Articles

 

Are You Known? A Warning and Invitation

Matthew 7:21–23; Galatians 4:9

by Dr Timothy Mann

Introduction: The Sobering Flip Side

So far in this series, we’ve seen the comfort, purpose, and security that come from being known by the Good Shepherd. But today we come to a sobering turn.  Because not everyone is known by Christ in this saving way.

In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus delivers one of the most chilling warnings in all of Scripture:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven… And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

These are not atheists. These are religious people. They say the right words. They even do impressive works. But Jesus says, “I never knew you.”  This is not a lack of information—it’s the absence of relationship.

Head Knowledge vs. Saving Relationship

We live in a culture—especially in the Bible Belt—where people grow up “knowing about Jesus.” But knowing about Him is not the same as being known by Him.  There’s a massive difference between familiarity and faith.

These individuals in Matthew 7 had religion. They had activity. But they lacked repentance and relationship. They never surrendered. They never trusted Christ as Savior and followed Him as Lord.  This is why Galatians 4:9 is so powerful. Paul writes:

“But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God…”

That shift is everything. The ultimate foundation of your salvation isn’t that you know God—but that He knows you.

The Dangers of False Assurance

Jesus’ words are not scare tactics. They are acts of mercy. He loves us too much to let us assume we’re safe when we’re not. That’s why He says:

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith” (2 Cor. 13:5).

False assurance is eternally dangerous. It’s like thinking you’re safe inside a fortress, only to discover the foundation was sand.  That’s why Jesus uses such stark language. He wants to awaken the self-deceived—not to shame them, but to save them.

Responding to the Shepherd’s Call

Here’s the hope: You don’t have to wonder if you’re known. Jesus says in John 10:27,

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

If you’ve heard His voice—if you’ve repented and believed—you are His. And if you haven’t yet, the door is still open.  Jesus is calling. He’s still seeking. And He already knows your name.  The question is: Will you respond?

This is not about trying harder, being better, or doing more religious things. This is about trusting the Shepherd who laid down His life to save you and rose again to give you eternal life.

Invitation: Be Known Today

Maybe you’ve been around church your whole life. Maybe you’ve tried to clean yourself up. Maybe you’ve been faking it, hoping it’s enough.  But deep down, you know you’ve never truly surrendered.

Friend, don’t settle for secondhand faith. Don’t wait another day. The Good Shepherd knows you. He sees your sin. He knows your shame. And still—He calls you. Come to Him.

Jesus says in Matthew 11:28,

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Rest isn’t found in religious performance—it’s found in a real relationship with Jesus.

Reflection & Application

• Have you assumed you’re saved because of religious activity, but never truly repented and trusted Christ?
• What’s the difference between knowing about Jesus and being known by Him?
• How does Galatians 4:9 help you evaluate the foundation of your assurance?

Don’t walk away from this post unchanged. Jesus isn’t asking if you’ve done enough. He’s asking: “Are you Mine?”

If you hear His voice today, don’t harden your heart. Come to Him in repentance and faith. Be known. Be saved.