Matthew 7 Explained: The Misunderstood 'I Never Knew You' by Jesus

Understanding Matthew 7:21-23

• ⚠️ Many Christians are terrified by Jesus' words in Matthew 7, particularly "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven" and "I never knew you."
• 💡 The common interpretation suggests that calling Jesus "Lord" might not be enough for salvation, leading to misunderstanding and fear.

Clarifying "I Never Knew You"

• 🔑 Jesus' statement "I never knew you" is in the present tense, indicating that these individuals were never saved or known by Him, not that they lost their salvation.
• 🎯 This refers to people who did not put their trust in Christ, despite their outward actions or claims of doing things "in His name."

The Day of Jesus' Return

• 🚀 On the day of Jesus' return, described as a Lion rather than a Lamb, all empires will fall, and even non-believers will acknowledge Him as "Lord."
• 💬 These individuals will claim to have prophesied, cast out demons, and done wonders "in Your name," but Jesus' response confirms He never knew them, implying their actions were not truly aligned with His will.

The True "Will of the Father"

• 🚫 The phrase "he who does the will of My Father" is often misused for control, suggesting salvation depends on uncertain works or behavior.
• ✅ Jesus clarifies in John 6:40 that the will of the Father is for everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him to have everlasting life.

The Gospel of Grace

• ✨ The core message is that salvation is achieved through belief in Jesus Christ, aligning with the gospel of grace and justification by faith.
• 🚨 Any teaching that implies salvation is based on works or behavior negates the gospel of Jesus Christ and is considered a "spirit of antichrist" in the pulpit.