Why did Jesus distinguish between those who knew him and those who said they knew him?

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.  Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord. We prophesied in Your name. We cast out demons in Your name. We performed many miracles in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus makes a crucial distinction between those who genuinely know Him and do His will. He distinguishes them from those who merely claim to know Him. However, these individuals do not follow His teachings. This distinction emphasizes true discipleship. It shows the necessity of obedience to God’s will. True discipleship is far more important than mere verbal profession or external displays of religious activity.

Here are some key points to understand this distinction:

1. Authentic Relationship with Jesus: Jesus emphasizes that entering the kingdom of heaven requires more than just calling Him “Lord.” It necessitates a genuine relationship with Him, characterized by obedience to God’s will. Saying “Lord, Lord” without a corresponding lifestyle of obedience and alignment with God’s will is insufficient.
2. Obedience to God’s Will: The passage underscores that doing the will of the Father is essential. This involves living according to Jesus’ teachings and commands, demonstrating a life transformed by faith and obedience.
3. Superficial Faith vs. True Discipleship: Jesus warns against superficial faith that is not backed by a transformed life. Performing religious acts such as prophesying, casting out demons, and performing miracles in His name is possible. One can do these acts without experiencing a true heart change. These acts, though impressive, are not substitutes for genuine faith and obedience.
4. Condemnation of Lawlessness: Jesus calls out “you who practice lawlessness.” This phrase indicates that these individuals engaged in religious activities. However, their lives contradicted God’s commands. Their actions showed a disregard for God’s laws, revealing the true state of their hearts.
5. Self-Deception: The passage also highlights the danger of self-deception. Many will believe they are in good standing with Jesus. They believe this because of their religious activities. However, Jesus will declare that He never knew them. This serves as a sobering reminder that self-assessment must be aligned with God’s standards, not just external measures of spirituality.

In summary, Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23 teaches that a true relationship with Him shows through actions. It is evidenced by doing the will of the Father. Living a life of obedience is essential. Mere verbal profession or external religious activities are not enough. A corresponding heart change is necessary. Obedience to God’s will is crucial for entering the kingdom of heaven.

A corresponding heart change to the will of the Father requires a transformative process. This process aligns one’s inner being with God’s desires. It also aligns actions with God’s commands. Here are key steps and principles involved in this transformation:

1. Faith in Jesus Christ

• Believe in the Gospel: The first step is to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This faith is the foundation of a relationship with God.
• Repentance: Genuine faith involves repentance, which means turning away from sin and turning towards God.

2. Receiving the Holy Spirit

• Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: When a person believes in Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them. The Holy Spirit works to transform the believer’s heart and mind.
• Fruit of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit is present in a believer’s life. This presence produces spiritual fruit. Spiritual fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

3. Renewing the Mind

• Scripture: Regular reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible enhances understanding of God’s will. It helps align one’s thoughts with His truth.
• Prayer: Communicating with God through prayer fosters a deeper relationship with Him. It allows one to feel His will impressed upon their heart.
• Worship: Engaging in worship, both personally and corporately, helps to focus the heart and mind on God.

4. Obedience to God’s Commands

• Following Jesus’ Teachings: Living according to the teachings of Jesus. These teachings are found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). They demonstrate obedience to God’s will.
• Loving God and Others: Jesus highlighted two commandments. These commandments are to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Additionally, you should love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40).

5. Community and Accountability

• Fellowship: Being part of a Christian community provides encouragement, support, and accountability in one’s spiritual journey.
• Discipleship: Learning from more mature believers and helping to disciple others fosters growth and alignment with God’s will.

6. Sanctification

• Ongoing Process: Sanctification is the process by which the Holy Spirit progressively transforms a believer into the likeness of Christ. It involves daily surrender to God’s will and continual growth in holiness.
• Perseverance: Persistent effort in pursuing righteousness and resisting sin is necessary. Though believers will stumble, they must rely on God’s grace and continue striving towards obedience.

7. Evidence of Transformation

• Changed Priorities: A heart change is evident. One’s priorities shift from self-centered desires. Instead, they seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first (Matthew 6:33).
• Good Works: Good works do not serve as the basis of salvation. However, they provide evidence of a transformed life and true faith (James 2:14-26).

Practical Steps:

• Daily Devotions: Set aside time each day for Bible reading and prayer.
• Confession and Repentance: Regularly confess sins and repent, seeking God’s forgiveness and help to change.
• Serving Others: Engage in acts of service and charity, reflecting God’s love in practical ways.
• Mentorship: Find a spiritual mentor or accountability partner to guide and support you in your faith journey.

By engaging in these practices, a person can experience a genuine heart change. This change aligns with the will of the Father. It leads to a life that reflects true discipleship and obedience to God.