One verse in the Bible that many Christians tend to avoid or feel uneasy about reading is Matthew 7:21-23, which states:...READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE | READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE...
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
This passage is unsettling because it speaks to the idea that, despite outward appearances or religious acts, true salvation is not guaranteed unless one is genuinely living according to God’s will. It addresses the danger of relying solely on rituals, words, or good deeds as proof of faith without an authentic relationship with Christ. The verse challenges the belief that good actions or verbal declarations alone are enough to secure a place in heaven.
Many Christians avoid reflecting on this verse because it raises profound questions about the nature of salvation, the authenticity of one’s faith, and the importance of living a life that aligns with God’s commandments.
The passage emphasizes that simply calling oneself a Christian or engaging in religious activities is not enough; one’s heart, intentions, and actions must be in harmony with God’s will. This can be a sobering reminder of the need for self-examination and a deeper commitment to living out one’s faith genuinely.