There is a shocking truth that Jesus taught—one that many in the modern church quietly ignore. It pierces the illusion that profession equals possession, or that activity means authenticity. This is not a word for unbelievers but for those who think they are His.
“Ministry without union is the greatest deception in the Church.”
The Illusion of Words Without Life #
Jesus said:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to Me on that day [of judgment], ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?’”
— Matthew 7:21–22, AMP
At first glance, these people seem deeply spiritual. They say “Lord, Lord,” and even boast in mighty works: prophecy, deliverance, miracles. Yet they are denied entrance into the Kingdom. Why?
What Does ‘Lord’ Mean? #
| English Word | Original Greek | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Lord | κύριος (kyrios) | Master, supreme authority, owner |
To call Jesus “Lord” is to submit to Him as your rightful owner. But saying it is not enough. Jesus uncovers that many say it, but do not live under His rule.
The Problem: External Acts Without Inner Union #
Notice what these people claim:
“Not everyone who says ‘Lord’ is known by the Lord.”
- “We prophesied in Your Name.”
- “We cast out demons in Your Name.”
- “We did miracles in Your Name.”
They are not pagans. They ministered. They used His name. They were active in power, yet unknown to Him.
Why? Because the source of their works was not union with Christ, but likely gifting, ambition, or religious zeal.
A Clear Comparison #
| What They Had | What They Lacked |
|---|---|
| Words (“Lord, Lord”) | Obedience to His will |
| Works (prophecy, power) | Relationship with Christ |
| Gifts of the Spirit | Fruit of the Spirit |
| Ministry | Intimacy |
| Public success | Private surrender |
This is the tragedy: They moved in His name but not in His nature.
“I Never Knew You” #
“Then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].’”
— Matthew 7:23, AMP
The Greek word for “knew” is γινώσκω (ginōskō)—a word denoting intimate, experiential knowing, like between a husband and wife. Jesus is not saying, “I never heard of you,” but rather, “We were never one.”
They used His name without His life. Their actions were unauthorised because they were not flowing from union with Him.
“The power of God can flow through a man God does not live in.”
The Real Evidence of Sonship #
“Only the one who does the will of My Father… will enter the Kingdom.”
The will of the Father is not religious effort but spiritual obedience, flowing from relationship. It’s Christ in you, doing the Father’s will through you.
“For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you… strengthening, energising, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfil your purpose.”
— Philippians 2:13, AMP
The Danger of Self-Driven Ministry #
The people in this passage ministered without being mastered by Christ. They were busy doing things for God, but not walking with God.
All this is only when Christ is in you, you are led by the Spirit, and you are dead to the world, dead to Adam, and the flesh—but alive in Christ and the Spirit.
Without this death, ministry becomes performance. Without the Spirit, gifts become deception.
“That Day” Is Coming #
Jesus says, “on that day”—a phrase pointing to the judgment seat of Christ, where all our works will be tested:
“Each man’s work will become evident… and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:13, NASB
Not everything done for God is of God. Only what is born by the Spirit and done in union with Christ will remain.
The Call: Know Him, Yield to Him #
This word is not to scare, but to sober. Jesus is calling us:
- Not to perform, but to be transformed.
- Not to do more, but to abide more.
- Not to say “Lord,” but to live as His.
A Final Warning to the Religious #
Many today equate spiritual gifts with spiritual maturity. But Judas healed the sick, too. Caiaphas prophesied. Balaam saw visions. Yet none knew God.
True discipleship is not in public power but private obedience. And that only flows from knowing Him deeply and yielding completely.
