October 29, 2026 | www.GospelofJesusChrist.blog | River Wilde
Thank you for your desire to read this article. I PROMISE that it will be worth your time, as I will be sharing a gospel concept that is crucial in order for a person to make it into Heaven.
Let me first start with establishing some credibility.
Up until recently, I was a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I served a mission, and in various levels of leadership in that mission. Married in the temple, and just like many of you reading this, I served in leadership and teaching positions in my ward throughout my life. I also volunteered as a temple worker. Been a full-tithe payer, and on-and on….so I’d just like to confirm that I was very involved in the church, and certainly thought that it was a great place to be, and raise my family.
A few years ago, I had something happen that would change my path of understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ, (a story for another day). Because of this, I had a tremendous desire to lose myself in the scriptures of the Bible.
For the past Four years, I have spent “Full-Time” studying two very important topics:
The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus was on the earth, and He and His apostles taught the ENTIRE gospel, which is recorded in the New Testament. Not part One, with more to come, but the ENTIRE Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This scripture was instrumental in that discovery:
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.”
Paul repeats the warning for emphasis. The standard is the Gospel has already been received, in full—even the appearance of an angel does not authorize changing it.
The second topic was “End Times” Revelations from God to His Prophets regarding what will happen in the end times…in our day.
Amos 3:7 (KJV)
“Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
This verse teaches that God reveals His plans and purposes to His chosen prophets before bringing certain events to pass. Throughout the Bible, God warned His people through His prophets about coming judgments, blessings, and significant events.
Regarding End-Times Prophecy: God has already revealed many future events through biblical prophets such as Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and John in the Book of Revelation. These prophecies help believers understand God’s plan for the last days.
My second point here is that I have spent a great deal of time in the scriptures, learning through the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
So, now with that established, Let’s get to the point of this article.
The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that there is only one requirement for a person to enter heaven. Do you know what that requirement is? I didn’t until recently.
The reason that I didn’t know is that because the only requirement to get into heaven is a concept that the church does not teach correctly.
This is also the ONE Reason that Christians do not see the church as a Christian church. Let me share the details with you, so that you too can know if you are headed to heaven, or will be left behind at the upcoming rapture which will soon take place.
Here is the Qualification:
You Must Be Born Again — What the Bible Teaches (KJV)
Jesus Christ taught that being born again is absolutely necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. Salvation does not come through church membership, religious ordinances, good works, or being raised in a Christian family. It comes through faith in Jesus Christ, resulting in a spiritual new birth.
Here are some of the most important King James Version scriptures teaching this truth.
1. Jesus Said We Must Be Born Again
John 3:3 (KJV)
“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 3:5–7 (KJV)
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Jesus did not say that being born again was optional. He declared it a requirement for entering God’s Kingdom.
2. We Become Children of God Through Faith in Jesus Christ
John 1:12–13 (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:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Being born again is a work of God, not something accomplished through human effort or religious ceremonies.
3. Being Born Again Makes Us a New Creation
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.”
When someone is born again, they are spiritually made new in Christ. Their relationship with God changes, and a new life begins.
4. We Are Born Again Through the Word of God
1 Peter 1:23 (KJV)
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”
God’s Word reveals the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through which people come to saving faith.
5. Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith, Not Works
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.”
Titus 3:5 (KJV)
“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;”
Romans 11:6 (KJV)
“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
These are VERY Important teachings related to the Born Again process. Let’s compare these scriptures teaching to one from the church:
2 Nephi 25:23 (Book of Mormon)
“For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”
The important difference
The phrase “after all we can do” can suggest that God’s saving grace comes only after we have exhausted our own efforts. Being saved has nothing to do with our own good works, or our own efforts in saving ourselves.
However, the KJV teaches that salvation is not a reward for doing everything we can. It is God’s gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the price we pay to obtain it (Ephesians 2:10).
I want to point out here “satan’s greatest lie.” It helps us understand why knowing the truth about our salvation is so important.
When Jesus was on the earth, satan did all that he could in trying to prevent Jesus from accomplishing the atonement. He failed, and the sacrifice continued allowing all of us salvation.
Since satan failed at that, his next plan was to DISCREDIT the importance, and unique power that the atonement had all by itself, in having churches teach that there are OTHER things that are needed in addition to Christ’s atoning sacrifice, in order for a person to get to heaven, and receive salvation, (living forever in the presence of God).
Here are some examples of “Other Necessary Things” that some churches teach which are necessary in addition to the atonement to receive salvation:
Water baptism, Membership in a particular church, Temple ordinances, Eternal marriage or temple sealing, Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost through a priesthood ordinance, Keeping the Sabbath or Saturday worship, Obeying the Ten Commandments, Paying Tithing, Confession to a bishop or priest, Receiving Holy Communion or the Eucharist, Confirmation of the Holy Ghost, Performing sufficient good, Enduring faithfully to the end, Following religious dietary, or Word of Wisdom laws, Receiving additional priesthood ordinances, Accepting additional scriptures or modern prophets, and Achieving personal worthiness through obedience.
Many of these things are good, and what Christ would want us to do, but have NOTHING to do with our salvation, and reaching heaven. That comes ONLY from the gift of the atonement of Jesus Christ and our accepting Jesus Christ into our lives and receiving the New Birth which He taught in the New Testament.
6. Believing in Jesus Christ Brings Eternal Life
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 5:24 (KJV)
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
Jesus promises everlasting life to those who believe in Him. Notice that He says the believer hath everlasting life — a present possession.
7. We Must Believe in Our Hearts and Confess Jesus Christ
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.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Romans 10:13 (KJV)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Salvation is offered to everyone who genuinely turns to Jesus Christ in faith.
8. The Holy Spirit Gives Us New Spiritual Life
Titus 3:5 (KJV)
“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;”
The new birth is a spiritual transformation accomplished through God’s mercy and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit.
9. Those Born Again Have Passed From Death to Life
1 John 5:1 (KJV)
“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.”
1 John 5:11–12 (KJV)
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
Teaching: Eternal life is found in Jesus Christ alone. Those who have the Son have eternal life.
10. Jesus Christ Is the Only Way to the Father
John 14:6 (KJV)
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
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.”
Jesus Christ is the only Savior. No other person, religious institution, or human ordinance can replace Him.
Summary — Why Everyone Must Be Born Again
According to the King James Bible, every person is born physically into this world, but each person must also experience a spiritual birth to enter the Kingdom of God. This new birth comes through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). When a person genuinely believes in Jesus Christ as Savior, God grants that person eternal life, and the Holy Spirit brings about spiritual regeneration. Being born again is not simply joining a church, being baptized, performing religious works, or trying to become a better person. It is receiving the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Let me share something that is very obvious, but often considered.
The atonement of Jesus Christ was performed for ALL mankind. However, with our free agency that we have, it is not forced upon anyone. It must be received as a gift in order for it to become effective in our life. Not only do we ask to receive it, we must believe that this is the ONLY way that we can be forgiven of our sins, and live with God. WE NEED JESUS CHRIST!!!!! We can not do it ourselves. Our Church can not do it for us. Only through the atonement of Jesus Christ can we receive salvation.
The bible does not list a step-by-step requirement to becoming born again, but let me share some gospel teachings:
Step 1: Recognize That You Are a Sinner
Romans 3:23 (KJV)
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
We must recognize that we have sinned and need God’s forgiveness. No one can earn salvation through their own goodness.
Step 2: Believe That Jesus Christ Died for Your Sins and Rose Again
Romans 10:9 (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.”
Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died on the cross to pay for your sins, and that God raised Him from the dead.
Step 3: Repent and Turn to Jesus Christ
Acts 3:19 (KJV)
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;”
Repentance is between you and God, through Jesus Christ. We confess our sins to God. Repenting means a change of heart and mind toward sin and toward God. Turn away from trusting yourself and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation. Forgiveness comes from God, through Jesus Christ and not from a church.
Step 4: Call Upon Jesus Christ to Save You
Romans 10:13 (KJV)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Come to Jesus Christ sincerely, believing in Him and asking Him to forgive your sins and save your soul.
Step 5: Receive God’s Free Gift of Eternal Life 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.”
Salvation is not earned through baptism, church membership, temple ordinances, good works, or religious ceremonies. It is God’s free gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
A Simple Prayer of Salvation
Being born again is NOT just a prayer. You might have had times in your life where you have asked to receive the atonement, yet do not realize that you have become born again.
But for a person who wants some guidance in how they can talk to God and accept Jesus Christ into their life, an EXAMPLE of such prayer might be:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know that I am a sinner and that I need Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died on the cross for my sins, and that He rose again from the dead.
I ask to receive the gift of the atonement into my own life, and recognize that it is the only way that I can receive salvation, and live with Thee forever.
I repent of my sins and place my faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for my salvation.
Please forgive me for the things that I have done wrong, save my soul, and give me the gift of eternal life.
I receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Remember: It is not the prayer itself that saves you. It is genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
What Happens When You Are Born Again?
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.”
When you are born again, God forgives your sins, gives you spiritual life, and makes you a new creature in Christ. You become a child of God, receive the Holy Spirit, and receive the promise of eternal life.
John 5:24 (KJV)
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
The most important truth: You are not saved by what you do for Jesus Christ. You are saved by trusting in what Jesus Christ has already done for you through His death, burial, and resurrection.
Being born again is not a process of completing religious requirements. It is a spiritual rebirth accomplished by God when you place your faith in Jesus Christ. It happens IMMEDIATELY, and NOT over a period of time.
The wonderful promise of the Gospel is that anyone, anywhere in the world, can be born again through faith in Jesus Christ. God’s invitation extends to every nation, every race, every language, and every person willing to come to Him. Jesus did not say that we might need to be born again. He said, “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). This is one of the most important teachings in the entire Bible because our eternal destiny depends upon our relationship with Jesus Christ.
One last point to consider. In studying the end times prophecies which God gave to His prophets, and are recorded in the bible, I can tell you that the RAPTURE will soon take place.
For a person to be included in this rescue from God, they must have satisfied this same requirement… Being Born Again. Let me share a brief teaching of this prophecy with you:
1 Thessalonians 4:16–18
“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.”
The KJV does not use the word Rapture; its actual expression is “caught up.”
You can see in this scripture that those both dead and alive need to be “in Christ” to be raptured.
Being “In Christ” and being “Born Again” describe the same spiritual transformation that takes place when a person receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour through faith.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
There is no greater peace in knowing that you will be rescued from the 7 Year Tribulation Period which is coming, in the Rapture, AND that you will be going to Heaven to live with God FOREVER… All because of what Jesus Christ did for us, and our accepting His gift that He is offering to everyone.
This scripture is so fitting for my life right now…
John 8:32 (KJV)
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
It is my prayer that you too can come to this same realization of peace which come from the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Please take this information to God for your own conformation of truth. God wants all of us to KNOW that we will be with Him when we die, and not wonder which kingdom we will end up in based upon our good works and tithing paid. I invite you to come to learn the freeing Gospel of Jesus Christ, exactly as He and His apostles taught when they were upon the earth.
To all of my Brothers and Sisters reading this, I ask and share all of these things in love, and a hope that you too can find peace as this world comes to an end.
I’m praying for you right now. I invite you to do the same. God is our final authority!!!!
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