Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

April 1, 2003.

> Question:

> Dear Bro Buddy,

> I have problem understanding Matt 7:21-23. Please explain it. I'm in
> constant depression after reading it.

Ricky,

Listen carefully to what Jesus is saying.

(Vs21) "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.

Keep in mind that Jesus is addressing the Jewish people. Some
were already calling Him Lord. Some who called Him Lord, would later
refuse to accept the work of the cross. What then is the will of the Father?
Jesus isn't speaking of works. He is speaking of 'will.'

In another place, Jesus said, "For this is the will of My Father, that
everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have
eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:40) See
the connection. It is possible to speak of Jesus as Lord, but never
actually receive Him to yourself as the completer of your salvation.

> If we have to do the Will of the father to enter the kingdom of
> heaven, how then we know what we are doing is enough? And do you
> think it is easy to do the will of the Father? By no means!

It is easy if we let the Scriptures define what the will of the Father
is. I did that above. We are saved by grace alone, through faith
alone, in Christ alone. No where in the Scriptures are we told that
our salvation depends on our works. The works we are given to do,
are works assigned to us by the Holy Spirit. But these are not salvation
works. They are works that glorify our Father.

> Isn't salvation is a free gift of God - Eph 2:8,9?

Absolutely. Keep in mind the difference between 'will' and 'works.'

But there is something else we need to consider. This reaches into
the last times. In Matthew 7:22,23, Jesus said, "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.'"

Who are these peoples who placed their acceptance upon
'prophesy', 'casting out demons', and 'miracles' that were supposedly done in
the name of the Lord? These are the false prophets and teachers.
Notice carefully that Jesus said, "I never knew you." That can only mean
that these people were not born of God's Spirit. If He 'never' knew these
people, then they never belonged to Him at any time.

But there is some background for this. God spoke through
Jeremiah concerning the false prophets of the last days. Listen carefully to
Jeremiah 23:20,21; "... In the last days you will clearly understand
it. I did not send these prophets, But they ran. I did not speak to
them, But they prophesied."

I believe the land is filled with false prophets today who are
speaking from lying spirits. These false prophets claim to speak for
the Lord. But their message is not a message of repentance and
acceptance. It is a message of prosperity and blessings. Certainly
we are blessed in the Lord, but our message is always to be a
message of turning from the world, and turning to the Lord.

Just something to think about.

> Thank you Bro Buddy,

You are welcome.

The Lord bless you,

Buddy

Bro. Buddy Martin - Ask the Pastor

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Lawrence "Buddy" Martin
email: Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org