FORBIDDEN SCRIPTURES No. 3

 Try this test: Read the verses below from the Bible and then think backand try to remember the last time you heard a sermon taken from this text.Probably you never have. That is because these verses are among a goodnumber which contradict the beliefs of most modern preachers andchurches. Because of this most preachers have never preached on theseverses. Probably they have never dealt with them except to try to explainthem away, assuring their hearers that they do not mean what they say. Think of it! Modern professing Christians who refuse to believe all that theBible teaches while claiming to believe that the Bible is God’s Word. So,take the test. Read these verses and decide if you and your preacher andyour church really do believe all that the Bible says. Perhaps you will decidethat some changes need to be made – not in the Bible – but in your thinkingand understanding. Here are some of the “Forbidden Scriptures” aboutsalvation that only a few people believe.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter intothe kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Fatherwhich is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord,have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast outdevils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then willI profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23).

 The Lord Jesus Christ spoke these words to religious people. He spokeabout a future day. He says that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” willenter the kingdom of Heaven! Then Christ startles His hearers even more bysaying that when people stand before Him in “that day” there will be “many”who think their religious experiences and spiritual power will get them intoHeaven. He lists prophesying, casting out demons and the working of aweinspiring miracles as things they think are proof they are saved.Interestingly, Jesus does not deny that they have done these supernaturalworks. He does not deny that they have called Him “Lord, Lord.” Christ doesnot deny any of their claims. But their claims are irrelevant!

Such people are all around us today. Often they are regarded as“successful Christians.” They are full of religious zeal. Their churches maybe large and filled with activities for young and old alike. Their worshipservices are often lively and well attended. Perhaps they claim to workhealing miracles and claim to have supernatural or spiritual gifts. They claimto know Christ and make much of His being “Lord.” “Jesus is Lord” they oftensay. Because these things are irrelevant Christ prophesied that He will say tothem in that day, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Living in a man-centered world, they have a man-centeredreligion. Christ said their religion was “iniquity” – just plain old religious sin! Their faith is in some religious work they did that they think will cause God tolook favorably upon them. But Christ will say to them all “I never knewyou…”  Your eternal salvation does not depend upon your religiousactivities! The question is this: Does Christ know you? The question is notwhether or not you think you know Christ, but does He know you? Jesus saidof His people, “…I know them…” (John 10:27). Jesus knows His sheep!Paul wrote, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy2:19). God not only knows about those that are His, He knows them! Heknows all about everyone, but He has established an intimate personalrelationship with those that are His.

When that judgment day for lost men and women comes, will you beamong those who will think they have a right to Heaven because of their

among those who will think they have a right to Heaven because of theirreligious experiences? Will you list all of your supernatural experiencesthinking these things prove you are saved? Will you cite healings, tongues,interpretation of tongues, great evangelistic meetings, or the great numbersof people whom you have gotten to repeat the magical sinner’s prayer?

 

What is your reason for thinking you have a place in Heaven? Spiritualpower, real or imagined, does not prove that Christ knows you! In the Biblewe learn that lost people can work miracles! Whether or not you spendeternity with God or in the eternal Lake of Fire depends on whether Christknows you or not. Will Christ say to you on that day, “…depart from me,ye that work iniquity”? All the religious “stuff” that you do is just plainold sin unless Christ knows you! Jesus said, “…Except ye repent ye shallall likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). “Humble yourselves thereforeunder the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1Peter 5:6).