By Pastor Dennis Morales

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven…” Matthew 7:21-23

An umpire named Babe Pinelli once called Babe Ruth out on strikes. When the crowd booed with sharp disapproval at the call, the legendary Ruth turned to the umpire with scorn and said, “There’s 40,000 people here who know that the last pitch was a ball, tomato head.” Suspecting that the umpire would erupt with anger, the coaches and players braced themselves for Ruth’s ejection. However, the cool headed Pinelli replied, “Maybe so, Babe, but mine is the only opinion that counts.”

When it comes to Heaven, God’s opinion is the only one that counts. I believe people tread shaky ground when they assert their own personal philosophy as to how God will judge. These two verses in Matthew chapter 7 are known to be among the “scariest” or thought provoking in Scripture. Toward the end of the Sermon on the Mount (which begins in Matthew 5), Jesus gives a final warning about what true faith is. Jesus warns His disciples that there will be wolves in sheep clothing who preach a good game and can even perform miracles, but they are not His followers. Jesus wasn’t referring to their works, he was referring to their hearts. He knows the thoughts and hearts of men (1 Samuel 16:7).

Christianity without faith is nominal. Nominal Christianity is religion. Nominal Christianity doesn’t get us into His presence for eternity, it’s faith. Scripture says “without faith, it’s impossible to please the Lord” (Hebrews 11:6). Scripture also says it is by “faith that we are made right with God” (Romans 5:1). In Mark 10, Jesus encounters a “Rich Young Ruler.” The Rich Young Ruler said “Lord, how can I have eternal life?” Jesus replied, “sell everything and follow me.” The Ruler went away sad and dejected. Why? Because it would have taken “faith” to give up everything he owned and follow Him. Jesus, our good physician, will always give you the right advise (Mark 2:17).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am at Eastvale Elementary. Visit their website at http://www.calvaryeastvale.org. Download their app to be up to date on all events. Livestream, YouTube live, and Facebook live is available.