Church – How can Something Thought to be So Good Be So Bad for Your Salvation? This Deserves a Look

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Posted July 11, 2025 | End Times Watch | River Wilde

(These writings are entirely my own opinion, obtained through independent study and prayerful research. I do not speak on behalf of any church or church representative.)

I have been a member of the same church all of my life. Many of the good characteristics that I have developed are a result of the influence that my church has had on me.

This same church is starting to come apart, due to the deceptions being exposed relating to doctrine and church history. One by one, people are discovering the dishonesty of the “Corporation of the Church” and walking away … now viewed and labeled, “Dishonest” by many. The hurt that is created when you realized that you have been spiritually deceived by someone you once trusted is heart wrenching. How could spiritual leaders be so dishonest?

In my studies for truth over the past 2 years, I have found something even far worse than the obvious deception that many are discovering. The church is part of satan’s greatest lie…That lie: “You have to earn your way into heaven!” We were taught that Jesus Christ can save us, after we do all that we can do for ourselves. This is the greatest lie in their teachings.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church) teaches that salvation through the Atonement of Jesus Christ is conditional upon our efforts, including obedience, repentance, ordinances, and enduring to the end.

Here’s a clear summary of the LDS position:

1. Grace is essential, but not sufficient alone.
The LDS Church teaches that Jesus Christ’s Atonement makes salvation possible, but individuals must do their part — often described as “all we can do.”

• 2 Nephi 25:23 (Book of Mormon):

“For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”

To counter this false teaching, I have spent a great deal of time researching what Christ meant by the following scripture:

“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

What Does “Born Again” Mean?

When Jesus says a person must be “born again,” He is teaching a spiritual truth. He’s not referring to a second physical birth, but rather a spiritual rebirth. This concept is key to entering God’s kingdom.

Let’s break it down:

1. “Except a man be born again” = A requirement

• “Except” means unless.
• This is not optional—it’s necessary for salvation and to enter the kingdom of God.

2. “Born again” = Born from above

• The Greek word translated “again” can also mean “from above.”
• It means to be spiritually regenerated—to receive new life from God.
• This happens when a person puts their faith in Jesus Christ, repents of their sins, and receives the Holy Spirit.

3. Why? Because the natural man is spiritually dead

• According to Ephesians 2:1, we are all “dead in trespasses and sins” before salvation.
• Being born again means God gives you new spiritual life, and you become His child (John 1:12-13).

Jesus Explains Further (John 3:5-6)

“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.”

• “Born of water” often refers to natural birth or perhaps water baptism.
• “Born of the Spirit” is the crucial part—it means being regenerated by the Holy Spirit.

How Can You Be Born Again?

According to Scripture:

1. Believe in Jesus Christ

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.”

Faith in Christ is the key. You believe He died for your sins and rose again.

2. Repent of Your Sins

Acts 3:19 (KJV)
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”

True belief leads to turning away from sin and turning to God.

3. Receive Him Into Your Heart

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.”

Becoming a child of God is a supernatural act done by God when you receive Christ.

God is deeply offended when we say we are saved by our own works because it completely undermines the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the grace of God, which are the foundation of the gospel.

Let’s explore this clearly and biblically:

It Makes Christ’s Sacrifice Pointless

Galatians 2:21 (KJV):

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”

If we could earn salvation through our own efforts, then Jesus didn’t need to die. Saying we are saved by works is essentially saying: “I don’t need Jesus.” That is a grievous insult to God’s love and mercy.

It Puts Human Pride Above God’s Glory

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.”

God designed salvation so that no one could boast. The moment someone claims they earned it; they’re stealing glory that belongs to God alone. That’s pride—and pride was Satan’s downfall.

It Rejects the Truth of God’s Word

Romans 3:20 (KJV):

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight…”

God has already declared that no one can be justified (made right) by keeping laws or doing works. To claim otherwise is to call God a liar.

It Denies the Power of the Cross

Titus 3:5 (KJV):

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…”

No matter how “good” we try to be, our righteousness is filthy rags in comparison to God’s holiness (Isaiah 64:6). The only way we are made clean is through the blood of Jesus.

So What Should We Do?

• Trust fully in the finished work of Jesus.
• Repent of self-righteousness.
• Rest in His grace, then let good works follow as a result—not as a way to earn heaven, but to thank the One who already gave it to us.

The atonement of Jesus Christ is enough—completely and eternally enough. His sacrifice on the cross paid the full price for our sins, once and for all. We do not need to add to it with our own efforts, rituals, or works.

As the Apostle Paul declared,

“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).

When Jesus cried, “It is finished” (John 19:30, KJV), He meant exactly that—the debt was paid in full. Through faith in Him alone, we are forgiven, redeemed, and made righteous. The atonement doesn’t need our help; it only needs our humble trust.

If you believe this LIE, that it is up to us to do all that we can before we are saved, then the following scripture applies to you:

Matthew 7:23 (KJV):
“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5–7), where He warns that not everyone who claims to follow Him will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In verses just before this, people say they prophesied, cast out devils, and did many wonderful works in His name, but Jesus responds by saying He never knew them.

If you truly know Jesus Christ, you know that what He did by going through His atoning sacrifice was enough, and all that is necessary for your salvation if you are Born Again.

It might not seem to be a very big deal to you, but it truly is a Very Big deal to Jesus Christ. Satan wants you to think that His atonement was not enough, and that it requires effort on your part to earn your way into heaven. I invite you to repent of that offending self-righteous mindset, and realize the true gift that Jesus Christ gave to us.

Get to know the “TRUE” gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in the New Testament. Avoid the additional deceptions taught by your church. They are teaching many of things to build their OWN KINGDOM, not the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

I have one last word of caution relating to some Christian churches. Many are planning on joining the upcoming One World Religion. By doing this, they will be taking the mark of the beast and worshipping satan. It is also their intent, I believe, to take you down with them.

This planning has been years in the making… to appear Christlike and then using that spiritual influence that they have gained over you to convince members to follow them by taking the mark of the beast, which inurn means losing your soul and worshiping satan into eternity. Sound too dramatic? Not when you read this scripture:

Matthew 24:24 (KJV)

“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.”

You don’t think that the best way to deceive the very elect would be to do this from within the church? Satan has been working on this one for quite some time. And, if you are one who will follow the prophet, regardless of your own person revelation, I must tell you that you are likely to be taken out through this deception that he has planned.

You have been warned, but it is up to you to turn to Christ right now and follow HIM. Do the things that He is telling you to do right now. Start trusting His personal revelation that He is giving to you, for by doing this, you will never be lead astray.

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