Depart From Me!

Depart From Me! I Never Knew You!!

(Going to Church Doesn’t Make You a Christian)

By Chuck Cooper

May 31, 2013

NOTE: You are not likely to hear this message taught in most churches because many pastors are afraid of stepping on sensitive toes in their congregations. Possible repercussions of losing members (finances), being fired, or being publicly chastised often prohibit preaching/teaching God’s truth. Because God is the ONLY authority to whom I’m accountable, I have both the freedom and the responsibility to write what He inspires me to say. I take that responsibility extremely seriously.  I seek no fame or fortune or agreement; I seek only God’s approval.

            Sad to say, but many regular, loyal Church-goers will NOT go to Heaven when they die! Unwittingly, they will wind up in Hell for all eternity!

            “What?” “How can you say that?” I didn’t say it; Jesus said it!  In the Bible! I’m simply repeating what He said so you won’t  unknowingly make the eternal, infernal mistake of assuming you are “good to go” when, in Jesus’ eyes, you really aren’t.     

            Twice in the Book of Matthew Jesus warns us of the consequence of being unacceptable to Christ – turned away at the “pearly gates” and banished to Hell!! Even if we’ve been loyal life-long church-goers…even if we’ve sung in the choir, taught a Sunday School class, served as an Elder or Deacon. Well, you get the picture.

            In Matthew 7: 21-23, Jesus warned His disciples that “not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father.” He continued and told them that many will call Him “Lord” and remind Him that they have prophesied, have cast out demons, and done many wonders in His name. Jesus told them “And, then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

            In Matthew 22: 1-14, Jesus used the story of a wedding feast for a king’s son to describe Heaven to the Pharisees who were attempting to arrest Him for heresy. According to the parable, when the King (Jesus) came in to see the guests at the feast (Heaven), he saw and evicted one of the guests because that guest wasn’t wearing a “wedding garment” (prepared).  He wasn’t wearing a “cloak of righteousness” and was banished, kicking and screaming, to the “outer darkness” (Hell).

            Concluding the parable, Jesus tells the Pharisees in Verse 14: “for many are called, but few are chosen.” The implication of that statement by Jesus should be obvious: just because we are “called” (heard the Gospel) doesn’t mean we will be “chosen” (accepted the Gospel) and prepared to enter Heaven for all eternity. Why? Because we haven’t received the “cloak of righteousness” (salvation).

            In both instances, Jesus implies that he is referring to “nominal” Christians – those who are “Christians” in name only and those who have heard the Gospel, but have rejected it.

            Neither group has truly accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. “Truly” is the operative word here.  Only “true” believers in Christ receive the “cloak of righteousness” – their ticket to Heaven!

            Can you imagine that nauseating, “kicked in the gut” feeling that “nominal Christians” will feel when they hear Jesus utter the worst words possible to them? “I NEVER KNEW YOU; DEPART FROM ME!”

            Can you imagine Jesus ordering his followers to “bind you hand and foot” and to take you away and cast you into “outer darkness” where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth? Forever?

            REALITY CHECK!:  (If you can honestly say “yes” to the following basic questions, there is a good chance that you have truly accepted Christ and have received  your “cloak of righteousness”.)

            #1. Have you truly, sincerely accepted the free gift of salvation that only Jesus can give to you? Have you “repented” of your sins; have you asked Jesus to save you?

            #2. Has your life changed because of your gratitude for what Jesus did for you on the cross?  Are you joyfully serving Him in all you do? Do you love Him with all your heart? Do you read/study His word?

            #3. Does your life reveal sincere dependence on Christ for ALL things?  Do you go to Him seeking wisdom and counsel in ALL decisions you make?

            #4. Jesus tells us to judge “Christians” by the “fruit” they exhibit in their daily lives and to run (“flee”) from those who don’t.  Those fruits of the Spirit are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Do you truly exhibit those fruits?

            If you aren’t certain of your answers to the above questions, please, please go seek counsel from someone you consider a “true” believer in Christ.  Someone you trust…a friend, a pastor, a relative, 

           Or, e-mail concerns and/or questions to me at: rvchuck38@gmail.com.  I’ll be happy to assist you!

In His Love and Service!

 Chuck