LORD, LORD ...

Matthew 7:21-23 - 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!”

This can be a very troubling statement. We all think we are good. We might call ourselves Christians, but that doesn’t always mean we are good. There is only one way we can be sure. A narrow way; many Christians even believe that God wouldn’t turn anyone away, and that saying the road is narrow is absurd. But, obviously, the road is narrow because God says it is. These verses are for Christians and non-Christians alike. A sobering thought, to be sure.

I was watching a video as part of a Bible study I’m doing called Behold Your God. One of the speakers made this statement: Not everyone who says they are a Christian is a Christian. That statement is loaded!

I’ve known for many years that there is only one way to God, through His Son Jesus. No other way. No other person can be named. Some religions claim Jesus is not the only way. But there is no one else. Only one way, truth and life and that is Jesus Christ.  It’s not even about religion, but about relationship. Religion is man-centered; relationship is God-centered. Religion is works-centered; relationship is knowing that God did for us what we could not do for ourselves...redeem us. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (Ephesians 2:8)

It is only through the power of God are we made a believer and follower in Christ. We are changed, as the Bible says, made whole only by the power of God, not self, not anyone else. No prayer alone will do it; not knowing someone who is born again; not even attending church. We must give ourselves over to Him (that relationship) for this change to take place. I’m sorry for those who don’t like change or are afraid of it. These will never know the power of God in their lives until they shed the pride.

We are all sinners in need of salvation. All. We are either surface Christians. in-depth Christians or none at all. We either see God as just somewhere out there loving on people and allowing any lifestyle or within our own spirits and knowing He is of great magnificence and judgment, besides love. He is ALL power!

It is true that God will receive us just as we are; but he doesn’t want us to stay that way. We are called to repent and believe...and learn the truth...and turn away from our sinful lives...and we all are there before we receive Christ...enemies of God. Only God can do this work in us but we must be willing to set aside all we think we know, or our church teaches, to know what He alone says, through His Word.

The Bible from Genesis to Revelation speaks of Jesus. It does not speak of anyone else being able to save us. It is a very interesting study. I just started rereading a book on who Jesus is in each book of the Bible. And surprisingly, in Genesis the whole reason He came is clearly evident...because of the sin of man, which separated us from God...and He had to intervene to bring about the birth of One who would save, not by the intervention of man. Only through Jesus Christ. It’s the most narrow way possible, according to scripture. 

I won’t argue with scripture. God’s Word is truth. Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom.  Through the writing and words of many different men empowered by the Holy Spirit, He has revealed His magnificence, His perfect plan for mankind, that plan fallen and the reshaping of man and that plan through His Son. Will you be onboard?

Matthew 7:13-14 - Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to 

destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.