This warning should stir us to examine our own hearts and lives, lest we be among those who cry, “Lord, Lord!” yet are met with the terrifying words, “I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Let us not be deceived by outward appearances or religious accomplishments. Judas, a preacher, prophet, and apostle, was lost and condemned. We must not assume that our church attendance, good works, or even miracles performed in Jesus’ name are guarantees of salvation. The way to life is narrow and few find it.
As we reflect on our own lives, let us ask ourselves: Have I truly repented and placed my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior? Am I living a life of obedience to His commands and walking in the Spirit? Or am I merely going through the motions of religion, deceiving myself and others?
This message is not meant to instill fear but to prompt us to examine our hearts and seek God’s grace to truly know Him. Let us not be among those who are surprised to hear Jesus say, “I never knew you.”
Many denominations and churches may suggest that different paths lead to Heaven, but Jesus unequivocally states that there is only one narrow road, one strait gate, that leads to life.
We are warned that relying on good deeds, morals, church membership, ceremonies, feelings, or experiences will not suffice. These are the broad paths that lead to destruction. Only those who do the will of the Father, accepting His plan of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, will be saved by His blood.
It’s a tragic awakening for those who assume they are saved but are not. They will hear the heart-wrenching words, “I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” This is a warning to examine our hope, to scrutinize our faith. Are we trusting in religious ceremonies or good deeds, or are we fully surrendered to Jesus as our personal Savior?
Multitudes deny sin and Hell, and countless others rely on their own morality or religion to save them. But Jesus’ words are clear: these false hopes will lead to eternal torment. We must not be deceived.
Jesus’ parables warn us of the danger of false hopes and the importance of examining our faith. In Matthew 13, He tells us of those who receive the Word with joy but have no root in themselves, no real work of grace, no new birth, no actual regeneration. These individuals may claim to be Christians, but they are not truly saved.
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, five of whom are wise and five foolish. The foolish virgins have lamps with no oil, representing false hopes and no true salvation. When the bridegroom comes, they are shut out, and Jesus says, “I know you not.”
These parables teach us that multitudes will claim to be saved but are not. Many will be surprised to find themselves unsaved, having never truly received the oil of salvation. We are warned not to compare ourselves to others or rely on our own good works, but to examine our hearts and faith.
Let us heed Jesus’ words and seek the oil of salvation, the wedding garment of Christ’s righteousness. Let us trim our lamps and keep them burning with the oil of the Holy Spirit. May we truly know Him and be prepared for His return.
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
“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.” (Matthew 7:21)
Remember that even Judas Iscariot, an apostle of Jesus Christ, died a lost man and went “to his own place” (Acts 1:25).
May we be among the wise virgins, with oil in our lamps, and may we truly be saved, with the wedding garment of Christ’s righteousness. Let us examine our hearts and our hope. Let us repent of any self-righteousness or false security. Let us turn to Jesus, the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life. May we truly know Him and walk in His narrow way, that we may hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” in that day. Amen.
