Articles
Promises
Promises
After giving His teachings to the multitude on the mountain (Matthew 5,6,7) Jesus makes a very profound promise; one to the faithful, and the other to the unfaithful. He had just been teaching about false prophets who were deceiving people by their appearance but inwardly were as ravenous wolves. (v15-20)
Finally, in verses 21 through 23 He pronounces the conclusion of the matter.
"Not every one 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." (Matthew 7:21)
Then, after they plead their case, He makes the final declaration of their condition. "And then I will declare to them, "I NEVER KNEW YOU.' DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTIVE LAWLESSNESS." (Matthew 7:23) Jesus declares their final destination because of following false doctrine, and not the TRUTH, the message of His gospel. To hear those words would be terrible to hear, and to know it meant separation from the Lord eternally.
"Then He will also say to those on His left, 'DEPART FROM ME, ACCURSED ONES, INTO THE ETERNAL FIRE, which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matthew 25:41)
"And these will go away into ETERNAL PUNISHMENT, BUT THE RIGHTEOUS INTO ETERNAL LIFE. " (Mathew 25:46)
When Jesus was questioned by the Pharisees on one occasion, He brought to light their true attitude and condition of heart. (Matthew 15). They charge His disciples of not washing their hands before eating. Notice the answer He gave them in verse 3:
"And He answered and said to them. "And why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition" (Matthew 15:3)
He ends the discussion with words given by God's prophet Isaiah: "THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS THEIR DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN. " (Matthew 15:8,9)
Traditions of men are misleading and will cause us to miss heaven. We must be careful what we believe -- whether from God or from men.
In the world today, there are many religious groups, claiming to get us to heaven. However, since God has chosen the way to heaven through His Son and His Gospel (Romans 1:;16) (John 3:15-17) we must take His warnings seriously. .
The Apostle John gives clear warning for us to follow : "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD. " (1 John 4:1)
God's plan to get us to heaven is not hard to understand and follow; He has promised us a home with Him and His Son for eternity, if we obey HIs Will and remain faithful to the end. (Revelation 2:10) Things we all need to think about and make sure we are doing things His way.
Thank you for considering these things today. Enjoy the rest of this amazing day He has made for us.
Ross
