Are all Christians going to heaven? Is it automatic? The school of Christianity has been split on this one since the beginning, because there are excellent scriptures to support either view. In Matthew 7, verse 21, Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he 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 perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!'”

Lots of accomplished Christians are in for a surprise! We are not talking pew-sitters, either. Jesus is talking about some heavy hitters who operate in the miraculous. Some real ministry doers are going to be left out. Why?

It's not about how much we do for the kingdom. It's about how much we listen to the King.

It's not about accomplishments and religious deeds – it's about relationship and obedience. “I never knew you,” Jesus says to these. That's His reason for not welcoming them into eternity with Him. They're strangers to Him! They knew Christianity, but they never stopped to let Christ know them.

In contrast, those whom Jesus welcomes in are those who “do the will of My Father.” This speaks of obedience, but it first requires relationship. You can't do someone's will if you don't know what they want. Jesus wants us to know Him, our true Shepherd, and to obey Him out of true love.

Used with permission by: FreshBread

Hayden Andrews