June 8, 2026 | WWW.GOSPELOFJESUSCHRIST.BLOG | River Wilde
(The views expressed here are my personal beliefs, they are not to be considered being presented as statements of fact, rather, they are my own 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.)
For those of you following the news, you may have seen this information presented:
“Department of Defense recently reorganized its religious classification system and did not place The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under the “Christian” category in its new chaplain-affiliation structure. This has generated significant controversy, especially in Utah.”
To current members of the church, I can certainly understand why you would resent this, for the very title of the church recognizes Jesus Christ. But beyond that, your worship includes the “Christ Centered” sacrament, which is an event in each weekly meeting. And, there are other aspect of worship to Jesus Christ that you are aware of and fuel your debate that this is not the case… “We are Christian!” is your very strong feeling as you hear such news.
I understand your emotion, and once in my life, would have taken the same defensive stance in persistently trying to defend that the church.
For the balance of this writing, I would like to explain why many other Christian churches, and others feel that the church is not “Christian.” My intent is to be with you as you understand a very obvious teaching of Jesus Christ, which will help you see why the church does not fit under this label, and more importantly, allow you to realize the most important teaching of Jesus Christ, that He taught when He was on the earth.
These truths will produce an emotional response from you. I know this full well, because this was my very own reaction when I learned the truth about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I would encourage you to take a moment right here and ask God to be with you, as you read what I’m about to write. Ask for His guidance toward truth, and HIS comfort to deal with any feeling of betrayal that you will feel, as you read “His” teachings.
What I’m about to share with you has nothing to do with leaving, or staying in the church. It has everything to do with asking yourself, “Have I done what I need to do as taught in His gospel.”
Let me begin with a word, that has created such an incredible deception among church members, keeping them from learning the TRUTH of the teachings of Jesus Christ. That word…”RESTORED.”
My entire life, I was taught that my church had been restored back to the gospel that Jesus taught when He was on the earth. That this restoration was necessary, because of corruption and the loss of the priesthood from the earth that had taken place. But because of Joseph Smith, it had been restored.
A simple search into the definition of “Restored” produces the deception of which I write.
Restored – “To bring back to it’s original condition, or content.”
“But wait, that’s what I believe happened.” I know that this is how many of you feel as well.
But for a moment, let’s explore the reality of what Joseph Smith actually did. Joesph did not restore the gospel, he CHANGED it…SUBSTANTIALLY.
Changed – “To alter, modify, add to, remove from, or replace something so that it is no longer the same as it originally was.”
Where the deception comes in, is that we all were led to believe that our gospel was the same as the gospel that Jesus Christ taught when He was on the earth. WE DID NOT REALIZE what that gospel was that Christ taught when He was on the earth, we simply assumed that it’s what we now believe.
Let me show you the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which He and His apostles taught when they were on the earth, to SHOW you what you have not yet been taught, and more importantly, the false teachings which you have come to base your entire relationship with God on.
Let’s start with a big one. This one teaching sets the boundaries of the “Gospel of Jesus Christ” as far as content.
Galatians 1:8–9 (KJV)
“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.”
Paul stresses the important of what he is saying, by repeating what he just taught:
“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.”
Paul’s warning is very strong. He says that even if:
- “we” (the apostles themselves),
- “an angel from heaven,”
- or “any man”
…were to preach a different gospel than the one already delivered, that message must be rejected. If it is different, we must exclude it from our beliefs.
Let’s continue learning other scriptures that declare the same warning, regarding different teachings of Jesus Christ’s gospel.
Deuteronomy 4:2 (KJV)
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it…”
Revelation 22:18–19 (KJV)
“If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy…”
Jude 1:3 (KJV)
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
The gospel was delivered once—not repeatedly revised.
Ephesians 4:14 (KJV)
“…that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine…”
Romans 16:17 (KJV)
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
We all know that Jesus Christ came to the earth to accomplish at least TWO things:
Complete the Atonement
Teach the world His “NEW FULFILLING” gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As you recall, the “religion” at the time, was the Law of Moses, as recorded in the Old Testament. When Jesus came, He taught of a new gospel. And what many don’t fully understand, is that He taught His new gospel in FULL. Not Just part now, and part to come, He taught it all. And when Jesus hung on the cross, He declared that His work had been COMPLETED, FINISHED, as were his final words.
Christ’s Gospel Is Complete
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished...”
Jesus had FINISHED the atonement. Jesus had FINISHED teaching His “new” gospel.
The work of salvation was completed by Christ and does not require additional saving ordinances or later gospel systems, nor teachings.
2 John 1:9 (KJV)
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”
This verse teaches that believers are to abide in the doctrine of Christ, not move beyond it. Combined with Galatians 1:8–9, it forms one of the strongest biblical warnings against accepting a different gospel, even if it is claimed to come through a heavenly messenger.
Realizing this, now let’s explore His gospel, and one of the most IMPORTANT aspects of His teachings:
SALVATION
One of the clearest differences between the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Bible and the teaching found in the Book of Mormon concerns how a person receives salvation. Jesus repeatedly taught that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith. In contrast, a well-known Book of Mormon passage states that salvation comes “after all we can do.”
The Book of Mormon teaches:
“For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”
(2 Nephi 25:23)
Many people understand this verse to mean that a person must first do everything within his or her power before God’s grace becomes effective. This places the focus upon human effort, obedience, and personal performance before salvation can be obtained.
Jesus taught something very different. When speaking to Nicodemus, He explained that a person must be “born again” (John 3:3-7). He did not tell Nicodemus to earn salvation through years of religious works or to first prove himself worthy. Instead, He taught that spiritual life comes from God. Likewise, when the Philippian jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” the answer was simple:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
(Acts 16:31)
The Apostle Paul reinforced this same teaching:
“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)
Notice the contrast. The Bible says salvation is “not of works.” It is God’s gift. A gift cannot be earned. If salvation depended upon doing “all we can do,” no one could ever know whether they had done enough. Can you relate to this?
I spent my entire life wondering if I had done enough to help earn my salvation. Striving harder, doing more, paying more tithing, more, more, more…and NEVER feeling that I had done enough. This is NOT the gospel that Jesus taught. This in itself removes some of the glory that fully belongs to Jesus Christ for what He did for us. His sacrifice WAS ENOUGH and ALL that was needed for our salvation. And salvation, so you fully know is:
Salvation means being saved from sin, death, and judgment, and receiving eternal life with God forever through Jesus Christ. NOT just living forever, but living forever with God.
The difference is profound. One message says, “Do all you can, and then grace will make up the difference.” The Gospel taught by Jesus Christ says, “You cannot save yourself at all. Trust completely in what I have already done for you.” One places confidence in human effort; the other places confidence entirely in the Savior.
The question every person must answer is this: Am I trusting in what I can do, or am I trusting in what Jesus Christ has already done? According to the Bible, eternal life is found only in Him.
Are you seeing the significance of what Christ just taught us?
Our salvation has nothing to do with:
Our Good Works
The Tithing that we pay
Temple Ordinances
Church attendance or callings
Following a “prophet”
Obedience
As well as many other church teachings
Let me continue with His teachings, to help you make sense where our good works fit into His eternal plan, but first, Let’s continue with Christ’s teaching of becoming Born again.
The atonement of Jesus Christ was given to all of us, HOWEVER, it doesn’t mean that all mankind has received it. The gospel, as you know, teaches free agency. Nothing is ever forced upon any of us. Christ’s attornment must either be accepted or rejected; this choice is up to you.
If you look around our world today, it is very evident who has not accepted the atonement of Jesus Christ. They are choosing to reject this gift, by simply not accepting it. But how does a person actually accept the atonement of Jesus Christ?
Again, this is not a concept that is properly taught by the church, and is the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is something, that if done properly, will guarantee that a person will go to heaven, as well as being included in the rapture that will soon take place. That gospel principle is becoming “Born Again.”
The Book of Mormon often describes being born again as a mighty change of heart that comes through faith, repentance, baptism, and the influence of the Holy Ghost (Mosiah 5:2; Alma 5:14; Alma 36:24–26).
In LDS doctrine, this new birth is generally viewed as an ongoing transformation that begins with baptism and continues throughout life as a person remains faithful.
By contrast, Jesus’ words in John 3:3–7 (KJV) teach that being born again is an immediate spiritual rebirth that occurs when a person places their trust in Christ alone for salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
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.”
So, the key difference is that LDS teaching generally ties the new birth to ordinances, priesthood authority, receiving the Holy Ghost, and a lifelong covenant path, whereas the gospel taught by Jesus Christ teaches that the new birth occurs immediately when a person places saving faith in Jesus Christ, with good works following as evidence rather than a cause of that new birth.
That difference is one of the most significant distinctions between LDS theology and traditional “Christian” teachings of the gospel.
There is not a checklist of what a person must do to be born again, however, there are these gospel teachings of Jesus Christ:
Being born again is not a process of earning salvation through good works, church attendance, ordinances, or personal righteousness. It is a spiritual transformation that God performs when a person places their faith in Jesus Christ.
Recognize Your Need for Salvation
The Bible teaches that all people are sinners and cannot save themselves.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23 (KJV)
Believe That Jesus Christ Died for Your Sins and Rose Again
The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
— 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (KJV)
Trust in Christ Alone for Salvation
Salvation is received by faith, not by works.
“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)
This one step might be keeping some of you away from this spiritual transformation happening. We must believe, and have faith, that the atonement is complete in itself, and that nothing else is required….Not the church, not a temple ordinance, and not your good works.
We must see and believe that Jesus Christ did this all on His own, and that Salvation does not come from anything else. In your mind, you can see these other things as good, but they are not tied or conditional for our salvation. Spend some time in prayer, so that you will come to know the truth of this teaching. Recognize by thinking in how we have been taught takes the glory away from Christ Himself.
(This false teaching, I have learned, is one of satan’s greatest lies. He could not stop the atonement from happening, so he injected the teaching that “more was needed” into some religious institution teachings, to remove some of the glory that belonged to Jesus Christ.)
Receive the New Birth from God
Jesus taught that a person must be born again to enter God’s kingdom.
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
— John 3:3 (KJV)
This new birth is a work of the Holy Spirit.
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
— John 3:6 (KJV)
God Gives You Eternal Life Immediately
When a person believes in Christ, they receive eternal life.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
— John 6:47 (KJV)
Notice Jesus said hath everlasting life—not might have someday.
The Result Is a Changed Heart and New Relationship with Christ
Good works do not produce salvation; they follow salvation as evidence of new life. They are the FRUIT, but not the ROOT of salvation.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
All of these things like service towards others, paying tithing, a decrease in the desire to sin, and living a Christ like life are EVIDENCE of this new spiritual rebirth. We do these things NOT as an obligation, buy as a heartfelt desire to follow the teachings of Christ, and keep us near to Him.
I’m going to reveal something that may surprise you, but there are people within the church who have been Born Again already. This has NOT occurred because of the church, but because of a person’s individual relationship with Jesus Christ, and their having faith in His atonement as complete.
So, HOW CAN I KNOW if I have had this spiritual transformation. I can answer that quite simply…. “Do you KNOW for certain that you will be going to heaven?” If the answer is Yes, I can say with a high confidence that you have experienced this process. Let me explain:
A “Born Again” person places all of their confidence and belief that because of the atonement of Jesus Christ, their salvation is already secured. They understand that the atonement of Jesus Christ is a gift to all who will accept it. They know that when they accept this gift from Christ, it is all that is necessary for them to live with Jesus Christ forever. This is how a person knows.
Too simple, you might ask? TOO IMPORTANT is what I must reply.
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.”
This passage beautifully teaches that Christ does not place a crushing religious burden on people. Instead, He offers rest. Rather than earning salvation through works, ceremonies, or personal effort, He says:
“Come unto me… and I will give you rest.”
Christ’s invitation is not, “Do more.” It is, “Come unto me.” Then, as His disciple, you walk with Him under a yoke that is “easy” and a burden that is “light.”
For a moment, consider the thief on the cross next to the savior.
One of the clearest examples in the Bible that salvation is received by faith and not by works is the thief on the cross. As he hung beside Jesus, he had no opportunity to be baptized, join a church, perform good works, make restitution, keep religious ordinances, or live a changed life. He simply recognized who Jesus was and placed his trust in Him, saying, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42, KJV).
Jesus immediately responded, “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43, KJV). The thief brought nothing to offer except his faith in Christ, yet he received the promise of eternal life. His example demonstrates that salvation is God’s gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not something earned through works, ceremonies, or personal righteousness.
So, let me conclude by stating, the question is NOT, “is the church Christian,” rather, it is to answer, “have you been Born Again? For this is truly the only thing that matters.
In doing so, you will be with Jesus Christ forever in “heaven,” and will be included in the rapture rescue which will soon happen, and miss every day of the trying Tribulation Period; the final 7 years on earth.
Get there RIGHT NOW…God will help you fulfill this spiritual rebirth today.
There are many other TRUTHS taught in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which are different than what the Mormon church teaches. I invite you to explore them as well.
But NOTHING is as important as what I have shared with you today. This one concept of being born again will be the one single gospel principle that will decide if you are included in the rapture, and heaven, or if you will be left to experience the 7-year tribulation period.
If all of this really doesn’t matter to you, I can tell you that God’s upcoming plan will see that this will become a priority in your life, through extreme difficulty… “I’m just saying…It’s really up to you.”
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