“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’  And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’             Matthew 7:21-23

No doubt you’ve read these verses many times or heard someone preach or teach on them.  It’s a striking bit of Scripture that should send chills down your spine and cause you to search the innermost depths of your heart, making certain that you are in proper obedience to the Lord.  And part of that process would mean precisely identifying those whom Jesus was referencing in this passage of Scripture.

You may read this passage and think that Jesus is describing the heathen, or most degenerate people among us.  You may even think about a wicked criminal on death row, or maybe an evil dictator who has persecuted and murdered many people.  Certainly, that’s who Jesus was talking about, right?  But ask a question of the text – would such a person address Jesus as “Lord”?  The word “lord” means master.  It is a title of authority, and in this case, supreme authority.  A person who acts out in such an evil manner would never acknowledge God’s ultimate authority and would certainly never address Jesus of Nazareth as master.  Such a person hates Jesus.

So, who is it that does name Jesus as “Lord”?  Would it not be those who identify with His name?  Wouldn’t be people who claim to be Christians?  Maybe even regular church attenders?  If we keep reading, we find that this is indeed the identity of those whom Jesus is dismissing from His eternal presence, because they point out to Jesus all of the good works they have done in His name.  Today such a person might say, “Lord, did we not teach Sunday School in Your name, and sing in the choir in Your name, and participate in church clean-up day in Your name?”  And therein lies the problem.  The people that Jesus is describing are announcing to Him all of their own works as justification for entry into heaven.  They are pointing to… themselves… “Look at all the mighty works that I have done for you, Jesus.” 

To be sure, your works are as filthy rags, and “on that day” the only people who will be allowed to enter into heaven are those who have placed their faith in His work on the cross, rather than citing their own “good” works as justification.

I encourage you to read Scripture closely, and truly understand what it teaches.  There will be many “on that day” who are sorely mistaken and will be turned away by the Savior.

Blessings, 

Pastor Bruce