There’s also this rather large problem.
Mt 7:21 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.
22 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?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Christ does not deny that they did indeed do these things in his name. The “many” in verse 22 shows that there will be a widespread, critical error. A lot of people will fall into this snare. I submit that this error is happening now. The miracles, signs, and wonders camp is a very dangerous place to be. Especially in light of the false miracles, signs, and wonders both documented 2000 years ago and happening today. These verses also clearly show me that even if I was to do the things that Christ did by using his name, it means nothing in the end if I am doing it even slightly out of step with Him.
Here is how the Bible says character is developed and the assurance that a disciple is in "step" with Jesus. You will note that the context of verse 22 is those that practice lawlessness AND do the signs. The "lawlessness" refers to His teaching in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. I live it by grace through faith and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4) He gave us this power to live The Sermon On the Mount AND to do what Mark 16:17-18 and Matthew 10:7-8 say. He expects disciples to do both. You will discovery if you have Christ's character when you see someone that is obviously hurt, sick or has other issues you will want to bring healing, deliverance, provision or any other need by doing what Jesus did. It will be a normal reaction. See Matthew 25:14-30 especially verses 24-30. By "talents" Jesus is NOT referring to singing in the choir.
Romans 12:1-2
King James Version (KJV)
12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 5:1-5
King James Version (KJV)
5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Approved character lives Matthew 5, 6, and 7 before God and the world.
