If we are to face the challenge of this hour, we must return in repentance to the awesome God of the Bible who doesn’t exist to bless our plans but demands conformity to His will. We must declare in word and by example that preparation for heaven is not in the Pharisee’s “positive affirmation” but in the publican’s cry, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke:18:9-14 [9] And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
[10] Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
[12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
[13] And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
See All...). It is not in the vaunted prophecies, miracles and exorcisms of those to whom Christ will say, “I never knew you, depart from me” (Matthew:7:21-23 [21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
[22] 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?
[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
See All...), but in the assurance that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy:1:15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
See All...).