Matthew 7:14
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it[/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)].[/background]
Matthew[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] 7:21-23[/background]
Jesus said: "Not everyone who says to Me,'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day,'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them,'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.
Frankly, These two verses had me petrified for many years. The more I hear from Christians sharing their interpretations by trying to find scriptural references that may explain or crack the code, the more confuse it gets. Here are two basic arguments I've often hear or have read:
1. Free Salvationist- Salvation comes to anyone who has "faith," and faith is nothing more than believing the correct doctrines about Jesus. Such faith is simple to accomplish and easy to identify. That is why "salvation by faith" is so gracious. We are saved by faith alone.
2. Lorship Salvationist- Salvation comes to the one who has faith, but faith involves much more than mere doctrinal beliefs. True faith must be lived out, and it inevitably leads to good works.
So what do you think is the key to unlock the mystery of Matthew 7:21-23 ? Do we all Christians practice lawlessness ? I think so because I personally feel that anyone who breaks the 10 commandment is considered practicing lawlessness. No one is sinless, no saints, not Billy Graham and not even the Pope! If anyone of us could abide the 10 commandment there would be no need for Jesus to die for us. His blood cleanse us from sins in the past, present and future. He came because He knew we couldn't fulfill the law. Each day we need to continually pray for his forgiveness because we all fall short in the Glory of God.
Do we need to spell out our imperfections? I'll just name a simple two that I know I will never overcome:
1 John 3:15 " [background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don't have eternal life within them."[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]Matthew 5:27,28[/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] " [/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]You have heard that it was said, "Do not commit adultery. But I tell you anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already has committed adultery with her in his heart".[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]Just recently I have come to a revelation from a good Brother in Christ and helped me solve this equation. The reason why Jesus would turn some of us away is because there will be those who never had a [/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]RELATIONSHIP[/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] with Him. It's just that simple ![/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]In my crude attempt to define a relationship with Jesus. I would say and ask myself if I have ever truly trusted in HIS guidance, blindfolded figuratively speaking, that I would make no attempt to depend on my own strength, wits or power but totally submit to HIM wholeheartedly to lead my life for better or for worst and know HE would always gives us the best even in situations that appear to be grim. Look past all the good works and lawlessness, these are superficial (but not unimportant) compared to having a genuine relationship with Jesus depended simply in trusting HIM.[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]My apologies because creative writing has never been my strong suit and English is my second language so you will have to deal with my dramatic usage of words.[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]This is not a doctrine but just a revelation revealed to me through the Holy Spirit in addition to some inspirations from my Brother in Christ.[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]My Brothers and Sisters, what do think ? am I any close to your interpretation of the verse or do you have a different one you would like to share. I am always quick to listen and slow to talk.[/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] [/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] ;)[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]Blessings![/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it[/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)].[/background]
Matthew[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] 7:21-23[/background]
Jesus said: "Not everyone who says to Me,'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day,'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them,'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.
Frankly, These two verses had me petrified for many years. The more I hear from Christians sharing their interpretations by trying to find scriptural references that may explain or crack the code, the more confuse it gets. Here are two basic arguments I've often hear or have read:
1. Free Salvationist- Salvation comes to anyone who has "faith," and faith is nothing more than believing the correct doctrines about Jesus. Such faith is simple to accomplish and easy to identify. That is why "salvation by faith" is so gracious. We are saved by faith alone.
2. Lorship Salvationist- Salvation comes to the one who has faith, but faith involves much more than mere doctrinal beliefs. True faith must be lived out, and it inevitably leads to good works.
So what do you think is the key to unlock the mystery of Matthew 7:21-23 ? Do we all Christians practice lawlessness ? I think so because I personally feel that anyone who breaks the 10 commandment is considered practicing lawlessness. No one is sinless, no saints, not Billy Graham and not even the Pope! If anyone of us could abide the 10 commandment there would be no need for Jesus to die for us. His blood cleanse us from sins in the past, present and future. He came because He knew we couldn't fulfill the law. Each day we need to continually pray for his forgiveness because we all fall short in the Glory of God.
Do we need to spell out our imperfections? I'll just name a simple two that I know I will never overcome:
1 John 3:15 " [background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don't have eternal life within them."[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]Matthew 5:27,28[/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] " [/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]You have heard that it was said, "Do not commit adultery. But I tell you anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already has committed adultery with her in his heart".[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]Just recently I have come to a revelation from a good Brother in Christ and helped me solve this equation. The reason why Jesus would turn some of us away is because there will be those who never had a [/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]RELATIONSHIP[/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] with Him. It's just that simple ![/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]In my crude attempt to define a relationship with Jesus. I would say and ask myself if I have ever truly trusted in HIS guidance, blindfolded figuratively speaking, that I would make no attempt to depend on my own strength, wits or power but totally submit to HIM wholeheartedly to lead my life for better or for worst and know HE would always gives us the best even in situations that appear to be grim. Look past all the good works and lawlessness, these are superficial (but not unimportant) compared to having a genuine relationship with Jesus depended simply in trusting HIM.[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]My apologies because creative writing has never been my strong suit and English is my second language so you will have to deal with my dramatic usage of words.[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]This is not a doctrine but just a revelation revealed to me through the Holy Spirit in addition to some inspirations from my Brother in Christ.[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]My Brothers and Sisters, what do think ? am I any close to your interpretation of the verse or do you have a different one you would like to share. I am always quick to listen and slow to talk.[/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] [/background][background=rgb(249, 253, 255)] ;)[/background]
[background=rgb(249, 253, 255)]Blessings![/background]