Verse: Matthew 7:21-23
“”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.’”
Devotion
We believe that salvation is by faith alone. We cannot earn our salvation through good works or by volunteering the most, etc. However, this does not mean that good works are unimportant or irrelevant. In fact, true faith always results in good works.
In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus is warning us that not everyone who claims to be a follower of Him will enter the kingdom of heaven. Many people will come before Him on the day of judgment and claim to have done great things in His name, but Jesus will say to them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”
What does this mean for us as believers? It means that we must examine our hearts and our lives to make sure that we are truly living for Christ and doing His will. We must not simply go through the motions of religion or do good works for our own glory or recognition. Our good works must flow out of a genuine love for Christ and a desire to obey Him.
We must also remember that salvation is a gift that we receive by faith. We cannot earn it or deserve it. But once we have received it, we are called to live a life that reflects the grace and love of Christ. This means that we must be diligent in doing His will, seeking to love and serve others, and proclaiming the gospel to those around us.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord I want to thank you for the grace you have given. I ask that we use these verses as a reminder to keep our life and actions centered on you. Please help us to glorify you in all we do. Lord I pray for those who do not know you yet; soften their hearts and help them turn to you. Lord I pray that as believers, we have the opportunity to go out and let you speak through us. Allow us to come along side nonbelievers and display the grace and love you provide. In your heavenly name I pray, Amen
Author: Justin Artymenko
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