A Startling Warning from Jesus
Few statements in the Bible are as unsettling as Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21–23:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven… Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”
This passage directly connects with the Parable of the Ten Virgins, where the unprepared are locked out of the wedding feast and met with a similar response: “I do not know you.” These words cut through religious comfort and challenge us to examine the authenticity of our faith. They show us that outward appearances—attendance, activity, even spiritual language—are not the markers of salvation.
In this blog, we’ll explore what it means to have a true relationship with Christ, the dangers of shallow or performative faith, and how to avoid the eternal cost of being unprepared.
The Illusion of Proximity: Saying ‘Lord, Lord’ Without Knowing Him
The people in Matthew 7 and the foolish virgins in Matthew 25 had something in common: they thought they were close to Jesus. They called Him “Lord.” They had lamps. They were in the crowd. But Jesus draws a harsh distinction between those who know about Him and those who truly know Him.
It’s possible to:
- Talk about Jesus and never talk to Him.
- Serve in His name without submitting to His will.
- Sing worship songs while your heart is far from God.
This is what Jesus meant by “you who practice lawlessness”—a life that uses spiritual words and activities to mask disobedience and self-reliance.
Today’s church culture often rewards visibility over intimacy. We admire charisma, talent, and platforms—but God sees obedience, humility, and private devotion.
Key truth: Saying “Lord” with your mouth means nothing if He’s not Lord in your life.
Faith That Fools No One—Not Even You
There is a kind of faith that comforts, entertains, and motivates—but doesn’t transform. It’s a convenient faith, a feel-good faith, often packaged in Christian clichés and Sunday habits. But it lacks the oil of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of repentance.
Here’s how unprepared faith reveals itself:
- Selective obedience: Picking and choosing which of Jesus’ teachings to follow.
- Spiritual performance: Doing religious things for approval or image, not out of love.
- Neglected disciplines: No hunger for the Word, prayer, or holiness.
- Trust in reputation: Relying on a spiritual resume instead of a surrendered heart.
When the bridegroom comes or when crisis hits, this kind of faith collapses. It has no root. It’s exposed for what it always was—empty, superficial, and self-made.
Jesus isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for surrender. He’s looking for people who, though imperfect, live in daily dependence on His grace, shaped by His Word, and filled with His Spirit.
How to Move from Performance to Relationship
So how can we know we’re not among those who hear “I never knew you”?
- Pursue God personally—not just publicly.
Build a real relationship with Him through prayer, Scripture, repentance, and listening. Make room for God outside of church walls. - Obey even when it’s inconvenient.
Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Obedience is love in action—not legalism, but loyalty. - Ask God to search your heart.
Like David, pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there is any wicked way in me.” (Psalm 139:23–24) - Surround yourself with accountability.
Community is a mirror. Be with people who challenge you to go deeper, not stay comfortable. - Live like He’s returning today.
The parable warns that the groom comes suddenly. Don’t delay your devotion. Don’t wait to “get serious.” The time is now.
When we live this way, our faith becomes more than a title or routine—it becomes a living, daily relationship with Jesus, rooted in His Word and nurtured by the Spirit.
Will He Know Your Name?
The saddest part of Jesus’ warning is not the people’s surprise—it’s their familiarity with Him. They believed they were close. They called Him “Lord.” But they had built their spiritual life on surface-level commitment. And when it mattered most, they were unrecognizable to the very One they claimed to follow.
Don’t wait for the door to close to ask whether you were truly known. Today is the day to examine your heart, refill your oil, and come back to the One who doesn’t want your performance—He wants your presence.