Not Works, but Relationship

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

In Saturday morning cartoons, you probably have seen the clever coyote trying to sneak into the sheep field dressed in a sheep costume. He tip-toes around fooling many of the sheep and thinks he is perfectly disguised. But every time, the sheepdog pitches him out of the pasture.

Sometimes this amusing scene is uncomfortably close to real life. Jesus warned the disciples, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15

A false prophet is someone who is one thing on the outside and another on the inside. False prophets very often dress themselves in good deeds. Some are treacherous and are out to deceive, while others will be genuinely surprised when they find out their meritorious works are insufficient to save them. Matt 7:22-23

Outward appearance is not a reliable indicator of a relationship with the Lord. Does this mean that good works do not count? No. When you know Jesus as your Savior, good works are the result as the Holy Spirit changes your life and behavior.

Don’t be fooled by anyone who tells you that service for God will get you to heaven. Trusting Jesus is the only way, and His good work is for real.