Matthew 7:23 “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Name dropping is not unusual today. Most people do it to impress or when they are looking for a favor.
It also is not unusual that people mention God’s Name – oftentimes in vain. As a preacher, I know that some people even mention God’s Name in a religious way to try and impress me.
While people like to think that they know God, the real question is: “Does God really know you?” The above verse is preceded by showing what will happen when people try to impress God by their good works when they stand before Him at the judgment. Those verses state their claim as to why they think they should be allowed into 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?” (Mt. 7:22).
It is obvious from these verses that doing religious works, or good works – no matter how great – will not get you into the Kingdom or into Heaven. This means that you will not get into Heaven even if you preach the Bible or do miracles. The single issue Jesus was pointing out is that you must really know Him and He must know you.
It will not matter who your relatives are, what Christian denomination you are in, if you have been baptized, are a faithful church member or church officer. All that matters is: does the Son of God know you? It is not the same thing as does He know about you? We all know about some people that we do not personally know at all. There are many “religious” people sitting in our church pews across the land that Jesus does not know.
Those who truly know God and that God knows are changed individuals. There was a date and a time when they became one of God’s children. They have been “born again“ and their life shows it. If the life is not right, it is questionable that that person ever met God. In Matthew 7:20, Jesus said: “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
My friend, if you are not sure right now that God knows you, do not waste another minute to make sure. Paul was once asked: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” To this question, he gave the following answer: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:30,31).
I invite you to learn more about how you can be sure. Do not guess any longer. Follow the links above to be sure you really have your sins forgiven and are on your way to Heaven.