LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 7:21-23. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”   Jesus

 

The sermon on the Mount is coming to a close and Jesus said some of the most frightening words that den=mands the listener and the reader must pay attention to.  Each of must stand before the Lord in judgment.   Jesus’ application of Scripture is even more of a straightforward warning than that of the false prophets.  These three verses must be read and studied together.  Verse 21 read alone would suggest that Jesus is emphasizing works which He was not. 

 

Jesus has given warning against false prophets and now He warns against being self-deceived.  The Bible teaches that no one can stand in the presence of a holy God without true righteousness and holiness.  Martin Lloyd-Jones said, “There is no Christianity without first believing in what Jesus Christ did at the cross of Calvary and his resurrection.  This must not be an intellectual walk in truth.”  God’s grace then helps people walk in obedience to God’s will.

 

The repetition of “lord, Lord” indicates these people were not only intellectual believers but enthusiastic.  I winder if they are more worried about filling seats in church auditoriums, giving wonderful messages that bring no conviction of sin, and who can turn on the tears at a moment’s notice to bring the desired emotional effects.  I’m suggesting these might be of the flesh and the flesh.  True effectiveness in spiritual matters will not be successful until done for the sake of Jesus Christ, for His glory alone.  I can only think these are people who are trying to attract people to themselves rather than to Jesus Christ.

 

Jesus also discussed the issue of works.  He said it is possible to preach correct doctrine, in the name of Christ and still remain outside the kingdom of God.  That’s what He said!  They can even cast out devils in the name of Jesus.  Remember Judas Iscariot was given the power to cast out demons but in the end was lost.  Jesus said there will be those who have done great things in His name that will not be permitted to enter the kingdom of God.  All this is done without being a Christian; their name is not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

 

So who are these people?  Where do they get their power to do these things?  Let me briefly say that the Bible teaches that fervent gospel preaching, an apparent zeal for righteousness and the working of miracles can be performed in this age under the influence and power of Satan.  Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”  Paul is making it clear that miraculous works can be the working of Satan.

 

The teaching is this: do not be misled, make sure your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 3:5).  Test yourself by examining the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11).  Be sure of your salvation (I am always willing to discuss this with you if you are unsure!).  Please remember that these are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.  Do not be deceived!  “He who does the will of My Father in heaven” should describe you.  If it does not, confess it to the Lord and ask Him to give you a “hunger and thirst for righteousness” and a desire “to seek His kingdom and His righteousness”.  “If you ask you will receive, if you seek you will receive, and if you knock it will be opened.”

 

What a wonderful promise!

 

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