“DEPART FROM ME!”

Matthew 7:21-23                                       (ESV)

“21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'LORD, LORD,' will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the WILL OF MY FATHER WHO is in Heaven.

22 On that day many will say to ME, 'LORD, LORD, did we not prophesy in YOUR name, and cast out demons in YOUR name, and do many mighty works in YOUR name?'

23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; “DEPART FROM ME”, you workers of lawlessness.'”

Just because some people claim to be a “Christian” doesn’t mean that they are a follower of the teachings of JESUS.   Just because some people go to a Roman Catholic Church doesn’t mean that they adhere to every edict and premise that the current Pope espouses.  And for absolutely certain, not all Baptist’s will enter the gates of Heaven.  As a matter of fact, a lot of Baptist’s that rely on “Once saved, always saved” to get them into Heaven will be shocked to find out that they have yet to be “once saved”!!!

We can call ourselves any name we want to be labeled with, but TRUSTING in the MIGHTY NAME of JESUS is what will determine where we spend eternity.  True persecution is yet to be realized in America.  Sure, we may be ridiculed and jeered because we live differently from “this world”, but I’m afraid that very soon it will be considered radical to have FAITH IN GOD, a SPIRIT that cannot be seen or felt by those who don’t have a relationship with HIM (1 Corinthians 2:14).  GOD’s WORD is becoming less and less respected, not only by people not attending church, but by those who go to church, yet are never changed by applying Scripture to their lives. Not being concerned about that should literally scare folks to death, but they are trusting in their works, or their “living a good life”, or some other false religious schemes!  

It has been rightfully said, the three most horrible words that will ever be heard by mankind is “DEPART FROM ME”.  But, you say, JESUS loves us all, so how can HE send us to hell since HE loves us so much?  HE is being patient beyond belief, but people that are unwilling to FOLLOW after HIM, and be ridiculed, tortured, mocked, and laughed at, are in essence CHOOSING to spend eternity, not only apart from HIM, but also having the WRATH OF ALMIGHTY GOD continuously poured out on them for eternity!  

There is no great joy or elation from sharing this post.  But there can be.  Trusting in the Sacrificial Life, death, and resurrection of JESUS is the ONLY WAY to not be told “DEPART FROM ME” one day.  Relying on Buddha, Mohammed, Hare Krishna, or any other name will prove to be fatal.  Relying on your own good works will likewise be disastrous!  “DEPART FROM ME” will be the most devastating words ever spoken, especially when you remember these words written as a warning on May 21, 2019!