
Jesus Christ is often depicted as a loving, compassionate, and forgiving Savior. His teachings are filled with hope, grace, and redemption. However, there are also some passages in the Bible where Jesus uses some of the scariest words imaginable. One such passage is found in Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus gives a stern warning to those who claim to be His followers but do not live according to His teachings.
β21 Not everyone who says to me, βLord, Lord,β will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, βLord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?β 23 Then I will tell them plainly, βI never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!β
Matthew 7:21-23
These words are scary for several reasons. Firstly, they highlight the fact that not everyone who claims to follow Jesus will enter the kingdom of heaven. Just because someone professes to be a Christian does not mean that they are truly a follower of Jesus. This is a sobering reminder that there will be many who will be surprised when they are not welcomed into heaven.
Secondly, Jesusβ words in these verses make it clear that it is not enough to simply perform religious rituals or claim to have faith. The people whom Jesus is addressing in this passage have prophesied in His name, driven out demons, and performed miracles, but they still do not know Him. These words indicate that a true relationship with Jesus is essential for salvation, not just religious activity.
Iβve always viewed this passage with the following example:
Consider a scenario where you want to enter a celebrityβs home. But the security guards donβt allow you because you donβt have an appointment. But then you keep on iterating that I know the celebrity. Do you think the guards would let you in because you know the celebrity? No, right? The important thing is not that you know the celebrity but that the celebrity knows you.
In the same way, itβs important that you have a relationship with God. (Please donβt liken the example to more than it is)
Thirdly, Jesusβ words in this passage show that He takes sin seriously. The people whom Jesus is addressing are called "evildoers," which suggests that they have lived lives characterized by sin and disobedience. This is a reminder that we cannot continue to live in sin and still expect to enter heaven.
So, what can we learn from these scary words from Jesus?
Salvation is not based on religious activity: The first lesson we can learn is that salvation is not based on religious activity. It is not enough to simply perform religious rituals or claim to have faith. A true relationship with Jesus is essential for salvation.
A true relationship with Jesus is essential: The second lesson we can learn is that a true relationship with Jesus is essential. We must know Him, love Him, and obey Him. This means that we must follow His teachings and strive to live our lives in accordance with His will.
We must take sin seriously: The third lesson we can learn is that we must take sin seriously. We cannot continue to live in sin and expect to enter heaven. We must repent of our sins, turn away from them, and strive to live holy and righteous lives.
Think about this: Are you someone who is saved? Did you repent before God, asking for the forgiveness of your sins?
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This post caught my eye. Just in the past several months, I've had two unsaved people say to me that Jesus' words in this passage scared them. Both were elderly, one very near the end of her sojourn here. Very sadly, neither let their fear lead them to the feet of Jesus.