23
" By simply reading the text, it’s evident the many Jesus warned about are those who think they’re saved but really aren’t. I can assure you that our Lord wasn’t referring to alcoholics in a bar or prostitutes roaming the streets, but to churchgoers and religious individuals on every level—including pastors, preachers, priests, elders, deacons, praise and worship leaders, those involved in children’s ministry, and on and on. “The fact that they uttered the word ‘Lord’ twice meant they were quite emphatic that a mistake had been made and that they truly belonged to Him. This would explain their desperate pleas, as they tried convincing Jesus of the many good things they did in His name—driving out demons and performing many miracles—as if God had somehow overlooked something, or that their constant pleadings might get Him to change His mind. "
― Patrick Higgins , I Never Knew You
25
" But here’s something I do know—the gifts God placed in us for His glory and for the furthering of His Kingdom here on earth are the very things we will bring into eternity with us. Imagine looking and feeling our very best in a place where we will never grow tired of worshipping God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit… “Not only that, we will have the ability to think in Heaven, feel and emote, but without ever shedding tears, getting sick or battling boredom. The instant you step into eternity, you will still be you; but not the sinless version of yourself, the redeemed version, personality and all! "
― Patrick Higgins , I Never Knew You
29
" 1 Corinthians 3:15, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. "
― Patrick Higgins , I Never Knew You
37
" We are no different than he was. Jesus said in John three-eighteen that we’re condemned already. If all of us were born physically alive yet spiritually dead, how can we choose anything for ourselves spiritually speaking? “The answer is we can’t. The only way any sinner can cross over from spiritual death to life is if God takes the first step through regeneration, meaning He turns our stone hearts to flesh, and opens our eyes and ears spiritually. Until this happens, we are incapable of choosing Jesus. “The notion that any one of us chose Christ of our own accord runs contrary to what the scriptures teach. This fact bruises many egos and is a big reason why so many choose not to believe in God’s predestination, when clearly it is written. “Yes, we do choose Jesus, but only after we have been graciously regenerated from above can we ‘accept’ the Gospel message and ‘receive’ Christ as Lord and Savior. In this man’s case, it just happened on a bloody cross. And just like with us, God chose him first, not the other way around. "
― Patrick Higgins , I Never Knew You