Sermon for July 1, 2012 - Who Will Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven?

Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Sermon for this week is: Who Will Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven? - Matthew 7:21-23 - 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.

INTRODUCTION

1. Most people believe they will go to heaven when they die...

a. Their hope is fostered by the comforting words of many preachers, priests, and rabbis

b. Their hope is based upon the idea that heaven is for all believers, or for those whose good works outweigh the bad

2. But are such hopes well-founded?

a. Will most people go to heaven when they die?

b. Is salvation based upon good works? Is it based upon faith only?

3. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus gave some ominous warnings...

a. Few, not many, would be saved - Matthew 7:13-14 - 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: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

b. Many religious people, including some believers in Jesus, will learn that they too will be lost! - Matthew 7:21-23 - 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.

4. With Mt 7:21-23 as the spring board for our study, I wish to address the question: “Who will enter the kingdom of heaven?”

[Before considering this question, perhaps this is good opportunity to answer another one first...]

I. WHAT IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?

A. THE TERM “KINGDOM OF HEAVEN”...

1. Is synonymous with the “kingdom of God” - cf. Matthew 4:17 - From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. - with Mark 1:14-15 - Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

2. Refers to God’s kingship, or rule, from heaven

-- The kingdom of heaven is focused in the Person of Jesus Christ, and is especially manifested where He rules in the hearts of men - Luke 17:20-21 - And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

B. IN BRIEF, THE “KINGDOM OF HEAVEN”...

1. Is spiritual in nature - John 18:36 - Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.; Romans 14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

2. It began when all authority (rule) was given to Jesus - Matthew 28:18 - And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.; Acts 2:36 - Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.; Ephesians 1:20-23 - Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

3. Today, it includes the Lord’s church on earth (for those who submit to the Will of Christ are added to the kingdom) - Colossians 1:13 - Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:; Revelation 1:9 - I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

4. In the future, it will involve the new heavens and new earth, where we will be with God and Jesus for eternity! - Matthew 13:40-43 - As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

; 2 Peter 3:10-13 - But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

; Revelation 21:1-22:5 - And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

-- The kingdom of heaven was inaugurated on the Day of Pentecost, and will be culminated when Jesus returns to deliver it back to God - cf. 1 Corinthians 15:23-28 - But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

C. THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IN OUR TEXT...

1. Appears to have the future aspect of the kingdom in view

a. Note that Jesus says “in that day...” - Matthew 7:22 - 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?

b. An apparent reference to the day of judgment - cf. 2 Timothy 1:12 - For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.; 2 Timothy 1:18 - The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.; 2 Timothy 4:8 - Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2. Thus Jesus is talking about who will enter the kingdom in its future aspect

a. Of which He spoke on other occasions - Matthew 25:31-34 - When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

b. Of which Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:10-11 - Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

[What a wonderful blessing, to have an abundant entrance into “the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”! But this leads us back to our text (Matthew 7:21-23 - 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.), and to the main question of our study...]

II. WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?

A. NOT EVERYONE WHO PROFESSES JESUS...

1. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven”

2. There are some who teach that as long as one believes in Jesus, they will be saved

a. That salvation is by faith only

b. Even though the only time “faith only” is found in the Scriptures, it says: “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” - James 2:24 - Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

3. But there is such a thing as “an unsaved believer”...

a. The demons believe, but are not saved - James 2:19 - Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

b. There were some who believed in Jesus, but were not saved - John 12:42-43 - Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

c. Jesus described a true disciple as one who not only believed in Him, but did what He said - John 8:30-32 - As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

-- Let no one think that just because they believe in Jesus, they have a free ticket into heaven!

B. NOT EVERYONE WHO DOES MANY GOOD WORKS...

1. “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not...” - Matthew 7:22 - 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?

2. Here were people who not only believed in Jesus, but believed they had:

a. Prophesied in His name!

b. Cast out demons in His Name!

c. Done many wonders in His Name!

-- I.e., they thought they had been empowered to do such wonderful works!

3. Such good works certainly did not earn their way to heaven

a. Indeed, salvation is by grace, not meritorious works - cf. Titus 3:3-7 - For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

b. Good works had not saved Cornelius, he still needed to be told what to do to be saved - Acts 10:1-5 - There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:; Acts 11:14 - Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

4. Indeed, sometimes what we may think is a good work is without any authority...

a. Jesus condemns these as those “who practice lawlessness” - Matthew 7:23 - And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

b. Literally, those who act without authority

1) It was not that they did something condemned by Jesus

2) It was that they did things for which they had no authority!

-- We might be very religious, and do many things in the name of Jesus, yet He might still say: “I never knew you; depart from Me...”

[Who then will be saved?]

C. THOSE WHO DO THE FATHER’S WILL...

1. As Jesus said, “...he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” - Matthew 7:21 - 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.

a. Here is the dividing line: those who DO the Father’s will!

b. As James would write later, it is the “doer of the work” who is blessed in what he does - cf. James 1:22-25 - But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

2. Is this legalism?

a. No! Legalism is salvation by perfect law-keeping, believing that one earns salvation by

the merit of what they have done

b. Salvation by grace does not preclude the necessity of obedience

1) We simply need to recognize that our obedience does not earn or merit salvation

2) When all is said and done, we are still unworthy! - cf. Luke 17:10 - So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

3. The Father’s will, while it offers salvation by grace, does require obedience!

a. Only those who obey from the heart will be delivered from sin - Romans 6:17-18 - But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

b. Christ is the author of salvation to all who obey Him - Hebrews 5:9 - And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

c. Christ will come in judgment against those who obey not the gospel - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

CONCLUSION

1. Who will enter the kingdom of heaven...?

a. Not those who profess to believe, but do not obey

b. Not those who think they are doing many religious things, but without authority

c. Those who do the Father’s will!

2. This is why we must take an earlier statement in Jesus’ sermon so seriously...

a. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...” - Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

b. We must make the finding of God’s will and rule the number one priority in our life!

3. What is the Father’s will? It begins with...

a. Repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ - Acts 20:21 - Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

b. Confessing Jesus as Lord - Romans 10:10 - For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

c. Being baptized into Christ for the remission of sins - Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

-- Followed by a life of faithful service to Christ, confessing our sins along the way - Revelation 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.; 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Are you doing the Father’s will?

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15-16 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Prayer: Lord I truly thank You for giving me the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You will give them Your eternal blessings and accept them into Your heart - this I pray in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Amen

Ephesians 6:23-24 - Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

This sermon is in the Public Domain - Free for all to use with the only requirement: That it never be used for profit.