“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’”— Matthew 7: 21-23 NLT
I find what Jesus said in the text above very intriguing. I also wondered how so many people who profess to know Jesus and who seem to have done the right things in His name, can be so wrong! I would have thought the people Jesus was referring to are the ones who actually did the will of God!
It is clear that Jesus is teaching us that by verbally confessing or engaging in religious activities, without a transformed life, cannot guarantee entry into God’s kingdom. The “Kingdom of Heaven”, which is another subject and study of its own, refers to God’s eternal reign, the place of true fellowship and genuine relationship with Christ.
Doing the will of God is not just about the external or outward religious activities we do in His name. The will of God in heaven is primarily to do with an unbroken fellowship with God which is living in total obedience, righteousness, faith and love.
So, why would Jesus say to some people, “I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.” It is possible that the people Jesus was referring to may have a superficial belief or pretend relationship with Christ. Earlier in the same chapter, Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act…” Matthew 7:15-16 (NLT)
An example of this is the story of Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8:9-24. Although he believed and was baptised, he offered Peter and John money to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit – “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power.‘Let me have this power, too,’ he exclaimed, ‘so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!’” Acts 8: 18-19 (NLT)
It is debateable whether Simon the sorcerer genuinely believed in Christ or he was just seeking to add the power of the Holy Spirit to his magic. Sadly, there are some in the body of Christ today who are just like Simon. For their personal gain and glory, they seek all sorts of “enhancement” to the name of Jesus including the use of dark powers and magic to attract, deceive and fleece many.
Jesus’ statement should prompt a self-examination in every believer. Does my confession and actions reflect God’s will? Or am I just seeking my own power, success and glory?
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 