DOES JESUS KNOW YOU?

Jesus identified Himself as both Lord and Master (Jn. 13:13), and yet, He twice tells His disciples that He will reject some who come to Him addressing Him as "Lord" (Mt. 7:21; 25:11).  That seems to contradict statements made by the Apostles Peter and Paul.  In Acts 2:21, Peter said, "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."  Paul wrote, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:13).  Since Scripture cannot contradict itself, there must be an explanation.  Let's look at the two passages:   

*   "Not every one 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 cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Mt. 7:21-23). 
*   "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not" (Mt. 25:11-12).

In the first, Jesus is saying that He is "from Missouri."  It is easy to call Him Lord, but the proof of a relationship with Him, is the person's faithfulness at doing God's will.  And what is God's will when it comes to salvation?  He answered that very question by saying, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent" (Jn. 6:29).  Notice those rejected had come to Him declaring their "good works."  Ephesians 2:8-9 says this about "good works":  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast."

In the second, a parable, Jesus was describing those awaiting His return (Second Coming), by comparing it to something familiar to them:  the Jewish wedding.  In it, the Bridegroom (Jesus) takes His bride (the Church) to His Father's house for the actually wedding ceremony (cp. Mt. 25:1-6; Jn. 14:1-3; Rev. 19:7-9).  Upon returning with His wife for the Marriage Supper (cp. Mt. 25:10; Rev. 19:7-9), those who knew it was His Second Coming (born again Jews - those with the oil - most believe it is the Holy Spirit), are allowed to enter.  Those without the oil, appear to be those who are still awaiting His First Coming (Jews who had not accepted the One whom God had already sent).

 

Those who know the Resurrected Messiah, are also known by Him (Jn. 10:27)!