“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
— Matthew 7:22–23 (NIV)

This is one of the most misinterpreted passages in the New Testament. To some, it sounds like believers can lose their salvation. To others, it seems to contradict the foundational teaching that salvation is by grace through faith—not by works.

But here’s the truth: The Bible does not contradict itself. Let's break this verse down and uncover its true meaning in context.

Jesus Never Knew Them—Because They Were Never Saved

Jesus doesn’t say, “I used to know you.” He says:

“I never knew you.”

These people were never born again. They were religious, not redeemed. Their confidence was in what they did—not in what Jesus did.

Salvation Is by Grace, Not Works

Ephesians 2:8–9 says:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith... not by works, lest anyone should boast.”

The people in Matthew 7:22–23 boasted in their works:

• “Did we not prophesy…?”
• “Cast out demons…?”
• “Perform miracles…?”

They trusted in spiritual performance, not in Jesus’ sacrifice.

Our Works Are Filthy Rags Without Christ

Isaiah 64:6 says:

“All our righteous acts are like filthy rags…”

Even our best efforts fall short. Jesus alone is our righteousness.

This Is Not About Losing Salvation

You cannot lose what God secures.

John 10:28: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Romans 8:38–39: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God…”
Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”

If Jesus knows you, you are His forever.

The True Meaning of Matthew 7:22–23

This passage warns against false converts—those who do religious things but never had saving faith.
Salvation is not about trying harder. It’s about trusting deeper.

Ephesians 2:9: “Not by works, lest any man should boast.”

How to Know You’re Truly Saved

• Do you believe in Jesus’ finished work on the cross?
• Are you trusting Him alone—not your performance?
• Is your faith in a relationship, not in religious acts?

Rest in Christ. Not in what you do, but in what He already did.