(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.)
July 12, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” — John 5:39 (KJV)
Every Christian eventually faces one important question:
If Jesus Christ taught one thing, and a later religious leader taught something different, whose words should we follow?
This is not a question of tradition, family heritage, or loyalty to a church. It is a question of truth.
Jesus never asked people to place their faith in an organization. He invited them to place their faith in Him.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6 (KJV)
For those who have been taught the doctrines of Joseph Smith, this comparison is not intended as an attack. It is an invitation to do exactly what Jesus commanded—search the Scriptures and determine whether later teachings agree with the words of Christ.
1. Salvation
Jesus Christ Taught
Jesus consistently taught that eternal life is received by believing in Him.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16 (KJV)
“He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation.” — John 5:24 (KJV)
The Apostle Paul taught the very same message:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works, lest any man should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
Consider
Many Latter-day Saint teachings place significant emphasis on ordinances, temple covenants, priesthood authority, continued obedience, tithing and good works, as part of the path toward exaltation. Readers may wish to compare those teachings with the passages above and ask whether they describe the same basis for receiving eternal life.
Salvation has nothing to do with our church, nor our good works. Salvation, (living with Jesus Christ for eternity) is a gift to those who accept Jesus Christ’s atonement. That in itself is complete. Believing in “religious ordinances” or good works play a part in this is a false teaching, and one that challenges the purity of the atonement of Jesus Christ.
2. Being Born Again
Jesus Christ Taught
Nicodemus was a deeply religious man, and leaders of the Jews. He would be a person that you would think was bound for heaven. He knew the Old Testament law better than any man. But when he came to Jesus, the Lord did not tell him to join another religious organization or perform additional ordinances. He told him one thing that was keeping him out of heaven, and what he needed to do.
He simply said:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” — John 3:3 (KJV)
Jesus explained that this new birth is a work of the Spirit.
“That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” — John 3:6 (KJV)
The new birth is not earned. It is received by faith in Christ. To be born again is to place your faith in Jesus Christ alone—trusting that His death, burial, and resurrection completely paid for your sins. At that moment, God forgives your sins, gives you eternal life, and His Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you, making you a new spiritual creation. Good works, religious ceremonies, or church membership do not cause the new birth; they are the fruit of a life that has already been changed by Christ (Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV).
3. Temples
Jesus Christ Fulfilled the Temple
When Jesus died, something extraordinary happened.
“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom…” — Matthew 27:51 (KJV)
The torn veil symbolized direct access to God through Christ.
Scripture later declares:
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus…” — Hebrews 10:19–20 (KJV)
Paul also wrote:
“God that made the world… dwelleth not in temples made with hands.” — Acts 17:24 (KJV)
Under the Old Testament, the temple was the place where sacrifices were offered as a temporary covering for sin, but Jesus Christ fulfilled that entire sacrificial system through His once-for-all atoning sacrifice on the cross.
At His death, “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” (Matthew 27:51, KJV), signifying that every believer now has direct access to God through Christ alone.
Scripture teaches that “the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (Acts 7:48, KJV), and that believers themselves are now “the temple of the Holy Ghost” (1 Corinthians 6:19, KJV). Because Christ “offered one sacrifice for sins for ever” (Hebrews 10:12, KJV), there is no longer any need for a physical temple to obtain forgiveness, approach God, or receive salvation. Through faith in Jesus Christ, every born-again believer may “come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16, KJV), having complete access to the Father through the finished work of His Son.
Jesus nor His apostles, nor any of the prophets of the Old Testament NEVER taught any of the temple ordinances that happen in the LDS temples.
Historically, these ordinances were introduced into the Latter-day Saint movement through Joseph Smith during the early 1840s. Joseph Smith also became a Freemason in 1842, and historians have long noted similarities between portions of the early LDS endowment ceremony and Masonic ritual.
Since these temple ordinances did not come from God, on has to ponder the truthfulness of their origin.
4. Priesthood
Jesus Christ
Jesus is our eternal High Priest.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)
Believers come directly to the Father through Christ.
5. The Gospel Never Changes
Jesus never hinted that His gospel would someday require restoration through another prophet.
Instead He promised:
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” — Matthew 24:35 (KJV)
Paul issued one of the strongest warnings in Scripture.
“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.” — Galatians 1:8–9 (KJV)
That warning is remarkable because it specifically includes “an angel from heaven.” Every Christian should carefully examine any later message claimed to have been delivered by an angel and compare it with the gospel already preached by Christ and His apostles.
Jesus Christ taught His gospel when He was on the earth. It was the Gospel of Jesus Christ, “in full.” There is no second chapter, or new gospel that would follow later. This scripture from Paul gives strict guidance that nothing else should be considered if it does not go with the teachings of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament.
Joseph Smith did not ‘restore” the gospel of Jesus Christ, he “CHANGED” it. This is a truth that you can learn for yourself. Have AI scan the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the bible, as well as scan Mormon doctrine and compare the two. You will see quite easily that these two gospels are not the same.
6. Eternal Life
Jesus made salvation wonderfully simple.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” — John 6:47 (KJV)
Notice the certainty of His words.
Not might have.
Not could earn.
But “hath everlasting life.”
The thief on the cross never entered a temple, received priesthood authority, or performed religious ordinances after placing his faith in Christ.
Yet Jesus declared:
“To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” — Luke 23:43 (KJV)
His confidence rested entirely upon the mercy of Jesus Christ.
Which Voice Will You Follow?
Every believer must ultimately answer one question:
Whose words carry the greatest authority?
The words of Jesus Christ…
or the teachings of any man who came after Him?
Jesus Himself answered that question.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27 (KJV)
If any religious teaching agrees with Jesus Christ, embrace it.
If it differs from Jesus Christ, no matter how respected its source may be, the disciple of Christ must choose the words of the Savior.
The Lord invites every sincere seeker:
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — **John 8:31–32 (KJV)
Truth does not fear examination.
Open the King James Bible.
Read the words of Jesus for yourself.
Then ask a simple question:
Do the teachings I have accepted agree with the teachings of Jesus Christ?
That question has eternal significance.
After being a member of the church for 60+ years, I found truth in studying the end times prophecies as recorded in the bible. This also led to the teachings of Christ that I was studying that were not the same that I had been taught my entire life through the church.
Studying Nicodemus was quite revealing to me. There are MANY in the church that are just like he was. They know Mormon doctrine very well, and they serve in leadership positions in the church, but does Christ know them? He does NOT unless they have been born again. This scripture further teaches the risk here.
One of the most sobering warnings Jesus ever gave is found in Matthew 7:21–23 (KJV):
“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.“
Notice that these people were religious and had performed many works in Christ’s name, yet Jesus did not say, “I knew you once.” He said, “I never knew you.” Their confidence was in their religious activity rather than in a genuine relationship with Him through faith.
The greatest question any person can ask is not, “Am I religious?” or “Have I done enough good works?” but, “Does Jesus Christ know me?” The answer comes through being born again, trusting completely in His finished atonement, and entering into a personal relationship with Him by faith (John 3:3–7; Ephesians 2:8–9, KJV).
Was leaving the church difficult for me, yes, it was. I lost my ward family, and was treated differently in the neighborhood. But I came to realize something very important. Through my deep dive study of end times prophecy, I’ve learned that Jesus Christ will soon come for those, “in Christ” and rapture them away from the earth. This will happen just before the start of the 7-year tribulation period, which is something that NO ONE wants to be here for.
Like the scripture indicates:
1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 (KJV):
“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.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
Jesus is coming for those that He knows, those who are “in Christ” those who have been “born again.” Being religious like Nicodemus is NOT the requirement for the rapture. Being Born Again is.
Because I have learned this, I KNOW that I will be raptured, where I’m not sure if I would have been simply relying upon the church for my salvation, and believing that temple ordinances, as well as my good works were also necessary for salvation.
My final message is simple. I’m certain that you know Jesus Christ, but does He know you? I invite you to become Born Again. Study it by yourself as taught in the New Testament. Include God in your studies, and I promise that He will show you the same things that He has shown me.
Don’t focus on what is FALSE… Focus on what is TRUE. What did Jesus Christ teach that is true? When you learn this, it does not feel like “falling” when you discover what is false. It feels like you are stepping beyond deception, and have a clear path forward.
We are running out of time. Don’t miss the rapture, get on your knees right now and accept Jesus Christ as your savior and redeemer, Accept His atonement, realizing that you are a sinner and need the Savior. Repent of your sins, DIRECTLY to God in prayer. Repentance does NOT need a churches involvement!!! It is between you and God, through the Savior.
Study the atonement, and BELIEVE the truth that they state.
Salvation is a Gift, accepted through Faith
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.”
Romans 6:23 (KJV)
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Justified by Faith
Romans 5:1 (KJV)
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 3:28 (KJV)
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
Galatians 2:16 (KJV)
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ… for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
Christ Paid the Full Price
Hebrews 10:10 (KJV)
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Hebrews 10:12 (KJV)
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.”
Hebrews 10:14 (KJV)
“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
Saved by Grace, Not Works
Titus 3:5–7 (KJV)
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us… That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Romans 11:6 (KJV)
“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.”
2 Timothy 1:9 (KJV)
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace…”
Faith Is Counted for Righteousness
Romans 4:4–5 (KJV)
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
Romans 4:24–25 (KJV)
“But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
Receive Christ by Faith
John 1:12 (KJV)
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
John 3:16 (KJV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:36 (KJV)
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life…”
John 5:24 (KJV)
“He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation…”
Salvation Is to Everyone Who Believes
Romans 10:9–10 (KJV)
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.“
Romans 10:13 (KJV)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.“
Eternal Life Is Given to Believers
John 6:40 (KJV)
“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life…”
John 6:47 (KJV)
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
The Apostles Preached Faith in Christ Alone
Acts 16:30–31 (KJV)
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”
Acts 13:38–39 (KJV)
“Be it known unto you therefore… that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
These passages consistently teach that Christ’s atonement is completely sufficient, and that forgiveness, justification, and eternal life are received by God’s grace through faith, not earned by good works, keeping the law, or religious rituals. Good works are the fruit of genuine faith, but they are never presented in the New Testament as the basis for receiving the gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17–18, KJV).
I am praying for all of you who are reading this, that you may come to learn the true teachings of Jesus Christ, and escape the nets of deception that I was tangled in for so many years. I wish you all of the best.
Discover more from The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
