Ain't no half stepping

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:21-23

There is a false religion that is absent of authentic faith in Jesus Christ. A person who lacks a real relationship with the Lord can know all the right words to say, but does not know the Word that became flesh. This fake follower of Jesus may mislead other church members, but they can’t deceive the ultimate judge—Almighty God. A desperate plea after death does not change an eternal conclusion determined in life. A false faith fails.
 
Therefore, we are all wise to examine our hearts and ask the Holy Spirit to validate our conversation to Christ. It is the Spirit of our Heavenly Father that drew us to Himself and it is the same Spirit of God that affirms our faith. We do not pass from death to life by just living in a household of faith—we come to Christ by taking hold of faith in Him. Our transaction of trust in Jesus seals our soul’s fate to be with Jesus. He keeps us secure.

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:44
Are you a counterfeit follower of Christ or a true disciple? Are you sure of your salvation? If you are in doubt, seek out your Savior Jesus who can remove your concerns. Cry to Him in confession and repentance from your sin of unbelief and embrace your Lord in fidelity of faith. Just as marriage is a public commitment of a man and woman, so your conversation is a public commitment of your total trust in Jesus. Other sincere saints who humbly seek the Lord surround you in prayer and support, and God offers assurance.
 
So seek the Lord with an honest heart and He will keep you pure. The Holy Spirit is able to flush out false religion and replace it with genuine faith in Jesus. He is able to remove unscrupulous motives and exchange them for a motivation of love and obedience. Yes, examine your heart, but more importantly allow the Lord to do a spiritual examination. God validates your salvation on this side of death, so there are no surprises on the other side. So, confess Jesus as Lord now and there will be no doubt about your confession later.