Redefining our theology
Matt.7:21-23

More than ever in our nation we Christians need to know what we believe and stand for those beliefs.  However, there exists the need for us Christians to redefine our theology (our beliefs).  Most of us grew up believing certain things that were passed from generation to generation which may not be in line with the word of God.   People think that if you believe something deep down in your heart, then it automatically becomes true.  In order for us to redefine our beliefs in our society today, we need to go back to the Bible, God’s word.  The Bible tells us what God thinks of us and the world; it tells us how we got here and where we are going.  Whatever people believe, they get it from somewhere, culture, society, family, philosophy, etc.  Our beliefs and our worldview (the way we look at the world) must come from God.  God is the one who tells us what to believe and what not to believe.  He sets the standard, not man.

If we just read the Bible, we would know how to respond to the major issues we face in the culture and in our nation.  Scriptures will show us what is biblically sound or not.  For example, you know that in our society and major countries in the world most people believe that if they are good citizens they will go to heaven.  Heaven is something someone earns. 

The Bible tells us of some people who served God diligently and were in church; they seemed devout followers, but they themselves may not make it to heaven.  How certain are you that you are a follower of Christ?

“There are people who truly believe in their hearts that they are followers of Christ, but their lives look nothing like his.” (Francis Chan).

Jesus had many people following him during his ministry.  Everyone had their own reasons as to why they were after Jesus.  Some were there just to have fun, entertainment, see miracles; some were there for the food; some however were there because they truly wanted to get to know Jesus and become his students or disciples.

Jesus had it with those who followed for the wrongs reasons.  Why do you call me Lord and don’t do what I say? Luke 6:46

If I am truly your Lord, then you should follow my teaching, my commands. Otherwise stop calling me Lord for you are acting as if am not.

Jesus also let us know who will and who won’t make it to heaven.  Matt.7:21-23 This is one of the most eye opening texts in Scripture when it comes to who will make it to heaven.  Not everyone who says to me Lord will enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus is already telling us that not everyone will go to heaven.

Not because you call yourself a Christian will you enter heaven. This goes against the “Love wins” theology and universalism which states that at the end everyone will be saved.
Jesus said that only those who do the will of God will enter the kingdom of heaven.  God’s will is known already; he revealed it through the pages of Scripture.  Jesus said that those who do God’s will are his spiritual family, brother, sister, mother.
Matt.12:49-50  His followers have done God’s will in becoming his disciples.
It is God’s will to give eternal life to those who believe in Jesus. 
John 6:38-40 To do God’s will is to believe in the one he sent, Jesus.  In him and through him one can enter heaven.
John 3:16  God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:36  Whoever has the Son, has life.
It is also God’s will that those who follow him live holy lives in the world.  I Thess.4:3
God wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim.2:3-4

Not everyone will enter heaven, only those who do God’s will.  God’s will is that people embrace Jesus, believe in him.  He is the only one through whom people can enter.  The only way!

Heaven cannot be earned and not everyone who goes to church will make it to heaven.  Can you imagine attending church most of your life, serving God and participating in most of the church activities and at the end you won’t make it to heaven?  This is tough!  This is scary!
The things you do in church are important, but they won’t earn your way to heaven.

Jesus said that many people will say to him on that day Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? (v.22)
Can’t you imagine serving God all your life and at the end you don’t even make it. It’s hard for me to imagine, but Jesus predicted that there will be people like this group here at the end.
What was the problem with this group of people?
Jesus said, I never knew you.
This verb carries the idea of come to know someone, relational.  Jesus uses the same verb when he talks about his sheep in John 10:14, 27 The good shepherd knows his sheep and his sheep know him and listen to his voice.  These people were not sheep of Jesus; they were not followers of Christ.  They didn’t know him.  True disciples of Jesus know Jesus and are known by Jesus.  They are the ones who go to heaven. 1 John 2:3-6

There are church people who are all about doing things, serving God and yet neglect the most important thing, their relationship with God. (To know him more and more)   People who spend a lifetime doing church and yet don’t even know the Savior.  This is sad!

We must redefine the theology of some of our beliefs.  Heaven is a gift, God offers to everyone, but that person must do his will in order to enter.  His will is that everyone believe in Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.   Your accomplishments and efforts won’t get you there, a relationship with Jesus will.