As with the band's most recent albums, "Not of This World" was well received critically and commercially. By now widely recognized as the top Christian rock band in the genre's short history, the Petra formula was well in place. ""Not of This World" continues Petra's winning streak of great records that minister the Good News with good music," "CCM Magazine" wrote in praising the album. In addition, "Not of This World" garnered Petra its first Grammy nomination, for Best Performance By a Gospel Duo, Group, Choir or Chorus in 1985.