Quote:
Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord
I agree to a point here. But here is a thought for consideration - what about this scripture?
Matt. 7:21-23
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.
These are people who did great works in the name of the Lord, obviously with great power and authority, yet the Lord says unto them - depart from me, I never knew you?
How do you reconcile this scripture with your bolded statement above?
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OK. Let’s put our emphasis on the words in bold, not detracting from
the content or
the Biblical context.
v. 21) Many will call Him “Lord”, only giving Him lip service. Those
who hear and obey will inherit God’s kingdom.
[Hear what?] Hear the call to repent and heed the gospel that saves:
THAT is the will of the Father;
v. 22) “There is none other
NAME…”. There is power in the
NAME
of Jesus! The power is not in the person or the denomination: it is in the
NAME.
Using the power of the
NAME does not mean the person is right: it means the
person is using the right
NAME!
“But why were they healed, delivered, etc.?” Because God honors the NAME
and testifies of the power and righteousness endowed to the bearer of the
NAME!
These are people who believe, but have not obeyed: they are in rebellion
with the word of God;
v. 23) There was no
“intimacy” with the Lord. Adam
“knew” Eve:
he had an
intimate relationship with her. There is something above
all else that hinders intimacy with God: it is
disobedience: it will manifest
itself in the refusal to repent, be baptized, or receive the impartation
of the Holy Spirit.