These would be very discouraging words to hear from Jesus!!!
Jesus is teaching about what it means to be a non-productive Christian. “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, BY THEIR FRUITS, YOU WILL KNOW THEM.” (Matt. 7:19-20) This is part of Jesus’ teaching about recognizing true followers and avoiding false prophets. “Beware of false prophets (False prophets are speakers of lies, they will have actions that correspond to their lawless message. Just as their message is anti-God, so will be their works. They will stray from the path of righteousness.), who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly THEY ARE RAVENOUS WOLVES. You will know them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7:15-16) A wolf in sheep’s clothing is symbolic for someone who outwardly looks harmless and kind with good intentions but INWARDLY is full of HATE, EVIL and DECEIT. We are warned of this false teacher in the book of Matthew in the Bible. This person seeks to twist truth and Scripture to fit their own agenda. They deceive their audience with false prophecy and teachings. Wolves teach false doctrine while appearing attractive.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU; DEPART FROM ME, you who practice lawlessness!'” (Matt. 7:21-23)
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five (half) of them were wise, and five (half) were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took NO OIL WITH THEM, but the wise TOOK OIL in their vessels with their lamps.” (Matt. 25:1-4) My understanding is that the oil represents the presence of GOD in our life. It could be taken as the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT. It’s the oil that keeps the fire burning IN US. It is mentioned in the parable that the oil is to be purchased. Which means that a price is to be paid to obtain the oil. To have a continual presence of God in our life, we are to pay a price, by SPENDING TIME AT THE FEET OF JESUS. “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with Jesus to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But He answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I DO NOT KNOW YOU.’” (Matt. 25:10-12) MANY TODAY ARE NO LONGER FOLLOWERS OF THE WORD.
THIS REPRESENTS THE CHURCH, SO WILL ONLY HALF OF THE CHURCH KNOW JESUS WHEN THE RAPTURE TAKES PLACE?
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham