Pentecost 19
September 25, 2005
Matthew 21:28-32
Who is going to heaven?

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INTRODUCTION: Those who think they are going to heaven may not get there. Those who do not expect to make it to heaven may be surprised! The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were surprised to learn who was in fact going to enter glory. They thought for sure that they would be included. After all, they considered themselves to be righteous and devout.

The publicans and harlots never thought they had a chance but Jesus says they are the ones who will enter glory and see the face of God. Yet Jesus in our text tells us quite plainly that they are the ones going to heaven. In our day church people may identify with the religious people and probably look down of the obvious “dirties” addicts, criminals, prostitutes thinking there is no chance for them.

Christ would have us know this day that it all depends on whether there is repentance and acceptance of Him. This morning the Savior addresses the question who then is going to heaven?

I.                    The lost sinner – the son who said, “I go, sir”

"And he answered and said, 'I will, sir'; and he did not go.” Matthew 21:29

A.      He failed to do what he said – “but did not go.

1.      He had respect and piety – “sir”

2.      Failed to do what he said – “but did not go”

B.      The obedient who disobey.

1.      They refuse to repent

2.      They see no need of Christ.

"For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax-gatherers and harlots did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even feel remorse afterward so as to believe him.” - Matthew 21:32

C.      Lip service is inadequate, but how can we do the Father’s will and not simply say, “I will”?

Transition: The way of righteousness is that Jesus calls us sinful sons to enter the kingdom through repentance. This involves sorrow over our sins and faith that God has forgiven our sins and declared us righteous because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit He gives us a God given resolve to be righteous in our every day life.

II.                 The saved sinner.

"And he came to the second and said the same thing. But he answered and said, 'I will not'; {yet} he afterward regretted {it} and went.” - Matthew 21:30

A.     He is a sinner –yet saved by grace

1.      He repented – “repented”

2.      He obeyed – “and went”

B.     He is the disobedient who now obey

1.      They turn from evil to good

2.      They respond to Christ

"Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The latter." Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you that the tax-gatherers and harlots will get into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31

He who has entered the kingdom through repentance loves not just in word but in deed and in truth; his faith is not dead, without works, but alive and bearing fruit.

CONCLUSION: Scripture testifies to the fact that all are sinners, whether in the church or in the world. In that event, why be a Christian? If all are sinners, even Christians, who can be saved? It is important for Christians to realize that they are sinners –yet saved by grace. There can not be a holier- than-though attitude toward any other. We are all saved by God’s amazing grace,

+ Soli Del Gloria +