"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he 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 perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

--Matthew 7:21-23

This is one of the scariest things that Jesus Christ taught His disciples. That there will be many at the final judgment who went through religious motions, did good works in the Lords name, even miracles, but had no valid relationship with Him. He will say "I never knew you. Depart from me."

Many years ago a man conned his way into the orchestra of the emperor of China although he could not play a note. Whenever the group practiced or performed, he would hold his flute against his lips, pretending to play but not making a sound. He received a modest salary an enjoyed a comfortable living. Then one day the emperor requested a solo from each musician. The flutist got nervous. There wasnt enough time to learn the instrument. He pretended to be sick, but the royal physician wasnt fooled. On the day of his solo performance, the impostor took poison and killed himself. The explanation of his suicide led to a phrase that found its way into the English language: "He refused to face the music." Today you can pretend to be part of Gods orchestra by just blending in and going through the motions. No one notices here, because you say the right things, go to the right places, and hang out with the right people. And you can enjoy the comfort of being accepted by "the crowd of your choice." But there will come a day when you must face the music separate from everyone and everything else.

How can you be sure of your relationship with Christ? Are you walking with Him in life and talking with Him (prayer)? Have you surrendered your life to His rule, obeying his commands in Scripture? You can get a Bible and check up. Later we will "face the music" and if we have followed "anyone else" no matter how noble (father, mother, religious leader) other than Christ Himself, Hell expose us as impostors who shall not share any part of His kingdom. Dont be among that "many."

Make your relationship with Christ as sure as His Word. Read the Bible today and if you see inconsistencies with what Christ said and what you practice, dont fool yourself. Dont excuse it to the eternal peril of your soul.