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Hell-Bound Believers
Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). In other words, some who believe Jesus is Lord will go to hell; that is, they are hell bound believers. A statement like this shocks most of the religious world. They are convinced that all believers will go to heaven. However, Jesus disagrees with them.
Some believers, in fact Jesus said many, will not lose their souls because of inactivity. He said, “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?’” (Matt. 7:22). These believers were busy doing many things—in the name of the Lord. Their rejection by Jesus is not because they are lazy or indifferent. Rather, they will lose their souls because they did it their way.
Jesus said, “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’” (Matt. 7:23). These people acknowledged Jesus as “Lord,” did many things in His name, but did not act according to His law. They were lawless, that is, they acted outside the bounds of Christ’s law, the gospel. When men go beyond the doctrine of Christ, they transgress and separate themselves from the Lord (2 Jn. 9). That is why the Lord says, “I never knew you.” They did not have fellowship with Him in life; therefore they will not have it in death.
King Saul is an excellent example of one who acted in the name of the Lord, but did so in a lawless manner. God commanded him to kill all the Amalekites and their animals (1 Sam. 15:1-3). Saul spared the king and the best of the animals (1 Sam. 15:9). He did this thinking he kept God’s command and would offer sacrifices to God (1 Sam. 15:13, 15). God, through Samuel, rebuked Saul for his sin. He said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22). Though he believed in God and acted in His name, in hope of pleasing Him, Saul was rejected and suffered the consequences (1 Sam. 15:23).
Who is a hell bound believer today? All in the denominations. Why? Because their religious beliefs and/or practices are not according to the law of Christ. The names of most denominations are not biblical. Their creeds contradict the gospel. Many of their practices are wholly without divine authority. For instance, where in the New Testament of Jesus Christ is their authority for instrumental music? God commands us to teach and admonish one another in singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). This is a positive command, just like the one He gave Saul. Yet, people want to go beyond that command, they want to change it, and add a mechanical instrument. Do they do it in all sincerity to please God? Yes. However, God did not ask them to offer this “sacrifice.” He would rather they obey than sacrifice. Sadly, these “believers” are hell bound.
Some churches filled with believers reject instrumental music, but accept the social gospel. These churches offer pizza parties, basketball games, and trips to summer camp as a way of drawing in and keeping young people and their parents. They do this based on an idea that good is being done when people are brought to church—through whatever means. These “burnt offerings” are not pleasing to the Lord, however. There is no authority in the New Testament for social gospel activities. Churches are supposed to teach the gospel and allow it to draw men in (cf. Jn. 6:44-45). It is God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). “Believers” who engage in the social gospel are in lawlessness and are hell bound.
For some, this article may be tough to take. The word “hell” stirs people up. To say that some are definitely hell bound really troubles some folks. Yet, it is the truth as set forth by Jesus. If we honor and respect Him, we will seriously consider these matters. Are we believers who are hell bound? If we act without law, yes. The answer is no, however, if we do the will of the Father in heaven. Which is it for you? |
