Not all "Christians will enter?
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Introduction
Introduction
Many Christians think belief in Jesus is enough to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Those, and possibly many others, think demonstrating spiritual gifts is an indicator of who is destined to enter into God's kingdom. Well Jesus states otherwise! But why? Why is it not enough to believe in Jesus? Why is it that demonstrating spiritual gifts is not enough to enter? Today, I encourage you to join me in an exegesis of Matthew 7:21-23 to understand Jesus' teaching on this topic.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many miracles in your name?’ 23 And then I will say to them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!’
What does Jesus say?
What does Jesus say?
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” clearly shows the fact that the ones who calls Him “Lord” acknowledges some serious engagement with Him.
Calling Him “Lord” twice at this point seems like a petition.
Considering Him “Lord” out of faith or to petition is disputed amongst biblical scholars
Not everyone who does call Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who do the will of the Father will enter. What is the contrast between those who do not enter and those who do? Doing the will (desire) of the Father.
22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many miracles in your name?’
What is “that day”? Judgment. So on the day of judgment those who will not enter will petition the Lord
The evidences they present in their petition are spiritual gifts and signs performed in the name of Jesus (prophesy, expelling demons, and performing many miracles). All three are associated with the prophetic office.
The Gospel of Matthew 3. Do the Will of My Father (7:21–23)
The reality of the claim is not to be doubted, and all of these activities are to be viewed in a thoroughly positive light, facts which throw into sharp relief the importance of what is missing
23 And then I will say to them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Jesus’ judgment is to declare disassociation between He and them (I never knew you). There is no link between He and them.
Jesus is seen as the gatekeeper to enter the kingdom of heaven.
The command to “depart from me” is due to the being a worker or practitioner of lawlessness.
What do we know and do?
What do we know and do?
Indicator of a Christian is not performing signs, Judas did that! It is faith in Jesus that leads to obedience or works of faith. (Eph 2:8-10; James 1:22-25; 2:14-24; Rom 3:28)
You can look the part but if you practice unrighteousness you’re destined for eternal destruction.
Remind us spiritual gifting does not identify an individual as a Christian. Love does (1 Co 12:27-13:13; 1 John 4:7-21)