I Never knew you!
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)
THERE is a harrowing disconnect in Matthew chapter seven that has bewildered many throughout the ages. There was a group of charismatic ministers (believers in the spiritual gifts) who presented their resumes before the Lord at an unspecified time in eternity. (We can only presume that it is during the judgment.) They called Him Lord, which indicated that they were saved, and from an earthly standpoint, their resume was impressive. They prophesied, cast out devils, and worked miracles. Denominations and believers who don’t believe or operate in the gifts (cessationists) can wipe their brows; these verses don’t apply to you.
They stood before Him and boastfully declared the powerful effect that the name of Jesus had on their ministry. They presented Him with their many works, failing to realize that it is not works that impress God, but a life. The Lord spoke a gut-wrenching revelation for this group: “I never knew you” (v. 23a). How can this be? How can you serve God, use the name which is above every name under heaven, and hear Him say that He never knew you? Let’s examine it further.
The word “knew” in the Greek text is ginosko. One definition refers to a Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman — in other words, intimacy (Adam knew Eve; Elkanah knew Hannah;). The Lord never questioned the authenticity of the works but stated that He never had an intimate relationship with them, as a husband would his wife; therefore, they were deeply deceived. No one on the face of the earth wants to hear what the Lord told this group next. “Depart from me” (v.23b). Good Lord! They were denied access to the very kingdom that they preached and worked so arduously toward. They left the planet thinking that He was pleased, but He wanted nothing to do with them. Their resume was but dust. Therein lay the serious disconnect.
Moreover, we learn that it is not the work that repulsed the Lord. No. His last words explained His disgust, “…ye that work iniquity” (v.23c). It was the condition of the soul that repulsed the Lord. Iniquity polluted their souls. Iniquity is a pattern of sin and lawlessness, a stronghold that causes one to sin unceasingly. There was no resistance, no repentance, no crucifying the flesh, no taking up the Cross, no warring against sinful habits or the devil who tempted them. They were steeped in the very bondage that they promised others deliverance from. Sin had its grip on them and, as Jeremiah said, they “love to have it so” (Jeremiah 5:31). Thinking that the amazing signs gave them a pass and that God approved of them and their ministry, they were jolted into a terrifying reality. Naming the Lord’s name is one thing, but coming out of habitual sin is altogether another. The Lord will honor His name, but He will never honor a filthy life. Those who are teachers and stewards of the Word of God are held at a higher level of accountability and condemnation (James 3:1).
Paul told Timothy that the foundation of the Lord stood sure. We may be eulogizing prophets and preachers with extravagant home-going celebrations who will never see the Lord’s face in peace. But understand that though we may not know who is true or false in the church, the Lord knows those who are His.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, ‘The Lord knoweth them that are his.’ And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19).
Here is what we learn. The manifestation of spiritual gifts, and signs and wonders, are marvelous evidence of the goodness of God. Nevertheless, intimacy should be our first and foremost desire, for without it—without laboring in prayer, pursuing His holiness, repentance, worship, walking in love, and seeking His face, iniquity will creep in. Satan deceived this group into thinking that they could sleep in the bed of corruption while preaching a message where signs and wonders followed. What remained hidden on earth was revealed in heaven. He wanted nothing to do with them in the kingdom because they wanted nothing to do with His holiness on the earth. They were mere entertainers and glory hogs.
One last point here. What is the number of this particular group? The Lord says, “many will say in that day” (v.22). The word ‘many’ means numerous, countless, bountiful. Phew! The glory is real and awaits all who hunger for a deeper life in the Spirit. God woos us away from our sins and complacencies and sets us free to explore the “breadth and length and depth and height” of His unfathomable love, grace and glory (Ephesian 3:18). In all our pursuit of the glory, let us first seek the nature of God that we may hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21).
These thoughts are taken from “13 Ways to the Glory” by Apostle Toni Pugh. Available on amazon.com in audio, ebook, paperback and hardback. Available for FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
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Originally Posted: June 3, 2023
