Lessons from Matthew 7: Heaven or Hell
Jesus next presented His listeners with a choice, a choice that would define their destiny. The destiny was either heaven or hell.
The truth had been told, the foundation had been laid, and the decision was put into the hands of those listening.
Jesus encouraged those listening to enter through the narrow gate.
For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
I once heard an illustration that goes something like this: Imagine an archway or an opening that has these words posted on it, “All Are Invited” but once you enter in and get to the other side it reads “But Few Will Enter In.”
Scripture tells us in John 14:6 that Jesus Himself is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. The world will tell you that is narrow-minded and that all roads lead to heaven–the road of self, celebrating the little god within us all, the road of Mohammedanism, the road of Buddhism, or any other “ism” you choose.
But God says specifically in Acts 4:12 that, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Jesus went on to say that there will come those who try and distort not only this truth but more. So be on the lookout for false teachers! He described them as men proclaiming to be God’s prophets or messengers. They will come disguised as shepherds but inwardly they are ferocious wolves, seeking those they may lead astray and devour.
But Jesus said you can recognize them by their fruit. And then Jesus metaphorically used grapes, figs, thorns, and bushes, along with trees, to ask if any of these produce anything of which they are not. The obvious answer is no. Everything produces that of its own kind and therefore Jesus said that will be identifiable.
“But how?” you ask. Good question! I’m glad you asked! The best way I have heard to explain this is that like a teller or a banker who is taught how to identify a counterfeit dollar bill, they do so by studying and knowing the real one.
So, the more we know and hide in our hearts and minds the truth of God, the easier it will be to identify a counterfeit, a false teacher, one whose desire is to lead others astray and to take their money and treasures with him as he lifts himself up and fills his pockets with his own agenda and selfish pride.
These men may be good talkers but they are not walkers. They disobey the very words they hold out to others and so their words are empty and vain.
Beware, Jesus said, not everyone who says to Him, Lord, Lord will enter into the kingdom of heaven, for to merely know God is not enough. Many know God or acknowledge that there is a God, but few follow through with a personal relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ and thus are not considered to be His children. To these He says plainly, I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach