He that Doeth the Will of My Father
The Sapphire Review Vol. 2 | No. 5 • January 31, 2025
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21, KJV
AT THE GATES OF THE KINGDOM
Entering the kingdom of heaven is not just a matter of being clothed with Christianity as a religion, neither is it simply a belief in who Jesus is, for the demons “believe, and tremble”.1
Many will emphatically cry out to Him, “Lord, Lord.” He is indeed Lord,2 but this proclamation alone is not enough. Though there will be those who gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven who praise Him in this way, they will nevertheless be a minority amongst the multitude who will make this desperate plea in vain.3
Many will be turned away while crying out “Lord, Lord.” The repetition of this word gives us a view of the depth of their anguish and earnestness. This is a most sobering scene to consider, for these people had no idea that they would not be gaining entrance until the day that they are turned away.
What unimaginable sorrow and grief awaits those who will hear:
“...I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:23, KJV)
This contrasts with the invigorating words which are given to the faithful:
“...Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21, KJV)
THE GROUND OF LAODICEAN CHRISTIANITY
We have a duty to bring forth the gospel truth at every opportunity God gives us.4 The ground that we are now plowing and sowing into is as hard as it has ever been in the church age, for we now live in the age of Laodicea.5 In this age, the final church age, we find an impoverished form of Christianity everywhere, yet the people cannot see their true condition for they think that they “have need of nothing.”6
Nevertheless, the three angels’ messages must go forward.7 The hardened and sunbaked ground must be broken up, and seeds of truth must be scattered where they can. May God help us with this most difficult work, that an increase may come forth unto His glory.8
Among those who are turned away, we see the following characteristics:
Ate and drank in His presence9 - Indeed, there will be tares amongst the wheat,10 even in true church fellowships and in gatherings of the fully consecrated.
In the streets where He taught11 - God sends them many messages and messengers. They have opportunities to hear much truth.
Prophesied in His name12 - They themselves spread certain gospel truths as pastors, evangelists, and missionaries, or simply as people that share Christ with others.
Cast out devils in His name13 - Through their preaching, evangelizing, and witnessing, some are given over to genuine repentance and delivered from the devil’s snares.14
Done many wonderful works15 - By outward appearances, to most, they seem as though they are ideal and reputable Christians.
DEFINING CONCEPTS
Yet, despite all these things, they are turned away… Why? Jesus says that He never knew them and that they were workers of iniquity. We will find that both of these reasons are closely linked, and the Bible does not leave us with any doubts regarding their meanings.
Jesus once said, “why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”16
So, how can we know that we know Jesus? John gives us the answer:
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2:3–4, KJV)
Note, that these commandments include the decalogue, written upon stone tables by the very finger of God, as well as the new commandment to love others as He loved.17
How can one know for certain whether they are a worker of iniquity rather than going off feelings, opinions, or words being spoken by other men?
First, we must know what iniquity means. There are various scriptures that link iniquity with sin. Here is one example:
“If I sin, then thou markest me, And thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity.” (Job 10:14, KJV)
If iniquity and sin can be used interchangeably, we are then left with the question of defining sin to know whether we are a “worker” of such. Again, scripture gives us a very clear and simple definition for sin:
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1 John 3:4, KJV)
Those who love Him, will uphold His commandments (without complaint or force), and thus will not be counted amongst the “workers of iniquity:”
“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” (1 John 3:6, KJV)
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:3, KJV)
LINE OF DISTINCTION
Now, we can see where a clear line of distinction has been drawn. We are admonished to be doers of the word and not hearers only.18
Satan has been at work in every century to deceive men and to lead them to uphold traditions and false doctrines over the commands of God.19 It is true that God winks at our times of ignorance,20 but when He sends a ray of light into our hearts by a scripture, a conviction, a messenger, or a brother/sister, we are then held accountable for our response and our acceptance or rejection of that truth. Once light has been given, we no longer have an excuse for our sin (breaking of God’s commandments).21
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17, KJV)
Sin should not be readily dismissed or redefined to mean anything other than what scripture teaches. Those who choose this course of action risk doing so to their own eternal peril. Many will be turned away in the end because they were a worker of iniquity. No matter how polished their “good works” list is, willfully breaking one commandment (even Sabbath) is as breaking all ten.22 Where light has been given, it must be responded to. The natural response of a converted Christian will be to uphold the ten commandments23 when God shines a light through the layers of tradition and deception.
“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” (Romans 3:31, KJV)
God has given sufficient grace, by His spirit, for all to keep His commandments24 and to walk as Jesus walked.25 In the hearts of the fully surrendered, it is God who works to give us the will (desire) and ability to do of His good pleasure.26 All that is needed has been made available to all men, that all who are willing (desirous) to do the will of the Father27 may gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven.
PRAYER
May God help us to be doers of His word and keepers of His commandments, and not hearers only. May we respond in humility and prayerful consideration to any light or correction that He brings to us. May He prepare us to be useful vessels, and give us boldness to speak words of truth to those that are perishing.
God Bless,
Charles
In discussing this very topic a few weeks ago with my hisband, I was encouraged much when Chris said "God wants us in heaven and is doing all He can to help us!" . I understand how so many will be horribly surprised when told by Jesus "depart from me" knowing about Ellen Whites vision of those Adventist's at the end who look down and see written on their chest you have been weighed in the balance and found wanting" oh how they wail! Oh how I pray not to be one and encouraged knowing our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ are doing all they can to help us Become the person whom He will say "well done good and faithful servant"
Thank you Charles. I needed to read this as I grow less empathetic towards those who claim to be Christ's followers yet reject the light of truth. This Laodicean age is truly a difficult one to work in but we must work nonetheless. Praise God for all He has done, is doing and will do.