URC Daily Devotion Thursday 20th November 2025

St Matthew 7: 21 – 23

‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?”  Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.”

Reflection

Mr Trump recently caused (another) stir by musing on his prospects of getting into Heaven when he dies.  Some commentators wondered if he’d had a health scare, some pondered his prospects of eternal bliss with more than a little skepticism. Mr Trump, it seems, is trying to end conflicts around the world so as to gain favour with the Almighty; results thus far might not indicate the President has secured his heavenly place.  Interestingly, given Mr Trump’s support amongst evangelical Christians, little has been reported suggesting that salvation is about faith not works.

Jesus’ words in today’s reading are a salutary reminder that salvation is always rather more complex than we imagine.  In the Reformation era, in a response to a medieval Church which seemed, to the Reformers at least, of pushing too far towards the importance of works to secure one’s place in heaven, an earlier emphasis on faith was reaffirmed.  Of course faith needed to go hand in hand with a lifestyle which spoke of salvation.  Famously, Martin Luther disagreed with the theology in the Epistle of James which pushed works along with faith; a propaganda gift for Catholics who joked about Luther’s supposedly high view of Scripture.  Calvin thought that our actions should reflect the salvation we hoped for rather than be seen as a way to that salvation.

Jesus speaks of those who believe themselves to be saved but who never knew him.  Perhaps he meant those who had faith but never truly lived as Christians.  These words follow yesterday’s warnings about false prophets and tomorrow’s about secure foundations and remind us that the free gift of salvation is ours to receive not earn. Salvation is a gift, but one which demands a response from both pauper and president.

Prayer

Eternal God,
we thank You for the gifts You give us,
for setting us free from all that would drag us down.
Help us, O God, to have thankful hearts,
grateful lives, and loving actions
that our works may reflect Your great work of salvation
and our faith may reflect Your faithfulness.
Amen.