Matthew 7:21-23
“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.”
King James Version · quoted from a passage of 3 verses
Jesus warns that many will call Him Lord and point to works done in His name, and He will say, 'I never knew you.'
Fulfillment References
Matthew 25:12 Luke 13:25-27 2 Timothy 2:19 John 10:14
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe question in that day is not whether they knew about Him but whether He knew them: 'I never knew you.' 'The Lord knoweth them that are his' (2 Tim. 2:19). These people used His name and did works in it, yet were not His. Doing 'the will of my Father' starts where the apostles started: 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ... and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost' (Acts 2:38). Nearby He said, 'few there be that find it' (7:14).
JewishNo traditional Jewish reading. The stress on doing God's will matches the Jewish emphasis on obedience over profession.
CatholicFaith must be shown in obedience and love. Even miracles do not prove a person is in grace.
ProtestantA warning against empty profession. True faith produces obedience, and Christ knows His own.
OrthodoxA call to genuine repentance and communion with Christ, not outward religion.
DispensationalSpoken of the judgment at Christ's return.
AcademicJesus pictures Himself as the judge 'in that day', the day of judgment. Luke 13:25-27 has a parallel.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, D.Min. · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.