Matthew 7:22-23 "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 perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness."
These are some of the scariest verses in the bible.
Once you get over the shock of their content, there is an observation to consider. When confronted with the fact that they were not qualified for salvation, this group immediately recited a list of their accomplishments. They had apparently pinned their hopes on their "religious busyness" to earn eternal life.
What about us? If our Christianity was questioned would we recite all we have done for God? Would we tell Him how busy we have been for Him. Would we argue that we hosted bible studies, or taught Sunday school, or that we were deacons at the church? Would we assume our qualification is based on our religious effort?
The heart breaking response to their argument was simple...."I never knew you." Not that they hadn't done enough, but that they had missed the point completely. It is not about what you have done, it is about all He has done for you. And once you realize that - the natural response is to "be still and know". To fellowship with God. To worship the God that loves you.
The great gift of God is that we now have a true best friend. We can enter the throne room. The veil has been torn, the sin has been removed and we can now have a relationship with our Creator. Not based on what we have done - base on what He did.
This week, make sure your service to God comes from a heart full of gratitude for your Savior. Spend time alone getting to know God. Meditate on His word, spend time in prayer.
....Not so you will be saved, but because He already saved you.
"A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have."
- D.L. Moody
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