Matthew 7:22,23 “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? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
When you plan on taking a trip or a vacation, you will take some time to think about what things you want to take with you. Preparation will help make the trip more enjoyable. Along with the items you need, you will also look at a map – if you are planning to drive.
Going to Heaven needs to take even more preparation because it is a trip from which you will not return to this life. Eternity only has two options – Heaven or Hell. While Heaven is a place of eternal bliss, Hell is exactly the opposite – a place of eternal torment, sorrow, and regret.
The Scripture verses above provide a glimpse as to what God’s Judgment is going to be like. Some people that will be there will discover that they trusted in the wrong thing to get them into Heaven’s Door. These people trusted in the good things they did – even religious things – to get into the Eternal Golden City. To those people that have trusted in their good works – and other things not found in the Bible, they will be told: “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
This statement from the Lord Jesus was a warning. Works – or anything that you do to merit salvation – will not be accepted. The Bible reveals that “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” (Eph. 2:8,9).
The Bible makes it very plain that God will only accept one thing to get in the Door. There is only one Door and that is the Person of Jesus Christ. Why is He the Door? Because God sent Him to be the Sacrifice for our sins. People can only know God through His Son.
You need to be prepared for this trip that everyone will take. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6). Have you personally asked Jesus to forgive you of your sin and be your only Savior and Lord (Boss)? If not, why not do it right now? He will forgive and save you today if you ask Him to.