An Appeal to Charismatic Pretenders (John MacArthur) (Matthew 7:13–27)

Let’s turn to the Word of God, opening to the 7th chapter of Matthew and focusing on the final words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount serves as an evangelistic message aimed at dismantling the false religious confidence of the Jews and guiding them toward the truth found in Christ. At the conclusion of the sermon, Jesus offers an invitation that begins in verse 13.

Today, we’ll focus particularly on verses 21-23. Let me read them: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'”

This passage is crucial when discussing the charismatic movement. The claims of these false believers to prophesy, cast out demons, and perform miracles mirror the practices seen in the charismatic movement today. Jesus offers the final word here, and it holds deep significance.

An old spiritual says, “Everybody talking about heaven ain’t going there,” and this has been true since the New Testament era. Proverbs 30:12 warns of a generation that is “pure in his own eyes, yet is not washed from his filthiness.” Similarly, in Romans 10:2, it’s written of Israel: “They have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.”

External Christianity, where people profess to be Christians, is filled with millions who feel like Christians, who have been deceived into thinking they are Christians, and who hope to enter heaven and avoid hell. Sadly, many will find out too late that they were mistaken. These individuals may claim belief in Jesus, use His name, and call Him “Lord,” yet ultimately face hell.

Jesus saw this even at the start of His ministry. In John 2:23-24, it says, “When He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men.” Their faith was superficial—based on signs and miracles, not rooted in true belief. Jesus knew what was in their hearts.

Our Lord clearly states that many who profess, “Lord, Lord,” will not enter the kingdom. Let me clarify: No one will enter the kingdom of heaven without confessing Jesus as Lord. Romans 10:9-10 emphasizes, “If you confess Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Confession of Jesus as Lord is essential for salvation and is only possible through the Holy Spirit. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:3, “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”

However, the shock comes from the fact that there will be people who confess Jesus as Lord but are not saved. They will proclaim His Lordship loudly, yet be headed for hell. The invitation at the end of the Sermon on the Mount calls for a choice—a choice between false faith and true faith, between non-saving and saving faith.

There are two paths: one leading to heaven and the other leading elsewhere. In a world filled with diverse religions, it may seem that there are many choices, but ultimately, there are only two. One path is that of human achievement, where religions promise heaven through good works, morality, and rituals. The other path is the religion of divine accomplishment, which offers heaven to those who admit they can do nothing to earn it.

One path is defined by works, merit, and ritual, leading to hell, regardless of its label. The true path is by faith, grace, and the Holy Spirit. The first path centers on what we do, while the true path is focused on what God has done. If you seek to earn your way to heaven, you are relying on the law. But as Romans 3:20 declares, “By the deeds of the Law no one will be justified.” Those on this path have no hope and are cursed.

If you seek heaven God’s way, you will find grace and salvation.