Matthew 7:21-23

[BalancedLife]

It is my understanding in reading this passage that these are believers and are those who are Spirit-filled. As you referenced 1 Corinthians, Paul tells us no man can call Jesus Lord but by the Holy Spirit.

In order to understand who Jesus is talking about in verses 21-23, you must grasp the entire chapters context. He begins by talking about not judging others, and talking about the hypocrites that point out the flaws in their brothers while having larger ones of their own. He then tells us how ask and be kind to one another (showing us the ultimate love of our Father in verse 11).

He tells us how to watch out for these folks who He condemns in verse 21-23 starting at verse 15. The Greek word for "false prophets" means someone who acts the part, but inwardly have the wrong motives and then tells us to watch for their fruit they bear. Then these people (who are Spirit-filled) will be met in judgment by God for outwardly they did everything they thought was right, but inwardly they were corrupt and evil.

Jesus lets us know how to avoid this in verse 23 when He tells them He never "knew" them. That Greek word comes from the Hebrew word for being intimate between a man and a woman; Jesus lets us know it is about relationship with Him because as Paul states we can speak with tongues of men and angels, but if we have not charity inside of us, it is worth nothing.

[renee819]

Originally Posted by BalancedLife

It is my understanding in reading this passage that these are believers and are those who are Spirit-filled. As you referenced 1 Corinthians, Paul tells us no man can call Jesus Lord but by the Holy Spirit.

In order to understand who Jesus is talking about in verses 21-23, you must grasp the entire chapters context. He begins by talking about not judging others, and talking about the hypocrites that point out the flaws in their brothers while having larger ones of their own. He then tells us how ask and be kind to one another (showing us the ultimate love of our Father in verse 11).

He tells us how to watch out for these folks who He condemns in verse 21-23 starting at verse 15. The Greek word for "false prophets" means someone who acts the part, but inwardly have the wrong motives and then tells us to watch for their fruit they bear. Then these people (who are Spirit-filled) will be met in judgment by God for outwardly they did everything they thought was right, but inwardly they were corrupt and evil.

Jesus lets us know how to avoid this in verse 23 when He tells them He never "knew" them. That Greek word comes from the Hebrew word for being intimate between a man and a woman; Jesus lets us know it is about relationship with Him because as Paul states we can speak with tongues of men and angels, but if we have not charity inside of us, it is worth nothing.

I agree. But what I don't understand, is, "I never knew you." Never?

[Lafon]

Originally Posted by renee819

I agree. But what I don't understand, is, "I never knew you." Never?

I think of our Lord's use of this word in expressing this matter as I might express the relations I enjoy with my family as opposed to others. You see, I KNOW my family members on an intimate level, but not so with my neighbors. So I don't construe our Lord's use of the word "never" as implying that He did not know "of" them, rather He did not know them on that intimate level which He demands of those who desire to enter heaven's domain.

Lest we forget, it is to these that He is speaking, that is, the "many ... who will seek to enter in, and shall not be able" because they never had that intimate relationship with Him as do we to whom He has given of His Spirit.

Does this "make sense"? I pray that it does.