January 19, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde
Deception is perhaps seen as something for us to be aware of in the future. Something for us to watch out for. Rarely do any of us stop and ask…”Have I already been deceived?” We might think that scripture is written for everyone us, but, could this scripture have been written for me.
Let me share a scripture with you that I am referencing for you to read:
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.”
If you have studied the prophecies of the end times, you are aware that DECEPTION will be the THEME of the 7-Year Tribulation Period. It is going to be everywhere, and VERY CONVINCING. So convincing that it may deceive the Very Elect, as the scripture states.
So, let’s take a moment to see how the story of the thief on the cross, demonstrates how I, and maybe you, are the “very elect” who have already been deceived by our church’s false teachings.
When Christ was on the earth, he taught so many things is ways that we would understand the DEPT of His gospel. The more that we thought about His message, the more insight that it revealed. Even though His words might have been few, their meaning seemed to teach an entire gospel principle in great depth.
The Thief on the Cross — A KJV Teaching
Jesus was crucified between two criminals. Both men were guilty, condemned, and facing death. As they hung beside Him, the people mocked Jesus. The rulers scoffed, the soldiers mocked, and even one of the thieves joined in the ridicule.
Luke 23:39 (KJV)
“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.”
This thief spoke from pride and unbelief. He wanted deliverance without repentance.
But the other thief saw something different. In his final moments, truth pierced his heart. He recognized his own guilt, Jesus’ innocence, and Jesus’ authority.
Luke 23:40–41 (KJV)
“But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.”
This thief confessed his sin and acknowledged Jesus as righteous. Then he made a simple, humble plea of faith.
Luke 23:42 (KJV)
“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”
This is one of the most powerful declarations in Scripture. The thief called Jesus “Lord” and believed that Jesus had a kingdom beyond death, even while Jesus hung bleeding on a cross. He had no good works left to offer, no baptism, no chance to make restitution—only faith.
Jesus answered immediately.
Luke 23:43 (KJV)
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
You’ve probably heard this story many times before. But honestly, ask yourself right now…”What did the Thief do that would allow him to hear a promise from Christ that he would meet Him in Paradise?”
It’s puzzling because the answer is really more about what he didn’t do…right? Maybe you say, “That’s not even possible, he didn’t do all of the required steps to make it into “heaven”.
The confusion comes from your current belief of what you think a person needs to do to make it into heaven. Many people would conclude, if a person wants to go to heaven, here are the things that they would need to do:
Be Baptized
Go to Church
Complete a list of requirements that the church has
Repent
A belief that Jesus Christ is our Savior
Temple ordinances
Pay tithing
And most importantly, have lots of GOOD WORKS
From the information that was given in the scripture, what did the thief complete on this list?
Repent
Belief that Jesus was LORD
Believed that Jesus had a kingdom beyond death
To all of you reading this post, ALL that is necessary to make it into “heaven,” are the things that the thief completed. That’s it! Because that’s what Jesus taught us through this experience.
Now, let’s continue with additional scripture to support this declaration.
Many people think that we earn our way into heaven through our good works, church requirements, tithing paid, and even temple ordnances. But is this what scriptures teach?
Salvation Comes by Grace Through Faith – Not By Our Good 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.”
This passage plainly states:
Salvation is a gift
It does not come from works
No one can earn it or boast earning it
Righteousness Is Not Earned by the Law or Works
Romans 3:20 (KJV)
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
The law reveals sin—it does not save.
Grace and Works Cannot Be Mixed
Romans 11:6 (KJV)
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.
If works are required for salvation, grace would no longer be grace.
David Describes Salvation Without Works
Romans 4:5–6 (KJV)
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Works Follow Salvation — They Do Not Cause It
Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the price of it.
Salvation Is by Faith Alone in Christ
Titus 3:5 (KJV)
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…”
I, and perhaps many of you have already been deceived because of the craftiness of the adversary. He took deception and wrapped it with layers of TRUTH to make them appear to all be the same… TRUTH. We have been deceived in something so important as understand the atonement in it’s true form.
Our salvation is not up to us, NOR is it because of our church. Salvation comes as a GIFT to all of those who accept it by believing in Jesus Christ. By recognizing that we are a sinner, and repent for our sins. This is the SIMPLICITY of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as He taught in the Pages of the New Testament.
I invite you to take a moment right now and approach God in prayer and ask Him to reveal the truth regarding the deception that you have been so cleverly tricked into believing.
Satan has successfully taken away some of the GLORY that belongs to Jesus Christ for His atoning sacrifice. He did it all, and it was COMPLETE. It has nothing to do with our good works, nor church checklist, tithing, or temple work. Salvation, and the glory that it contains belongs 100% to our Savior Jesus Christ. It is now up to us to Believe in that atonement, realize that we are a sinner, repent and see Christ’s atonement as being all that is necessary to be with Him in Paradise.
Realizing that we have been deceived is troubling. However, I invite you to consider all of the positive wonderful things that the church has brought to you. It has been a “wonderful life.” I still am very grateful that I raised my family in the church, for it brought some great guidance in helping them stay on track.
Not EVERYTHING in the church has been a deception. Please realize this! However, it’s time to realize that we have been deceived by some of the teachings of the church, and we need to discover the TRUTHFUL things of the gospel as taught in the Bible.
If you are a member of this blog and have read other of my writings, you are aware of why it’s important that you NOW realize these deceptions, so that you are prepared for what is coming.
We don’t have a great deal of time left before the Rapture. I invite you to learn these teachings as I have shared with you today, for this belief and testimony is the “ticket” of being included in the Rapture. Please do not miss this.
Discover more from The Gospel of Jesus Christ
gospelofjesuschrist.blog/2026/01/19/
