Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:22-23

 I have a neighbor who lives on one side of me. We see each other outside several times a week and waive, say “hello” and on occasion speak for a minute when we pass each other at the grocery store or while walking in the neighborhood. Although we have always had positive conversations for 5 years, to this day I do not know his name and he does not know my name.

 Let’s compare the relationship I have with my neighbor to your relationship with God. You might be doing things that you consider pleasing to Him: giving money to the needy, helping people in need, being kind, forgiving, not swearing or living a wild life, maybe you even attend a church service somewhere. All these things are good and you might be considered a “good” person within your community. The real question is, does God know your name? Is your name written in the “Book of Life”?

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

 Your good deeds are good, but they won’t get you into Heaven. Your name MUST be written in the book of life (Revelation 20:15), as one whose received God’s forgiveness through the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who made payment for YOUR sins on the cross. You will never do enough good things to make payment for the sin that separates you from the holiness of God.

 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

 God wants to know you by name, so call out to Him today, asking for His forgiveness of sins by accepting Jesus Christ into your life and living for Him daily. Once you received Jesus Christ, you receive His Holy Spirit which resides in you, and your name is written in the Book of Life. And what about good works….the hallmark of a true child of God is one who does good works to please God and to know Him on a deeper level. Does God know your name?