Do You Need Your Church for Repentance? Oh… You’ve Got to Read This!!

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Posted June 18, 2025 | End Times Watch | River Wilde

Over the past two years, I have devoted my life to an honest and determined search for spiritual truth. And through that journey, one thing has become undeniably clear: there is only ONE truth. It does not change based on what I believe, nor is it altered by what others choose to believe. Truth is not decided by a popular vote, nor is it validated by a strong or charismatic leader.

Truth simply is. It stands firm, unshaken by time, culture, or opinion. It is eternal, consistent, and absolute.

The gospel of Jesus Christ never changes. His truth is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Cultures shift. Doctrines of men rise and fall. But the pure gospel — as revealed through Jesus Christ and preserved in His Word — remains unshakable. It does not need revision or update. We are warned not to add to it or take away from it (Revelation 22:18–19). The Bible stands as the final authority, and it is in this truth that we find clarity, peace, and the voice of our Savior.

I have held onto this conviction with great care, allowing my studies and my heart to be led by the teachings of Jesus Christ. My pursuit of truth is guided by constant prayer and a deliberate effort to listen for the quiet promptings of the Holy Ghost. I put in the time — reading, researching, pondering — but in the end, I take everything to God and ask Him to confirm what is true.

My journey is not about religion, fame, or influence. I am not swayed by money, popularity, approval, or tradition. My only desire is to discover what is real, what is right, and what comes from God — and then to share that truth with others who are on the same path seeking truth.

I am not interested in fitting truth into a pre-shaped box of manmade religion. Far from it. I go directly to the source — to Jesus Christ Himself — and study His words and teachings as recorded in Scripture. He taught not only through powerful sermons, but also through parables rich with meaning. These teachings are a gift, and I approach them daily with fresh eyes and a humble heart, eager to hear what He will teach me today.

So, let’s get into today’s topic… Repentance.

Growing up, many of us were taught that repentance isn’t complete until we confess certain sins—especially sexual ones—to someone at our church. As a child, I was frequently interviewed and asked to divulge such private matters in order to be “fully forgiven.” Saying this was uncomfortable is a massive understatement.

I have always cherished the atonement of Jesus Christ, and repentance is something I take very seriously. I’ve sincerely wanted to do it “the right way” so that I could be truly forgiven. But my concern isn’t just about discomfort. My real question is this:

What does Jesus Christ actually teach about repentance?

In a world filled with denominations, doctrines, and religious traditions, it’s easy to think repentance must go through a church system. But Scripture—especially in the King James Version (KJV)—makes something very clear:

Repentance is not through a church, priest, or ordinance. It is through Jesus Christ alone.

Let’s dive in.

No Church Can Mediate Between God and Man

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”
—1 Timothy 2:5

There is no mention of a pastor, bishop, pope, or prophet standing between you and God. The only Mediator is Jesus Christ. When we sin, we are accountable to God, not to a religious institution. That’s simple and powerful truth.

Repentance Is Personal and Direct

Repentance begins in the heart—it’s a change of mind and a turning toward God, not a ritual done in a church office.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
—1 John 1:9

Notice it doesn’t say, “If we confess to the church,” or “If we go through a religious leader.” It simply says: “If we confess.” Directly to Him.

Jesus Calls Us to Repent — Not to a Church, but to Himself

Jesus launched His ministry with these words:

“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
—Matthew 4:17

He didn’t issue this call through a temple hierarchy or religious bureaucracy. It was—and is—a personal invitation from the Savior Himself to you.

Churches May Teach, But They Do Not Forgive

Churches can be helpful. They provide community, teaching, and support. But they do not have the power to grant repentance or absolve sin.

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

Who blots out sin? Not a bishop. Not a priest. God does—through Jesus Christ.

Why God Is Offended When Men Intervene in Repentance

The Bible gives strong reasons why inserting human systems or authority into the repentance process displeases God:

Jesus Is the Only Mediator

Anyone claiming authority to forgive sins or dictate repentance beyond what God commands is taking Christ’s rightful place—and that is deeply offensive to God.

Human Effort Cannot Earn Forgiveness

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
—Galatians 2:21, KJV

Adding man-made rituals or rules to repentance denies the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.

Jesus Condemned Religious Control

“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
—Matthew 15:9, KJV

When churches demand confessions, tithes, or rituals not found in Scripture, they are doing what Jesus condemned: turning God’s truth into man-made tradition.

Many religious systems subtly suggest that access to God is only available through their hierarchy, ordinances, or approval. That’s not the gospel.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28

Jesus didn’t say, “Come to the church.” He said, “Come unto ME.”

Conclusion: Jesus Is Enough

Repentance is between you and Jesus Christ—period.

No man, no church, no ritual has the power to forgive your sins. Only Jesus does. He died for you. He rose for you. And He alone offers complete forgiveness and new life.

“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, KJV

Come to Jesus.
Not to religion.
Not to ritual.
But to the Savior who alone can make you whole.

Let no one rob you of the beautiful simplicity of the gospel: Jesus is enough.
Many will one day be accountable before God for violating the sacredness of repentance. No man has any rightful part in the redeeming work that the Savior has already accomplished. It is solely because of His sacrifice that we can be forgiven of our sins.

Our loyalty and responsibility are to bring our transgressions directly to Jesus in sincere prayer. As we do, He will guide us—prompting us to make things right with those we may have harmed along the way. That direction comes from Him, not from man.

Religion may serve a purpose, but it was never meant to stand in place of the personal, direct relationship each of us is meant to have with Jesus Christ.

And if you happen to hold a position in your church that involves overseeing or controlling the repentance process of others, I lovingly urge you: seek God’s will. Do not continue in a role that may be offending Him. Let the Holy Spirit—not man—do the work of conviction and healing.