“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Mat 7:22-23).

What’s striking about this warning in the first place is the number of those who will be shocked on Judgment Day.. Brethren, we can’t take security from numbers! Secondly, it’s striking that this text refers to apparently “anointed”, Charismatic ministers who flow in spiritual gifts. Beloved, we can’t take security from our Pentecostalism. Thirdly, it’s striking that Jesus says He NEVER knew them. In spite of their regular use of the name of Jesus, they’d never been genuine Christians. God forbid that we should also be nominal Christians! Elsewhere Jesus warns that we should rejoice that our names are registered in heaven, not about our “demonstration” (see Luke 10:20). Fourthly, it’s striking that Jesus says these ministers habitually practice immorality. That’s the telltale sign. Friends, as a rule, true disciples and ministers of His do not happily live in sin (see also 1 Jo 2). Beware!

Pastor Josh