Who Will Be Saved?

Introduction:

When asked, most people would say they believe they will go to heaven when they die. They believe this because preachers, TV and radio evangelists, the Internet have given them hope that heaven is for all believers or for those who have more good works than bad. But are these hopes based upon the Word of God? Will most people go to heaven when they die? In His Sermon on the Mount, Christ gave some very serious warnings about who would be saved and would enter heaven. (Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23)“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. 21Not 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!” NKJV

Body:

  1. What Is the Kingdom of Heaven?
  • The “Kingdom of heaven” and the “Kingdom of God” are the same. See Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:14-15. Kingdom refers to kingship or rule. Jesus is ruling in the hearts and lives of men. (Luke 17:20-21) Note also Romans 14:17.
  • So the “Kingdom of heaven” is spiritual in nature – not of this world. (John 18:36) It includes the Lord’s church on earth, (Ephesians 1:20-23) as well as the “new heaven and new earth” where the righteous will dwell with God forever. (Revelation 21:1-4)
  • In our text (Matthew 7) the future aspect of the Kingdom is seen – “In that day” – the Day of Judgment. (II Timothy 4:8) Jesus is describing who will enter into heaven one day. (Matthew 25:31-34)
  1. Who Will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
  • Not everyone who professes Jesus as Lord will enter heaven. (Matthew 7:21a) Believing in Jesus is not sufficient for one to be saved. (James 2:18) Saving faith entails trust and obedience. (James 2:24, Luke 6:46-49)
  • Not everyone who does many good works will enter heaven. (Matthew 7:22) Good works are no indication of salvation, not even if one believes they are doing it in Jesus’ name. Good works cannot earn one salvation, regardless of what they are. Salvation is by grace. (Titus 3:4-7) Being “religious” doesn’t mean a ticket to heaven!
  • Only those who do the Father’s will shall enter heaven. (Matthew 7:21b) See James 1:22-25. Regardless of what some may say, this is not legalism! Legalism is believing that one earns salvation my merit. Salvation by grace does not rule out obedience. We must obey from the heart to be delivered from sin. (Romans 6:17-18) Christ is the source of salvation only to those who obey Him. (Hebrews 5:9)

Conclusion:

Who will be saved? As we have seen, only those who put their trust in Jesus and obey the gospel.

[Adapted from Tom Moore]

Bobby Stafford March 8, 2015