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Matthew 7:21-23

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

On the final day there will be some solemn surprises. Jesus said on that day people would call Him, “Lord, Lord,” but they are not fit for the kingdom of heaven. Can you think of anything more tragic?

Some will say, “Jesus, I was a preacher.” However, Jesus warned about false teachers. Some will say, “I drove out demons in Your name.” Judas did that and then betrayed Him. Some will say, “I did miracles in Your name.” Moses watched Pharaoh’s magicians do many supernatural acts. Works never have and never will secure our places in heaven. Eternal life is a free gift of grace through faith in Jesus alone.

Do you know for sure that you will not be turned away from heaven? Words cannot describe the heartrending emotion of thinking you were in only to hear the words, “I never knew you.” Please don’t let that happen. Use the following prayer as your personal guide to tell Jesus your desire to hear, “Welcome home good and faithful servant.”

Lord Jesus, I know that there is absolutely nothing I can do to earn a place in heaven. My best works on my best day fall short of Your perfect standard. I am broken and cannot fix myself. I am a sinner and cannot earn forgiveness. I am lost and cannot save myself. I need You. Right now I trust in You as the only way to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I trust in You as the only way to eternal life. I trust in You as the only way to have meaning and purpose during my years on earth. I know that I am saved only by Your free gift of grace. I trust in You as the One who paid the penalty for my sin and places me in a personal relationship with the living God. In Your name. Amen.

Today on The Journey Broadcast:

Living Honestly