Seasons Greetings!

In the light of this Advent season, today we answer the question: who were those of whom the Lord said “Depart from Me, ye that work iniquity, I never knew you.”

Given the Fulfilled Theology of Jesus Christ and His Apostles, as evidenced in the best writings from the very best and brightest of the Early Church Fathers, we must first put these words into context.

Let’s start with our Lord’s words from the Sermon on the Mount:

“Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he that does my Father’s will which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not by thy name prophesied? and by thy name cast out devils? and by thy name done many great works? And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Now, to provide the proper context so we can understand these words even today, let’s hear what St. John Chrysostom and the early church had to say about these verses, as we paraphrase from their writings:

Our Lord said, “Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but he that does the will of my Father which is in Heaven.”

Consider, first off, why He did not say, but he that does MY will? The answer? Because for the time, it was a great gain for His then present listeners to receive even this first; yes it was very great, considering their weakness. For at this early time in His ministry, they were yet unable to grasp (as Philip finally did near the end of Christ’s earthly ministry in John 14:8-9) that this Jesus was indeed God, that single manifestation, that one and only Christ, that one and only Incarnation of the triune God.

And moreover, He intimated that His will was the will of the Father also by His statement; can you not see this? For in truth, as a baptized believer, you have the veil lifted, and you can therefore already see that in fact there is no other will of the Son besides that of the Father!

But who then are these men? These men who said to Jesus Christ in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not by thy name prophesied? and by thy name cast out devils? and by thy name done many great works?” Only then to be cast out of Heaven?

Well, these are the many of them that began to believe during that transitional generation between 30 and 70 AD, and received gifts, but were not in truth with Jesus; such as Judas–for was he not, even wicked as he was, a recipient of gifts from God?

And in the Old Testament also this may be found, in that grace is oftentimes wrought upon unworthy persons, that it might do good to others. That is, since all men were not meet for all things, but some were of a pure life, not having so great faith, and others just the contrary; by these sayings, while He urges the one to show forth much faith, the others too He was summoning by this His unspeakable gift to become better men.

Wherefore also with great abundance did He bestow that grace during that generation upon which the end did come. For those that will be turned away wrought, it is said, “many mighty works.” But He tells us, “then will I profess unto them, I knew you not.” And what means this? The Lord is saying that for now indeed they suppose they are my friends; but then shall they know, that not as to friends did I give this grace to them.

And why marvel ye if He has bestowed gifts on men that have believed on Him, though without life suitable to their faith, when even on those who have fallen from both of these (faith and a suitable life), He is unquestionably found working?

For so Balaam was an alien both from faith and from a truly good life; nevertheless grace wrought on him for the service of other men. And Pharaoh too was of the same sort: yet for all that even to him He signified the things to come. And Nebuchadnezzar was very full of iniquity; yet to him again He revealed what was to follow after many generations. And again to the son of this last, though surpassing his father in iniquity, He signified the things to come, ordering a marvelous and great future.

Accordingly, then (and hear these words carefully!), because also the beginnings of the gospel were taking place, and it was requisite, that the manifestation of its power should be abundant!, many even of the unworthy used to receive gifts.

Howbeit, even from those miracles no gain accrued to them; rather they are the more punished (do you see the reason for our Lord’s words against them!). Wherefore unto them did He utter even that fearful saying, “I never knew you:” there being many for whom His hatred begins already even here; whom He turns away from, even before the judgment.

Let us fear therefore, and take great heed to our life, neither let us account ourselves worse off, in that we do not work miracles now (understand this Fulfilled Theology of the Early Church, and see that the miracles as wrought by Christ, His Apostles, and those of that generation were specifically a part of just that generation, given to prove the end of days and complete the Great Commission, even ceasing in that generation before the end came in 70 AD).

And understand as well, that the working of miracles would never be any advantage to us, as neither any disadvantage in our not working them, IF we take heed to all virtue. Because for the miracles we ourselves are debtors, but for our life and our doings we have God our debtor. Think of this, if we but practice the virtue Christ speaks of here in the Sermon on the Mount, we will have Him our debtor, receiving us up into Heaven through faith in Christ and His own guarantee of promise.

Now what be the meaning of all this? The point of understanding these verses here today during this Advent season? Simple, to enhance our present earthly walk with the Lord as active participants in the First Resurrection. To fully receive the gift of that miraculous Advent of God Himself in Christ given to humankind so many years ago. To understand that we need not chase after false prophets who are ever seeking to take advantage of the weak among us by pretended miracles. To truly walk in the light of authentic truth.

Well, that’s all for today. . . If you are already walking daily with us through the New Testament–we trust God is blessing your time in His Word. If you are not already enrolled, but you would like to be, you can join us by enrolling here: DSR Teaching Service. No matter your choice, please remember in the meantime to keep yourself in the Word!

And remember to speak God’s love into someone’s life today!

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(c) Copyright – Paul Rakowicz. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.