Daily devotion – False claims….
False Claims, False Belief
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:21–23
Some of the most terrifying Scriptures in the Bible, from a pastor’s perspective, are found in Matthew 7:21–23. Jesus declares:
“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.” (Matthew 7:21)
Jesus goes on to describe people who will stand before Him one day, confidently presenting their religious achievements, only to hear words they never expected: “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:23).
Think about that for a moment. These people approach Jesus expecting to be welcomed because of everything they claim to have done in His name. Instead, they face the shocking reality that religious activity is no substitute for a genuine relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Far too many people in our Western world are taking a terrible risk with their eternal destiny, placing their confidence in religion, tradition, church attendance, or good works, rather than in Jesus Christ Himself.
Notice their claims: they had prophesied in His name, cast out demons in His name, and performed many wonderful works. They appeared to have impressive religious credentials. Yet their confidence was misplaced. They believed their activities entitled them to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but Jesus exposed the truth: religious works cannot replace a personal relationship with the Saviour.
Attending church does not make us Christians any more than sitting in a garage makes us a motor vehicle! We can know the language of Christianity, participate in its activities, and even impress others with our apparent devotion, yet still fail to truly know Jesus Christ.
Jesus knows the hearts of all people. We may fool those around us, but we will never fool Him. His words reveal the awful seriousness of a false profession of faith: “I never knew you.” This is not merely a temporary disappointment but a warning of eternal separation from His presence.
So, where do we stand today?
Are we simply playing church, maintaining a family tradition, or going through the motions of Christianity? Or have we genuinely repented of our sin and placed our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour?
The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” This is not a call to live in constant fear, doubting every promise of God. It is a call to honest self-examination, ensuring that our confidence rests in Christ rather than in our own achievements.
Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works. Yet genuine faith will produce a changed life, a growing love for the Lord, and a desire to obey His Word (Ephesians 2:10; John 14:15).
Our good works do not save us; they should be the fruit of a life that belongs to Jesus.
Dear friend, do not settle for knowing about Jesus when you can know Him personally. Do not place your eternal destiny in the hands of religion, tradition, or human achievement. Come to Christ in genuine faith, trust in His finished work on the cross, and allow Him to transform your life.
One day, every one of us will stand before the Lord. The most important question will not be, “What religious things have I done?” but whether I truly belong to Him. The truth will be revealed!
False claims may impress people, and false beliefs may deceive our own hearts, but nothing is hidden from Jesus.
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5
Where do you stand with Jesus today?