to defend their religion. Then in going to God in prayer, all truth is being revealed to them and they come to know the TRUE teachings of Jesus Christ as taught in the bible.

Now, let’s address the title of this writing… Processing the emotions of religious betrayl.

I am writing these teachings from my own experience of finding myself in this exact situation.

I had been a lifetime member of my church. Served a mission, married in the temple. I served in many leadership positions in my church and while on my mission. I actually worked in the temple as well as frequently attended. I believed the teachings of the church WITH ALL OF MY HEART!

Several years ago, my bishop asked me to surrender my temple recommend, because even though I had paid a full tithing, I paid it directly to those in need at a homeless and women’s shelter, rather than directly to the church. This “didn’t count.”

Confused, I rushed home and began to study the Bible obsessively, trying to understand the concept of tithing as Jesus taught when He was on the earth. In my studies, I learned that paying tithing directly to the poor and needy was actually the “new teaching” that was introduced by Christ Himself, along with His other “New Gospel teachings”, replacing the Law of Moses as taught in the Old Testament. What I had done DID COUNT in the eyes of the Savior.

Every day, for several months, I obsessed on learning all of the teachings of Jesus Christ listed in the bible. I learned not one…not two…not three, but MANY of the things that I was taught through my church, and believed to be true were NOT true at all. MAJOR things like salvation requirements.

I must tell you that I felt a level of despair, anger, and betrayal like I had never felt before! I had trusted the leaders of my church on a very intimate level. My church was a large part of who I was, and NOW…I realized that I had simply been deceived my entire life.

My religion was based upon false teachings and I believe, influenced by the adversary with the intent to lead me away from the true teachings of Jesus. For example, the church teaches that temple and church ordinances, along with a person good works are needed for our salvation. This teaching take some of the glory away from Jesus Christ…That glory that belongs to HIM 100%. Salvation is a gift from the savior and has nothing to do with our good works nor our church or temple.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

“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.”

Another example, there are MANY church members who see the church as the most important aspect in their lives…Even over a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Let me give you another example.

I have two very close relationships with people a\who are very active and currently work in the temple. I asked them: What if the prophet told you to do something that didn’t seem spiritual right. What would you do. Their answers, “follow the prophet!” When further pressed, I asked, what if you took that information to God in prayer and received a personal revelation that you should NOT proceed with the prophet’s direction and should do something different? They both still replied, follow the prophet.

They both clearly have placed the church in priority over Jesus Christ Himself, and perhaps don’t even know that they are making such a choice, due to their deception.

As a life coach, I have dedicated the last few years of my time, helping others through this process of dealing with the challenging emotions that come after realizing that you have been deceived, and betrayed by trusted people. I realized what I was going through was exactly the same emotions that others were experiencing. Helping them was helping me.

In being totally honest with you, I was simply having a hard time letting go of the anger that I had toward my church. My entire life was turned upside down by people that I deeply trusted, and I was PISSED!

In my reaching out to others, I came across a woman who had left the church while being the relief society president. Truth had been revealed to her, and something that she was NOT looking for. She was DEVESTATED!! This emotion of betrayal was so disabling for her; she was admitted to the hospital for a period of one month. She had experienced a nervous breakdown due to realizing the deception of the church, and her inability to deal with the raw emotions of betrayal.

Our interaction continued, and to be quite honest, we were actually helping each other process this betrayal.

Understanding that Our Church Experience had NOT been an Entire Waste of Time

Through our conversations, I learned something very healing for both of us. We just started talking about all of the positive things that we experienced while we were members of the church. Ward family, opportunities to serve others, moral direction for ourselves and children, learning how to live a life centered around Jesus Christ, youth programs and activities, the ability to teach and speak in front of large groups, and so many other positive things.

It was conclusive for both of us that being a member of the church shaped our lives in a very positive way, and that we were BOTH grateful that we had been a member of the church during our lifetime!!! The church was probably the best place that we could have been throughout our life.

Belonging all of those years was NOT A WASTE OF TIME!! This one fact is extremely healing. Yes, we had both had recently discovered some very dramatic untruths about the church, but this didn’t change our experience relating to the church in our lives. For the most part, it was very positive.

Our focus shifted. We had not been betrayed by all of those people that we loved in our church. From the Stake level down, no one had betrayed us, for they were living the principles and teaching that they thought were true, just like we were. They were still our friends, and we continued to love them.

Focusing on the one who betrayed us – Joseph Smith

All of the false teachings and betrayal can directly be tied to Joseph Smith. He was the creator of the church, and wrote the doctrine by which the church functions. Identifying accountability was important. Betrayal had not come so much from “the church,” but rather one man. Or even “some men” who kept the deception going, or continued to change the story line to keep the deception going.

After studying the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in the Bible, you realize that all believers of Christ are known as “His Church.” To God, it DOESN’T matter if we are Mormon, or a member of any other Christian church, BECAUSE the church itself does not matter for our salvation. Yes, you can belong to the Mormon church, OR you do not need to belong to ANY church, as long as you belong to “Christ’s Church” as He taught us in the Bible.

With this understanding, I was able to deal with my anger, and the emotion of betrayal.

Scripture Teachings Regarding Betrayal

Betrayal is one of the deepest wounds a person can feel, especially when it comes from someone trusted and close. The Bible does not ignore this pain—it speaks directly to it.

In Psalm 55, the writer expresses the anguish of being hurt by someone dear, saying,

“For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it… But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.” (Psalm 55:12–13, KJV).

These words show that God understands how much more painful betrayal is when it comes from someone you once walked closely with. He does not ask you to pretend it doesn’t hurt; instead, He invites you to bring that pain honestly before Him.

God gives a clear path for what to do with that burden. Just a few verses later, the same Psalm says,

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.” (Psalm 55:22, KJV).

This is not a one-time action but something you may need to do over and over—releasing the hurt, the confusion, and the weight of it into God’s hands. He promises not only to take it, but to sustain you through it.

Jesus Christ Himself experienced betrayal, and in the most personal way. In Luke 22:47 it says,

“And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas… drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.”

The very act meant to show affection was used as the sign of betrayal. This reminds us that Jesus fully understands the pain you feel. You are not alone in it—He has walked that path before you.

However, betrayal can easily take root in the heart and grow into bitterness if it is not dealt with. Scripture warns against this, saying,

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger… be put away from you.” (Ephesians 4:31, KJV).

This does not mean the wrong was acceptable, but it does mean that holding onto that bitterness will only deepen the wound within you. God calls you to release it for your own healing.

Part of that release is forgiveness, which can feel impossible in moments of deep hurt. Yet the Bible teaches,

“Forgiving one another… even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32, KJV).

Forgiveness is not about excusing what was done; it is about letting go of the hold it has on your heart. It is a choice, often made repeatedly, that frees you from carrying the offense.

At the same time, God reassures you that you do not need to seek justice on your own. In Romans 12:19 it says,

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves… Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” 

This allows you to step out of the burden of trying to make things right and instead trust that God sees everything and will handle it in His perfect way.

Knowing that God sees this, and that He will take care of it was extremely helpful. And I’m not going to lie, when I read that He was going to use the word “Vengeance” I had a little smile on my face, which I probably need to repent for. =)

Through all of this, God does not leave you broken. He is a healer of hearts. Psalm 147:3 declares,

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (KJV).

Healing may take time, but God is faithful to restore what has been damaged. As you continue to bring your pain to Him, release bitterness, choose forgiveness, and trust Him with justice, your heart will begin to heal.

Betrayal may have wounded you deeply, but it does not have to define you. In God’s hands, even this pain can become a place where you draw closer to Him, learn to trust Him more fully, and experience His healing in a real and lasting way.

I have advised many people that I have been helping to continue attending church if it is a positive experience for them. There is fellowship, and love from this “family.” When doctrine is taught in the church that goes against the truths that you are now learning, you don’t need to comment or argue. I feel that if you are in someone’s church, it’s best to be respectful to what they are teaching.

If you find that you can no longer accept callings which require you to teach false doctrine, you can deny the calling. Attending sacrament meeting might be the only thing that you feel comfortable doing if you keep your membership in the church.

For most people experiencing this discovery of truth, church attendance seems of little importance, as they have learned that it is all about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and studying His words as He taught.

Another option would be to find a new church family “online” or by attending a church that aligns with your new current TRUE gospel teachings.

As one who has gone through this experience, I suggest a gradual process. You do not need to make any changes with your church immediately. When you learn a new TRUE gospel principle, continue to study that until you see it as truth, confirmed by God. Continue studying to identify these truths. Don’t worry about what is false, for false teachings do not matter…You want to know what the TRUE teachings are. This is what’s important. TRUTH will always expose false teachings all on it own.

If you feel that you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and it has always only been Just a relationship with your church, it’s time to start one today. Learn the concept of being “in Christ” as He taught in the bible. You can go to God personally for EVERYTHING. Salvation, repentance, forgiveness are between you and the Savior. You do not need ANYTHING from your church for salvation, (remember the thief on the cross with Jesus?)

As the days go by, you will begin to realize that the gospel of Jesus Christ is ALL that you need. Your relationship with Him directly is ENOUGH and FULFILLING. Churches are intended to support your relationship with Jesus Christ, not replace it.

I also find great strength in learning that Jesus Christ Himself did not come to this earth to establish a CHURCH. He came to teach us His gospel. A church is not even necessary as all believers of Christ belong to “His Church.” Our membership is with Him directly and should not go through a church.

The Incredibly Positive Side of Discovering Truth

You will begin to see other BURDENS being released. All of the “boxes” that the church says that you MUST do are simply not true. Yes, it’s the best decision to live a good moral life, we will continue to do this because we have the light of Christ within us, and we have been “born again” through Him. But living for Christ is DIFFERENT than obeying a strict set of rules.

It is not required that you pay 10% tithing to a church, constantly strive for perfection, actively attend church and the temple, CLEAN THE CHURCH, devote all of your time to a church calling at the expense of your family time, discuss intimate things with your bishop, keep your numbers high in ministering, push the only nonmember in your neighborhood to join the church, and the list continues. These are NOT REQUIRED for salvation as the church teaches.

Let me share this scripture with you:

Matthew 11:28–30 (KJV)

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Was life as a member of the Mormon church easy, and does the church make your burden light? Far From It!

But when you study the Gospel of Jesus Christ as He taught in the Bible you will see the exact reason that this scripture was written. It is NOT about an endless list of what is required, and boxes that you MUST check. When a person accepts Jesus Christ into their life, they become born again and are “in Christ.” When this happens, you have salvation. Good works come from being Born Again. We do Good Works to connect with the Savior, not because they are REQUIRED.

When you have start understanding the TRUE teachings of Jesus Christ, this will occur in your life:

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32

You will know that you are going to heaven. You will know that God will rescue you from the 7-year Tribulation period that will soon start, through an event called the Rapture. You will realize that you can go directly to God and repent for your sins, instead of going through the humiliating process of involving a church. You will see that Salvation is a gift from God, and that you have no part in Earning it through good works.

Give the burden of the feeling of betrayal to God, just like He taught us to do. Continue to study the TRUE gospel as taught in the Bible, and most importantly… You will realize that it is ALL ABOUT your personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is important, and NOT membership in a church.

When you discover truth and realize that you have been betrayed by church leaders, Do Not Fall DOWN… Fall UP! Fall into the TRUTH, for it is FAR BETTER than any institution that men have created. Fall into the arms of a loving Savior, Jesus Christ and learn of the “freeing” gospel that He teaches… “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Please join me again tomorrow, as we learn the teachings of Jesus Christ regarding Prophets www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog . For those of you who are wondering why a “prophet” on the earth right now is not teaching anything about the end times, this will certainly answer that.