Thought For Today - September 8
What did Jesus say about those who call him Lord?
By: Robert A. Searles

    How sad and horrifying it would be to come to the end of our days and meet with God only to hear him say unto us, depart from me for I never knew you! Many have taught and preached about Jesus Christ, but have never experienced a personal relationship with him. Many have adhered to his philosophy of good works and charity and morality, thinking that this is all that is required to enter heaven. There are many who believe that going through the ritual of baptism and church membership and sacrificial giving will guarantee their entrance into heaven. Jesus explained that more is required than all this, yet nothing that we have or can do will give us access to God's heaven.

Jesus said that they that do the will of God shall enter into heaven. What is the will of God? The will of God for all people is that they be saved -  that they acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as God in human flesh, and acknowledge that the only way to God is through him. The will of God for each of us is to admit that we are sinful, helpless creatures, doomed to eternal hell unless God pours out his grace and mercy upon us. Jesus said that we must be born again, that is, become new creatures in Christ, having a personal, one on one, relationship with him as our Lord and Savior 

 God has promised that he will save us and apply the blood of Jesus Christ to our account and make us his children and grant that personal relationship with him if we will approach him by faith and ask him to save us.

 Jesus warned: "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter in to the kingdom of heaven : but he that doeth the will of my Father which 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 out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." 
 Matthew 7: 21-23.

Telehelp Publications Christian Literature Ministry