Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and 
many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
There are many that claim to be Christian, but are not! They are heathen. Heathen are the unsaved, and those bound for Hell. Calling themselves Christians will not make them saved. Examine what the Bible says about heathen cloaked under the name “Christian”:
- Heathens are sometimes called Christians or God’s people.
“… That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.” Amos 9:11-12
This verse is speaking of a time not yet come, but the principle applies to these latter days. Not all that claim to be children of God are children of God - Heathens pray.
“… But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Matthew 6:6-7
It is ironic that the outline for prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) that follows these verses is what many so-called “Christian” faiths vainly (without thought or meaning, empty of feeling) pray over and over. - Heathens have religion also!
“… This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:7-9
There have always been those that believe themselves to be children of God, but were not. It was the religious that had killed Jesus and persecuted His followers. - Heathens can think God is using them. (However, many times Satan, the deceiver, is blinding them, and deceiving them with false miracles from “God”.)
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 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 7:20-23 - Heathens can go through religious routines and rituals.
“Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth … and you thrust out.” Luke 13:26-28
They went to the house of God, but that didn’t make them His.
Many are religious, but lost. People may think they are Christians, but may not be. There is only one way to be a child of God — God’s way.
“… Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3.
Are you “born again”? Are you going to Heaven by God’s narrow way of trusting Christ’s payment for your sins with His blood? Or are you a heathen bound for Hell?
I attended a funeral the other day in what I consider a cult more than a church..you can draw your own conclusions.. At the conclusion, I texted a Man of God that I know and was marveling at how that organization manages to hold together. I had never seen a more pitiful thing in my life than this funeral. The people go through their liturgy and mouth their part…or not… it hardly qualified as a form of Godliness. The preacher texted back a quote that he had read, I think it was from CH Spurgeon… “Unfortunately, man is desperately religious” Too bad that doesn’t get them anything but a first class ticket to hell. What a shame! What a deception!
Yes, false, unbiblical “religion” is plentiful and heart-breaking.
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.” Mat. 7:21-23
How can one prophesy and cast out devils if they themselves are not saved ? I would not think one can call on the Lord’s name and cast out devils if they themselves are not saved . Just like another can pray for us to heal but the one praying is not going to heal us only God can heal us . Like Peter and John praying for the lame man from birth to get up and walk and he walked people praising them and Peter says they did not do this God did and the glory should be to God . So if one prays for us yes thank them for the prayers but give the Glory where the Glory is due .
And Doug I pray for your wife as I too deal with thyroid issues and all we can do is pray and take one day at a time smiles .
This is a very important passage. It lets you know that the Lord is not necessarily behind miracles! Are you paying attention charamatic movement? And since there are only two powers in this world, and many “miracles” are not of God, that means they are of Satan, the father of lies! Again, we are an age of living by faith, not by sight!!!
Good observation, Star.
What a shame to come so close, yet spend eternity in hell!
I was telling my son the other day… people are going to believe what they want. They are going to justify their circumstance and tell themselves anything to make them comfortable. They are curious and investigate every silly thing the world sends their way, but will not give Jesus more than a cursory glance. They somehow formulate what they think the Bible says, amalgamated from TV, their friends, their family, and the 3 times they went to church….and from this they formulate their own way to heaven, all while having such easy access to truth. Never have people had so much access, but so little willingness. A lot of people no longer care to identify as Christian, but think they are going to heaven because they are a “good” person.
I marvel at the deception the enemy has wrought.
It reminds me of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus the beggar where we find the following discourse:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Jesus, telling this parable, prophesies his own mission and also the fact that many will not be persuaded.
One man said “These days you have to convince someone they are lost to get them saved”.
I appreciate you and the devotions, Bro Brinkworth!
Amen…..Love the devotions as well. I have used them in our church also. Thanks for standing up for truth and the preserved KJB
Bro. Bill, my wife suffers from thyroid problems too, so I understand!
I have to admit: Matthew 7:21-23 has bothered me more than any verses in the Bible! People tell me all the time that the book of Revelation scares them! Revelation doesn’t scare me at all – Matthew 7:21-23 does!
I know I’m saved, but I pray that I’ve served the Lord (and will continue serving the Lord) with all my heart and not “go through the motions” like these people did in Matthew!
I know at times in my ministry I’ve done things “in my flesh” and I pray God’s forgiveness and mercy on me since I did it in ignorance.
I’m glad I can read a devotion every day that forces me to examine my heart and motives! Thanks Bro. Bill!
“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.” Mat. 7:21-23
It is frightening Scripture. People sometimes get mad when one puts their finger on a error from a religion. But, false religion has sent many to a horrifying Hell, because of its false teachings. We must put the spotlight on their error. People’s eternal soul is a stake! If we do not warn them, who will!