“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. Matthew 7:21-23

Reading these verses one could be misled by one’s own erroneous interpretation. We could incorrectly assume that we are saved by our own works or even doomed by our own works. Let us clearly understand that our works have never, do not, and will never save us. The Lord makes that clear. For example:

“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.” Ephesians 2:8-9

It is only by God’s grace that He provides the gift of salvation to those who believe on His Son. He uses the mechanism of faith. Since we would have no faith otherwise, He provides us enough faith to believe, but we must use it.

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3

What we do with that faith that He provides is up to us. Those who put their faith in Jesus are provided eternal life by His grace. We cannot earn it.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.” Romans 3:27

“Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,” Romans 4:16

The Bible is loaded with Scriptures that clearly tell us we cannot save ourselves by our own works. Salvation can only come by God’s grace. It is a gift to us for putting our faith (which He provides) in His Son.

Okay, now what is Jesus talking about in our introductory passage when referring to works? He is simply saying that any work not of God is a work of iniquity. Works do not save. Salvation is a gift (from God), not a payment for work performed (by us).

Many today, as then, think they’re alright with God. Their good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds; works in other words. If we put all the good works ever performed by all mankind, they would still be pond scum in God’s eyes.

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6

Only the works of Jesus Christ on the cross and from an empty tomb can provide us with salvation. Only His shed blood can wash us clean.

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Now that it is clear that only by grace are we saved through faith and not of works, what about the word “work?” Some folks are scared to death of this word. Those who think God picks who He wants, and then forces them to believe on His Son stay clear of this word. Others lean heavily on works, but we have dealt with this issue and it’s behind us now, I hope.

Jesus Himself stated there is something we must do to be granted the gift of salvation. That something would be following Him. Since we would not do so otherwise, God has planted the faith within us to use in trusting on His Son. Once there, we can use that faith or not use it. Either way you look at it, that is the thing required of us to be saved. Jesus said at least 17 times, if I counted correctly, “Follow me.” That is real belief. That is real faith. Then He says in Matthew:

“For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matthew 12:50

So what is “the will of my Father which is in heaven?” He has said we must do “the will of my Father which is in heaven.” So what is it? The next verse will tell us the Father’s will.

“Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:26-29 (emphasis mine)

Jesus said that believing “on him whom he hath sent,” is thework of God. We must believe, but even yet, we can’t brag, because it’s God’s work. God made it possible for us to cry out, “HELP!” If we call upon Jesus, that’s crying HELP, He will save us. He will reach down and draw us out from the deep waters of sin when we put our whole trust in Him. Otherwise, we drown.

Jesus said more about the Father’s will. Notice the next verse.

“And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.” John 6:39

That is eternity security. Some call it “once saved, always saved (OSAS). The Father’s will is that none be lost that belong to Him. Is there anyone who is stronger than God? Can our will overpower His? Can Satan overpower His will? Of course not! His will is assured.

God has guaranteed eternal security for those who are truly His.

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30 (emphasis mine)

“and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 1:22 (emphasis mine)

“He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 5:5 (emphasis mine)

“who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:14

The Holy Spirit has sealed and guaranteed our presence with the Lord for eternity for those who put their absolute faith in Him.

It is the Father’s will that we believe on His Son who He sent. However, He has left it open. He will not force anyone to accept His Son. He will provide the faith, but He will not force repentance. He knocks at the door. He doesn’t kick it in.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

For those who do believe on His Son who He has sent, He guarantees our eternal security. (See verses above.)

It is the Father’s will for you to be saved. He’ll guarantee your reservation. His Son bought the ticket. Jesus stands on the platform waiting. You can get on, or remain at the depot. What will it be?

Grant Phillips

Maybe you’re thinking, “What a stupid question!” For those who know Jesus as Savior and Lord, that is a stupid question, but for those who do not know Him, it isn’t a stupid question to them.

The term “God is dead” began its popularity in 1882 in a book called The Gay Science by Friedrich Nietzsche. On the cover of Time magazine, April 8, 1966 edition, the question was asked, “Is God Dead?”

Modern day Joseph Atwill states in his book, Caesar’s Messiah, that Jesus was made up by the Romans, specifically Titus Ceasar, to appease the rebellious Jews of that day. With the assistance of the historian Josephus, his plan was put into action. That’s his story anyway. I’m sticking to mine.

I’ve noticed this week that the History Channel is coming up with yet another special that will debunk the accuracy of the Bible, at least that’s what they say. Will I be watching it? You betcha. When pigs fly.

Maybe you haven’t noticed it lately, but we are in a spiritual war. Actually we have been for some time, but the fierceness of Satan’s attacks is increasing as his days grow short.

The Apostle Paul warned, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

The Apostle Peter warned, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8

Jesus is not only real, He is God and He is alive today just waiting for the Father to say, “Now is the time. Go.” Consider the following verses before we go on.

“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” John 14:9 (ESV)

“I and my Father are one.” John 10:30

“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7 (NKJV)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

“As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.” John 18:6

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” Exodus 3:14

“Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.” Luke 22:70-71

The elders, chief priests and scribes had no problem understanding that Jesus was claiming to be God. Just as He told Moses to call Him “I AM,” He was telling the chief council that He is the “I AM.”

We could get angry at those who make every attempt to defame the precious name of our Lord God, but maybe we should let Jesus deal with that. Our greatest emotion should be concern for these misguided, satanically inspired lost souls. Their doom is settled unless they call out for forgiveness to the very one they now hate and mock, Jesus, who came to us as God in the flesh.

I do believe that time is running out for this earth. In Luke 19:28-35 Jesus sent two of his disciples to obtain use of a colt for Him to ride into Jerusalem. Beginning in verse thirty-six we read what followed.

“And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”

The common people were exalting Jesus as the Messiah that had come as prophesied, but the religious crowd wanted nothing of it. Just like today, the religious (not Christian but religious) mock the coming Messiah. Then, as today, many of the so-called common people recognize that the Messiah is coming, except this time it won’t be on a colt, it will be on a white stallion. In that day, as today, many lost souls of the world want nothing to do with this Jewish Messiah named Jesus.

The religious leaders of that day wanted Jesus to quiet the crowds, but notice again what Jesus said. “…I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Now I’m speculating, but think about this. Is it possible that nature today is crying out because the Messiah is on His way?

One of the many signs of Christ’s return is the turbulence of nature prior to His return. This sign, along with others, will increase in frequency and severity. Is this not what is happening with nature today? Is it possible that since so few are acknowledging that Jesus will soon return, and most just laugh it off, that the stones are crying out?

Whether through floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, drought, viruses, sicknesses, volcanoes, animalistic anomalies, etc. is nature trying to tell us something? I ask again, while we ignore the reality that the King is coming, are the stones crying out to get our attention?

Is Jesus real? I know He is, because His Spirit lives within me. I know He is real when I look at His creation. I know He is real when I read His Word and experience its Truth. I know He is real when I witness His works in the lives of people. Jesus is real and He is coming back.

There is more historical proof that Jesus existed than Julius Caesar and many other historical figures. So that isn’t a problem, unless one just ignores the facts. Is He God and is He alive in Heaven today, preparing a place for His own and soon to return? The Scriptures, which is His Word, attest all this to be true. Now it comes down to faith.

Consider one other thought. Would the disciples, who later became apostles, have given their lives for a lie? All they would have had to do at any time was to say He was a good man but not God, and they would have not been tortured and they would not have been put to death, in some very gruesome ways I might add.

Peter was crucified upside down.

Andrew was crucified on an “X” shaped cross.

James was killed with a sword.

John died of natural causes, but allegedly put in boiling oil.

Philip was crucified.

Bartholomew was beaten and crucified.

Thomas was killed with a spear.

Matthew was axed to death with a halberd.

James (son of Alphaeus) was clubbed to death.

Thaddaeus was crucified.

Simon Zelotes was crucified.

Matthias was stoned and beheaded.

(also) Stephen was stoned to death.

(also) Paul was beheaded.

Foxes book of Martyrs speaks of many who died some of the most horrible deaths one could imagine rather than denounce Jesus. Thousands today, in our time, suffer beyond description rather than deny Jesus.

Why is this, especially for those who have never physically seen Him as did the Apostles and others? The answer is obvious. Jesus is real. He is alive and the tomb is empty. He is in Heaven now preparing a place for His own, and will at any time return. Not only that, praise God, He lives within each and every one of those who are His by His most Holy Spirit. The 3rd person of the Godhead (Holy Spirit) lives within us, confirming the reality of the 2nd person of the Godhead (Jesus Christ) bestowing praise on the first person of the Godhead (God the Father).

Jesus is the real thing. He is God, and He will return at any time.

Don’t grow weary of waiting. Work for the day is coming. He has plenty for each of us to do.

Don’t allow negativity from others to bring you down, for it matters not what man says.

Don’t fear what man can do, or even Satan. Man is weak and Satan is on a leash. Fear God.

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

Fear God, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

I look forward to our Lord’s return as much as anyone else, but I also understand that while we wait, we must be busy telling others about Him and that His return is nigh.

If you are a Christian, Jesus is alive and lives within you by His Holy Spirit. Share Him.

If you are not a Christian, He wants to save you, and there is no time like the present, because time is running out.

Jesus is real, and maybe sooner than we all think, the entire world will behold Him. Unfortunately for many, this is how it will transpire.

“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Revelation 6:12-17

Grant Phillips