Will You Hear “Depart From Me?” From the Lord
© 2019 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
Jesus spoke these words. Then He continued:
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:22-23)
Notice: Jesus says there are not just a few, but many in this condition.. Men and woman tend to emphasize appearances (especially our own), but God intimately knows what’s really inside each heart.
“…for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
In many churches today, there is great emphasis on facilities, programs, “feel-good” sermons, and successful living. Yet most of us would be appalled if everyone within twenty feet of us could actually read our minds and hearts. To God, however, our minds and hearts are an open book, and He, alone, determines our eternal destiny.
Jesus told Nicodemus he needed to be born again of the Holy Spirit (please read John 3:1-36). When God’s Spirit imparts life to a dead heart, a real change takes place. It’s not just words. That new life begins to grow and produce fruit.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
That new nature loves God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of sinners. He died on the cross at Calvary and became the sin sacrifice for His people. He rose again, victorious. He is coming again to claim His own.
Some would say we are saved by faith in Christ and our own good works which follow. That’s wrong! Our own good works have nothing to do with saving us. However, faith in Christ, which God’s Holy Spirit imparts to His people, shall, without fail, produce good works in each one who is truly saved.
Are you one of the many to whom Christ will say, “depart from me”?
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