“Christians” who will be denied Heaven (Part 1)
Many Christians believe that if they call themselves a Christian and go to church, then they’ll automatically go to Heaven. But that’s not what the Bible says.
“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. 22 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?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” – Matthew 7:21-23
Unfortunately, too many churches today are filled with individuals who believe they’ll go to Heaven because they showed up and are keeping their seats warm.
There are many reasons for this failure.
In this series, we’ll look at a few misbeliefs. And, if by the end you believe you fall into one of these categories, we’ll tackle how you can assure your place in Heaven and not Hell.
Because it’s so long, we’ve broken it up into three parts.
- Part one will discuss what Heaven is and a brief description of Hell. And then we’ll discuss Blasphemers of the Spirit.
- Part two will discuss individuals who believe they’re “Christian” because they’re “Good” or “Active in Church.” It will also discuss false gospels and those who are “Christian” in secret.
- Part three will discuss religions that claim to be Christians (but use books other than the Bible to substantiate their faith). At the end, if you’re not sure you’re saved (or if you fall into one of the categories discussed) we’ll discuss how you can get assured of your salvation.
What is Heaven?
In Christianity, and some other religions, there’s an emphasis put on a place called Heaven. Several movies and stories have tried to describe it. But sometimes it’s best to go to the source for the most accurate description.
- There will be no more tears. And everything will be made new.
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’
“5 He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’
“6 He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning, and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.’” – Revelation 21:3-7
- It’s majestic and full of light.
“The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. 22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” – Revelation 21:21-23
- It’s “paradise.”
“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” – Luke 23:43
- The opposite of Heaven is Hell. Hell is described as a place of torment.
“As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13:40-42
“This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13:49-50
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8
“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” – Revelation 20:10
So, who will be denied paradise and spend eternity in torment? According to scripture, there will be many. Let’s start with the blasphemers.
Blasphemers of the Spirit
A blasphemer is someone who disrespects God. According to Merriam-Webster, Blasphemy is “the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God.”
And one needs to look no further than the music industry for a plethora of examples.
Related article: From Madonna to Lady Gaga: 10 of the most ‘blasphemous’ pop songs and music videos.
“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. 31 ’So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.’” – Matthew 12:30-32
What does that mean?
The term “Son of Man” Jesus uses in this passage of scripture refers to those who were ignorant of Jesus. Once they knew who He was, or saw one of His miracles, they no longer had the excuse of ignorance.
Jesus was referencing the Pharisees who chose not to believe their own eyes. Even though they saw the miracles He was doing through the power of the Holy Spirit, they wouldn’t believe. They felt that Jesus was a blasphemer against God.
He is no longer on Earth to perform miracles. However, the Holy Spirit is still in the world. People who make the conscious choice to continuously speak against any member of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) are therefore blasphemers of the Spirit.
“If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” – John 14:15-17
Continue reading: “Christians” Who Will Be Denied Heaven (Part 2).
About The Author
