Matthew 7:21-23 “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. 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.”
These three verses are some of the saddest words ever given. They are a strong warning that just because someone has a proximity to Christ or to religious things, it does not mean that they are going to Heaven.
The text verses reveal that even if someone can do miracles, and do it in Jesus’ Name, it does not guarantee Heaven. Notice that Jesus said that “many” people will use this as a defense as to why God should let them go in Heaven – but it will be in vain.
These verses emphasize two truths that will make the difference. The first truth is that you must be willing to do God’s will – not your own. That means having a change of mind about sin and God – repentance.
The second all-important truth for salvation is that you must know the Lord Jesus Christ as your only personal Savior. The verses above indicate that they are condemned because they did not know Christ – “I never knew you.”
In John 6:29, “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” The will of God is that every person must ask Christ to save them from the penalty of their sin (Hell), be willing to change their wicked ways, and ask Him for forgiveness and eternal life.
When doing so, you must understand that there is no other Savior because only He died to pay for the sins of the world (Jn. 3:16). He has promised that when you do, He will save you forever.