Bible trivia: When a name is used twice in a row it is an expression of intimacy, communicating great emotion.
Abraham! Abraham! Genesis 22:11.
Jacob, Jacob. Genesis 46:2.
Moses, Moses! Exodus 3:4.
Samuel! Samuel!1 Samuel 3:10.
Martha, Martha. Luke 10:41.
Simon, Simon. Luke 22:31.
Jerusalem, Jerusalem Matthew 23:37.
Saul, Saul. Acts 9:4
My God! My God! Matthew 27:46; Psalm 22:1.
Now think of the other time a name is used twice, this time not from God or Jesus to a beloved person, but from people who thought they had beloved intimacy with Jesus- but didn't.
Lord, Lord. Matthew 7:21-23.
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
That verse takes my breath away in its devastating truth. Many in this case means in Greek a high number, great in extent. If many will say to Him Lord, Lord, pleading an intimacy that had never existed, we know that on this day there are many who claim an intimacy with Jesus they do not have. They think they do, but they don't. They'll find out later. It's the unsettling truth that we live with now, and will sadly watch later as the bitter truth emerges.
This should enhance our gratitude to Jesus all the more. Prayers of thanks to Jesus for His cross, His resurrection, His salvation, and His assurance are not inappropriate at any time.
If you are unsure whether you say 'Abba, Father' and will be received, or wonder if you will be one who says Lord, Lord later and be rejected, then I recommend these resources to you:
Is It Real? 11 Tests of Genuine Salvation
Can I Be Sure I'm Saved?
