Jesus is a name that has been heard around the world. It is a name that is precious to some and cursed by others. It is a name that is used often as a byword or slang word, usually by people who have no idea who they are talking about. There are even people who talk about Him as if they know Him, but in reality, they do not. Many think they know Jesus, but Matthew 7:21 teaches us that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but those who do the will of the Father. So, I ask you today, do you know Him?
Matthew 7:21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
In Matthew 7:22-23, we are nearing the end of Jesus’ preaching a sermon that starts at the beginning of chapter 5 and goes to the end of chapter 7. This would quickly thin the crowds in our churches today. Most who claim to know Jesus would start grumbling after about 30 minutes, looking at their phone or watch for the time. Mentally, they would check out. Others would rudely get up and leave to go somewhere else. After all, they only committed to one hour a week of church. If Jesus himself were preaching, many who use the name Christian do not know Him well enough to recognize or believe it was Him. Their desire to do Christianity their way would override the truth.
Some, because they are religious or put time in doing things for the Lord, think they are ok. They have prayed a prayer and punched their ticket to Heaven. They are like those in Matthew 7:22. They have been careful to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. They have done many wonderful works in His name and even cast out demons. Yet, Jesus tells them in verse 23 that He never knew them. Words cannot describe how horrible it would be to stand before the Lord and think you were ok when you are not. At this point, there are no opportunities to make it right. You are doomed for all eternity.
Matthew 7:22-23 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name have done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
This causes me to think of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22. He had come to Jesus to find out how he could have eternal life after a few minutes of going through his list of all that he had done to be a good person, Jesus tells him he still lacks one thing. Jesus proceeds to tell him. “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” His idea of perfect religion getting him to Heaven had been squashed. He had to make a choice between Jesus and his wealth, and he chose his wealth.
So, what is the answer to eternal salvation? To know you possess a home in Heaven when you die. What are you depending on to get you there? We must have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is not about religion; it is about a relationship. It cannot be a casual one like we have with some people. It cannot be a long-distance one where you only communicate at certain times. It must be one where you long to spend time with Him. One that indwells you and you consult with throughout the day. One where you read His letter to you and reread it to make sure you understand what He desires from you. It must be one of obedience, as stated in John 14:15, He who loves me obeys me. This relationship will show good works, not to gain something, but as evidence. Our works should produce fruit for the Master. There must be a consuming desire to win people to Him and then to disciple them. This was His last words to those on earth. When we know someone, we seek to know what they love, and we seek to love what they love. That is an authentic, viable relationship. Are you seeking to obey in all things; faithful attendance to all services at church, witnessing to people wherever you are, disciplining others, reading His love letter the Bible, daily, praying always, ministering to others in need, even those you do not know, giving a tithe and offerings to His house and other needs. The list could continue, but I challenge you to measure your relationship with Jesus by the abovementioned things. Are you being convicted by the Holy Spirit in your heart because you are not engaged in building your relationship? If you do not know for sure you have a relationship with Jesus, even though you prayed a prayer and you do good deeds, now is the time to make sure of your faith. Do you know Him?
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
