The Life and Ministry of Jesus
“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!’ Matthew 7:21–23
A man who refuses to say “Lord, Lord” will never enter the kingdom of heaven. All true Christians say, “Lord, Lord.” But not all who say “Lord, Lord” are true Christians! Intellectual orthodoxy does not indicate saving faith.
You can be absolutely correct in your belief about Christ’s nature and person, his substitutionary atonement, his resurrection, and his return, you can have even fought against heretics, and yet not be truly saved. Furthermore, zeal and fervency do not bring eternal life. Saying orthodox things with emotion is not enough. 1
Personal Encouragement
You may claim to know Him, but the bigger question is this: Does He know you? What proof can you give today that your relationship with Jesus is certain and secure for all eternity?
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10
To know Him is to humbly know that you would be in hell without Him.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for confronting the “make believers” with Your gospel truth.
1. Ryle, J. C. (1993). Matthew. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
