True and False Disciples

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’^(A) will enter the kingdom of heaven,^(B) but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.^{(C) 22} Many will say to me on that day,^(D) ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’^{(E) 23} Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’^(F)

⁴ Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.^{(A) 5} For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.^{(B) 6} You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. ⁷ Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.^(C) There will be famines^(D) and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of birth pains.

⁹ “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted^(E) and put to death,^(F) and you will be hated by all nations because of me.^{(G) 10} At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, ¹¹ and many false prophets^(H) will appear and deceive many people.^{(I) 12} Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, ¹³ but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.^(J)

²⁴ “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door,^(A) because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. ²⁵ Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’

“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’^(B)

²⁶ “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’

²⁷ “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’^(C)

²⁰ Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith.^(A) Do not be arrogant,^(B) but tremble.^{(C) 21} For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

²² Consider therefore the kindness^(D) and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue^(E) in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.^(F)

⁵ having a form of godliness^(A) but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.^(B)

Warning and Encouragement

¹⁴ Make every effort to live in peace with everyone^(A) and to be holy;^(B) without holiness no one will see the Lord.^(C)