“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord! ’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven.  On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name? ’  Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!’

Matthew 7:21‭-‬23

BAD FRUIT, PART II

So, In response to Jesus’ statement that, “you will know a good tree from a bad tree by their fruit” (vs 17), we might ask, “I wonder if my fruit is good or bad?” Jesus brings His previous statement clearly into focus, “not everyone who calls me Lord will enter My Kingdom” (vs21). He expounds this statement by adding, some will respond, “Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name? ’  Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you!” How shocking! How could some do many great things that help people in Jesus’ Name, and still be told by Jesus to depart, for I never new you? Here’s some simple answers: 1st, neither knowing Who Jesus is nor know His power equates knowing Him. The Bible says the demons of hell know Jesus and tremble at His Name (James 2:19). 2nd, my lack of relationship with Jesus in NO Way NEGATES His power. The Name of Jesus is awesomely powerful whether I personally know Him or not!  C. The point of this whole Scripture passage that “unless your righteousness surpasses that of yhe scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (vs. 5:20). The point of the ENTIRE “sermon in the mount”, was to assure people that their relationship with God must run deeper and be better than “lip service” to God and doing good deeds. The Pharisees believed in God and did good things in His Name, but did them with bad attitudes, evil hearts and for the praise of others. In summerizing the passages, Jesus says that true Christianity is more about knowing God, loving God and serving God, for GOD’S SAKE!

At the heart of the Gospel is the relationship that God has desired with us from the beginning. Jesus literally DIED for this! God’s heart isn’t for us the keep rules, do good deeds or anthing we would normally think. His heart is for relationship. For us to know Him and be one with Him. He summarizes His wishes in answering the question about which comment is greatest. He says, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind snd strenghth”. Know Jesus-not of Him. Think about it.!