In what ways can we ensure we are known by Christ before it's too late? The solemn warning of Luke 13:25 “Once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ He will answer, ‘I do not know where you are from.’” (Luke 13:25) Why being known by Christ matters • Salvation hinges on a real, living relationship with Him—nothing substitutes for this (John 17:3). • At the final judgment, relationship outweighs religious activity (Matthew 7:21-23). • Christ Himself promises to acknowledge only those He truly knows (2 Timothy 2:19). What it means to be known by Christ • He calls His own by name, and they follow Him (John 10:3-4, 14). • His sheep recognize His voice and refuse the voice of strangers (John 10:27). • Knowing implies intimacy, ownership, and mutual abiding (1 John 2:3-5). How to be known by Christ before the door shuts 1. Repent genuinely. – “Unless you repent, you will all perish as well.” (Luke 13:3, 5) 2. Believe the gospel completely. – Trust His death and resurrection as the only sufficient payment for sin (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 3. Confess Him openly as Lord. – “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) 4. Receive new birth by the Spirit. – “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3-7) 5. Abide in His word. – Consistent Scripture intake marks true discipleship (John 8:31-32). 6. Walk in ongoing obedience. – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) 7. Bear spiritual fruit. – The Spirit’s fruit verifies genuine life (Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:8). 8. Persevere to the end. – “We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at first.” (Hebrews 3:14) Evidences Christ knows you • Growing hatred of sin and love for righteousness (1 John 3:9-10). • Desire for fellowship with God’s people (1 John 3:14). • Discipline from the Father when you stray (Hebrews 12:5-8). • Inner witness of the Spirit crying, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15-16). • Longing for Christ’s return (2 Timothy 4:8). Living daily in assurance • Start each day with heartfelt submission to His lordship. • Keep short accounts—confess sin immediately (1 John 1:9). • Cultivate thankfulness, which keeps your focus on His faithfulness. • Serve others in practical love; love validates faith (James 2:14-17). • Let the hope of eternity motivate holy living (1 Peter 1:13-16). Today is the acceptable time “For He says: ‘In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Respond now, walk in daily fellowship, and you will never hear, “I do not know where you are from.” |
    |