APRIL 4, 2024
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23)
Someone claiming to be a believer might appear respectable and wise, but you must look at the fruit of his life to know if he genuinely represents God. In the same way, it’s possible for a person to claim to follow Jesus, referring to Him as “Lord,” when they are not faithful followers of Christ. Only those who do the will of the Father will be allowed into the kingdom of heaven. Our good works might fool other people and even ourselves, but they cannot fool God.
Scripture is clear that salvation is entirely by grace through faith and not earned by good deeds. The Bible also strongly reminds believers that all people have sin, which must be addressed. However, God’s Word also indicates that those genuinely born again will see salvation reflected in their attitudes and actions. A similar tension exists in this passage, which emphasizes that Christ, not deeds, is what saves; yet, submission to Christ is an expected result of salvation.
Those who primarily define their faith by what they’ve done for God have placed their trust in something other than Christ. In these few verses, Jesus explicitly explains that to do God’s will requires genuine faith.
Having warned His listeners to beware of false prophets, Jesus clarified that others can show faith and fool us. Christians should be aware of false leaders and others who claim to represent God when they do not. He warns us to beware of false followers. Specifically, Christ is warning those who hear Him not to fool themselves into thinking they are true believers when they are not.
Jesus declares that not everyone who refers to Him as “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. The title of “Lord” implies a master, a leader, and someone to whom the speaker submits. In prior teaching, Jesus indicated that mere words and actions are not enough; they must be motivated by sincerity and truth. In that same way, Jesus states in no uncertain terms that merely referring to Him as Lord is not enough. Neither are acts of supposed righteousness. Entrance to the kingdom of heaven is limited to those who thoroughly do His Father’s will in heaven. Paul writes, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Cor 13:5)
For the first time in this sermon, Jesus refers to God as “my Father.” Jesus Himself did the will of His Father in heaven. Those who truly follow Him will do the same lest they be told, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
 |
Virus-free.www.avast.com |
Speak Your Mind