There is always that feeling of hyped-up tranquility at so-called Christian wakes. The eulogies only speak of a better environment for the dearly departed – at times, that notion that he or she is with the Lord and walking on streets paved with gold in the good company of the heavenly host. Would there be any mention of Matthew 7:21-23?
“Not everyone who says to Me,’ Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them,’ I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'”
Many amongst the well-meaning would deem these passages of Scripture inappropriate for the occasion. How could such a loving Son of God arrive at such a stinging pronouncement? Anyway, all these are earthly second-guesses; whatever takes place on the other side is hidden from plain view. There is no way of finding out what was in store for the dearly departed. An overwhelming majority would certainly perish the thought of the Lord Jesus telling the soul of the recently deceased to take a hike! One that would ultimately lead past the gates of hell.
When Jesus our Saviour spoke these words, He was dead serious. He knew full well that such people existed, living in a manner that was displeasing to the Heavenly Father, a lifestyle that only got extinguished upon breathing the last breath. To many observers who live by the flesh versus the Spirit of God, they find it hard to pinpoint any hint of displeasure. Could they see any indication of spot or blemish? Maybe a tough call when dirty secrets are so intelligently concealed – they are buried in the grave beyond anybody’s knowledge. Except for one thing: no one can hide anything from the all-knowing Heavenly Father!
Could the Almighty Creator of all flesh find any fault with squeaky clean folks? By manmade evaluations, these individuals appear faultless in about every aspect. Speak of the person who dutifully serves in a host of committees in a local church. Furthermore, a philanthropist at heart plus being a gifted orator. Someone that is a family type well-loved by the community. But then there is the critical question, is this person doing this for God’s glory or simply for personal gain. The Lord would be truly displeased with one using His name for outright gains of the flesh. Such a man or woman only makes use of Christ to achieve personal goals. As good as having no relationship with He that sacrificed His life so as to give them eternal life!
When a person is being made use of for another’s advancement, it only boils down to a superficial relationship. God will not put up with this; it is one thing to be like a typical heathen and not know the Lord – but it gets worse when one PRETENDS to know the Lord. That is why the Lord Jesus mentioned the word lawlessness – it is full-blown iniquity when such a front is being resorted to. Even if there was any earthly claim of righteousness, it genuinely adds up to nothing.
“But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousness are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities like the wind, Have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6).
On a truly serious note, would anyone get away with this make-believe? God cannot be fooled. It is in His power to decide when somebody should be breathing for the final second. Death could come unexpectedly; no one can predict a stroke or a car crash. Question is, will anyone in a state of filth be ready to face up to the Righteous Judge?
Could anyone fathom the thought of being told to depart from the Lord? It is eternity in a place of damnation. Trouble is, less and less pulpits are talking about this inescapable truth these days. Everything seems to be great according to what is the mainstream view, but it is the wrong tree. Hell is real, and people whom the Lord does not recognize end up there.
If you happen to read this article, please note that it is written for your eternal wellbeing. If you are still sticking to all that make-believe, it is high time to get it off your shoulders. Get real with Christ, your Saviour. This begins with a spirit of confession that is genuine. Acknowledge in all meekness that you have sinned and you need a Saviour to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Believe that this is possible with the power of Christ that can make a significant difference – you will be set free from the bondage of the fallen nature. Henceforth depend on God and not man; you do so by calling upon the Name above all names – Jesus Christ!
Once Jesus takes hold of your life, you are eternally His. He certainly will recognize you when you meet Him, and He will invite you into His everlasting kingdom.
Yours in Christ
Edwin
Contact me at edwinuk13@gmail.com