TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Matthew 7:21-23

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

As a Christian Education teacher, I always tremble at the thought that I might be teaching God’s word that I do not practice. It took me years before saying “yes” to discipling others because I was always afraid that I was not worthy to lead. I don’t just want to babble some nice but empty words. I want to share my knowledge and experience of our Mighty God. So, it is all by God’s grace that I am able to do so now. I am not perfect, but I praise God for His work through me.

A mere profession of belief in Jesus is not enough to secure salvation. True faith is demonstrated not just by what we say but by the transformation of our hearts and lives. If we truly accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, it will be evident through our actions.

Jesus warns us that there will be those who claim to be followers of Christ but whose hearts remain unchanged. They may use the right words and even perform outwardly religious acts, but their faith is superficial and insincere.

James echoes this sentiment, reminding us that even the demons believe in God’s existence and shudder at the thought, yet their belief does not lead to salvation. True faith goes beyond intellectual assent; it involves a complete surrender of our lives to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Our salvation is found in believing in Jesus’ atoning death on the cross and placing our trust in Him alone for our salvation. As Acts 4:12 declares, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

 

PRAYER