Why Can Someone Perform Miracles and Still Not Enter Heaven

Question:

How is it possible for someone to cast out demons, heal the sick through prayer, hear God’s voice, speak divine revelations about others, and even uncover hidden things—yet still not make it to heaven or be raptured? Isn’t that a sign that God is with them?

Answer:

This is a deep but important question. The simple answer is this: spiritual gifts are not the same as salvation. Just because God uses someone to do powerful things does not mean that person is right with Him or guaranteed eternal life.

God, in His grace and sovereignty, gives many good things to all people—including the wicked. As Jesus said:

“He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
— Matthew 5:45

So, miracles, visions, or hearing God’s voice are not always proof that a person is spiritually mature or saved. Gifts of the Spirit can function in a person without the fruit of the Spirit being present (Galatians 5:22–23). A person may operate in gifts but still live in disobedience.

Spiritual gifts (like healing, prophecy, and miracles) are given by the Spirit as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). They are for the building up of others—not as proof of personal righteousness. A person can perform miracles and still have a heart that is far from God.

Consider what Jesus said:

“Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
— Luke 10:20 

This shows that the real cause for celebration is not power over demons—but having your name written in the Book of Life, which only happens through a genuine relationship with Christ (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 20:12).

Biblical Warning: Miracles Without Obedience

Jesus gave a serious warning about this kind of situation in:

Matthew 7:21–23 
“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.
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!’”

This passage is crucial. It shows that doing ministry or miracles in Jesus’ name does not guarantee entrance into the Kingdom. What matters is doing the will of the Father, which includes obedience, holiness, and walking in love (1 Peter 1:15–16; John 14:15).

Old Testament Example: False Prophets with Real Signs

Deuteronomy 13:1–4 
“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder,
and the sign or the wonder comes to pass… saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’…
You shall not listen to that prophet… for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart…”

This teaches that even if someone performs real signs or wonders, if they don’t lead people to stay faithful to God’s Word, they are false. God may allow such people to function to test others’ loyalty to Him.

Spiritual Gifts Without Fruit Are Dangerous

You can have gifts—but without the fruit of the Spirit (love, patience, humility, self-control), those gifts can lead to pride, manipulation, or false security. That’s why Paul said:

“Though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge… but have not love, I am nothing.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:2 

The true mark of salvation is not power, but transformation—a life conformed to the character of Christ.

The Two Builders (Matthew 7:24–27)

Jesus compares two people—both hear His words. One obeys, one does not.

• The obedient one builds on rock. When the storms of judgment come, they stand.
• The disobedient one builds on sand. When judgment comes, everything collapses.

This parable shows that the foundation of eternal life is obedience to Christ’s Word, not ministry success or supernatural gifts.

Don’t be deceived by spiritual gifts—yours or someone else’s. Gifts can be present even when the heart is far from God. What matters is abiding in Christ, obeying His Word, and living a holy life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
— Luke 10:20 

That’s the true goal—not just doing miracles, but being known by Jesus.

Be blessed and remain faithful to His Word.

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