FORBIDDEN SCRIPTURES No.

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Try this test: Read the verses below from the Bible and then think back and try to remember the last time you heard a sermon taken from this text. Probably you never have. That is because these verses are among a good number which contradict the beliefs of most modern preachers and churches. Because of this most preachers have never preached on these verses. Probably they have never dealt with them except to try to explain them away, assuring their hearers that they do not mean what they say. Think of it! Modern professing Christians who refuse to believe all that the Bible teaches while claiming to believe that the Bible is Gods Word. So, take the test. Read these verses and decide if you and your preacher and your church really do believe all that the Bible says. Perhaps you will decide that some changes need to be made not in the Bible but in your thinking and understanding. Here are some of the Forbidden Scriptures about salvation that only a few people believe. 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 7:21-23). The Lord Jesus Christ spoke these words to religious people. He spoke about a future day. He says that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom of Heaven! Then Christ startles His hearers even more by saying that when people stand before Him in that day there will be many who think their religious experiences and spiritual power will get them into Heaven. He lists prophesying, casting out demons and the working of awe inspiring miracles as things they think are proof they are saved. Interestingly, Jesus does not deny that they have done these supernatural works. He does not deny that they have called Him Lord, Lord. Christ does not deny any of their claims. But their claims are irrelevant! Such people are all around us today. Often they are regarded as successful Christians. They are full of religious zeal. Their churches may be large and filled with activities for young and old alike. Their worship services are often lively and well attended. Perhaps they claim to work healing miracles and claim to have supernatural or spiritual gifts. They claim to know Christ and make much of His being Lord. Jesus is Lord they often say. Because these things are irrelevant Christ prophesied that He will say to them in that day, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Living in a man-centered world, they have a man-centered religion. Christ said their religion was iniquity just plain old religious sin! Their faith is in some religious work they did that they think will cause God to look favorably upon them. But Christ will say to them all I never knew you Your eternal salvation does not depend upon your religious activities! The question is this: Does Christ know you? The question is not whether or not you think you know Christ, but does He know you? Jesus said of His people, I know them (John 10:27). Jesus knows His sheep! Paul wrote, Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19). God not only knows about those that are His, He knows them! He knows all about everyone, but He has established an intimate personal relationship with those that are His. When that judgment day for lost men and women comes, will you be among those who will think they have a right to Heaven because of their religious experiences? Will you list all of your supernatural experiences thinking these things prove you are saved? Will you cite healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, great evangelistic meetings, or the great numbers of people whom you have gotten to repeat the magical sinners prayer?

What is your reason for thinking you have a place in Heaven? Spiritual power, real or imagined, does not prove that Christ knows you! In the Bible we learn that lost people can work miracles! Whether or not you spend eternity with God or in the eternal Lake of Fire depends on whether Christ knows you or not. Will Christ say to you on that day, depart from me, ye that work iniquity? All the religious stuff that you do is just plain old sin unless Christ knows you! Jesus said, Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish (Luke 13:3, 5). Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).