"I never knew you..." (Matt 7:23)

“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.” (Matt 7:22-23)

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This statement is very weighty, very profound. It is sometimes understood to apply to isolated individuals, but I suggest that it applies in a much broader sense – even to an entire system that professes Christianity.

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Jesus says that “many” will be deceived; many will be taken in by a counterfeit Christianity, a decoy. Today, “many” are busy doing things in God’s name, but the day is coming when the reality will become apparent. What a tremendous shock awaits these people, when the tragic realization comes home to them -- they have “never” known the Jesus they had so joyfully sung about. How is it possible that this could happen?! Deceptions were woven by intelligent design. Events were coordinated, and strong delusions were presented to their minds. That which they believed to be the genuine article, was only ever an enemy’s counterfeit. What they thought was glorifying Jesus, was in fact “iniquity”. Jesus could not acknowledge their works which they confidently ascribed to His name.

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord” (Prov 15:8, 21:27) When these professed Christians offer their worship, it cannot be accepted. It is hateful to God. Why? Simply because He sees the tragic results, the terrible dismay and torment, that awaits these people. He hates it because He sees what it does to the people. When Jesus appears, they will run from Him, and cry to the rocks and mountains, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sits on the throne”. In that day they would rather die than face Him.

Jesus will come to many (even in the churches) as a Thief in the night. His appearing will strip away every pretense; the children of this world will lose everything.

Let us be very careful to examine ourselves... A Christian “profession” counts for nothing.