Have you ever wondered what it means to truly know God? Many people feel confident in their relationship with Him because they attend church, volunteer, or even serve in leadership roles. But does this mean we have an authentic connection with God? Jesus addressed this in two powerful passages: Matthew 7:23 and Matthew 25:12. Let’s dive into what these verses teach us about our relationship with God, and why it matters more than we might think.
The Shocking Reality of Matthew 7:23
In Matthew 7:23, Jesus says, “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” This verse comes at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, one of Jesus’ most famous teachings. Here, He warns us that not everyone who calls themselves a Christian will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
This might seem harsh, especially when the people Jesus addresses were doing religious works, prophesying, casting out demons, and performing miracles in His name. But Jesus reveals that those actions alone are not enough. The key issue? These people didn’t have a true relationship with Him.
What Does it Mean to “Know” God?
In this context, “knowing” God isn’t about knowing facts or being busy with religious activities. It’s about a personal relationship with Him. Jesus wants more than empty rituals or outward displays of faith. He desires intimacy—where we communicate with Him, obey His Word, and let Him transform our hearts.
This idea is echoed in the Old Testament, where God spoke through the prophet Isaiah: “This people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me” (Isaiah 29:13). True faith goes beyond what others see on the outside. It’s about the condition of our heart.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:12)
Another key passage is Matthew 25:12, part of the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Jesus tells a story of ten young women waiting for the bridegroom to arrive at a wedding feast. Five were prepared with extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were not. When the bridegroom came, the unprepared women rushed to get more oil but missed the celebration.
The door was shut, and when they begged to be let in, the bridegroom responded, “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.”
This parable emphasizes the importance of readiness and preparation. The oil represents a heart filled with the Holy Spirit, living in constant communion with God. It’s not enough to be around people who know God—we must know Him personally.
How These Verses Point to Jesus
Both Matthew 7:23 and Matthew 25:12 highlight the importance of knowing Jesus intimately. He is the one who will judge us on the last day. Our salvation comes through a relationship with Him, not through our works or church involvement. Jesus is the bridegroom in Matthew 25—the one we are waiting for. When He returns, will we be ready?
The Bible teaches that knowing Jesus leads to life. In John 17:3, Jesus says, “This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” Eternal life is not just about what we do but who we know.
How Can We Apply This in Everyday Life?
- Prioritize Time with God: It’s easy to get caught up in religious activities, but the heart of faith is spending time with God. This includes prayer, reading Scripture, and meditating on His Word. Prioritizing this time will help us deepen our relationship with Him.
- Examine Your Heart: Take a moment to reflect. Are you doing things for God out of obligation, or is your heart truly seeking Him? Ask God to reveal areas in your life where you may be relying on works rather than on His grace and presence.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it’s not about how many good deeds we’ve done or how often we’ve attended church. What matters most is our relationship with Jesus. He wants to know us and be known by us. The warnings in Matthew 7:23 and Matthew 25:12 remind us to focus on what really counts, a heart that truly loves and seeks Him.
This post touches on the importance of a personal relationship with God, shedding light on two often misunderstood passages from the Bible. By exploring these verses, we are reminded of the need to continually seek God and ensure our faith is rooted in knowing Him, not just performing for Him.
A Simple Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Help me to know You more deeply. I don’t want to rely on outward actions alone, but I want a genuine relationship with You. Open my heart to Your presence, fill me with Your Spirit, and transform my life to reflect Your love. May I walk closely with You every day, prepared for the day You return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
