The worst words anyone will ever hear: “Depart from Me”
Matthew 7:23 “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
This was in the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus started by preaching about those that would follow Him. (Matthew 5:3-16)
“Blessed” is the theme. But it is not to the strong and witty; but to the seekers after God.
The poor in spirit, the mourners and those that hunger and thirst after being right with God, that will be blessed.
Then He contrasted “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time”, with “But I say unto you”. (Matthew 5:21-22)
There is always a pull on us, to do what we have always done, especially if it has been a good thing.
But Jesus makes the contrast between traditions and His Word, very plain.
In this message He gave us the Family Prayer: Our Father which art in heaven”.
(Matthew 6:9-13)
Here He introduced us to the Father God. Before He had been the Mighty God, or the God of Sinai; but now we can know Him as Father—our Father.
And then He stressed that they should be more concerned with “laying up treasure in heaven…for where you treasure is, there will be your heart also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
He said, “Judge not”, and told us to check out our own faults, before pointing out other people’s faults.
(Matthew 7:1-5)
Jesus said that we should ask, seek, and knock for the things we have need of.
(Matthew 7:7-11)
Then He ends His message with:
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter ye in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go in thereat:
Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
He goes on to expand the subject with examples: The fruit of anyone’s life is what you should look to;…..not what they say they believe, but how they live. For that is what they truly believe.
And then, the last the example of the two houses.
Both built to last; but the foundation of each was the only difference: one on the Rock, the other on sand. Both were put under the trials of every house: rain, wind, flood.
But one lasted, because it was founded on the Rock.
Jesus said that obedience to His Word is building on that Rock. And that is what those that follow Him, should do.
Build on Him (His Word, His example, His love)
But in between these examples, He puts a warning.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone 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.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have we cast out devils? And in thy name did many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
It is not saying, “Lord, Lord” which proves that He is Lord of our life.
“It is doing the will of My Father”, that proves Jesus is Lord of our life.
John 5:23 “That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father, he that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him.”
Some use good works to cover their sin;…..but it remains, if it is not brought to the cleansing power of Jesus Christ and removed. For He is the only Savior.
But some will not come. They refuse to submit to Someone else.
They may do many “good works”, or “religious works”, but they do it for their own honor or gain. (And this is a matter of the heart.)
If they continue to refuse to come to His Son, Jesus Christ;
Then in the day of Judgement they will hear the most terrible words that will ever be spoken:
Matthew 7:23 “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
“Depart from Me.” Out of the Presence of God forever. No light, no joy, no peace, no safety, no love.
Only the terrible condemnation of loss, aloneness, and torment; because they have refused the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jeremiah 8:20 “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”
But now, …..it is still:
“…….And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely…” (Revelation 22:17)
Jesus said, “….If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” (John 7:37)
“….I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
“…I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.’” (John 14:6)
“…I am the good Shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:11, 28)
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
Have we come to Christ Jesus the Lord?
Preaching, Teaching, and Notes 