This week we will continue with some of the most challenging statements of the Lord that involve our discipleship. This is not intended to make it harder than it is, but to make it as hard as it really is. Not to see it as it is can put us in the greatest jeopardy of all. A basic goal I have is to stand at the Judgment Day and hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (see Matthew 25:21 NIV) not just for myself but for every one of you as well.
Last week we began to address one of these challenging statements made by the Lord. Matthew 7:21-23 states:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.
“Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’
“And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’"
Last week we discussed the word for “know” in this text. Now we will discuss the “lawlessness” that can cause us to come to this most terrible judgment of not being allowed entry into the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 24:12-13, the Lord says this in relation to the signs of the end of this age:
“And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.
“But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.”
Obviously He is not saying this about unbelievers because they do not have a love for Him to grow cold. This will happen to His people. He does not say that it will happen to some, or even many, but most. To literally interpret this text, which is the only safe way to interpret it, means that more than half of all Christians we know are likely to be excluded from the kingdom of heaven. Take a moment to think about that. This will happen all because of this one factor—lawlessness.
Studies now show that there is no longer a distinguishable difference in the character and behavior of those who claim to be born-again Christians and unbelievers. Christians are just as likely to lie, cheat, and have illicit sexual relationships as non-believers. The divorce rate for evangelical Christians is now about the same as for non-believers. True disciples not only behave different—they are different.
Christians are supposed to stand out as bright lights against the increasing darkness, even like a city set on a hill. If the darkness is prevailing, it is because the light is not shining. This is more than just changing minds and winning the hearts of people on issues; it is about demonstrating a gloriously different and better way to live.
Lawlessness is the main reason for the dimming light in the body of Christ and for Christians losing their love for the Lord. It is probable that this is happening to many Christians because they do not even know the biblical definition for lawlessness. Many are practicing things that we are warned will bring the wrath of God upon the earth at the end, and they do not even know these things are wrong.
If we have a Bible, or access to one, we cannot use the excuse that we were never taught these things. If we truly love God above all else, we will do what it takes to find out what He approves or disapproves. We will examine this in our study. This week I will leave you with Galatians 5:19-24:
"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery,
enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned
you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control; against such things there is no law.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."