Matthew 7:21-29
“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 who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
The Wise and Foolish Builders
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. cThe rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Reflection
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Once saved, always saved?” If declaring that Jesus is Lord and Savior is enough to receive one’s salvation, then why did Jesus preach that not all of us will enter the kingdom of heaven?
Anyone could declare Jesus to be King of Kings, Lord of Lords. But does everyone who say they accept Jesus into their lives do His will? Jesus gave us two laws: to love God with our hearts, minds, and strength. And to love our neighbor as ourselves. To love God is to have enmity with the world. And to love our neighbor is to treat them the way we want to be treated. Are we obeying both of His commandments? Or are we friends with the world and have our hearts in material gains and experiences at the expense of God’s laws and our neighbors? Have we allowed God to transform our hearts and minds the way He promised He would if we become His children? If the answer is that we are still living as sons and daughters of the world, then we must ask ourselves, am I truly saved?
Please share your comments below. We’d love to hear how God moves in your life!
