“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”
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 mighty works in your name? The dramatic power of the passage: the many who are excluded cite extraordinary religious achievements — prophecy, exorcism, miracles — all done in Jesus' name. The name of Jesus was invoked; the works were impressive; the religious résumé was substantial. And yet: Jesus does not recognize them. The works were not evidently fraudulent — prophecy, exorcism, and miracles are not easily faked. The issue is not the works themselves but the relationship (or lack thereof) that underlies them. 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 says that without love, even prophecy and faith that moves mountains is nothing.
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