Not everyone who cries Lord Lord?

Question

I see the verses below often quoted to show faith is not enough to save us. That we must have works. Have you read them? These people had works. They did not have faith. If they had faith then Jesus would have known them at one time. He says though that he never knew them. All those works for naught. So doesn't this verse proves works don't save us?

Matthew 7:21 Not 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.
Mat 7:22 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?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Midge - you wound me. Not really but nice try. I am confident in my salvation. Are you?

Someone who cares - actually is says they prophesied in His name, cast out demons in His name, did many wonderful works in His name. Sounds like good works to me. The works were evil because they did not have faith. They were not truly serving Jesus.

A True Christian - don't worry I am immune to midge. She doesn't like me. I think it has something to do with me pointing out man made doctrines and that they are wrong. Thankfully God is my judge and not her. I know I am saved. My trust is in Jesus not in my works.

midge - don't bother putting a good word for me in to the Lord. Jesus is my brother and God my Father. I am saved through what Jesus did, not what I did and I do not need your assistance. The fact that you think you can put in a good word for someone worries me.

Answer 1

A very strong point, my brother!

In these Matthew verses, it even speaks of “wonderful works”!
These are not mere “human” acts of kindness...which are nothing more than filthy rags...but even prophesying and casting out demons – “wonderful works” or even gifts typically reserved for the Holy Spirit alone!

There is little doubt that Judas manifested such power and gifting!

And this is not reserved for only the New Testament, post-Pentecost, for even Saul and his men did prophesy; see 1 Samuel 19:20-24!

Even consider 1 Corinthians 13:1-3:
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Here, LOVE is compared specifically to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Even the “wonderful works” man does as enabled by the Holy Spirit are considered worthless and nothing without love!

The FRUIT of the Holy Spirit are different than the GIFTS of the Holy Spirit!

The gifts, without fruit, are “nothing” and void...just as all of our filthy rag works are worthless.

It is the fruit (LOVE) that makes it EVIDENT that a person has true, living faith.
And this is the point of James in James 2:20-24!

But an apple tree is an apple tree even before it produces an apple!
In fact, even if the apple tree is not pollinated, but still grows strong, it is STILL an apple tree.

In the same way, FRUIT (i.e. love) make it evident that true faith is present in a believer.
The fruit (love) does NOT make a person a believer. That is, works do NOT merit or earn salvation!

In fact, NEITHER faith NOR works are the REASON or the basis of salvation, for salvation is by GRACE alone.

The basis of salvation = GRACE...and grace alone. (and our righteousness is from Christ, and HIS works alone)
The means of salvation = FAITH...and faith alone.
The evidence of salvation = WORKS...specifically, works of LOVE. (and this as empowered by the Holy Spirit)

So that ALL glory is to and for GOD!
-

It is ironic that the doctrine of grace rightly understood does exactly the opposite of what people fear:
Instead of stifling good works and promoting “license to sin”, good works and true agape love abounds all that more within a true believer who tastes GRACE – like streams of living water flowing through them, even by the supernatural transformation that occurs by the power of the Holy Spirit, bringing all that more GLORY to God!

...and it is equally ironic that those who preach about how “good works” are necessary to earn and/or merit salvation end up quenching the Spirit...destroy assurance...crush and condemn immature believers...stifle good works...devastate worship...and steal glory from God!

Such is human wisdom versus godly wisdom!

-

Those who throw believers into confusion and pervert the gospel of Christ are doubly condemned! (Galatians 1:6-10) It would be better for such a person to be thrown in the sea with a millstone tied around their necks! (Luke 17:2)

Answer 2

these mean that there are people whom christ will accept.

The Iglesia ni Cristo believes that since ancient times, God has set apart His people to serve Him. Outside this election, man cannot render services acceptable to God (Psalms 4:3; Proverbs 1:28)

Those whom God has chosen in the patriarchal times were Seth, Noah, and Abraham. Then He set apart the Israelites. But the Israelites did not remain faithful to the covenant of God (Genesis 17: Daniel 9:11). After the fall of Israel, she was replaced by the Church of Christ (I Peter 2:9, 3-5; Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16; Acts 20:28, Lamsa). Eventually, after the death of the Apostles, the Church which was established by Christ in the first century departed from the true faith. It was apostatized (Matthew 24:3, 11: Acts 20:29-30; I Timothy 4:1-3).

In these last days, God sent His messenger to administer man’s return to the true teachings of the Church. And it is in the Philippines (in the Far East) where God sent an angel or messenger to preach the true and pure Gospel of Christ to the people in order to bring them back to the true Church (Revelation 7:2-3; Isaiah 43:5-7).

Answer 3

Works will never save us. I pray that Midge will be called to the Lord and see the error of her teaching. She was wrong in her reference to our Lord's supper as well.

Matthew 7:21 There is a such thing as false faith. James touches on the subject as well. Some people have faith in facts. They believe God exists. That, however is not faith. True faith is relying on God for all things, in all ways. Not works.

Matthew 7:22 Basically this says talk is cheap. Again, false faith. For doesn't the Bible also tells us that even demons know there is a God?

Matthew 7:23 Here Jesus is stating that just because these people did "good" things, they did not know Him, and, therefore, He does not know them either.

Unfortunately, the Catholic church is full of man-made doctrine, and not Biblical teaching. Do they not believe that baptizing a baby assures them going to heaven? It means no such thing, since the Bible is clear that baptism does not save either. And it is only one who has put their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior who shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit, which is true baptism. Water baptism is only a show of faith in public. Like ours that we have at the beach. They are beautiful, at sunset, with lots of public there to see that there are still those who trust in the Lord

As always, you ask wonderful questions. You are a blessing here on answers.

God bless.

Answer 4

Yes, that is what these verses are saying. We don't get saved by doing things for God, no matter how great. The only thing that will save us is if we believe in Jesus Christ. Remember Ephesians 2: 8,9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Only faith. Obviously, not everyone who claims to be a Christian is truly born again. Sure they may go to church every Sunday. They may work the bus route, teach a Sunday School class, or live a good life. But if they aren't trusting in Jesus to save them....they are lost. All their good works are for naught. It's sad but true. And we all know that there are tons of people out there who will tell you they are Christians because they "go to church" or "grew up in a Christian home" but there is NO evidence in their life that shows they are truly saved. There will be lots of people meeting God after they die and they will be so surprised when they hear "depart from me: I never knew you". That's why the Bible tells us Christians to examine our hearts and make very sure that we are trusting in Jesus rather than in our own works.

Don't listen to Midge....how could she know whether you are saved or not? Does she know you personally? If you are trusting in Jesus alone for your salvation...then you are saved! And He knows you just like you know your own children (if you have any...I have 2).

Answer 5

Not really. Look at the last verse '. . . depart from me, ye that work INIQUITY.' That word 'iniquity' is the key word here, and pretty much defines those verses. 'Iniquity' is from the Greek word 'anomia' which means 'lawlessness' or 'without the law'. So these few verses are acctually saying the opposite of what you are saying that they mean.

The works that these sort of people are doing is work that they think will get them into God's favor, but they are doing these works with no true love for God or man, just as a way to get into heaven. Unfortunately, I believe that there are many people in the world doing this very thing. But works alone do not save us. It is the combination of doing these works with a true love in our hearts, and with faith in Jesus to save us from all sin and justify us before God, along with love in our hearts; this is what saves us. You cannot point out one single thing that alone will save us.

1John 5:3 'For this is the love of God, that we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS: and his commandments are not grievous.' If we truly love God, then it will not be hard or unpleasant to keep his commandments. Also, a quote from Romans 3:28-31 'Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. [Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. DO WE THEN MAKE VOID THE LAW THROUGH FAITH? GOD FORBID: YEA, WE ESTABLISH THE LAW.'

Answer 6

some self-professed athletes can "talk" a great game, but that tells you nothing about their athletic skills. And not everyone who talks about heaven belongs to God's Kingdom. Jesus is more concerned about our walk than our talk. He wants us to do right, not just say the right words. Your house (which represents your life, 7:24) will withstand the storms of life only if you do what is right instead of just talking about it. What you do cannot be separated from what you believe.
Jesus exposed those people who sounded religious but had no personal relationship with him. On "judgement day" only our relationship with Christ - our acceptance of him as Savior and our obedience to him will matter. Many people think that if they are "good" people and say religious things, they will be rewarded with eternal life. In reality, faith in Christ is what will count at the judgement.

Blessings
Kait

Answer 7

The people you mentioned had works, but their works were iniquity. If they were good, they would not be cast off. It is not that they had faith and no works. It is that they did not have faith to do good works.

Luke 6
46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Revelations 20
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

"Regarding the debate about faith and works: It’s like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most important."
-- C.S. Lewis

Answer 8

Matthew 7:21 (New Living Translation) True Disciples 21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. Jesus is exposing people who like to sound religious but they have no personal relationship with him. On judgement day only our relationship with Christ...our acceptance of him as Saviour and our obedience to him will matter.

Answer 9

We must have faith , God said without faith none will see Heaven ,but if we are saved then we will work for the good
of God in telling people about him and giving testimony
that is the work,s God is talking about.

Answer 10

We know that salvation is the gift of God, and "not of works, lest any one should boast".
We also know that faith without works is dead. Dead faith won't save anyone.

To answer your question:
You are right, of course, works alone will not save anyone. Indeed, trying to work your way into Heaven will only make you more vulnerable to your own pride. Faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross is the only true way to the Father.
Faith IN Christ is inseparable from love FOR Him. Love FOR Christ is the only possible response to the love He has for us.
That sort of selfless love produces works, as surely as a healthy vine produces fruit, or a healthy rose bush produces beautiful blossoms.

Those that follow after Him protesting of the works that they have done want Him to accept them on their own merit.
It is the sinner that beats his breast and bewails his own sinful condition, begging His forgiveness that goes back down to his place...
justified before God.