Understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ and Repentance – Why YOUR Church Clouds the Details of this Sacred Event

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Posted Aug 22, 2025 | End Times Watch | River Wilde

The atonement of Jesus Christ is THE most important thing that has ever happened on this Earth.

God sent us to earth and knew full well that all of us would sin. This sin would prevent us from ever living with God after we die, so He developed a plan to save His children from this impossible scenario that existed. This solution is not “Plan B” for those who sin, it IS THE PLAN for all of us. We ALL would sin, and so this plan was developed.

He would send His son, Jesus Christ, to come to earth and complete a spiritual task known as the atonement.

In Christ’s adult years, He entered into the Garden of Getsemani, and willingly accepted all of the emotions, pain, and sorrow that were a result of all mankind’s sins. The bible describes this event:

Luke 22:44 (KJV)

“And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

This verse tells us that in His deep agony, Jesus’ sweat was “as it were great drops of blood”. Many Christians understand this as describing an extremely rare medical condition called hematidrosis, where under extreme stress, capillaries burst and blood mingles with sweat.

He then went on to be whipped and stabbed, resulting in the shedding of His blood which was discussed in the scriptures as being required for the atonement to be fulfilled.

• Matthew 26:28 – “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
• John 19:34 – “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.”
• Romans 5:9 – “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
• Hebrews 9:22 – “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”
• 1 Peter 1:18–19 – “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold… but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

The shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross was not an accident — it was the fulfillment of God’s plan from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). The Messiah’s suffering, death, and shed blood were foretold in the Old Testament, and fulfilled in Jesus Christ in the New Testament, bringing redemption to all who believe.

He was then hung upon a cross, where He sacrificed His very life in order for us to be able to be forgiven of our sins.

At the time of His passing, He declared a profound truth, that many people and church organizations are unaware of, leading to what I have titled, “Satan’s greatest lie.”

“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.”

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!

Continuing on with the churches clouding of the atonement, they have added additional steps to the repentance process. Many churches teach that they need to be involved in a person’s repentance, stating that we must confess our sins to a leader of the church.

Some churches also impose a penalty as a result of a person’s sins: Not taking the sacrament, a church disciplinary court, and even losing membership of that church, etc. It is my opinion, after further research, that these things are also offensive to the Savior, and are not necessary to fulfill His atoning sacrifice which is sufficient for the forgiveness of our sins.

To demonstrate this, let’s look at the example and teaching that Jesus Christ showed us regarding repentance, while He was on the earth:

King James Version (John 8:1–11):

The scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery. They reminded Him that Moses’ law commanded such a woman to be stoned, and they asked what He thought—trying to trap Him.

Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground as though He didn’t hear them. When they kept pressing Him, He stood up and said:

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”

One by one, being convicted by their own conscience, they left until only Jesus and the woman remained.

Jesus then asked her, “Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?”

She answered, “No man, Lord.”

And Jesus said: “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

The heart of the story is that Jesus did not excuse her sin, but He offered mercy, forgiveness, and a call to repentance. But, how did she repent?

The Bible (KJV) does not record what became of the woman after Jesus told her, “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). We don’t have her personal follow-up story, but we can understand what repentance meant in that moment:

1. Acknowledging her guilt – She didn’t argue, justify, or deny her sin when confronted.
2. Receiving Jesus’ mercy – She called Him “Lord” (John 8:11), showing respect and faith.
3. Turning away from sin – Jesus’ command, “sin no more,” shows that forgiveness is not permission to continue in sin, but a call to a changed life.

In other words, her repentance would be fulfilled if she left that sinful lifestyle and followed after God in obedience.

The same principle applies to us: true repentance isn’t just being sorry, but turning from sin and walking in newness of life (Romans 6:1–4).

Let’s look at additional teachings of repentance as detailed in the bible:

1. Turning from sin

• Ezekiel 18:30 – “Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”
  Repentance means changing direction—turning away from sin so it doesn’t destroy us.

2. Godly sorrow, not just regret

• 2 Corinthians 7:10 – “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
  True repentance isn’t just being sorry you got caught—it’s a deep sorrow before God that leads to a changed heart.

3. Confessing to God and forsaking sin

• Proverbs 28:13 – “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
  Repentance means openly confessing sin to God and then leaving it behind.

4. Bringing forth fruit (evidence)

• Matthew 3:8 – “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.”
  Real repentance shows up in our actions—how we live after turning to God.

5. Turning to God with the whole heart

• Joel 2:13 – “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness…”
  Repentance is not about outward show, but an inward, sincere return to God.

So, repentance in the KJV is confessing sin, turning away from it, and walking in obedience to God—and it is always met with His mercy. Anything beyond what is mentioned in these scriptures is not necessary to complete the repentance process.

The woman who had committed adultery was not told to attend a disciplinary council of a church, excommunicated, nor was given any further punitive action from the Savior. Repentance involved her interaction with God, through Jesus Christ to receive full forgiveness through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

So, why do churches add so many additional steps to the repentance process? The answer to this question comes in two obvious answers:

Remember, satan’s battle is to discredit the atonement. He wants us to believe that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was not enough to receive forgiveness, and that it must involve additional steps and punishments.

Secondly, the church has a vested interest in being involved with the repentance process to control its members. We have been taught that “We need the church to receive salvation.” Following Jesus Christ is not enough, we must have the churches involvement, which includes additional tasks, punishments, and ordinances. They have placed the church in between us and Jesus Christ. To receive salvation, we first must complete the steps that the CHURCH requires. But what do the scriptures say regarding this matter?

Salvation is directly through Jesus Christ, not through a church or any earthly mediator.

Here are some key scriptures:

• 1 Timothy 2:5 –

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

• John 14:6 –

“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 –

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

• Hebrews 7:25 –

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

The Bible shows that while fellowship with other believers is good (Hebrews 10:25), the church does not stand between us and God. Our salvation, forgiveness, and access to the Father are through Jesus Christ alone.

I am also enlightened to know that there will be NO CHURCH in heaven. Here are some key verses that show this:

• Revelation 21:22
  “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”

This clearly shows there will be no temple, no church building in the New Jerusalem. God Himself and the Lamb are the center of worship.

• Revelation 21:3
  “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”

God will dwell directly with His people, without an institution or building separating them.

• Revelation 7:9-10
  “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”

Worship in heaven is direct, before God and the Lamb—not through a church or denomination.

So, in heaven, there is no church building or denomination—only direct fellowship with Jesus Christ and God Almighty.

Many of us are so focused on following the church and have lost the intended directive that we have been given of following Jesus Christ. We will not worship a prophet in heaven. Our entire focus and worship will be directly with Jesus Christ.

I also am troubled with some very close friends and family who have told me that they will follow a “prophet” even if told something entirely different from God in their own personal revelation. A telling action of this type of disloyalty is that when we pass on into the next life, Jesus Christ Himself will ask why we chose to follow a man over Him.

Those who have felt that they were displaying “True Faith” by following their leader regardless of Gods direct revelation will look around and see that this leader might not even be with them in heaven, and if so, would not be in any kind of leadership position, making them realize how foolish their decision to follow a man over Jesus Christ has been.

I would like each of you to consider removing your church from a mediator between you and Jesus Christ. The church is not necessary for your salvation. Salvation comes directly from Jesus Christ. Our church can be a support in strengthening our relationship with Christ, but should not be seen as something or someone that you need to follow instead of following the Savior directly.

I can see this conflict in my own family’s lives. To say that they would follow the prophet over their personal revelation from God is a clear sign that they have been deceived by satan and his crafty way of taking away the importance of the Savior directly in our lives.

We all should evaluate our relationship with our churches. Are there other things that satan has influenced leaders of the church to cloud our understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that He taught when He was on the earth? Are you aware that this is a key strategy that satan has to deceive us by using churches to lead us away from the true teachings of Christ? We have received countless warnings about this:

Warnings About False Teachers and Deception

• Matthew 24:4-5 – “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
• Matthew 24:11 – “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”
• Matthew 24:24 – “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.”
• 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

Churches Turning from Truth

• 1 Timothy 4:1 – “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”
• 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
• 2 Thessalonians 2:3 – “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”

The Bible makes it clear: not every church or preacher truly represents Christ. Many will use religion for power, money, or control in the last days. True faith is not found in an institution but in Jesus Christ Himself (John 14:6).

For those of you who have been “Conditioned” to be thinking right now, “NO, not my church,” I invite you to do something very easy as well as productive. Right now, get on your knees and ask God to reveal to you anything that your church teaches or does that places them in between you and Christ. Then, as you take a quiet moment to listen, you will have thoughts come into your mind that perhaps might require further study or prayer. Continue on with this assignment as prompted. Do not fear the truth, CRAVE it!

Let our churches enhance our relationship with Jesus Christ, but not get in between it. If you find that there are some things like blindly follow a prophet over your own personal revelation from God, change the order of this, and commit to always following God over what any personal tells you to do, regardless of their position. As you continue doing this, you will begin to see other things in the churches teachings that need to be shuffled by placing God first over church teachings. It’s really that simple.

Be humble, for that is how we learn. Be teachable to the TRUTH, for you will find it. Stop defending your church, for this is what we have been taught to do. Rather, start defending the teachings of Christ as written in the New Testament. Spend your time learning of what they are. Study with a new set of eyes. Explore the New Testament with the intent of finding truth, not to defend a preconceived doctrine.

I can promise you that you will find some things that are REFRESHING, encouraging, and will release much of the confusion and guilt of religious teachings. You will come to rely more on Jesus Christ than you do your church. And finally, this:

John 8:32 – “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

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