Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21 WEB
Scripture is clear that salvation comes by faith alone. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-10, “for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them. WEB” And so, we are saved by faith but created for good works.
This distinction helps us understand Christ’s words concerning the Kingdom of heaven. Although we are saved by faith, Christ expects that those who genuinely accept him as Lord are transformed from their sinful nature in submission to the will of God. As Jesus asks in the parable of the wise and foolish builders, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say? WEB”
Even the Demons Believe
Submission to the will of God takes genuine faith. Our faithfulness is proven by our obedience. The brother of Jesus writes in James 2:18-19, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. NIV” He sums up his argument in James 2:26 saying, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. WEB”
If we desire to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, we must follow our leader, Jesus Christ, to our destination. Scripture makes clear that Jeus is the only way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. We read Jesus’ words in John 14:6, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. WEB”
The Will of Our Father
Jesus teaches that true faith in him requires obedience to the will of God. As the Lord says of the end times in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity. WEB”
Saved by the grace of God, true believers in the lordship of Jesus submit to his leadership. Scripture demonstrates, even the demons believe. True faith is belief that inspires obedience to the word of God. When we trust in the Lord, we repent from the rebelliousness of our sin. As Jesus says at the beginning of his ministry in Matthew 4:17, ““Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. WEB” Following the teaching of Jesus and the example he set here on earth, those who enter into the Kingdom of Heaven submit the will of our Father who is in heaven.
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for your written word. Thank you for the clarity of the teaching of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lead me away from sin and temptation. Guide me to serve you according to your will. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The God of My Salvation
