EXPLORE THE TEXT
Believers are known by their desire to obey God’s Word.
21 “Not everyone who says to me,
‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
22 On that day many will say to me,
‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name,
drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’
23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’”
After warning against false prophets, Jesus addressed the issue of false believers. Sadly, many people think they are saved because they are church members or live “good” lives. But Jesus noted that some who address Him as Lord will not enter the kingdom of heaven. This kingdom includes more than heaven in eternity. It also includes the complete rule and reign of God in our lives now.
Jesus distinguished between those who claim Him as Lord and those who actually submit to His reign. True salvation involves repentance, faith, and receiving Christ as Savior and Lord (John 1:11-12; Acts 3:19; 16:31). Genuine conversion involves obeying the will of the Father. One cannot live in rebellion against the Lord and expect a place in His eternal kingdom.
Most scholars believe that day refers to the day of the Lord when Jesus returns in power and judgment (see Acts 2:20; 1 Cor. 1:8; 1 Thess. 5:2-3). This will be a time of reward for believers (2 Tim. 4:8), but terror for the lost.
Jesus described a scene in which many will be shocked to find themselves outside the kingdom. Earlier, Jesus urged people to enter the narrow gate of salvation because choosing the wider path leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13-14).
As they stand before Christ, multitudes will cry Lord, Lord as they plead to enter His kingdom. Without offering an exhaustive list, Jesus focused on three pleas that will be made by people who pretend to follow Him.
Some will claim to prophesy in Jesus’s name. Old Testament prophecy usually involved foretelling future events under God’s inspiration, yet false prophets spoke lies to lure God’s people away from Him
(Deut. 13:1-3). Often, New Testament prophecy refers to religious teaching or preaching. Jesus addressed people who illegitimately spoke for Him.
Others claimed to drive out demons and work miracles. Doing something in Jesus’s name means claiming His authority and on His behalf. In all three instances, people misused His name for their own purposes. Like the fake exorcists in Acts who tried to cast out demons using Jesus’s name, these people will suffer for dishonoring the Name above all names (Acts 19:13-16).
Jesus will unleash His judgment on these false followers. They did not have the right to use Jesus’s name because He never knew them. Of course, Jesus knows about them, since He possesses divine omniscience. But they will have no personal relationship to support their claims. They will be missing a genuine spiritual transformation that moves them from darkness to light. Jesus’s denial of these individuals means they will lack a saving relationship with Him. As a result, they would suffer the consequences.
Jesus also called them lawbreakers. The Greek wording emphasizes one who actively and willfully rejects God’s commands. Regardless of their protests, these imposters were determined to violate His laws. As a result, Jesus will order them to depart from His presence. Separation from Christ’s presence is the essence of hell. Eternal damnation involves suffering eternal torment removed from Jesus.
Believers are known by their desire to obey God’s Word. They not only make a statement of belief, but they also demonstrate genuine faith by joyfully doing God’s will.
-->Point out that sometimes a mask is appropriate for our setting,
but Jesus was calling out individuals who were wearing spiritual masks-
either because they were deceived or because they wanted to deceive others.
Summarize this content from page 62 of the PSG:
“Jesus spoke of people who engage in religious activities but are not true followers of Christ.
Some are teachers and preachers, while others perform miracles including exorcisms.
But religious activity can be a mask that hides a heart that is far from God. .These false believers will offer all types of pleas
about their spirituality and good works in Jesus’s name.
However, they will be exposed for the counterfeits they are.
Jesus emphasized that religious activities
are not always synonymous with obedience.
The religious activities described here were outward, showy, charismatic activities.
But they were all empty substitutes for obedience in daily living.”
Looking like a Christian-and even acting like one-is not enough.
Direct attention to the Plan of Salvation on the inside front cover of the PSG.
Take a moment to share what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ.
Encourage adults to spend a moment in silent prayer, talking with God about where they stand with Him.