Devotion: Matthew 7:21-23

Paul Washer: “Narrow Gate, Narrow Way”

Shocking Youth Message (2002).

Spoke to 5000 people.

YouTube — 4.1 million views!

Targeting false Christianity.

People who live under the presumption that there saved when no work of God…

False conversion:

Have the appearance of godliness, but no inward holiness of heart.

Profess to know God but deny Him by their works.

Bible speaks about this in many passages, the most terrifying of which is Matt 7:21-23.

J.C Ryle - Evangelical pastor (19th century) in the Anglican church that spoke against mere formalism and ritualism.

“Expository Thoughts on the Gospels.”

“Spiritual commentaries.”

Meaning of the text is simply explained, with a heavy emphasis on application.

Devotional warmth of Matthew Henry.

Cutting edge boldness of a John Knox.

“Let us take notice of this. It requires far more than most people seem to think necessary, to save a soul. We may be baptized in the name of Christ, and boast confidently of our ecclesiastical privileges. We may possess head-knowledge, and be quite satisfied with our own state. We may even be preachers, and teachers of others, and do “many wonderful works” in connection with our church.

But all this time are we practically doing the will of our Father in heaven? Do we truly repent, truly believe on Christ, and live holy and humble lives? If not, in spite of all our privileges and profession, we shall miss heaven at last, and be for ever cast away. We shall hear those awful words, “I never knew you: depart from me.”

The day of judgment will reveal strange things. The hopes of many, who were thought great Christians while they lived, will be utterly confounded. The rottenness of their religion will be exposed and put to shame before the whole world. It will then be proved, that to be saved means something more than “making a profession.””