A Severe Truth

“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 will enter. 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

Christian, beware! One of the strongest and most straightforward warnings given in all of Scripture is given by Christ shortly after His statements such as “blessed are the meek” and do not be anxious for your life” and what is commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus' statement in these three short verses casts a clear warning to ever active ministry-oriented individual.

Yes, it is possible to carry out an effective, powerful, and meaningful ministry in the name of Jesus (even to the extent of working miracles) and yet miss heaven. There are those who believe they are an authentic child of grace, but they’ve missed a foundational step in building their lives: “...but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven ...” (John 7:21).

What has your heart’s affection? Maybe it’s time to take stock of your inner motivation for the ministry in which you are involved. Ask yourself, “Why do I do what I do?” How tragic for those who will experience this final rejection when all along they were convinced that they were an invaluable member of God’s eternal family. Never focus on your works but on the humbling fact that you were bought with a price - the blood of Christ!

The ultimate rejection is Jesus Christ’s judgment: “I never knew you; depart from Me.”