Matthew 7:22-23

 

 

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Seemon on the Mount by Carl Heinrich Bloch (1834-1890)

Click to enlarge
"Sermon on the Mount"
(Bloch)

 

Matthew 7:22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' (NASB: Lockman)

Greek: polloi erousin (3PFAI) moi en ekeine te hemera, Kurie kurie, ou to so onomati epropheteusamen, (1PAAI) kai to so onomati daimonia exebalomen, kai to so onomati dunameis pollas epoiesamen? (1PAAI)
Amplified: Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
KJV: 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?
NLT: On judgment day many will tell me, `Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name. (
NLT - Tyndale House)
Phillips: In 'that day' many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we preach in your name, didn't we cast out devils in your name, and do many great things in your name?'  (
New Testament in Modern English)
Wuest:  Many shall say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not in your Name prophesy, and in your Name cast out demons, and in your Name perform many miracles which demonstrated the power of God? (
Erdmans)
Young's: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, lord, have we not in thy name prophesied? and in thy name cast out demons? and in thy name done many mighty things?

REFERENCES

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Phil Newton
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Notes

Matthew 7
Matthew 7:15-23
Matthew 7:21-23
Matthew 7
Matthew
Matthew 7:15-29
Matthew Commentary
Matthew 7:13-27 Fatal Failures of Religion Mistaken Identity
Matthew 7 Commentary
Matthew 7:21-23 Close, But No Cigar

Matthew 7
Matthew 7.13-23 Routes and Fruits
Matthew 7
Matthew Commentary
Matthew 7
Matthew 7
Matthew Audio - 101 Messages!
Matthew 7
Matthew 7:21-23: Empty Words and Empty Hearts  1
Matthew 145 Mp3 Audios - Thru the Bible
Matthew 7:21-23 Lord, Lord!
Matthew 7:24-29 A Foundation that Stands 

Matthew 7:21-27: Profession Tested

Matthew 7:21-27: Profession Tested

Matthew 7:21-27: Profession Tested

Matthew 7:21-27: Profession Tested

Matthew 7:21-27: Profession Tested

Matthew 7:21-27: Profession Tested

Matthew 7:21-27: Profession Tested

Matthew 7:21-27: Profession Tested

Matthew 7
Matthew 7:21-23 Dealing With False Claims

Matthew 7 Commentary
Matthew 7:21-29 Expository Thoughts
Matthew 7:21-23, 11- The Disowned (Sermon)  
Matthew 7:21-23, 11- The Disowned (Sermon Notes)

Matthew 7
Matthew 7:7-23 : Accept No Substitutes
Inductive Study on Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 7:15-23
Matthew 7:15-23, Matthew 7:15-23, Matthew 7:21-29
Matthew 7:6-28

Many will say to Me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?: polloi erousin (3PFAI) moi en ekeine te hemera, Kurie kurie, ou to so onomati epropheteusamen, (1PAAI) kai to so onomati daimonia exebalomen (1PAAI), kai to so onomati dunameis pollas epoiesamen (1PAAI)? (Say Mt 7:21; 24:36; Isaiah 2:11,17; Malachi 3:17,18; Luke 10:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Timothy 1:12,18; 4:8) (Did we Mt 10:5-8; Numbers 24:4; 31:8; 1 Kings 22:11-20; Jeremiah 23:13-32; Luke 13:26; John 11:51; Acts 19:13-15; 1 Corinthians 13:1,2; Hebrews 6:4-6)

 

That day refers to the future day of judgment and considering the context refers specifically to the judgment of unbelievers.

 

Spurgeon makes some piercing comments regarding that day writing that...

 

He used no other word to describe that memorable period because that terse, brief expression suggests so much,-”in that day,”-that terrible day,- that last great day,-that day for which all other days were made, -that day by which all other days must be measured and judged. I pray, dear friends, that we may, each one of us, begin to set in the light of “that day” the things that we most prize. The riches upon which you have set your heart, how will their value be reckoned “in that day,” and how much of comfort will they afford you then? As for the way in which you have been spending your wealth, will that be such as you will remember “in that day” with satisfaction and comfort? Value your broad acres and your noble mansions, or your more moderate possessions, according to this gauge’ of their real worth,-how will they be valued “in that day”? And as to the pursuits which you so eagerly follow, and which now appear so important to you that they engross the whole of your thoughts, and arouse all your faculties and energies, are they worthy of all this effort? Will they seem to be so “in that day”?

 

What is the chief object of your life? Will you think as much of it “in that day” as you do now? Will you then count yourself wise to have so earnestly pursued it? You fancy that you can defend it now, but will you be able to defend it then, when all things of earth and time will have melted into nothingness? You value the esteem in which you are held among men, and you do rightly, for “a good name is better than precious ointment;” but are you really worthy of the good name that has been given to you? Is that favorable judgment of your fellow-creatures the verdict of infallible truth? Will you be as highly honored “in that day” as you are now? Will as much credit be given to you for honesty and virtue then as is given to you now? Is there no tinsel, no veneer, no deception, no counterfeit coin about you? O my brethren, who among us can submit his position amid his fellowmen to such a test as this without the most solemn questioning and searching of heart!

 

You young men are, perhaps, rejoicing in your youth, and letting your heart take full liberty in the enjoyment of earthly pleasure. God forbid that I should deprive you of any real pleasure; but let me ask, concerning those enjoyments, how will they appear “in that day”? Will they bear serious reflection even now? Then, how are they likely to endure the more sober judgment that will be exercised then? “In that day,” when the glare of this world’s lamps shall have died out, and the glitter of its pomp shall for over have passed into the eternal darkness, how will your pleasures look then? Especially, if you have sold yourself for those pleasures,-if you have bartered your peace of mind for them,-if you have disobeyed your God in order that you might enjoy them, how will they then appear when, at the end of the feast, the cost of it has to be met, and you have to give in your last account?

 

It is truly wise for a man to be familiar with his last hours; it is well for him often to rehearse that grand act when he must gather up his feet in the bed, and die, his father’s God to meet; and it is wiser still for him to overleap the chasm which divides us from the realities of eternity, and, by the force of faith rather than by imagination, picture himself standing in that mighty throng of the risen dead, from every part of land and sea,-the innumerable population of this great globe,-every eye turned in one direction, all looking to Him Who shall sit upon the great white throne, that Christ Who was once crucified in weakness, but who shall come in power and great glory, appointed Judge of all mankind. I know that I am inviting you to think of something that you do not wish to have brought to your mind. The world plucks you by the sleeve, and says, “Come away;” but I would fain detain you, for a little while, as the ancient mariner held the wedding guest, yet not to tell you a quaint story of far-off seas and strange adventures there, but solemnly to talk to you about your immortal soul, and to stir you up to see to its future destiny, lest Christ should come, and you should be as unprepared for His coming as the men in the days of Noah were for the flood which swept them all away.


Well, then, as everything is to be regarded as it will appear “in that day,” we will try to judge our profession of religion by that test, for it will mainly be to those who think themselves Christ’s people that I shall speak, and I pray that a strong North wind may blow through us; and if there be any chaff in this great heap, may it be speedily discovered, and be driven out from amidst the wheat! (
Matthew 7:21-23 The Disowned)

 

It should be understand that if one reads the Scriptures in their normal, literal sense, there are several judgments encompassed by "that day".

 

In Mt 25:31-46 we read of the judgment of the "sheep and goats" which will occur after the Great Tribulation, at the time Jesus returns to establish His Millennial Kingdom. At the beginning of His reign on "that day" He will separate unbelieving Gentiles ("goats") from believing Gentiles ("sheep") to determine who will be allowed into His Messianic Kingdom on earth. These Gentile believers will have survived the Great Tribulation and thus will populate earth in their natural bodies (in contrast to believers who will had died and already been given their glorified bodies and who will actually reign with Christ in His kingdom).

 

At the end of this 1000 years, there will be another "that day" generally referred to as the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-14), at which all other non-believers of all ages will be judged and condemned to the Lake of Fire. Apparently at that time unbelievers, still being deceived, will attempt to remind the Lord Jesus (the Judge, cf 2Ti 4:1) of their incredible spiritual feats while on earth.

 

Did we not... in Greek expects "an affirmative answer and thus pictures both the self-conceit and the self-deception of the persons Jesus describes." (Vincent)

 

In Your name - This is repeated three times. All that these individuals did, they did ostensibly in the Name of Jesus. They spoke the correct "religious dialect". They carried out the correct religious activities and ostensibly did so for the "right reasons". And yet they were veritable evangelical impostors and church charlatans, for their hearts had never been changed by grace through faith.

 

Spurgeon writes that...
 

they used the name, which is dear to the disciples of Christ, but they did not possess the nature of disciples. They used Christ’s name, for they said to Him, “Have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?” They knew Christ’s name, but they had not His nature. They quoted His name, but they never copied His example. They had never come to Him, and trusted and loved Him. They knew His name, but they did not know Him; and He knew their names, but He did not know them. There was no communion -- no intimate intercourse between them. (The Disowned)
 

When they say “We prophesied in Your Name,” etc, notice that Jesus does not deny their claims of seemingly sensational supernatural activities!  This suggests that miracles may be wrought through professing believers which should serve to remind us all that in the final analysis, miracles do not provide a valid assessment of one's heart condition!

 

Spurgeon notes that although...

 

they prophesied, but they did not pray. Prayer is a vital evidence of Christianity, but prophecy is not. A thousand sermons would not prove a man to be a Christian, but one genuine prayer would. It is easy enough to speak to men, but quite another thing, from our inmost soul, to speak into the ear of God. They failed in that point; and, therefore, their failure was fatal. (The Disowned)

 

Perform many miracles - Note their miraculous works were not few but many and again Jesus does not dispute their claim to fame! How many people in our day are ready to fall for miracles and follow miracle workers.

 

Miracles (1411) (dunamis from dunamai = to be able, to have power) power especially achieving power. It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. Dunamis can be used of any kind of extraordinary power, in this case of miraculous powers.

 

D A Carson adds that...

 

The false claimants have prophesied in Jesus' Name and by that Name exorcised demons and performed miracles. There is no reason to judge their claims false; their claims are not false but insufficient. Significantly the miracles Jesus specifies were all done by His disciples during His ministry (cf. Mt 10:1-4) (Gaebelein, F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament. Zondervan Publishing) (Bolding added)

 

Note that It is not spectacular public works of ministry but the "poor in spirit" private acts of righteousness that reveal the authenticity (or lack of) a person's relationship with Jesus (see notes Matthew 6:1ff). As Spurgeon explains...

 

they attended to marvels, but not to essentials. They neglected the important things, which should have been done in secret; they did much that could be seen in public, but they failed in the plainer, simpler things that nobody saw. Let me just say to you, brothers and sisters, that herein lies a great part of our danger

 

<> the risk of getting a religious character without having a renewed heart,

 

<> doing religious actions without really being born again,

 

<> learning the brogue of the New Jerusalem without having been born as a citizen of the heavenly city,

 

<> becoming fluent talkers, and earnest workers, but not having confessed sin, or repented of it, or laid hold on Jesus Christ by living faith.

 

I do beseech you, young professors, to covet most of all secret holiness (see Holiness Quotes),

 

<> the holiness that does not wish to be seen,

 

<> plain, honest dealing with God in private,

 

<> much secret prayer and meditation upon the Word,

 

<> in brief, a life of true consecration to God.

 

You may prophesy if God calls you to do so. Perhaps you will cast out devils, I hope you may; and in Christ’s name you may do many wonderful works; but, first of all, “ye must be born again.” You must become as little children to sit at the feet of Jesus, and to learn of him. You must be obedient to His commands, and yield yourselves up to Him, or else you will be fatally mistaken, whatever profession you may make. (The Disowned)

 

William MacDonald adds that...

 

From these verses we learn that not all miracles are of divine origin and that not all miracle workers are divinely accredited. A miracle simply means that a supernatural power is at work. That power may be divine or satanic. Satan may empower his workers to cast out demons temporarily, in order to create the illusion that the miracle is divine. He is not dividing his kingdom against itself in such a case, but is plotting an even worse invasion of demons in the future. (MacDonald & Farstad -- Believer's Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)

 

The fact that Jesus never knew the false professors is not taught only in this passage but is seen in a number of Scriptures which illustrates how close to spiritual reality one may come and yet fail to be genuinely saved. One of the most bizarre OT examples is the prophet  Balaam and in the NT we see the tragic saga of Judas Iscariot (see also below re Judas Iscariot).

 

John describes professors whose "true colors" became known during their lifetime writing that...

 

They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, in order that it might be shown that they all are not of us. (1 John 2:19) (Comment: They once professed to believe in Christ but later renounced the faith  and began to manifest the spirit of antichrist. Their failure to continue in the faith proved  they never had true saving faith in Christ. Genuine believers, although they may stumble and backslide, inevitably will continue in the faith until the end of their life -- they will persevere if they are true saints.)
 

The writer of Hebrews affirms this doctrine of perseverance of the saints (see note or here)...

 

For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end (See note Hebrews 3:14)

 

Are there any Biblical examples of those who cast out demons, etc, but who were unquestionably unbelievers? In Matthew 10 we read that after naming the 12 disciples, they were sent out...

 

And having summoned His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-gatherer; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him. These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, "Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons; freely you received, freely give. (Mt 10:5-8)

 

It follows that Judas Iscariot, clearly an unbeliever, may have prophesied, cast out demons, and performed miracles, including healing the sick, raising dead and cleansing of lepers, but ultimately proved to be a "bad tree" because he did not do the will of the Father but instead continually practiced lawlessness. Mere professed devotion to Christ as "Lord, Lord" is but another Judas kiss!

 

Spurgeon makes the distinction that these professors...

 

were not silenced by men. They prophesied in Christ’s name, yet nobody said to them, “You shall not prophesy again, for you are living such inconsistent lives that we will not listen to you.” This does not appear to have happened with any one of these people. The man who went about casting out devils was not stopped, but he kept on doing so, and he declared even to Christ that he had done it, and done it continually.

 

***

 

Their tongues belied their hands. They said, “Lord, Lord,” but they did not do the will of the Lord. They were very glib of tongue when they took to prophesying, but the message never came out of their hearts. They never did the things they told others to do; they were earnest to exhort, but not diligent to set a good example to their hearers. They cast out devils; but, at the same time, they did not themselves escape from the power of the devil by giving up sin, and following after righteousness. They failed in the matter of practical holiness. They had not the grace of God in their souls, displaying itself in their ordinary, everyday actions. They could talk; they could sing; they could prophesy; but they were not obedient to the divine commands, and they did not walk in the ways of God. (The Disowned)

 

Spurgeon adds that these professors...

 

clung to their false hopes right to the end. They did not really know of the deception themselves. “What!” you ay, “did they never think that they were deceived?” Perhaps they did, now and then; but they always said to themselves. “We must not get into a doubting frame of mind. This looking within, and searching our hearts, will not do it will disturb and distress us.” So they went on daubing themselves with untempered mortar. They were as wrong as wrong could be, yet everybody treated them as though they were right, so they thought at last that they were right. For a man may, in time, make himself believe what he knows to be a lie. I have heard persons tell stories about themselves which had not any foundation in fact; but they have told them so often that I am sure they believe at last that they are really speaking the truth; though, if they would only think seriously, they would perceive that their tale is all invention. A man may go in and out among Christians, join in their prayers, and praises, and communions, and preach their gospel or hear it, till, at last, without any reason for his belief, be may persuade himself that it is all right. He may even pass through the portals of death undeceived. The righteous are often troubled when they come to die; but it is with these self-deceived people as the psalmist says, “There are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.” Take heed, I beseech you, of self-deception. I say it first to myself, and next to you, lest, not until “that day” should we hear the Lord Jesus say to us, “I never knew you,” and lest, even “in that day,” we should say to him, “Lord, Lord,” and begin to argue that we were all right’, and Christ should put an end to it all by saying, “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (The Disowned)

 

J C Ryle warns that...

 

The time is fast coming when nothing but authenticity will stand the fire. Authentic repentance towards God--authentic faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ--authentic holiness of heart and life--these, these are the things which will alone stand the judgment at the last day.  (Practical Religion)

 

John MacArthur notes that the unbeliever's claims of prophesying, casting out demons and miracles can be explained in one of three ways...

 

(1) It may be that they were allowed to do those amazing works by God’s power. God put words in Balaam’s mouth, even though that prophet was false and wicked (Nu 23:5). King Saul, after he became apostate had the “Spirit of God [come] upon him mightily, so that he prophesied” (1Sa 10:10). The wicked high priest Caiaphas unwittingly and unintentionally “prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation” (John 11:51).

 

(2) A second possibility is that those amazing acts were accomplished by Satan’s power. Jesus predicted that “false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect” (Matt. 24:24). The unbelieving sons of Sceva, for example, were Jewish exorcists, who made their living casting out demons (Acts 19:13-14). Mark 9:38-40 tells of someone outside the apostles casting out demons. Paul promises false signs in the last days, lying wonders of Satan (2 Thes 2:8-10). Acts 8:11 describes the work of a satanic sorcerer. Today there are miracle workers, healers, and exorcists who claim to work for Jesus Christ but are satanic deceivers.


(3) A third possibility is that some of the claims were simply false. The prophecies, exorcisms, and miracles were fake and contrived. No doubt all three will be represented. (MacArthur, J:
Matthew 1-7 Macarthur New Testament Commentary Chicago: Moody Press)

 

Hebert Lockyer (in his fascinating work entitled Last Words of Saints and Sinners) gives us an example of a man who in essence said "Lord, Lord" but his life clearly "spoke" otherwise...

 

Casanova, renowned for his self-indulgence, ended his life in self-deception. On his death bed at the age of 73, he said "I have lived as a philosopher and die as a Christian." (Wrong!)

 

Matthew 7:23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.' (NASB: Lockman)

Greek: kai tote homologeso (1SFAI) autois oti Oudepote ethnon (1SAAI) humas; apochoreite (2PPAM) ap' hemou oi ergazomenoi (PMPMPV) ten anomian
Amplified: And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
KJV: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
NLT: But I will reply, `I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized.'  (
NLT - Tyndale House)
Phillips: Then I shall tell them plainly, 'I have never known you. Go away from me, you have worked on the side of evil!'"
To follow Christ's teaching means the only real security. (
New Testament in Modern English)
Wuest:  And then I will declare in a public announcement to them, I never came to know you experientially. Be going away from me, you who are working the lawlessness. (
Erdmans)
Young's: and then I will acknowledge to them, that -- I never knew you, depart from me ye who are working lawlessness.

And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS (Never Mt 25:12; John 10:14,27-30; 2 Timothy 2:19) (Depart Mt 25:41;