Do You Thirst for Spiritual Truth, or Are You Good with What Others Have Taught You? I MUST Share One Important Concept with You from the KJV of the Bible

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Posted August 21, 2025 |End Times Watch | River Wilde

Over the past two years, I have been on a spiritual journey to find out what is the truth, spiritually. I have been a member of the same church all of my life, and have discovered some untruths that the church was teaching. This discovery increased my craving for spiritual truth. I had no desire to find out what was UNTRUE about my church, rather, I wanted to only seek the things that were true. What did the Savior teach when He was on the Earth? This became my greatest desire to satisfy.

Through prayer, and constant research into the New Testament (KJV), I have been on one of the most exciting journeys of my life. Just me and God, and the writings about Jesus Christ noted in the bible.

I would rely upon the Holy Ghost to teach me the things that I was studying, and take many questions to God in prayer. This would be my strategy in discovering the truth.

I approached this not with any intent to prove anything that I had already been taught, I desired to see things as new; undiscovered, so that I would not go into this research with any prejudice or preconceived ideas of what to look for.

I am quite humbled to think that Christ was actually upon our earth. As I read the New Testament, I pictured myself as being one of the people that He was teaching, as he ventured into His ministry. I felt the power of His words as I read them, and craved to learn even more. This was different than how I learned through my church.

Church had been the teachings or interpretations from others, relaying the doctrine of that church, and not so much the teachings of Jesus Christ. I wasn’t interested in the doctrine of the church, just what Christ was teaching while upon the earth.

I learned something very interesting right from the start, which I have titled, “Satan’s Greatest Lie.”

While Jesus Christ was upon the earth, He completed the Atonement. The Atonement is His once-for-all suffering in the Garden of Getsemani, sacrifice on the cross where He shed His blood, bore our sins, and rose again. He did this so that we might be forgiven, reconciled to God, justified, and given eternal life.

As He hung on the cross, Jesus said one of the most important phrases ever relating to the atonement:

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
— John 19:30 (KJV)

What Did Jesus Mean by “It is finished”?

The Greek word behind “finished” is tetelestai, which means paid in full, completed, accomplished.

1. The work of redemption was complete
   Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Every sacrifice, prophecy, and promise about the Messiah was fulfilled in Him.
2. The debt of sin was paid in full
   Our sins carried a debt we could not pay. On the cross, Jesus bore it all.
   • “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us… nailing it to his cross.” (Colossians 2:14)
3. The power of Satan was broken
   Satan’s hold through sin and death was defeated.
   • “…that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” (Hebrews 2:14)
4. No more sacrifice for sin is needed
   Unlike Old Testament priests who offered continual sacrifices, Jesus’ one offering was enough forever.
   • “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:12)
5. The way to God was opened
   At that very moment, the veil of the temple was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), showing that through Christ we now have direct access to the Father.
   • “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.” (Hebrews 10:19)

And the Biggest Lie from Satan? Through his influence, many churches teach that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is not enough to fulfill the atonement. It requires more from US! The atonement only works when we have done as much as we can. This is satan’s greatest lie.

Here’s what my church teaches, as well as others:

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

Our being saved by Christ’s atoning sacrifice has nothing to do with our works. I believe this sort of thinking is offensive to the Savior. He was ENOUGH! He said on the cross, that “It is finished.”

There is even further clarification regarding this in the following scriptures:

Ephesians 2:8–9

“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

“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.”

Galatians 2:16

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

Satan wants to take the glory away from the Savior, teaching that what Christ did was not enough. It is up to mankind to be involved in order to be “Saved” or have the “Atonement become effective.” This is a lie. What Christ accomplished through His life and atonement was ENOUGH!

But let’s take this further. If our WORKS are not part of the atonement, what do the scriptures state that our responsibility is? The answer? Quite simple… “We need to accept it.” We need to accept the atonement of Jesus Christ into our lives.

And just how do we do this?

The sacrifice of Jesus is finished, sufficient, and complete (John 19:30; Hebrews 10:12). But the Bible does say there is a response required for the atonement to become effective in our personal lives.

Here’s what the King James Bible teaches:

1. Believe in Jesus Christ (Faith)

Faith is the channel by which the atonement is applied.

• “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (Acts 16:31)
• “…that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

2. Repent of Sin (Turning to God)

Repentance is not “paying” for sin but turning from sin to God in faith.

• “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19)
• “…but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” (Acts 17:30)

3. Confess Christ (Openly Acknowledge Him)

Confession shows genuine faith.

• “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 10:9)

4. Receive Him Personally (Trust, Not Just Knowledge)

It’s not just knowing about Jesus — it’s receiving Him as Savior and Lord.

• “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 1:12)

5. Continue in Faith (Abiding, Not Works)

True saving faith endures and produces fruit, but it’s God who keeps us.

• “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” (Hebrews 3:14)
• “…he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

All of this is response, not contribution. We don’t add to the atonement — we simply accept what Christ already finished. This makes PERFECT sense to me now.

Accepting the atonement into our lives, confessing that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, and becoming Born Again are what make the atonement effective in our lives. We have been promised by doing this that we will be judged during the “Judgment Seat of Christ.” Let’s learn about this.

The Judgment Seat of Christ (for believers)

• “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
• “…we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Romans 14:10)

What it is:

This judgment is only for saved believers.

• Romans 14:10 – “for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body…”

It happens after the rapture/resurrection of the saints.

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up… to meet the Lord in the air…”
• 1 Corinthians 4:5 – “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”

It is not about salvation (that was settled at the cross, John 5:24).

• John 5:24 – “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.”
• Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”

It is about rewards and loss of rewards based on how we lived and served Christ.

• 1 Corinthians 3:12–15 – “If any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest… If any man’s work abide… he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
• Revelation 22:12 – “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

Rewards include:

1. The Incorruptible Crown – 1 Corinthians 9:25

• Given to those who practice self-control and discipline in their Christian walk.
• Represents victory over the flesh and perseverance in the race of faith.
  “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

2. The Crown of Rejoicing – 1 Thessalonians 2:19

• Known as the “soul-winner’s crown.”
• Reward for those who lead others to Christ.
  “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”

3. The Crown of Righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8

• Given to those who love and eagerly wait for Christ’s appearing.
• For believers who live in expectation of His return.
  “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day…”

4. The Crown of Life – James 1:12; Revelation 2:10

• For those who endure trials and remain faithful unto death.
• Sometimes called the “martyr’s crown.”
  “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life…”

5. The Crown of Glory – 1 Peter 5:4

• Specifically promised to faithful pastors, elders, and spiritual shepherds.
• Represents reward for guiding and caring for God’s flock.
  “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

Those who attend this judgment will be guaranteed a spot in “Heaven.” Those of us who have accepted the atonement, and have repented, are free from all sin. There is nothing to judge us from since our sins have been removed. The only thing left is to “Judge” us for all of the good things that we have done, and for Him to give us “Rewards” not punishments. “Crowns of Glory” not punishments.

Now, let’s discuss those people who do NOT accept the atonement of Jesus Christ which He offered to all mankind. Their judgment is very different.

The Great White Throne Judgment (for unbelievers)

• “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away… And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God… and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Revelation 20:11–12)
• “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)

What it is:

This judgment is only for the lost (unbelievers).
Revelation 20:11–12, 15

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away… And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God… And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

It happens after the Millennium (1000 years of Christ’s reign).
Revelation 20:4–6, 7, 11

“And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years… But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished… And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed… And I saw a great white throne…”

It is about condemnation, not rewards.
Revelation 20:14–15

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

John 5:29

“And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”

Books will be opened, including the Book of Life. Anyone not in the Book of Life will be judged according to their works — but since works cannot save, all will be cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:12

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”

Revelation 20:15

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Ephesians 2:8–9

“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.”

Did you catch the difference? Since they have not accepted the atonement of Jesus Christ into their lives, they are responsible for all of their sins. None are forgiven! They will be judged for those sins, which disqualify them from living in the presence of God, and they will be “Cast into the Lake of Fire.”

I invite all of you to consider what I have written today. There is great peace in knowing that if we do what I have mentioned above, we will be guaranteed a spot in heaven, and receive crowns of glory for our good works.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life, repented of your sins, and become Born Again, your fate too is sealed. You will be judged in the White Crown Judgment at the end of the millennium, and will be guaranteed to be cast into the lake of fire.

The teaching of Christ are so simple. Churches have seemed to cloud the simplicity, and take away some very important credibility from Christ. Please, commit right now that you will continue to do your own study into this very important topic. There is NOTHING more important for you to be doing right now than to study what I am saying.

In case you are not aware, this earth life will be ending VERY soon. And, when it does, your future home will depend on if you have accepted the atonement of Jesus Christ, been born again, and repented of your sins. This should not sound difficult for you to do at all. It is SIMPLE. But, failing to do so will result in eternal consequences.

I pray for all of you who are reading this that you might see the urgency of the task at hand. I look forward to meeting all of you in HEAVEN!

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