The Ultimate Rejection

[JRED E2Go]

My Bible study this morning centered on Matthew 7:21-23 or the "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" verses.

To be perfectly honest, these verse frightened me! I get that the point here is probably that we need to be pure inwardly and not just appear that way on the outside; that it speaks to the state of our hearts and minds.

I'm curious to hear how other Brothers and Sisters in Christ interpret and these verses.

How does one balance this with eternal security beliefs?

Specifically, what steps can one take to ensure they do not face this ultimate rejection?

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

[Robbinson]

My Bible study this morning centered on Matthew 7:21-23 or the "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" verses.

To be perfectly honest, these verse frightened me! I get that the point here is probably that we need to be pure inwardly and not just appear that way on the outside; that it speaks to the state of our hearts and minds.

I'm curious to hear how other Brothers and Sisters in Christ interpret and these verses.

How does one balance this with eternal security beliefs?

Specifically, what steps can one take to ensure they do not face this ultimate rejection?

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Hi JRED:

I've always interpreted this verse as drawing distinction between those who are saved (e.g., those who not only believe in Christ and profess faith, but you have truly accepted him as Lord and Saviour through belief, confession and repentance) and those who merely believe in Christ but have not truly accepted him as Lord and Saviour.

Scripture tells us that even Demons believe in Christ - to be His requires more than belief - it requires belief, acceptance of Him as our Lord and Messiah, confession and repentance. Then, we become new creatures in Christ and will have an aversion to sin. That doesn't mean we won't sin and fall (we will - we won't be perfect until his return and our resurrection), but the real believer will strive to live in/like Christ.

So - its not a question of eternal security where some of His become lost - its a question of those who are His and those who have never become of Christ.

Regards,

Brian

[LisaJo]

My Bible study this morning centered on Matthew 7:21-23 or the "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" verses.

To be perfectly honest, these verse frightened me! I get that the point here is probably that we need to be pure inwardly and not just appear that way on the outside; that it speaks to the state of our hearts and minds.

I'm curious to hear how other Brothers and Sisters in Christ interpret and these verses.

How does one balance this with eternal security beliefs?

Specifically, what steps can one take to ensure they do not face this ultimate rejection?

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
I remember worrying so much about this when I was younger. . .and with good reason. I was living for myself, Not for Him.

I feel that these verses speak about our CONTINUAL relationship (PERSONAL ONE-ON-ONE) with Our Lord Jesus Christ. I feel that alot of people THINK they know Him and even witness to others about Him, but do they have a day-to-day perpetual relationship with Him where they focus their heart and their mind on His Words and truth? I wouldn't know . . .but He does.

It goes along with the Parable of the Sower
Find that parable in the New Testament and read it while reflecting on Mathew and I think that will give you a good idea of exactly what is meant in Mathew. We can't give Our Lord one night of our heart and then follow the rest of lives with our focus OFF of Him. We can learn alot about Him but that won't cut it, WE HAVE TO KNOW HIM!

I hope this helps you. My advice would be to read His Word on your own and rely on Him to feed you the truth. The more you read, the more you'll know and the closer you will gravitate to Him.

And sometimes, I think the deceiver loves to get us all afraid. The quickest way the adversary can render us usless, is to convince us that we are defeated already. Don't let him do this to do. Whenever you get a good case of fear or dread, just pray to the Lord and pour out the feelings To Him. He will always answer. Ask Him for discernment and peace. He will give it to you. I guarantee it!

[Tall Timbers]

My Bible study this morning centered on Matthew 7:21-23 or the "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" verses.

To be perfectly honest, these verse frightened me! I get that the point here is probably that we need to be pure inwardly and not just appear that way on the outside; that it speaks to the state of our hearts and minds.

I'm curious to hear how other Brothers and Sisters in Christ interpret and these verses.

How does one balance this with eternal security beliefs?

Specifically, what steps can one take to ensure they do not face this ultimate rejection?

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Our churches are full of people whose only differentiation from others separated by God is that they attend church meetings. It is not for me to judge whether or not any of those multitudes were actually ever saved in the first place. We don't live under the law today but under God's grace... but I believe that if we are not living holy lives, if we continue to conform ourselves to the world and do not surrender ourselves to Christ and seek a pure life in Him, then there is likely a big personal problem there as there is no place for evil in the kingdom of God.

Do fear God, that is the beginning of wisdom, and seek perfection in Jesus Christ. With the Holy Spirit as our Comforter and Counselor, and His Word as a guide, live for Him and there is nothing to worry about.

[Train]

I get that the point here is probably that we need to be pure inwardly and not just appear that way on the outside; that it speaks to the state of our hearts and minds.


I am uncertain of this interpretation because it seems to point inside of ourselves for assurances of our salvation. I believe that God would always have us look to Him for confidence.

It seems to me that Jesus is still talking specifically about false prophets. Verse 15 starts the theme with "Beware of false prophets . . ." and He goes on to say that we will know them (the false prophets) by their fruit, and then we get to the judgement scene in verses 21-23.

It is interesting to see that the false prophets defend themselves by pointing to their own 'wonderful' works. It would be better to not make a pretense of worthiness.

[sarongas]

ya you guys have all hit the nail on the head pretty good. he's referring to the hypocrites.

be confident in your relationship with jesus and you'll never be scared of this verse. :)

[ZAGS]

IMO these are the scariest words ever written, or to be heard in any language. Unfortunately many people, some our loved ones will hear them. :fear

[PrincessPurple]

It IS scary I dont wanna be Rejected by Jesus!

[kgreen20]

You won't be, never fear! You're one of His, so He accepts you perfectly. Your sins were judged on the cross.