I think it is interesting to notice the part of the verse in which professed believers of Jesus claim they had prophesied , cast out devils and done many wonderful works in the name of Jesus , and yet , Jesus still says to them : I never knew you : depart from me , ye that work iniquity . How can this be ? The trouble is this : good works will not produce relationship . However , God who is faithful , will always honor his word as well as true faith . The issue is not whether people are experiencing miracles , healing and the like . This issue is that when it comes to salvation and entering heaven , none of those good works , even when they are done in the name of Jesus will get you there ! Only a relationship with Jesus Christ by faith through his grave and the infilling on the Holy Spirit will !
Spiritual Gifts Will Not Produce Spiritual Character Allow me to elaborate on this concept for a moment ? Scripture states that “ the gifts and the calling of God are without repentance ,” and are “ irrevocable ” ( Romans 11:29 ). This means that spiritual gifts and abilities given to us by God , do not equate spiritual maturity or character and certainly do not “ qualify ” us before God , either . Additionally , if our spiritual gifts are given to us from God and are never taken from us , that would mean they cannot be contingent upon our behavior or religious beliefs or rituals . Therefore , we can rightly determine that spiritual giftings cannot and do not equate righteousness or sincere faith in Jesus Christ .
I have learned the hard way , that spiritual character is not a result of our spiritual gifts . Rather , spiritual character is a direct result of relationship with Jesus . It is so important that we resist becoming enamored with or idolize believers who are “ gifted ” spiritually , assuming this that their gifts are proof of spiritual maturity or character . Additionally , we must guard against valuing our spiritual gifts over biblical knowledge of Jesus Christ , so that we do not become preoccupied with ourselves and others rather than Jesus . The result of this form of idolatry can be a root of pride that can lead to a future spiritual fall . This is why it is imperative to understand that gifts do not equate character : so that we will avoid becoming arrogant and prideful as a result of our spiritual gifts . Knowing this , we can now understand how these professed believers of Jesus addressed in Matt 7:21-23 , could assume that they would be permitted to enter into heaven based upon their spiritual giftings and their performance , rather than upon their relationship with Jesus Christ as a result of real , sincere , surrendered faith in Him .
Rather , spiritual character is a direct result of relationship with Jesus .
Remember ... Jesus said the words , “ I never knew you ” to people who considered themselves his followers ! This is a humbling and sobering reminder to each of us to keep our eyes fully on Jesus rather than ourselves , our abilities and our spiritual gifts ! Remember the words of Jesus to the disciples after they returned from ministering for the first time without Jesus with them ? They returned ignited and overjoyed at all they were able to do in the Spirit and performed miracles , signs and wonders :
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