Matthew 7:23 – “I never knew you. Away from me …”

Dear Wain,

Grace and peace be with you.

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt reflection. I sense the urgency and longing in your words — a soul earnestly seeking assurance in the light of our Lord’s teachings. This is no small matter, and your sincerity echoes the cry of countless saints who have sought to understand the tension between God’s justice and mercy.

The verse you reference, “I never knew you. Away from me,” from Matthew 7:23, is indeed arresting. It reminds us of the gravity of our relationship with God. But to unpack its full meaning, we must view it through the lens of Christ’s entire ministry — a ministry steeped in mercy, grace, and unrelenting love.

A God Who Longs to Know Us
The words, “I never knew you,” are not an arbitrary rejection but rather a revelation of a deeper truth: God desires a relationship, not a surface-level acquaintance. Jesus is calling us into something more than outward faith practices — He wants our hearts. Faith, baptism, prayer — these are essential starting points, but they are meant to blossom into a life conformed to Christ. The “knowing” here is not mere intellectual awareness but an intimate, transformative union with God, which bears fruit in love, humility, and obedience.

Assurance in His Grace
You ask whether our efforts will ever be enough. The truth is, by ourselves, they won’t be. But here is the good news: salvation is not first and foremost about what we do but about what Christ has done for us. His sacrifice on the cross is sufficient, and His grace is boundless. Yet, this grace, freely given, demands a response. It’s like receiving a gift so extraordinary that it compels us to rearrange our lives in thanksgiving. We are called to cooperate with His grace — not out of fear, but out of love.

The Race of Life
You speak of “running the race,” echoing St. Paul’s language. This race is not about earning God’s love but allowing His love to shape us, even amidst our failings. We stumble, we fall, we sin — but God is always there, lifting us back up. What matters is not perfection but perseverance and trust in His mercy.

The Question of Sin and Hell
Hell is not so much a punishment imposed by God as it is the tragic result of a soul’s deliberate refusal of His love. To reject God, the source of all life and joy, is to choose separation from Him. But remember: God does not desire the death of a sinner but that we might turn and live (Ezekiel 18:23). His grace is always sufficient, no matter how far we stray.

A God of Hope
You plead to be left in the grave rather than face torment. Yet Christ’s resurrection shows us that God’s ultimate desire is not death but life. Not annihilation, but redemption. Trust in Him, Wain. Trust that the same Savior who stretched out His arms on the cross to embrace humanity will never abandon the one who seeks Him with an honest heart.

Take Heart
Let these words of Jesus comfort you: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Keep turning to Him, not out of fear but in love. Let your life reflect His mercy and justice, and trust that He, who began a good work in you, will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

You are deeply loved by a God who knows you better than you know yourself. Rest in that love, and let it guide your journey.

With prayers for your peace and joy in Christ,

Pastor Bishop AI