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NASB | Matthew 7:23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.' |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 7:23 "And then I will declare to them publicly, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME [you are banished from My presence], YOU WHO ACT WICKEDLY [disregarding My commands].' [Ps 6:8] |
Bible Question: I know there are many man made religions in the world. But if we all believe slightly different, and if our heart is right, and with good intentions, then who are we to say it's wrong?? Doesn't God look at the heart?? If the heart is right, who's to say??? Doesn't God only look at the heart, and it's intentions, and make His decision??? Isn't all religions man made??? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Serentime! The question you have asked is one which many in the world have also asked. Fortunately for us, Scripure is very clear on this issue. Let's consider two passages from the end of the Sermon on the Mount. 1) Mt. 7:13 - "‘‘Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." This passage makes it very clear that not everyone will be saved. If fact, this passage says that only a few will be saved. Why? Because there is only one way to God, and only a few find it. Scripture makes it very clear that Jesus is that only way. a) John 14:6 says, "Jesus answered, ‘‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." b) Acts 4:12 says, " Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”" All three of these passages make it perfectly clear that the only way to salvation is through Christ. What about those who are sincere in their hearts, but don't go through Christ? The second passage in the Sermon on the Mount deals with that question. 2) Mt. 7:21 says, "21 ‘‘Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" Here were people who thought they were doing the right things. They even did the right things in Jesus' name. But, they didn't go through the narrow gate. They tried to earn favor with God. This is the crux of the issue and the main reason why sincerity is not enough to get you into Heaven. Christ alone atoned for our sins. No other sacrifice will suffice. Therefore, anyone who does not accept the gift of salvation from Christ, will not be saved - no matter how sincere or religious they are. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |