Absolute Certainty Or Mere Sincerity? Series

Absolute Certainty or Mere Sincerity?

Matthew 7: 21-23

As we continue to study the Sermon on the Mount, we come to the portion of the message where Jesus addressed the grave disappointment some will encounter as they stand before Him, seeking to gain entrance into His kingdom. As we will discover, these were certainly sincere in their efforts, but they were not found worthy to gain access to the kingdom. It appears they were professors of Christ, but had never accepted Him as the Messiah, Savior of the world. They were engaged in much activity associated with His name, but they did not know the Lord.

This raises an interesting and troubling fact that remains today. If you were to poll the majority of Americans, or any other group for that matter, you would soon discover that the opinions associated with acceptance of the Lord and entrance to heaven are quite varied. Barna Group released a study dated October 21, 2003 concerning the matter of heaven. Of those questioned, 81% believe in an “afterlife” of some sort. The same study found that 79% of those polled believe that every person has a soul that will live forever, either in God’s presence or absence. 76% believe in a literal heaven; while 64% believe they will go to heaven when they die. Here is where it gets interesting. Of the 64% who believe they will go to heaven when they die, only 43% of those believe they will go to heaven because they have confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their Savior. 15% believe that keeping the 10 Commandments would guarantee access; while another 15% believe they will go to heaven because “they are basically a good person.” A smaller group, 6% believe that God loves all people and will not let them perish.

In the same survey, of those who identify as “born again believers,” 50% contend that salvation can be earned based on good works. 1 Isn’t that alarming? Clearly, we see there is much confusion and differing opinions on what is necessary to enter heaven. It is within our human nature to want to believe all people will go to heaven when they die, but the truth is everyone will not. Many in Jesus’ day were very sincere in their endeavors, but they were basing their eternal destiny on false security. Many continue to do so today. I want to consider the finalities revealed in the text as we think on: Absolute Certainty or Mere Sincerity?

I. The Divine Proclamation (21) – 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. Consider:

A. The Limitation – Jesus reveals that not everyone will enter the kingdom of heaven. This is a startling proclamation. In that day many will stand before the Lord, seeking entrance to the kingdom, but all will not be allowed entrance. Some will be denied. This reveals the truth that all will not be granted access into heaven; not everyone is going to heaven when they die. Mat.18:3 – And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

B. The Assumption (21a) – Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; He speaks of those who have spoken in His name; those who have even addressed Him as Lord. There is a profound truth here. There is nothing wrong in addressing Jesus as Lord; in fact we should. It is essential to our salvation. Rom.10:9 – That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. The problem with these, and many others, is a problem of the heart. They had the head knowledge that Jesus is Lord, but they never came to a place of submission within the heart.

Belief in the person of Christ isn’t enough. James 2:19 – Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. There must be a realization of all He is and an acceptance of His finished work on the cross of Calvary for the redemption of sin. Everyone must come to the place in their personal life that they see the need for Christ as their Savior and Lord. He is Lord whether we recognize it or not, but the question remains – is He your Lord?

C. The Obligation (21b) – but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Here Jesus reveals the requirement, the obligation for entering the kingdom. There is no other way! We live in an ecumenical age that teaches many ways of salvation and eternal life, but we must do the will of the Father if we are to gain entrance into heaven.