“I Never Knew You”: What It Really Means to Be Known by Jesus

 

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
— Matthew 7:21, 23 KJV

These are among the most sobering words ever spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ. Words that pierce through superficial religion and expose the terrifying reality that many professing believers will be rejected—not for lack of good deeds, but for lack of true relationship.

But what does Jesus mean when He says, “I never knew you”? How can the omniscient God not “know” someone?

Let’s break this down biblically, and in the process, uncover what it truly means to be known by God—and why that is the very foundation of salvation.

📖 The Biblical Meaning of “Know”

In modern English, to “know” someone can simply mean to recognize them or have information about them. But in the Bible, to “know” someone goes far deeper.

“And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived…”
— Genesis 4:1, KJV

This isn’t just intellectual awareness—it’s covenant intimacy. When Adam knew Eve, it was the sacred act of becoming one flesh, a deep, committed union.

Now apply this to Christ’s words in Matthew 7:23. When Jesus says, “I never knew you,” He isn’t saying, “I don’t know who you are.” He’s saying, “We were never united. You were never mine. You never entered into covenant with Me.”

This is not about awareness; it’s about relationship.

💍 The Bride of Christ and Covenant Union

The Church is described as the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–27). Just as a husband and wife become “one flesh” in marriage (Genesis 2:24), so also those who are truly in Christ are spiritually united with Him.

“But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:17, KJV

“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
— Mark 10:9, KJV

This is why true salvation isn't merely believing about Jesus or performing for Him. It's about being joined to Him, in spirit and in truth. It's knowing Him—and being known by Him.

🚫 “I Never Knew You”: Who Was Jesus Talking To?

Let’s go back to Matthew 7:22 for context:

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”

These individuals did religious works. They even used the name of Jesus. But they lacked the most important thing: relationship.

Jesus didn’t say, “You stopped knowing me.” He said, “I never knew you.” Meaning: there was never intimacy. No true faith. No union. Only performance.

Their confidence was in their works, not His grace.

🔥 The Danger of Performance-Based Christianity

Many today are deceived into thinking that outward works—church attendance, serving, giving, spiritual gifts—equal salvation.

But Scripture is clear:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9, KJV

When we substitute knowing Jesus for doing things for Jesus, we fall into the trap of religion without relationship.

The Pharisees were perfect examples. Outwardly righteous, inwardly dead. They knew the Scriptures, but they did not know the Word made flesh standing right in front of them (John 5:39).

✨ What Does It Mean to Truly Know Him?

True knowledge of Christ results in:

  • 💧 Repentance and faith (Acts 3:19)

  • 🔥 The indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9)

  • 🌿 Transformation of life (2 Corinthians 5:17)

  • 🤍 Intimacy with God through prayer and obedience (John 15:10–15)

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”
— 1 John 2:3, KJV

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
— John 10:27, KJV

🚨 The Warning for the End Times

We live in a world increasingly saturated with fake faith, emotional hype, and cultural Christianity. As deception rises (Matthew 24:11–12), many will have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5).

Jesus warned:

“Many are called, but few are chosen.”
— Matthew 22:14, KJV

This is why the call to examine ourselves is urgent (2 Corinthians 13:5). Are we truly in Him—or just near Him?

🙏 A Call to Repentance

If you realize today that you have believed about Jesus without ever truly knowing Him, today is the day to surrender your heart fully.

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
— James 4:8, KJV

Lay down your works, your pride, your religion—and cry out for real relationship. Ask the Lord to know you—to dwell in you by His Spirit, to make you His own.

✝️ The Gospel Invitation

  1. Acknowledge your sin:
    “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23

  2. Understand the consequence:
    “For the wages of sin is death…” – Romans 6:23a

  3. Believe in Jesus Christ:
    “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23b

  4. Confess and trust in Him:
    “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart… thou shalt be saved.” – Romans 10:9


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