May 3, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde
Last night, I experienced a dream so vivid, so weighty with emotion and urgency, that it has remained deeply impressed upon my soul. Some moments in life leave a mark that words struggle to capture, and this was one of them. Though it came in sleep, it felt more real than waking life itself—filled with clarity, intensity, and a burden to share what I had witnessed. At its heart was a message of eternal importance: the difference between merely belonging to a religion and truly knowing Jesus Christ in a personal, living relationship.
In the dream, I stood in the shallow waters of a great lake, the cool water rising to my waist. Surrounding me were countless others—some familiar faces, people I loved and recognized, and many more who were strangers to me. Yet all stood together in the same water, shoulder to shoulder, as though gathered there for a purpose greater than themselves.
Then I began to walk among them.
As I moved through the water, my voice rang out—not in anger, nor in frantic shouting—but with unmistakable authority, strength, and urgency. It carried effortlessly across the water, reaching every ear, no matter how far away they stood. And every person listened. No one turned away. No one was distracted. Their full attention rested on the words being spoken.
“The time has come. We are preparing to meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What is your declaration? Do you truly know Jesus Christ—or do you merely know your religion? Is your faith rooted in a personal relationship with the living Savior, or has that relationship been shaped by traditions, ceremonies, and the teachings of men? Do you rest fully in His finished atonement as the complete gift of grace, or do you believe your salvation depends partly upon your own works, ordinances, or religious devotion?”
As I continued walking among them, repeating this solemn call, something extraordinary began to happen.
I looked into the face of each person as the question was placed before them. No one answered with spoken words—yet their response became instantly known. It was written plainly upon their countenance, impossible to hide, impossible to fake. Truth itself seemed to shine through every expression.
For many, their faces suddenly fell into deep sorrow—an expression of heartbreak, realization, and unspeakable horror, as though in that moment they understood too late that they had trusted in religion, but had never truly known Christ. Then, without struggle, they quietly slipped beneath the surface of the water… and vanished, never to rise again.
But others—oh, the difference in them was glorious beyond description.
Their faces radiated pure love, peace, and indescribable joy. Light seemed to fill their very being. They remained standing, and from their hearts rose praises to Jesus Christ—worship that was pure, unified, and filled with holy adoration. Their voices joined together in perfect harmony, giving glory to the One they truly knew—not as a distant figure of religion, but as their Savior, Redeemer, and beloved King.
This continued for what felt like hours, until every soul had faced the question and made their declaration. Yet what struck me most was this: no one could pretend. No one could offer empty words or false devotion. Their answer did not seem to come from their lips, but from the deepest truth of their heart. What they truly believed—what they had truly trusted in—was revealed openly.
When at last I reached the end and turned back, the sight was overwhelming.
Most had disappeared beneath the waters.
But those who remained were drawn together as one family—embracing, weeping tears of joy, praising God with hearts overflowing in gratitude. They longed to be near one another, united not by denomination, church membership, sacred buildings, or religious identity—but by one thing alone: they belonged to Jesus Christ. They were His.
His Church—not made by human hands, not organized by earthly institutions, but made alive by faith, grace, and a direct relationship with the living Son of God. It was a fellowship bound together by love, truth, worship, and complete devotion to Christ alone.
And when I awoke, one truth burned within me with overwhelming urgency:
When the moment comes, it will not matter what religion we claimed—it will matter whether we truly knew Jesus Christ.
The adversary has succeeded in deceiving many, many people into believing that a person’s devotion and relationship with a Christian religion is the same as having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They are NOT the same thing.
Let me give you a blaring example:
I know of many people personally, that when asked if they would follow a man proclaiming to be a prophet of God, or their own personal revelation given to them directly from God, they would choose to follow the “prophet.” These people clearly do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What they do have is a relationship with their church, and don’t know Christ, even though they think that they do.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ even teaches us this concept through the following scripture:
“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.
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?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
— Matthew 7:21–23, KJV
And another:
Matthew 24:24 (KJV)
And again…
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
A companion warning is found in Mark:
Mark 13:22 (KJV)
“For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.”
In discussions with a very distinguished member of a church, he said to me, “It sounds like you place the importance of the Savior OVER the importance of the church.” YES…I do, and you should too!
Many sincere people have been taught to place their confidence in religious systems, traditions, or institutions as though these things possess saving power. Yet Scripture repeatedly declares that salvation belongs wholly to Jesus Christ. No church can replace what Christ accomplished on Calvary. No institution can add to His finished work. The glory of salvation belongs 100% to Jesus Christ alone.
Let’s learn this through the teachings of Christ:
Salvation is Through Jesus Christ Alone
Acts 4:12 (KJV)
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
This is one of the clearest verses in all of Scripture—salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ.
Salvation is by Grace Through Faith — Not Human Works
This is a big one for people who do NOT know Jesus Christ. Through their false belief, they feel that the glory of salvation is shared. It also requires “ourselves” for doing good works that are a part of salvation, as well as church or temple ordinances which too are necessary, and are in addition to what Jesus Christ did for us. These people Do No Know Jesus Christ, for they do not understand His glorious accomplishment correctly.
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.”
Salvation is God’s gift, not something earned through religious performance, church membership, or human effort.
Jesus is the Only Mediator
1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”
No priest, pastor, prophet, or institution stands between a believer and God—Christ alone is our mediator. This deception is evident when people feel that they are showing faith by blindly following a “prophet.”
Eternal Life is in the Son!
1 John 5:11–12 (KJV)
“God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
He that hath the Son hath life…”
The question Scripture asks is not, Do you belong to a church? but Do you have the Son?
Christ is the Way — Not a Religious System
John 14:6 (KJV)
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus did not say a church is the way—He said He is the way.
Beware of Traditions Replacing Truth
Mark 7:13 (KJV)
“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition…”
This supports your warning that human traditions can sometimes overshadow God’s word.
Beware of “Another Gospel”
Galatians 1:8–9 (KJV)
8 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.
This is one of the most revealing scriptures in the bible. Paul gives a serious warning: the Gospel cannot be altered by men, institutions, or even claimed heavenly messengers. Not even an angel can bring a NEW GOSPEL of Jesus Christ to the earth.
For those of you still struggling with this concept, let me help.
There is a church that proclaims that the gospel of Jesus Christ was RESTORED, and is now on the earth. If you examine the word restored, you will see that it means “To bring back to it original form or content.” Yet through a simple google search, you can enter in the following command:
“Compare the gospel principles of the Mormon church with the gospel principles that Christ and His apostles taught as recorded in the KJV of the New Testament.”
Would you like to take a peek of what you will find by doing this? Here are just some of the differences between the two:
Key Gospel Differences of the Two
1. Authority of Scripture
- New Testament Christianity: Bible alone as the final authority for doctrine and truth.
- LDS Teaching: Bible plus additional scriptures and later prophetic revelation.
2. Restoration vs. Preservation of the Gospel
- New Testament Christianity: The gospel was once delivered to the saints and preserved by God.
- LDS Teaching: The gospel was lost through apostasy and restored through Joseph Smith.
3. Salvation
- New Testament Christianity: Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
- LDS Teaching: Grace is essential, but salvation/exaltation is tied to ordinances, covenants, and obedience.
4. Role of Works
- New Testament Christianity: Good works are the fruit and evidence of genuine faith.
- LDS Teaching: Works are closely tied to eternal progression and exaltation.
5. Baptism
- New Testament Christianity: An outward public profession of inward faith in Christ.
- LDS Teaching: A saving ordinance requiring proper priesthood authority.
6. The Church’s Role
- New Testament Christianity: The Church is the spiritual body of all believers in Christ.
- LDS Teaching: One exclusive restored institution with divine authority.
7. Priesthood Authority
- New Testament Christianity: Christ is the sole mediator; believers have direct access to God through Him.
- LDS Teaching: Priesthood offices administer saving ordinances and covenant authority.
8. Temple Worship
- New Testament Christianity: Christ fulfilled temple worship through His sacrifice.
- LDS Teaching: Modern temple ordinances are central to exaltation.
9. Atonement of Jesus Christ
- New Testament Christianity: Christ’s sacrifice was fully completed—“It is finished.”
- LDS Teaching: The atonement is fully central, but its blessings are received through covenant faithfulness and ordinances.
10. Access to God
- New Testament Christianity: Direct access to God through Jesus Christ alone.
- LDS Teaching: Access is often described through a covenant path administered by priesthood ordinances.
11. Nature of God
- New Testament Christianity: God is eternal, unchanging, and uniquely God.
- LDS Teaching: God the Father is exalted, and deity is understood within an eternal progression framework.
12. Nature of Jesus Christ
- New Testament Christianity: The eternal Son of God, one with the Father in divine nature.
- LDS Teaching: A distinct divine being within the Godhead.
13. Holy Spirit
- New Testament Christianity: Received by faith in Christ.
- LDS Teaching: The Gift of the Holy Ghost is conferred by priesthood ordinance after baptism.
14. Eternal Life
- New Testament Christianity: Eternal life is the free gift of God through Jesus Christ.
- LDS Teaching: Exaltation is connected to ordinances, covenants, and enduring faithfully.
15. Marriage and Eternity
- New Testament Christianity: Marriage is an earthly covenant relationship.
- LDS Teaching: Eternal sealing ordinances continue marriage relationships beyond death.
16. Work for the Dead
- New Testament Christianity: Judgment follows death.
- LDS Teaching: Proxy baptisms and temple ordinances may be performed on behalf of the dead.
17. Continuing Revelation
- New Testament Christianity: The gospel is complete in Christ and apostolic teaching.
- LDS Teaching: Ongoing prophetic revelation continues to guide doctrine and practice.
18. Exaltation / Becoming Like God
- New Testament Christianity: Believers worship and glorify God eternally.
- LDS Teaching: Faithful individuals may progress toward exaltation in a fuller divine likeness.
19. Heaven / Final Destiny
- New Testament Christianity: Final distinction between the saved and the lost.
- LDS Teaching: Multiple kingdoms of glory with differing eternal rewards.
20. Central Focus of Faith
- New Testament Christianity: Jesus Christ alone is the foundation of salvation and hope.
- LDS Teaching: Jesus Christ is central within a broader covenant structure involving ordinances, priesthood authority, and temple worship.
As you can see, it is NOT the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the gospel of a “Man,” entirely different than what Christ and His apostles taught when they were on the earth.
This church did not RESTORE the Gospel of Jesus Christ; it CHANGED the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The two are substantially different.
You KNOW your religion, but do you know Jesus Christ? May I suggest that you begin studying the atonement of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament. To me, this is substantial, and one of the key topics to fully understand Jesus Christ.
Learn how this is a gift to all mankind, but each person must accept it personally, for God does not force anything on us due to our free agency. How do we accept this? Study what it means to become “Born Again” or what it means to be “in Christ” as taught in the New Testament.
As the scripture indicates, keep your study focused upon the Bible, as all other scripture or teaching that does not support His teachings while He was on the earth is NOT to be considered as His gospel.
I’m not making a judgment here, for that is not my responsibility, that resides totally with God.
But God has a plan to rescue His believers through the Rapture which will soon happen. All others will be left upon the earth to “Learn the hard way.” Yes, some people will come to Christ during the 7-year tribulation period, but it will be through enduring the hardships that God has planned for the inhabitants of the earth.
Get to know Jesus Christ right NOW, and spare yourself the pain and hardships of this tribulation period.
And the simple part of doing this??? Take God along you with your learning journey. He will show you the truth. Trust Him…not me. Trust that He will show you His teachings, as well as the deceptions that the adversary has woven into your religion.
“But learning truth will go against my comfort of religious tradition.”
Seriously, this is a concern that you have? Jesus Christ died for you; can you not make a sacrifice for Him by following His teachings as recorded in the Bible, even when it involves personal sacrifice of giving up something fimilure?
I know that the time is short. Please, take ownership of your learning, and STOP waiting for a man or a church to teach you what is coming next. Their silence in teaching about the 7-year Tribulation period is a very strong indicator that they have no intent in sharing these gospel prophecies that are recorded by real prophets of God in the bible.
Right now, get on your knees and invite God to join you in your search for truth. Let Him know that you do not want to hear these words from the Savior… “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Then open your bible and start to study the teachings of Christ. This is how you will get to know who He truly is. Trust Him and His personal revelations over what any church leaders says. I can promise you that a time is coming when this very well could be something that will have spiritual consequences.
Remember, religion disappears totally when we die. It is just our relationship with Jesus Christ that will remain. If your relationship is solely with your church, you will be in for a great disappointment. The time is NOW to learn of Him, without the interpretations of a religious organization, so that you can avoid the deception that the adversary has cleverly introduced to deceive you.
It is my prayer that you will have the courage to leave your childhood tradition and comfort, and learn who Jesus Christ really is.
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