There are few passages in the Bible that cause more anxiety for a sincere believer than Matthew 7:21-23. In it, Jesus describes a future judgment where people who seem to be his followers are turned away with the terrifying words, “I never knew you; depart from me.” These aren’t pagans or atheists; they are people who actively call him “Lord,” prophesy, cast out demons, and perform mighty works in his name. This Matthew 7 warning dismantles comfortable assumptions and forces every believer to ask a terrifying question: