They that call upon the lord

This is a question that a precious friend here on Rb asked me. So I thought I would publish the answer here for you to read. I pray it will be a blessing to all who read it.

QUESTION.

What an inspiration story and testimony of such a powerful and loving God!
I do have one question for you…
I am a Christian, growing daily in Christ and I have had a question on my mind for a while now. I was wondering if you could help?
Indeed, Act 2:21 says “and it shall be that everyone who shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
The thing is, in Matthew 7: 21, it says ” Not everyone who calls out to me Lord! Lord! will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
I know it goes on to say only those who do the will of the father will enter, but I’m not sure.
I’m not in any way doubting, just seeking answers. =]
Thank you and God Bless.

ANSWER.

We need to read all of Acts Ch 2, and note the events that took place before we can fully understand Why Peter said in Acts 2:21 ” and it shall be that everyone who shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”.
After the Holy ghost filled those in the upper room, there Many who are amazed that they could hear these man speak not in their native language, but in the language of people from different countries that spoke in a different language to them. Acts 2:9-10 tells us where they came from.
Now look at Acts 2:13 “Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.”
Peter reminded them that what they saw and heard was prophesied by the prophet Joel.
He reminded them that God will pour out his spirit [upon all Flesh].
he was addressing the mockers and sceptics Personally and directly, So when in Acts 2:21 “and it shall be that everyone who shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Peter was saying God will save people from all over the world, no matter what tribe, colour, or nation they were born in. they that call upon the Lord was a direct answer to the mockers and true statement, that God will save all who call on him, not just the Jews, medes Persians or Samaritans. If anyone, no matter who they are will call on Jesus , they will be saved.

Paul Say the same: Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
What is it to actually call on the name of Jesus?.
Lets focus on the word Call. What does it mean to Call on the lord? is it just enough to call his name, or is there requirements to how we call him?
When we call someone name and they hear us, you get their attention. That person knows you may want to say something, or ask them to do something, or ask a question ect.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

We see here that there is a requirement to coming to God. first the person calling/praying must believe that he is, who he says he is. this certainly eliminates all non believers and those who just call his name in anger or when they are faced with danger or in fear. Before one can call Jesus name in a way that Jesus will hear, respond and save, One must have Faith, Believe, agree and trust that Jesus is who he says he is and that they are sinners in need of saving from eternal judgement.

There are those who do not Trust, Believe or depend on Jesus. Yet when they attend a Funeral, Christening or wedding, they sing Jesus name, Speak it from a hymn book, or in some other way. Some will say in conversation Jesus save us, they are not saved, nor will be, unless they first believe he is Gods son, Acknowledge they are sinners, Believe he died and paid the price so they can be pardoned, and then ask him to personally forgive them and come into their heart and life. Even if one has attended Church and went through all the religious programs and events. Unless you are born again, that is to ask Jesus to personally come into your heart , you are not saved.
If anyone reading this feels I am so wrong in what I say, then read what Jesus says.
Matthew 7: 21, ” Not everyone who calls out to me Lord! Lord! will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”. We have read in Hebrews 11:6 We read that one must have faith and believe in Jesus, and also believe he will forgive them and come into their hearts. This call from such a person will move Jesus to grant them forgiveness and he will make his abode in them.

Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?.
Note what Jesus is saying here and to whom he is saying it too.
He is speaking to those who Call on him, who profess to Know him, yet they do not live by what he teaches. We know he is speaking to believers. Because one must have a relationship with Jesus and have knowledge of him and his word, before you can know and apply what he says and teaches. He is speaking here to his Children. Those who know, rely, trust and depend on him. They Call his name in prayer, Sing unto him and praise him. Jesus asks a question to All his Children. Why do you call me Lord, and then don’t do what I say?
Jesus puts great importance on Obedience and submission to his word and spirit.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Again he said these words. John 14:23 Jesus said If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
He asks the question in Luke 6:46 and why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Here in John 14:15 & 23 he sets the standard.

There are those who love him, yet do not do what he says. They live their life their way. Dressing in a manner that causes others to lust,. Speak in a way that grieves our lord. I could go on. He says such Children of His is like a house build on sand. The trials of life come and they cannot stand.
John 14:23. If anyone loves me, they will keep my words and live by them.

To Call on the name of the Lord Means much more than to just Call his name. We must have faith, believe and follow on to know him.
I seem to have gone all over the place with a simple answer. I pray it will help you and those who read it to understand that there is a certain call, cry that Jesus answers immediately. This Call comes from the heart of one who believes Jesus Died for them, and that he really did pay the price for their sins. The Moment that person believes this, Jesus heart is open and he will come in and make his abode in them. There is a condition to the call. One must have the right attitude and hungry heart.
The Lord Bless you and continue to lead you into all his joys and blessings.
Evangelist Trevor.
http://www.philadelphia33.org/*

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