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. Matthew 7:21
“When Jesus returns, He is not coming for the believers!”
An uncomfortable silence settled over the congregation as the visiting minister paused in his preaching. What kind of strange teaching was this?
“He is coming for the redeemed,” the minister continued, and the congregation breathed a sigh of relief.
The minister then explained that many people believe in wrong things, and many who consider themselves Christian believers are not redeemed. The Bible describes some people whose profession of Christianity did not match their practice, much as is the case today. But what about the person in the mirror? Is he or she a mere professor or a real practitioner? Does our walk match our talk? Our family, friends, and neighbors may be fooled, but the Lord is never deceived; He can see deep into our hearts.
Am I truly redeemed? Is my name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? The minister went on to say that the key word here is victory. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Salvation—the God-given ability to live in victory over sin, self, Satan, and the world—is assured to those who sincerely confess and repent of all sin and by faith receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Continuing in that gift of salvation depends on continuing in God’s Word. “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31).
Victory not only brings freedom from bondage but also replaces fear with a joyful anticipation of leaving this earth and standing before our Redeemer. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me. Revelation 22:12
~ Pete Lewis