April 20, 2012 (1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31, 54; Matthew 7)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:21 NLT
Observation: Jesus issues a sobering warning to mankind about what it takes to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Many will stand before Christ one day and proclaim, ‘We have prophesied, cast out demons, and performed many miracles in Your name’, yet Jesus will respond, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.‘ Only those who actually “do” the will of God will enter into Heaven. Actually doing is a lot different than just talking about it. Many profess Christ to be their savior, yet they have rejected Him as Lord. If He’s not the head of one’s life, then He’s not in one’s life.
Application: Here are a few excerpts from scripture that are often quoted out of context. Salvation is free! It cost you nothing! Come drink from the fountain of life without cost! Yet how do these excerpts line up with what Christ said in Matthew 7? Our society has twisted the truth so far it’s hardly recognizable anymore. We have touted the “free Salvation” message so much that people have actually began to believe it cost them nothing! We are free to ignore “counting the cost”, because there is no cost! We live in a society that believes nothing is required of them but belief. Yet those Jesus spoke of in Matthew 7 surely “believed” in Christ. After all, they did all these wonderful things in His name. Yet their belief did not accomplish or guarantee them a place in Heaven. The actions of our lives must match our profession. If we are in Christ and He is in us, then the fruit we produce will serve as a witness of our true condition. Belief without action is belief in vain.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You so much for Your word! Thank You for giving us the truth to discover. Help me learn of You and produce fruit that is pleasing in Your site. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Help me receive You as Lord as much as I receive You as Savior, in Jesus name, Amen!