Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV): “21 “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. 22 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?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

Being a Christian isn’t about doing; it is about resting in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Your works will be evidence of your salvation, not a means to it.

Jesus makes it plain to His disciples that there will be people on judgment day who will bring their works before God as a basis for their salvation, and the Lord will respond, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.” Our greatest deeds are not enough to save us. Only Jesus can do that.

What will you say to Jesus when you stand before Him? Declaring your works in His name will not be enough to gain entrance into heaven. You must trust in His finished work. Only by His righteousness can we gain entrance into heaven. Our salvation is found in these words: “If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9). Amen?

Father, all glory, honor, and praise belong to You. Your Son is the only way, and we trust in Him alone for salvation. Thank You for providing the righteousness we need through Him. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.