And how can we be certain we are not among them?
This is one of the most serious warnings in all of Scripture.
The people He spoke to were not unbelievers.
They believed in Him. They spoke in His name. They did works in His name.
And yet—He said He did not know them.
That should make every one of us stop and examine ourselves.
Because it means it is possible to be religious… active… even sincere…
and still not truly walking in obedience to Christ.
So we have to ask:
Are we following what Christ actually taught?
Or have we accepted things that have been handed down to us without testing them against Scripture?
For example:
How do we treat the Sabbath? Do we eat out or cook on Sabbath??
Is it set apart and holy… or has it been adjusted to fit our own convenience?
Are we being taught to follow Christ directly through His Word…
or to rely on systems and structures that can place authority in the hands of men?
Christ said those people were “workers of lawlessness.”
That means they were practicing things that did not line up with God’s law—
even while believing they were doing what was right.
That is a sobering thought.
I want to share a study on this—looking carefully at what Scripture says,
and pointing out a few things that many of us may have never stopped to consider.
Not to argue.
But to examine ourselves honestly… while there is still time.
The People Jesus Said “I Never Knew You”
The statement “I never knew you” comes from the words of Jesus Christ in Gospel of Matthew 7:21–23 during the Sermon on the Mount.
The Passage
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
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.’”
Who Were These People?
Jesus was describing religious people who believed they were serving God but were not actually obeying Him.
From the passage we can see several characteristics:
1. They Called Him “Lord”
They openly claimed to follow Christ.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’…”
So these were professing believers, not atheists or pagans.
2. They Did Religious Works
They claimed to do impressive things in His name:
- Prophesying
- Casting out demons
- Doing miracles
But works and religious activity alone are not proof of a true relationship with God.
3. They Practiced Lawlessness
Jesus identifies the real problem:
“Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”
The Greek word refers to living in disregard of God's law or commands while still claiming to follow Him.
In other words:
They professed Christ but did not actually obey God.
What Does “I Never Knew You” Mean?
This does not mean Jesus forgot them.
In the Bible, “know” means a real relationship.
Examples:
- Genesis 4:1 – “Adam knew Eve his wife.”
- John 10:14 – “I know My sheep.”
So Jesus is saying:
“You never belonged to Me. We never had a true relationship.”
How Can We Be Assured We Are Not Among Them?
Scripture gives several clear tests.
1. Do the Will of the Father
Jesus said the key difference is obedience.
“He who does the will of My Father enters the kingdom.”
— Matthew 7:21
True faith produces a life that seeks to follow God.
2. Keep His Commands
Jesus said:
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
— Gospel of John 14:15
Obedience is evidence of genuine love for God.
3. Walk as Christ Walked
The early believers were taught:
“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”
— First Epistle of John 2:6
That means striving to live as Jesus taught.
4. Produce the Fruit of a Changed Life
Jesus also said:
“You will know them by their fruits.”
— Matthew 7:16
Real faith produces:
- humility
- repentance
- love for truth
- obedience to God
The Key Principle
The people Jesus rejected had:
Religion without obedience
Works without relationship
What Christ desires is:
A genuine relationship that produces obedience.
✅ Simple summary
Those who hear “I never knew you” are people who:
- Claim Christ
- Do religious things
- But live in disobedience to God
Those who will be accepted are those who:
- Truly belong to Him
- Seek to obey the Father
- Walk in His ways
————————
The 3 biblical tests the apostles gave to know if someone truly belongs to Christ.
The apostles actually gave clear tests so believers could examine themselves and know whether they truly belong to Christ. Much of this teaching comes from John the Apostle in First Epistle of John, which was written specifically so believers could have assurance.
“These things I have written to you who believe… that you may know that you have eternal life.”
— 1 John 5:13
Here are the three major biblical tests.
1. The Obedience Test — Do We Keep God's Commands?
The apostles taught that a real relationship with Christ produces obedience.
“By this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”
— 1 John 2:3
John then says something very direct:
“He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments is a liar.”
— 1 John 2:4
This does not mean perfection, but it means a person’s life is moving toward obedience to God rather than rebellion.
A true believer:
- desires to obey God
- repents when they fail
- wants to walk as Christ walked
2. The Love Test — Do We Love the Brethren?
The apostles taught that genuine faith produces love for other believers.
“We know that we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren.”
— 1 John 3:14
Love here means:
- caring for other believers
- forgiving
- helping those in need
- wanting unity among God's people
Someone who claims Christ but hates, harms, or despises fellow believers fails this test.
3. The Truth Test — Do We Believe the True Christ?
The apostles warned that false teachings about Christ would appear.
The test is whether someone believes the true Jesus taught by the apostles.
“Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.”
— 1 John 4:2
And:
“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.”
— 1 John 5:1
A genuine believer:
- believes the true gospel
- accepts Christ as Lord and Messiah
- holds to the teachings passed down by the apostles
The Apostles’ Three Tests Together
A person who truly belongs to Christ will show evidence in all three areas:
|
Test |
Evidence |
|
Obedience |
Desire to keep God's commands |
|
Love |
Genuine love for fellow believers |
|
Truth |
Faith in the true Christ |
No one is perfect, but the direction of their life points toward these things.
✅ The encouraging part
The apostles did not give these tests to create fear.
They gave them so believers could have assurance.
“By this we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him.”
— 1 John 3:19
———————————————
Why the People in Matthew 7 Pointed to Miracles Instead of Obedience
In Gospel of Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus Christ describes people who confidently expect acceptance by Him.
Notice what they say:
“Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?”
But Jesus responds:
“I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”
The striking thing is what they appeal to.
They do not say:
- “We obeyed Your commands.”
- “We followed the will of the Father.”
- “We lived according to Your teaching.”
Instead, they point to miraculous works.
This reveals something important about false religion.
1. False Religion Often Emphasizes Spectacular Signs
Throughout Scripture, miracles alone are never proof someone belongs to God.
Even powerful signs can accompany deception.
In Deuteronomy 13:1-3, God warned Israel:
If a prophet gives a sign or wonder and the sign comes to pass, but then leads people away from God — do not follow him.
The test was obedience to God, not miracles.
2. Miracles Can Appeal to Pride
Miraculous works can easily become a source of spiritual pride.
A person can say:
- “Look what I did.”
- “Look what God did through me.”
But Jesus taught that the true focus should be doing the Father’s will, not performing impressive acts.
3. Miracles Are Public — Obedience Is Personal
Miracles are visible and impressive.
Obedience is often quiet and hidden.
Examples of real faith include:
- repentance
- humility
- faithfulness in daily life
- keeping God's commands
These things rarely attract attention, but they are what God values.
4. Jesus Warned That False Prophets Would Perform Signs
Jesus specifically warned about this later in Gospel of Matthew 24:24:
“False christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
So miracles cannot be the test of truth.
What Jesus Said the Real Test Is
Just a few verses earlier Jesus gave the true test:
“You will know them by their fruits.”
— Matthew 7:16
“Fruit” means the character and life produced by a person.
Not the power they claim.
What This Reveals About False Religion
False religion often focuses on:
- spectacular experiences
- spiritual power
- emotional displays
- outward achievements
But the gospel focuses on:
- repentance
- obedience
- humility
- knowing Christ
The people in Matthew 7 had religious activity without a real relationship.
✅ The safest place to be spiritually is very simple:
- Believe the true Christ
- Obey the Father
- Walk in humility
- Produce good fruit
Those who genuinely belong to Christ will not rely on miracles to prove their faith — their life will show it.
——————————
Why the “narrow gate” comes immediately before the warning about “I never knew you.” That connection explains the entire teaching.
Why the “Narrow Gate” Comes Right Before “I Never Knew You”
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ warning about “I never knew you” is not a separate idea.
It is part of a continuous teaching in the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus Christ.
Matthew 7 actually presents a sequence of warnings.
Jesus is explaining how many people believe they are on the right path when they are not.
The Order of Jesus’ Teaching (Matthew 7)
1. The Narrow Gate vs. The Wide Gate
(Matthew 7:13–14)
“Enter by the narrow gate…
wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction…
narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life.”
Jesus begins by teaching:
There are two paths:
|
Path |
Description |
Outcome |
|
Wide road |
Easy, popular, comfortable |
Destruction |
|
Narrow road |
Difficult, disciplined, obedient |
Life |
The key point: Most people choose the wide path.
2. False Prophets on the Path
(Matthew 7:15–20)
Immediately after the two paths, Jesus warns:
“Beware of false prophets…”
Why?
Because false teachers often stand along the wide road, assuring people they are safe.
But Jesus says:
“You will know them by their fruits.”
In other words, their lives and teachings reveal the truth.
3. The Shock at Judgment
(Matthew 7:21–23)
Then comes the passage about people saying:
“Lord, Lord…”
These people believed they were on the right road, but they were actually on the wide road.
So the narrow gate teaching explains why this happens.
The Connection Between the Two Teachings
The narrow gate explains how someone can be religious yet lost.
The Wide Road Religion
The broad path often includes:
- popular religion
- external works
- impressive displays (miracles, prophecy)
- traditions of men
But it may lack true obedience to God.
The Narrow Road Faith
The narrow path requires:
- repentance
- obedience to God's will
- humility
- genuine relationship with Christ
It is “narrow” because it requires submission to God's authority, not just religious activity.
Why Jesus Structured the Teaching This Way
The progression is intentional:
1️⃣ Two paths exist — narrow and wide
2️⃣ False teachers mislead many about which path they are on
3️⃣ Many discover too late they were on the wrong road
So the warning “I never knew you” is the final consequence of choosing the wide path while thinking you were safe.
The Final Illustration Jesus Gives
Right after this passage, Jesus gives one more example:
The wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24–27).
One builds on rock, the other on sand.
The difference?
“Whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them…”
Again the issue is obedience to Christ's words.
✅ The whole message of Matthew 7 can be summarized simply:
|
Illustration |
Meaning |
|
Narrow vs. wide gate |
Two spiritual paths |
|
False prophets |
Misleaders along the path |
|
“I never knew you” |
The final judgment |
|
Rock vs. sand |
Obedience vs. empty hearing |
The central message:
The narrow path is not defined by religious activity, miracles, or claims — but by doing the will of the Father and truly knowing Christ.
———————————————
The Old Testament Prophecy Behind “I Never Knew You”
When Jesus Christ said “I never knew you” in Gospel of Matthew 7:23, He was speaking in a way that comes directly from the Hebrew Scriptures.
In the Bible, the phrase “to know God” does not simply mean intellectual knowledge.
It means relationship, covenant loyalty, and obedience.
Several prophets explained this long before Christ came.
1. Hosea: “My People Are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge”
The prophet Hosea wrote:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
— Book of Hosea 4:6
But Hosea explains what this means:
“Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you.”
In Hosea, knowing God meant obeying Him.
Israel still had religion, priests, and sacrifices—but they did not truly know God.
That situation is very similar to the people in Matthew 7.
2. Jeremiah: Knowing God Means Justice and Obedience
The prophet Jeremiah explained what it means to truly know God.
“He judged the cause of the poor and needy…
Was not this knowing Me? says the LORD.”
— Book of Jeremiah 22:16
According to Jeremiah:
Knowing God = living according to God's ways.
It is not merely claiming Him.
3. Jeremiah’s New Covenant Prophecy
Jeremiah also foretold a time when God's people would truly know Him.
“They shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest.”
— Book of Jeremiah 31:34
This prophecy is understood by Christians as fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
The idea is that true followers would have a real relationship with God, not just outward religion.
4. Isaiah Warned About Empty Religion
Another prophet, Isaiah, described people who honored God outwardly but whose hearts were far from Him.
“This people draw near with their mouth
and honor Me with their lips,
but their heart is far from Me.”
— Book of Isaiah 29:13
This same idea appears in Matthew 7.
People may say “Lord, Lord”, but that does not mean they truly know Him.
What Jesus Was Really Saying
When Jesus says “I never knew you”, He is speaking like the prophets.
He is saying:
- You practiced religion
- You did works in My name
- But you never belonged to Me
There was no real covenant relationship.
The Biblical Meaning of “Knowing God”
Throughout Scripture, “knowing God” includes three things:
|
Element |
Meaning |
|
Relationship |
Belonging to God |
|
Faith |
Trusting Him |
|
Obedience |
Living according to His ways |
Without these, religion becomes empty ritual.
✅ The comforting truth in Scripture
God desires people to truly know Him.
“Let him who glories glory in this,
that he understands and knows Me.”
— Book of Jeremiah 9:24
The entire message of the Bible—from the prophets to Christ—is an invitation to a real relationship with God, not just outward religion.
———————————
The Greek Detail in “I Never Knew You”
In Gospel of Matthew 7:23, Jesus Christ says:
“And then I will declare to them,
‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”
The Greek wording reveals something very important.
The Actual Greek Phrase
The key words are:
οὐδέποτε ἔγνων ὑμᾶς
(oudepoté egnōn hymas)
Meaning:
“Never at any time did I know you.”
The word οὐδέποτε (oudepoté) means:
- never
- at no time
- absolutely not ever
So Jesus is not saying:
❌ “I knew you once but not anymore.”
He is saying:
✅ “There was never a time when you belonged to Me.”
The Word for “Knew”
The verb used is ἔγνων (egnōn) from the Greek word γινώσκω (ginōskō).
This word means to know through relationship or personal experience, not just awareness.
It is used in the Bible for:
- deep relationship
- covenant recognition
- intimate knowing
For example, Jesus says in Gospel of John 10:14:
“I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep.”
This means He recognizes them as His own.
Why This Is Important
When Jesus says “I never knew you,” He is making a very strong statement.
He is saying:
- They claimed Him
- They used His name
- They performed religious works
But they never actually belonged to Him.
There was no true relationship.
The Final Command: “Depart From Me”
Jesus then says:
“Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”
The Greek word for lawlessness is ἀνομία (anomia).
It literally means:
living without regard for God's law or authority.
So the full meaning of the verse is essentially:
“You claimed My name and did religious works, but you lived in rebellion against God's will. You never belonged to Me.”
The Big Lesson Jesus Is Teaching
Matthew 7 is warning about false assurance.
A person may have:
- religion
- activity
- spiritual experiences
- even miracles
But the true question is:
Does Christ recognize them as His own?
✅ The comforting side of this teaching
Jesus also said:
“My sheep hear My voice… and I know them.”
— Gospel of John 10:27
Those who truly belong to Him are known by Him.
——————————
Why Jesus Calls Them “Workers of Lawlessness”
When Jesus Christ says in Gospel of Matthew 7:23:
“Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness,”
He is using language that echoes the Psalms written centuries earlier.
The phrase “workers of iniquity / lawlessness” appears repeatedly in the Psalms and describes people who claim to know God but live in rebellion against Him.
The Psalm Jesus Is Echoing
One of the clearest examples comes from Psalms 6:8 written by David.
“Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity,
for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.”
Notice the similarity:
|
Psalm 6:8 |
Matthew 7:23 |
|
“Depart from me” |
“Depart from Me” |
|
“Workers of iniquity” |
“Workers of lawlessness” |
Jesus is deliberately using the language of the Psalms.
But there is a powerful shift.
In the Psalm, David says it.
In Matthew 7, Jesus says it as the final judge.
Another Psalm Using the Same Phrase
The same expression appears again in Psalms 5:5.
“You hate all workers of iniquity.”
And again in Psalm 14:4:
“Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge?”
In the Hebrew Bible, this phrase refers to people who:
- know about God
- participate in religion
- but live in disobedience.
What “Workers of Lawlessness” Means
The Greek phrase in Matthew is ἐργαζόμενοι τὴν ἀνομίαν
(ergazomenoi tēn anomian)
Meaning:
people who actively practice lawlessness.
Not an occasional failure—but a pattern of life that disregards God's authority.
Why Jesus Uses Psalm Language
By using the Psalms’ language, Jesus is doing something very important.
He is placing Himself in the role of the divine judge spoken of in Scripture.
The Psalms describe God separating the righteous from the wicked.
In Matthew 7, Jesus declares He will perform that separation.
The Prophetic Connection
The Psalms often describe two groups:
|
The Righteous |
Workers of Iniquity |
|
Know God |
Do not truly know Him |
|
Obey Him |
Practice lawlessness |
|
Belong to Him |
Are rejected |
Jesus is applying this ancient biblical distinction to the final judgment.
The Big Message of Matthew 7
Jesus is warning that some people who appear religious may actually belong to the category the Psalms call:
“workers of iniquity.”
Their religion may include:
- prophecy
- miracles
- spiritual works
But if their lives are marked by lawlessness, their works cannot replace obedience.
✅ The hopeful side of the message
The Psalms also promise that God knows the righteous.
For example in Psalms 1:6:
“The LORD knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked shall perish.”
This connects perfectly with Jesus’ words:
“I know My sheep.”
— Gospel of John 10:27
———————————
Why Jesus Says “Many Will Say to Me In That Day”
In Gospel of Matthew 7:22, Jesus Christ says:
“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name…’”
The phrase “in that day” is not casual wording.
It is a phrase the prophets repeatedly used to describe the Day of the LORD — the time when God judges the world.
So when Jesus says “in that day”, He is placing this scene at the final judgment foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures.
The “Day of the LORD” in the Prophets
Many prophets spoke about this coming day.
The Prophet Joel
Joel warned:
“For **the Day of the LORD is great and very terrible; who can endure it?”
— Book of Joel 2:11
The Prophet Malachi
Malachi described a coming day when God would separate the righteous from the wicked.
“Then you shall again discern between
the righteous and the wicked,
between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.”
— Book of Malachi 3:18
This is exactly the separation Jesus describes in Matthew 7.
The Prophet Zephaniah
Zephaniah wrote:
“The great day of the LORD is near…
a day of wrath, trouble, and distress.”
— Book of Zephaniah 1:14–15
What Is Shocking About Jesus’ Words
The prophets always described God as the judge on that day.
But in Matthew 7:
People stand before Jesus and say:
“Lord, Lord…”
And He pronounces the judgment.
This means Jesus is placing Himself in the role of the final judge foretold by the prophets.
Why Jesus Says “Many”
Jesus does not say a few.
He says many.
This connects back to the earlier warning in the same chapter:
“Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many go in by it.”
— Matthew 7:13
The teaching flows together:
|
Step |
Teaching |
|
Narrow vs wide gate |
Most choose the wrong path |
|
False prophets |
Many are misled |
|
“Many will say to Me” |
Many discover too late |
The Sobering Message
Jesus is warning that religious activity alone does not guarantee salvation.
The people in Matthew 7 had:
- prophecy
- miracles
- spiritual works
But they lacked the one thing that matters most:
A true relationship with Christ and obedience to the Father.
The Hope in the Same Teaching
The same prophets who warned about judgment also promised salvation for those who truly belong to God.
For example, in Book of Joel 2:32:
“Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
And Jesus assures believers:
“My sheep hear My voice… and I know them.”
— Gospel of John 10:27
Those who truly belong to Him will not hear “I never knew you.”
————————————————
The Connection Between Matthew 7 and the Final Judgment in Revelation
The scene described by Jesus Christ in Gospel of Matthew 7:21–23 closely matches the final judgment scene later revealed in Book of Revelation 20:11–15.
Although the settings are different, the same elements appear in both passages.
1. People Standing Before the Judge
In Matthew 7:
“Many will say to Me in that day…”
People stand before Christ and give their defense.
In Revelation 20:
“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God.”
Both passages describe human beings appearing before the final judge.
2. Their Works Are Examined
In Matthew 7 the people list their works:
- prophesying
- casting out demons
- performing miracles
In Revelation 20 it says:
“The dead were judged according to their works.”
Both scenes involve people appealing to what they have done.
3. The Final Verdict
In Matthew 7 Jesus declares:
“Depart from Me.”
In Revelation 20 the verdict is described as being cast into the lake of fire.
Both represent final separation from God.
4. The Central Issue: Relationship With Christ
The most important statement in Matthew 7 is:
“I never knew you.”
In Revelation 20 the key issue is:
“Anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Both statements mean essentially the same thing.
They identify whether someone belongs to Christ.
The Parallel Side by Side
|
Matthew 7 |
Revelation 20 |
|
People say “Lord, Lord” |
People stand before the throne |
|
They appeal to their works |
Works are examined |
|
Jesus says “I never knew you” |
Names not in the Book of Life |
|
“Depart from Me” |
Final judgment |
These passages describe the same ultimate reality from two perspectives.
The Warning Jesus Was Giving
Matthew 7 is not merely about false teachers or hypocrisy.
It is a preview of the final judgment.
Jesus is warning people before that day arrives.
The Encouragement in Scripture
The New Testament also assures believers that those who truly belong to Christ are secure.
For example in Gospel of John 10:28:
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”
And in Epistle to the Romans 8:1:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”
✅ The main message
The question at the final judgment will not be:
- How many miracles were done
- How impressive someone's religious activity was
The real question will be:
Does Christ know them as His own?
————————————
Why the People Say “Lord, Lord”
In Gospel of Matthew 7:21, Jesus Christ says:
“Not everyone who says to Me ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven…”
The repetition “Lord, Lord” is not accidental.
It reflects a Hebrew way of speaking used throughout Scripture.
Repeating a name or title often expressed intensity, urgency, or deep emotion.
1. Repetition Shows Strong Emotion
In the Bible, repeating a name often occurs during moments of deep feeling or urgency.
Examples include:
God Calling Samuel
In First Book of Samuel 3:10:
“Samuel, Samuel.”
God repeats the name to call Samuel’s attention.
Jesus Speaking to Martha
In Gospel of Luke 10:41:
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.”
The repetition shows care and emphasis.
Jesus Weeping Over Jerusalem
In Gospel of Matthew 23:37:
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets…”
Again, repetition expresses deep emotion.
2. It Also Shows Urgent Appeal
Sometimes repetition is used when someone is desperately pleading.
Another example:
In Gospel of Matthew 27:46, Jesus cries:
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
The doubling expresses intensity and desperation.
3. What It Means in Matthew 7
When the people say:
“Lord, Lord…”
They are speaking with strong confidence and urgency.
They are essentially saying:
“But Lord! Lord! We served You!”
They believe they belong to Him.
That is what makes the moment so sobering.
They are confident, yet they are wrong.
4. The Real Issue Jesus Reveals
Jesus immediately explains the difference:
“Not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord’… but he who does the will of My Father.”
The contrast is between:
|
Words |
Reality |
|
Saying “Lord” |
Actually obeying God |
|
Religious claims |
Doing the Father's will |
|
External works |
True relationship |
The repetition shows that the people sincerely believe they belong to Christ.
But sincerity alone is not the test.
The Deeper Lesson
Matthew 7 teaches that a person can:
- call Jesus “Lord”
- do religious works
- even perform miracles
Yet still not truly belong to Him.
The true evidence of knowing Christ is:
- obedience
- humility
- doing the Father's will
✅ The comforting promise from Christ
Jesus also said:
“Everyone who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”
— Gospel of John 6:37
Those who truly come to Him in faith and obedience will never hear “I never knew you.”
———————————
The Order of the Miracles in Matthew 7
In Gospel of Matthew 7:22, people say to Jesus Christ:
“Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in Your name,
cast out demons in Your name,
and done many wonders in Your name?”
The order is interesting:
- Prophecy
- Casting out demons
- Miracles / mighty works
At first glance this looks like a list of impressive spiritual accomplishments. But throughout Scripture this same pattern often appears in false religious movements.
1. Prophecy Often Comes First
In the Bible, many false religious movements begin with someone claiming special revelation from God.
For example, the warning in Deuteronomy 13:1–3 says:
“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises… and the sign or wonder comes to pass… you shall not listen to that prophet.”
This shows something important:
Even if the prediction or sign happens, the person can still be false.
False prophets often gain authority by claiming divine messages.
2. Spiritual Power Can Follow
The next claim in Matthew 7 is casting out demons.
Scripture shows that spiritual power can appear even in deceptive contexts.
For example in Book of Acts 8, a man named Simon Magus amazed people with supernatural acts and was believed to possess great power.
Spiritual displays can convince people that someone is sent by God, even when they are not.
3. Miracles Create Public Conviction
The final claim is “many wonders”. (Houses of God, Colleges, Compounds)
Large miraculous displays often produce mass following.
But Jesus warned in Gospel of Matthew 24:24:
“False christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders to deceive.”
So miracles alone are not the final test of truth.
What the People in Matthew 7 Reveal
Notice something subtle.
They say:
“Did we not do these things in Your name?”
They are appealing to:
- their spiritual authority
- their power
- their public works
But they never mention:
- repentance
- obedience
- doing the Father's will
Jesus then exposes the real issue:
“Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”
The True Test Jesus Gave
Just a few verses earlier in Matthew 7:16, Jesus said:
“You will know them by their fruits.”
Not by:
- miracles
- prophecy
- spiritual displays
But by their life and obedience to God.
The Pattern Jesus Is Warning About
Many false movements throughout history follow a similar pattern:
|
Stage |
Description |
|
Claim of revelation |
“God showed me…” |
|
Spiritual demonstrations |
Signs, deliverance, power |
|
Public miracles |
Draw large followings |
|
Authority over followers |
Claims of special status |
Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7 shows that none of those things guarantee someone truly belongs to Him.
✅ The simple test Scripture gives
The apostles consistently taught that true faith produces:
- obedience to God
- love for others
- faith in the true Christ
Those things are far more reliable than spectacular spiritual experiences.
———————————
Why Jesus Says “Many Will Say to Me”
One of the most striking details in Gospel of Matthew 7:22 is that Jesus Christ says:
“Many will say to Me in that day…”
He does not say:
- “Many will say to God…”
- “Many will say to the Father…”
Instead, people are standing before Him and pleading their case.
This is extremely significant in light of the Old Testament prophecies about the final judgment.
1. In the Old Testament, God Is the Judge
The Hebrew Scriptures repeatedly say that God Himself will judge humanity.
For example in Psalms 96:13:
“For He is coming to judge the earth.”
And in Ecclesiastes 12:14:
“God will bring every work into judgment.”
So in Jewish expectation, the Day of the LORD was when God judges the world.
2. Daniel Saw Someone Sharing God's Authority
A remarkable prophecy appears in Book of Daniel 7:13–14 written by Daniel.
Daniel sees a heavenly vision:
“One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven…
And to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples should serve Him.”
This figure receives authority over all nations.
Jesus frequently referred to Himself as “the Son of Man”, directly connecting Himself to this prophecy.
3. Jesus Explicitly Said He Is the Judge
Later Jesus states clearly in Gospel of John 5:22:
“The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.”
So the New Testament teaching is:
- God is the ultimate judge
- but He has given judgment authority to Christ
4. Matthew 7 Is an Early Hint of This
In Matthew 7, Jesus speaks about the future judgment in the first person.
People will say:
“Lord, Lord…”
And He will answer:
“I never knew you.”
This means Jesus is presenting Himself as the one who will decide the eternal destiny of humanity.
The Prophetic Picture
When we connect the passages together, the picture becomes clear.
|
Prophecy |
Fulfillment |
|
God will judge the world |
Psalm 96 |
|
Son of Man receives authority |
Daniel 7 |
|
Judgment given to the Son |
John 5 |
|
People stand before Christ |
Matthew 7 |
Matthew 7 is showing that Jesus is the judge foretold in prophecy.
Why This Made Jesus’ Teaching So Powerful
To His original audience, this claim was extraordinary.
A Jewish teacher was saying that on the final day:
People would stand before Him to be judged.
That is why later passages emphasize the same idea.
For example in Second Epistle to the Corinthians 5:10:
“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”
✅ The comforting promise for believers
The same judge who will pronounce judgment is also the one who said:
“I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep.”
— Gospel of John 10:14
Those who truly belong to Him are known by Him.
