Is this The Saddest Passage in the Bible?

Matthew 7:21-23 “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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

The title of this devotion is a matter of opinion of course, but I am sure most would agree this passage is extremely sad and worthy of personal contemplation.

Jesus makes a very clear statement that many people who are calling Him, “Lord” will not go to heaven because there is no real relationship with Him. He does not know them. Many people are deceived and deceived by the worst form of deception: self-deception. Any person that is serious about their eternal welfare must ask themselves the question, “Am I one of the many calling Jesus Lord, who will be turned away? Do I really know Him?” This is a matter of assurance in one’s salvation.

Most people reading a Christian devotional know the essentials of the gospel and affirm their belief Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures, Jesus was buried, and Jesus rose again on the third day. Believing the facts about Jesus and believing at the level which produces a born-again relationship with Jesus makes all the difference.

How can we be sure we are not self-deceived? Jesus provides the answer in verse 21. “but he that doeth the will of my Father.” This is not salvation by works, but evidence of salvation. When we are truly born again we not only have the desire to live right but also the power from the indwelling Holy Spirit to live right.
When we are walking in the light we have assurance of our salvation and the joy that comes with salvation. Those living in sin have no assurance of salvation and are in danger of experiencing for themselves the saddest passage in the Bible.