April 9, 2019 -- Matthew 7:21-23 -- How is your heart?

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’  And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Matthew 7:21-23 English Standard Version

Yesterday I was listening to a sermon by Sinclair Ferguson. He was preaching on these verses and the next passage about the Wise and Foolish Builder. He gave a striking illustration on these verses. He’d watched a program about a preacher who was very well-known and called “charismatic”. This preacher could cause people to babble, to fall over and bark like a dog. When the show was over he was going to watch the news but the newshour had passed and instead he saw a show about a hypnotist who could make people do strange things: babble, fall over and make animal noises. Suddenly this charismatic preacher and his activity was exposed as a hussle.

What is the point? Simply this: added to the confession of the Name of Jesus Christ one must also have an obedient heart. If the great things we do are done for our own reputation and ego, we are far from God. It is easy to go through the motions of being a Christian, even suffer and put up with hardships and still be far from God and cold towards Him. Against those who are openly rebellious and against those who seem to be followers of Jesus but are secretly rebellious in their hearts on the Day of Judgment Jesus will assert the right of God, which is to condemn such persons to hell.

Some of you may object at this point. Why would God save some people and throw others into hell? Shouldn’t He love everyone? Two things to ponder on that note. First, as long as we draw breath, we can respond to the Gospel. As long as we live, the Bible and the Spirit of God are testifying to us of the power of Jesus Christ to rescue us from hell. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the time to listen and give your heart and your commitment to following Jesus alone.

Second, when a man loves a woman and is married to her he loves her alone. He is being faithful to the bride of his youth. Those who have integrity commend him for his faithfulness and do not encourage him to break his vows. This man does not chase after other women, he does not look lustfully at other women, but he gives his heart and his mind, he eyes and his attention to his bride. He is commended for such devotion. Jesus calls His people His Bride. He gives Himself utterly in service to her and in making her pure. It is honourable that He saves His Bride and that His love is given to her alone. When the Day of Judgment arrives in its terrible glory, those who are the Bride of Christ will be given eternal life and joy in the Presence of Jesus.

Christ Jesus, Great King and Faithful Saviour, thank You for Your steadfast love towards Your people. Thank You for those whom You have given in our lives who call us to consider You and love You so that we are inspired to turn from our sins and yield our restless hearts to You alone. Thank You for Your Spirit Who holds us close to You and instructs us in the way of Truth. Oh Mighty King pour out Your Spirit on us so that we grow in love towards and obedience to You. Amen.