i asked a question before about all christians going to heaven and most people wrote back about being saved and if you are saved then you automatically go, things like that. but what about this verse:
"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!'" Matthew 7:20-23
wouldn't that imply that just because you recognize jesus as your lord and savior, you still would need to be doing right to get to go to heaven?
2006-07-15 19:21:51 · 12 answers · asked by Katrina 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
it implies that if you simply call Jesus Lord, but do not follow his teachings and do not try to be Christ-like, you truly are not a Christian.
actions follow faith - the book of James
if you say you're a christian, it doesnt mean you are.
2006-07-15 19:24:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Read John 15:1-17
Matthew 13:24-30
Matthew 25:1-13 and 14-28
Luke 8:1-15
You will see by the above scriptures various reasons why people who call themselves Christian will not make the grade.There are people who will call themselves Christian but do not follow the Christian principles. There are those who did once but fell away.
And the thing that Jesus emphasized in the four gospels is that religion cannot save a person. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can accomplish that.
2006-07-16 02:48:49 · answer #2 · answered by BP 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, there is more to be done beyond simply professing Jesus as Savior.
This particular section of Matthew is speaking primarily about false teachers --if you back up to v. 15 you will see where this warning begins -- so this verse is telling us to watch out for religious leaders who are overtly making a show of doing works but have not done the will of the father --which can be summarized as loving God and neighbor and the practice of "true religion" -remembering the poor, the fatherless, the widow, etc.
2006-07-16 02:40:15 · answer #3 · answered by Ponderingwisdom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No that is not what is implied by that verse. That verse pertains to false prophets etc. Many people go around doing things in the Name of Jesus and do not have Romans 10:9 together. This scripture tells us to confess with our mouth and believe in our hearts. We must confess Jesus as our savior and believe that God raised him from the dead this is what saves us, not the works, although we are expected to do some work.
2006-07-16 02:30:36 · answer #4 · answered by JazzyJ72 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've answered you own question. A person who calls Jesus Lord but does not have a relationship with Him but is only offering lip service is not a true Christian but one who is all talk. The person Jesus is speaking of is not a Christian but one who by their words makes claims but they don't know Him. A true follower of Jesus has an intimate knowledge of Jesus (not a sexual one for all the fools on this site) but an intimacy knowing who He is and what He wants for us. Simply saying the words I am a Christian or Jesus is Lord does not mean in your heart you know Him. Not even doing "Christian Service" or going to church makes you a Christian, no more than sleeping in a garage makes you a car. Thats what Jesus is talking about. All who call themselves Christians will not enter heaven but all true followers of Jesus will.
2006-07-16 02:28:15 · answer #5 · answered by pastorJ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may see the truth is this:
You know those that go around preaching and claiming all sorts of wonderful things for Jesus and make a spectacle of themselves on Television? Well they were around a long time before television. I'm not saying that all those who preach on TV are like this, but some are. They do it because they've found that they like to travel, and preach, and make money. They are not in it for their obedience to Christ, they are in it for the lifestyle, the recognition, and of course the money.
I think that's the kind of person Christ is talkng about.
2006-07-16 02:44:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great question. As a Baha'i, I believe that the more spiritual you are in this life, the closer you will be to God in the afterlife-this is heaven.
IMHO, this would indicate devotion. However, I also believe God is forgiving and would know if someone is sincere.
Best wishes.
2006-07-16 02:26:31 · answer #7 · answered by K M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What will happen to the new heavens and earth. 2Pet.3:13; Isa.65:17; 66:1,22;
Rev.21:1-5;
2006-07-16 02:26:16 · answer #8 · answered by jeni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, "doing good" does nothing. There is nothing we can "do" to go to heaven. Jesus died so we could go because we were headed straight to Hell to pay for our sins.
There are many people who are deceived and think they will be in heaven.
2006-07-16 02:27:44 · answer #9 · answered by My Avatar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
King James Version
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many 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?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
2006-07-16 02:42:29 · answer #10 · answered by rufus_t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋