Discern Who To Affirm

Matthew 7:21 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.

22 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?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

We need to exercise great caution in our age for many use the name of Christ and can do what seems to be great and mighty deeds, but they are not of Christ and their wonders are lying wonders.

Any sign, wonder or prophetic utterance that in any way diminishes, denies or changes the Word of God is not of God. It is deceit and the ones doing them are deceived. Some of these in this passage literally believed they were doing the work of God. Some doing these things know they are deceivers and may even think they can deceive God in that day making this claim.

While Pentecostals/Charismatics need to be cautious cessationists also need to be careful. This passage speaks to signs, but Jesus routinely chastised and warned the Pharisees who believed in miracles along with the Sadducees who did not believe.

Any doctrine you teach that diminishes, denies or changes of the Word of God is as much a work of iniquity as any false miracle or prophecy. Indeed, teaching the Word of God is prophecy when done correctly. When you change the wisdom of God for the wisdom of men you are deceived and deceiving your people. Your scholastic achievement and denominational/non-denominational accolades will not help you in that day.

Brethren, be careful who you give the right hand of fellowship and what doctrinal error you tolerate. God is still at work today so be sure your are able to discern the spirits. Be diligent to study the Word so you can correctly interpret it and not be ashamed of your ignorance when you stand before Jesus. When He asks you why you did not stand against error and why you were duped by a false prophet. Why you had a form of godliness but you denied the power because some PhD told you the Holy Spirit changed from His mission given Him at Pentecost.

Division is iniquity. If you cause division or rejoice in it then you fight the very Spirit of God who has come to lead us into all truth and Jesus who prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one. We have blown the Body of Christ up with parts scattered around the countryside and wonder why we are not seeing the power we should be seeing.

Yes, we must unite under truth, for anything else is like the Israelites who merged paganism into their worship rather than converting the pagans to God and His truth. You cannot join in the name of love while tolerating error. There is no love without truth. There is no grace without truth. Truth, grace and love are a trinity that cannot bring life if you try to separate them.

Father, grant Your people discernment. Grant them boldness for the truth that make them stand against error and mark those who cause division in the Body you formed. Let us rebuke false doctrine whether it manifests in lying wonders or in academic garb. Let us be a fire that purges. Let the light from the fire attract those who are weary of the coldness of this world that they may find warmth in Your arms of love! Amen! Maranatha!