obedienText: Matthew 7:21-23
Not Everyone Will Enter the Kingdom
- Jesus stated simply in this sermon that not all will be saved (Matthew 7:21, 13-14)
- It is not because He does not want all to be saved — He does (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9)
- The fault lies with man
The Role of Faith
- Jesus is speaking of people who call Him “Lord” — not everyone will believe (Romans 10:16-18, 21); faith is essential for salvation (Hebrews 11:6)
- But as important as faith is, there is more that is necessary for salvation than that
- Some believed but wouldn’t confess (John 12:42-43) — no salvation without confession (Romans 10:9-10)
- Some believe but have no works (James 2:18-20) — no salvation without works (James 2:24)
The Role of Obedience
- Calling Jesus “Lord” implies more than just a mental acknowledgement of His existence — it implies authority (Matthew 28:18-20); expectation of our submission (Luke 6:46)
- Obedience is also necessary for salvation (Hebrews 5:9) — faith and works work together (James 2:21-24)
Many Will Do Things in the Name of Christ
- Claiming to do this does not necessarily mean our actions are divinely approved
- They prophesied in His name, proclaiming a message that they claimed was from God — many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1)
- They cast out demons in His name, helping others overcome what was plaguing them — to remove a problem & not fill the spot with the truth of Christ invites a bigger problem (Matthew 12:43-45)
- They performed miracles in His name, doing great works that would amaze and excite people — miracles don’t produce faith (Luke 10:13), only the word does (Romans 10:17); focus on the word (Acts 17:2-3), not amazing & exciting the crowds
Many Will Be Told to Depart
- Why? … They’re practicing lawlessness
- Many today would believe these people were saved — they believed in Jesus & did works in His name
- But the works they were doing were not according to the will of God
- If we want to be saved, we must follow the Lord in faithful obedience
