{"id":45179,"date":"2020-11-23T20:51:29","date_gmt":"2020-11-23T17:51:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=45179"},"modified":"2025-05-09T17:21:55","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T14:21:55","slug":"let-us-not-be-denied-by-the-lord-on-that-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2020\/11\/23\/let-us-not-be-denied-by-the-lord-on-that-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Let Us Not Be Denied by the Lord on That Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many believers today live with a false sense of security, mistaking God\u2019s blessings for His approval. They experience divine favor\u2014answered prayers, provision, healing\u2014and assume they are walking in obedience. But Scripture warns that it is possible to appear close to God outwardly while being far from Him in heart.<\/p>\n

Betrayal and Denial: Two Sides of the Same Coin<\/h3>\n

In the Gospels, both Judas and Peter failed Jesus in critical moments. Judas betrayed Him for money (Matthew 26:14\u201316), and Peter denied even knowing Him (Luke 22:54\u201362). While one handed Him over to death and the other distanced himself out of fear, both actions reflect a rejection of Christ.<\/p>\n

Jesus taught that denial has eternal consequences:<\/p>\n

Matthew 10:33 (ESV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cBut whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Denial isn\u2019t just about words; it’s about actions and lifestyle. When we choose sin over obedience, or remain silent about Christ in a hostile world, we deny Him.<\/p>\n

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What Does It Mean to Deny Christ?<\/h3>\n

Denial, biblically, goes beyond verbal rejection. It\u2019s living a life that contradicts the truth we claim to believe. It’s making a vow to follow Christ but abandoning that commitment when tested.<\/p>\n

Imagine two friends who pledge loyalty to each other. In times of joy, they walk together. But when one is in trouble, the other claims not to know them. That\u2019s betrayal\u2014just like what Peter did.<\/p>\n

Jesus warns of a future moment when many who seemed to walk with Him will hear devastating words:<\/p>\n

Luke 13:25\u201327 (ESV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cWhen once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, \u2018Lord, open to us,\u2019 then he will answer you, \u2018I do not know where you come from.\u2019 Then you will begin to say, \u2018We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.\u2019 But he will say, \u2018I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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God’s Blessings Are Not Always a Sign of His Approval<\/h3>\n

Jesus teaches that God is good even to the wicked:<\/p>\n

Matthew 5:45 (ESV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cFor he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, when God blesses us with health, jobs, or success, it doesn’t necessarily mean He is pleased with our lives. He is merciful, not blind. Grace is extended even to those who continue in sin\u2014not as a reward, but as a call to repentance.<\/p>\n

This is why some will say on Judgment Day:<\/p>\n

Matthew 7:21\u201323 (ESV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cNot everyone who says to me, \u2018Lord, Lord,\u2019 will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
\nOn that day many will say to me, \u2018Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?\u2019
\nAnd then will I declare to them, \u2018I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

These are not unbelievers. These are religious people\u2014some even ministers\u2014who performed miracles in Jesus\u2019 name but lived lives of hidden sin and rebellion.<\/p>\n

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The Call to Genuine Faith and Obedience<\/h3>\n

God is not deceived by outward religiosity. He desires a heart fully surrendered to Him. The Apostle Paul reminds us:<\/p>\n

Titus 1:16 (ESV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cThey profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If we claim to follow Christ but continue in unrepentant sin, we are denying Him by our actions. This includes secret adultery, dishonesty, drunkenness, idolatry, and love for the world (1 John 2:15).<\/p>\n

Hebrews 10:26\u201327 (ESV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cFor if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment…\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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What Must We Do?<\/h3>\n
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  1. Repent sincerely<\/strong> \u2013 Turn away from sin and confess your need for Christ\u2019s forgiveness (Acts 3:19).<\/li>\n
  2. Be baptized<\/strong> \u2013 As a public declaration of faith and obedience (Acts 2:38).<\/li>\n
  3. Be filled with the Holy Spirit<\/strong> \u2013 Who empowers us to live holy lives (Galatians 5:16).<\/li>\n
  4. Live in daily obedience<\/strong> \u2013 Doing the will of God, not merely knowing it (James 1:22).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    Final Appeal<\/h3>\n

    Jesus may be walking with you now\u2014blessing you, guiding you, even using you. But what will He say on that Day? Will He welcome you into His kingdom, or will you hear the painful words: \u201cI never knew you\u201d<\/em>?<\/p>\n

    Do not let God\u2019s kindness lead you to complacency. Let it lead you to repentance (Romans 2:4).<\/p>\n

    2 Peter 1:10 (ESV)<\/strong>
    \n\u201cTherefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    This is your moment. Surrender completely. Be known by Him\u2014truly and eternally.<\/p>\n

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    Shalom.<\/strong>
    \nShare this message with others. It may change someone’s eternal destiny<\/em><\/p>\n