Many Will Hear ‘I Never Knew You’ — The Most Important Truth You Must Know Before the Rapture (KJV)

June 4, 2016 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde

Many of you are hearing the whispers of the Spirit, and KNOW that the rapture is near. We have certainly learned this through scripture study, yet the conformation that we are receiving right now solidifies this fact.

Through our studies and research, we have learned that those people who will be taken in the rapture have satisfied the same requirement that is necessary to go to heaven.

Christ Himself has taught several great lessons that I would like for you to consider today, that teach what this requirement of being raptured as well as going to heaven actually is. It is always more helpful in putting several teachings together to gain a greater understanding.

Here is His first teaching:

“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.”

— Matthew 7:21–23 (KJV)

This is a very telling scripture! Jesus is talking about a very serious topic…HEAVEN. What’s incredibly important is to hear the examples that He is using to identify those who will NOT be going to heaven. Here, He is addressing people that have done a great deal of “works” in His name. Ironically, He is not thanking them for doing these good works, He is rebuking them, and stating that He didn’t even know them.

Let’s zoom out for just a moment and see the significance here. I’m certain that these people in the scripture that Christ was addressing, probably thought that they were doing ok spiritually. Their “works” suggest that they were trying to earn their way into heaven.

A discovering summary might be that Christ is saying three distinct things in these scriptures:

*Your good works are not what gets you into heaven, even when you associate them with my name.

*You NEVER KNEW Me (this one is of utmost importance).

*You are not going to heaven.

Is this confusing to you? It certainly could be if we only focus on this one event.

Now, let’s consider His second teaching, which gives us some insight into what we have just reviewed.

You are all aware of the teaching of Christ when He was on the cross, and addressing the thief on the cross who was next to Him. The thief came to Jesus with empty hands, and Jesus received him, by declaring that “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

— Luke 23:43 (KJV)

These two teachings could seem to anyone that they might be backwards in their teaching, but they are indeed not. They are both profound in teaching one of the most important aspects of the gospel.

These are two of the clearest examples in Scripture that salvation is received through faith in Christ, not works. The thief had no opportunity to perform religious works, be baptized, join a church, or live a changed life after that moment. Yet he placed his trust in Jesus, saying:

“Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”

— Luke 23:42 (KJV)

Jesus immediately assured him of his salvation:

“To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.“

— Luke 23:43 (KJV)

The thief demonstrates that eternal life is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Good works follow salvation, but they were not the basis upon which the thief was accepted. His confidence rested entirely in Christ. As Paul later wrote:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

“Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

— Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

That remains the pattern of salvation for all who trust in Christ. Can you see the importance of His teachings? Can you also see the extreme consequence of not understanding what He taught? Herein lies the danger…

We are all outside a very important door that will soon open. A door for those who are prepared and will be accepted by Jesus Christ to be raptured into the clouds to meet Him.

There are MANY who probably feel that they are so qualified to be taken in the rapture. They have been religious, perhaps even a leader of the church, and have done many good works in Christ’s name. But, as we have just learned, it’s not about that. There is only ONE THING that qualifies a person for the rapture, as well as entrance into heaven…KNOWING Jesus Christ, as the thief on the cross did. Too simple, you might say? Not simple, but CRITICAL!

So then, it is time that all of us know how we can fulfill this requirement. How can we KNOW Jesus Christ? Let’s go there now.

“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”

— Luke 23:42 (KJV)

In that one sentence, the thief demonstrated extraordinary faith:

1. He called Jesus “Lord”

While many people around the cross were mocking Jesus, the thief addressed Him as “Lord.” He recognized Jesus as someone far greater than an ordinary man.

2. He believed Jesus was a King

He spoke of “thy kingdom.” To everyone else, Jesus appeared defeated, beaten, and dying. Yet the thief believed Jesus still possessed a kingdom.

3. He believed Jesus would live again

Both men were dying. For Jesus to come into His kingdom, He would have to survive death. The thief was expressing faith that Jesus would continue to reign beyond the grave.

4. He believed Jesus had authority over eternity

The thief asked Jesus to “remember me.” He believed Jesus could determine his eternal destiny after death.

5. He admitted his own guilt

Just before speaking to Jesus, he said:

“And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.”

— Luke 23:41 (KJV)

He acknowledged that he was a sinner deserving punishment, while declaring Jesus innocent.

6. He recognized Jesus as the sinless One

The thief said:

“This man hath done nothing amiss.”

— Luke 23:41 (KJV)

While the religious leaders condemned Jesus, the thief saw His innocence.

Taken together, the thief’s confession is a beautiful picture of saving faith. He admitted his guilt, recognized Jesus’ innocence, believed Jesus was Lord and King, trusted that Jesus would conquer death, and cast himself entirely upon Christ’s mercy.

Are you seeing this start to take shape here?

Let’s include another one of the teachings of Jesus to again firm up our learning: The teaching of becoming “Born Again.”

Here, Christ gives us additional teachings regarding the same concept of how to enter heaven:

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
— John 3:3 (KJV)

Being “Born Again” can be confusing to many, because of the vast differences in some of the teachings in certain churches. Understanding the concept first, rather than the “steps” is quite helpful.

When a person invites Jesus Christ into their life, a spiritual transformation occurs within that person. The become someone “different” that they once were. Rather than just themselves, they are now One with Christ. And, because of this transformation, through Christ, they have changed into the best version of themselves. Not because of them, but because of Jesus Christ. A spiritual rebirth – Born Again.

There are not specific steps to receive this rebirth, but many gospel principles that Christ has taught give us the information that we need to complete this process.

1. Recognize that you are a sinner

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23 (KJV)

2. Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
— 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (KJV)

3. Trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
— Acts 16:31 (KJV)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

4. Receive Him by faith

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
— John 1:12 (KJV)

5. God gives you new spiritual life

When you trust Christ, God causes you to be born again by His Spirit.

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God…”
— 1 Peter 1:23 (KJV)

To be born again according to the KJV Bible, a person must recognize they are a sinner, believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins, was buried, and rose again, and place their complete trust in Him alone for salvation. Salvation is a free gift received by faith, not by works. When a person believes on the Lord Jesus Christ from the heart, God gives them new spiritual life through the Holy Spirit, making them a child of God and securing their eternal salvation.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
— Romans 10:9 (KJV)

All of these scripture teachings of Jesus Christ answer that question…How can I know Jesus Christ, which will allow me to be taken in the rapture, as well as entrance to heaven? It is by receiving this spiritual rebirth – Becoming Born Again.

Something that is also worth noting here. Those good works of ours are still very important. They are the FRUIT of Christ’s gift of salvation.

If a person truly has been “Born Again” it will show through their good works, and a decrease in their desire to sin. They will have found that they have a tremendous increase in their desire to do good. They will do many good works with the intent to give the glory to Christ rather than to themselves.

I can personally attest to this concept. I don’t sin because it is a commandment. I choose not to sin so that I can be closer to Jesus Christ. It no longer is about the “Rules” rather, about a desire to act on the things that I’m feeling to serve Christ. I do these good things not to avoid punishment, but to, in some small way, try to pay back Jesus for what He has given me… Salvation.

If we think that we are going to heaven because of our church, or a specific religious ceremony, or because of our good works, we do not know Jesus Christ yet, and sadly will be rejected by Him.

God knows the heart of each person. It is impossible for me to say who will be raptured and who will not. However, a key piece of evidence in qualifying is if a person truly knows Jesus Christ.

For any of you reading this and are wondering if you will be included in the rapture, I have a very simple solution for you.

Right now, take a moment and go talk to God through prayer. Ask for His help in understanding what He has taught us through the scriptures of the Bible. Ask Him to guide you forward, and then listen to His promptings, and act on His directives.

Know this…Being born again is an immediate event, not a lifelong process. Growth in Christ is a lifelong process, but the new birth itself happens the moment a person believes on Jesus Christ.

The Bible describes salvation as something received at the moment of faith:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
— Acts 16:31 (KJV)

Notice Paul did not say, “Start a process and eventually be saved.” He said, “thou shalt be saved.”

The thief on the cross is a powerful example. After placing his faith in Christ, Jesus immediately saved him.

Likewise, John teaches that those who receive Christ become God’s children immediately:

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
— John 1:12 (KJV)

A person is born again the moment they place their faith in Jesus Christ. After that new birth, they begin a lifelong journey of spiritual growth, discipleship, and learning to follow Him, but those things are the result of salvation, not the cause of it.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

The Holy Ghost is the teacher here. Ask God for His guidance. Learn about it first, then DO IT, and conclude by having faith in His gift to us. This is how we accept His atoning sacrifice. And through repentance, this is how we receive a forgiveness of our sins… ALL OF THEM!!!

To all of you who have been “watchmen” for Christ, we have tried our best to bring others to Christ. I find great reassurance in God’s plan for EVERYONE. I’ve learned that those who miss the rapture still have an opportunity to come to Christ through this spiritual rebirth. His plan is “tough love” and HE will create a very humbling environment for them, breaking their pride and independence.

Many of us have been frustrated in our efforts to help others, because many, many, many people are simply just not listening to anyone about the process of knowing Jesus Christ. This is ok…we have not failed. God already has a plan for them. Missing the rapture is the BEST thing for those who are not quite there yet. Again, God’s plan already covers them.

I find great relief and comfort in knowing that I will be included among those in heaven. I now realize that God’s plan was for us to KNOW that, while here on earth, as evidence from His teachings:

The Bible teaches that God wants believers to have assurance of salvation while they are still on earth. He does not intend for His children to live in constant fear or uncertainty about where they will spend eternity.

John wrote:

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”
— 1 John 5:13 (KJV)

Notice he says “may know,” not merely hope or wonder.

Jesus also promised:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
— John 6:47 (KJV)

The word “hath” is present tense. The believer possesses eternal life now.

Paul taught:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”
— Romans 8:1 (KJV)

And:

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
— Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

God also gives believers the Holy Spirit as a guarantee:

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.”
— Ephesians 1:13 (KJV)

For the person who has truly trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation, God wants them to live with confidence in His promise, not confidence in their own performance.

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

He that hath the Son hath life…”
— 1 John 5:11-12 (KJV)

The basis of that assurance is not how well we perform, but the faithfulness of Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.

“These things have I written unto you… that ye may know that ye have eternal life.”
— 1 John 5:13 (KJV)

I have spent a lifetime wondering if I would be in heaven. I constantly questioned if I had done enough to make it there. This was all because of my religion’s teachings, which were false.

I have been set free now, understanding the true teachings of Jesus Christ. I now know the “qualifications” for entrance into heaven. I know that I will be raptured very soon, and “forever be with the Lord.” And, I am living the very best version of myself ever. NONE of this was because of a religion, it was ALL because of Jesus Christ, and I gladly give Him all of the glory!

I know that God will help all of those who are still caught in the deceptive nets of some religions. The adversary has been cleaver in sneaking in through religious teachings. I am so grateful to have been rescued from that deception. Trust in Him, and he certainly will guide all of you as well.

The very most important action of your entire life awaits you. If you have not yet had this spiritual rebirth, the time now. There is SO MUCH depending on it.