Main Theme: This episode continues the discussion from the previous one, focusing on the meaning of Matthew 7:21 and the importance of genuine conversion.

Key Points:

• Matthew 7:21 and 25:11: Will and Marie connect Matthew 7:21 (“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”) with Matthew 25:11 (from the parable of the ten virgins, where the foolish virgins say “Lord, Lord, open to us!”). They highlight the similarity in language and the sobering response of “I do not know you.”
• Not Backsliding, But Never Saved: Will argues that these passages aren’t about backsliding but about people who were never truly saved in the first place, despite their outward professions of faith.
• “Franken-Faith”: Marie introduces the concept of a “franken-faith,” where people create their own version of faith, setting their own rules and ignoring scripture.
• Self-Deception vs. Hypocrisy: They revisit the question of whether those who say “Lord, Lord” without doing God’s will are self-deceived or hypocritical, acknowledging that only God knows the heart.
• Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8): Will uses the example of Simon the Sorcerer, who tried to buy the Holy Spirit, to illustrate someone who was clearly not genuinely interested in salvation.
• The Gravity of Accepting/Rejecting Christ: They discuss how people can fail to grasp the seriousness of their decision to accept or reject Christ, especially early in life.
• Growing Conviction Through Study: They emphasize that studying the Word of God strengthens belief and deepens understanding of its truth.
• Discernment, Not Judgment: They caution against judging others’ motives or hearts, reminding listeners that only God can see the heart. They emphasize the importance of discerning the fruits of a person’s life.
• 1 John 2:19: Marie quotes 1 John 2:19 (“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.”) to support the idea that those who fall away were never truly part of the body of Christ.
• Looky-Loos: Will describes those who follow Jesus for superficial reasons (like the miracles) as “looky-loos,” emphasizing the lack of genuine heart transformation.
• The Importance of True Conversion: They stress the importance of a genuine heart change, a “heart transfusion,” as evidence of true salvation.

Conclusion:

The episode ends with a call to salvation for anyone who hasn’t truly accepted Christ and a prayer for help in being truly converted. The overall message is a warning against superficial faith and an encouragement to pursue a genuine relationship with God through obedience to his will.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 7:21
• Matthew 25:11
• Acts 8
• 1 John 2:19
• John 6