Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7:23
Do people have a reason for living when everyone is going to die? For the most part mankind doesn’t think about life after they die and live as if they weren’t - going to die. Yet life after death is on the minds of many. In fact the closer you come to the age when the majority of people pass on you make plans for what you leave behind.
Making plans for what you leave behind is normal but have you followed God’s plan that guarantees you eternal life in Heaven. Do you know the judgment seat of Christ stands between you and the pearly gates? Most people are afraid of dying because they really don’t know what to expect once they die. Most rely on hope and do not know God does not want them to perish because life is sacred to him.
Do you allow a stranger to enter your home especially when you see them covered head to foot with grease and soot? It appears as if God feels the same way about your garments soiled with sin and forewarns everyone in his inspired word that he will not tolerate sin in heaven. Man is without excuse as thousands of men and women have a copy of the inspired word of God but their bible lies on the shelf collecting dust.
On the other hand if you know them you may invite them into your home especially when you know their character or want something from them. In other words you are the owner of your home and determine who enters your safe haven away from the world. Allowing a stranger into your house puts those you love and what you treasure in jeopardy. But a friend has been pre-judged by you and the threat of danger to your family has been eliminated.
Is it possible for you to understand why God would warn you with these words.
Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7:23
Not everyone is aware of what another person sees of their life and it appears to be true of what God sees with his eyes. God looks at living things differently as man looks outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7. The truth is man can put up a good front when he wants something and for the most it is a ruse to an end. God has warned mankind of his manner of judgment.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-16
The thoughts and attitudes of your heart are laid bare before his eyes and your sin nature is exposed to a holy God. The bible crusted with dust speaks of your interest in eternal life and makes you ignorant of God’s plan that prevents you from perishing. People say everything comes out in the wash but with God its being washed in the blood of Christ.
"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14
If you repent of your wicked ways you will be washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. This is the first step of working out your salvation with God. The second is to grow in the knowledge of God to know what pleases the Lord.
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." 2 Timothy 2:19
Failure is caused by becoming aware of what you should have done after the fact. It’s when the consequences become known and there is nothing left but paying the price for your mistakes. God says leaving him out of the picture indicates the desire of your heart but the error of your way is permanent; without rescue or a way to make things right. God will grant the desires of your heart and for this reason your end will be in torment.
If man would look into God’s plan for mankind he would learn the nature of God is love and because of his love for man he does not want anyone to perish. Considering his love for mankind and his plans for the future he has given every man a choice to live and to live forever. Yet to live you must accept life on God’s terms. Sounds harsh but his terms are similar to the terms you lay out for your children.
God does not have a double standard meaning that he lives by the same terms he asks you to adopt. Man’s terms are do what I say not what I do. God sets the example and he is faithful to do exactly what he says he will do. Therefore mankind can rely on God’s promises and expect eternal life through knowing God and the one he sent to carry out his plan of salvation.
It is also within your nature to believe in Jesus Christ the one God sent to reconcile you to God through his death on the cross.
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession — to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14
Do you believe that God raised Christ from the dead? If you do you will be accredited with faith and justified before God. Reconciliation means you have a relationship with God with the assurance of where you spend eternity.
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10
Accepting Jesus as Lord changes your orientation of authority with God. By Faith you have become a new creation in God’s eyes being reckoned acceptable, pleasing and holy in his eyes. Your life changed and you see life through Jesus Christ and now your relationship with God must grow and mature in the likeness of Christ. God wants you to make plans but It requires you to love and obey him.
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