Question: Are the people to whom Jesus says "I never knew you" nominal Christians?

Question: To many who claim to have done signs and wonders in His name, Christ says He will say, “I never knew you” (Matthew:7:22-23 [22] 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? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
See All...). Are these nominal Christians? People who “think” they’re Christians? Born-again Christians who messed up?

Response: This scripture is a solemn warning! Those He addresses apparently were accepted and honored by many as Christian leaders and seemingly did great exploits in Christ’s name—or so they thought. They even seem to be sincere in telling Christ: “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?” (Matthew:7:22Many 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?
See All...).

Jesus (who says, “I know my sheep”—John:10:14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
See All...) declares, “I never knew you.” Thus they were never true Christians (His sheep) “who messed up,” nor could they be “nominal Christians” but leaders and presumed miracle workers!

They do seem to “think” they are Christians, but they clearly never understood the gospel. Obviously, they are false prophets. Works, no matter how seemingly miraculous, are not the basis of salvation and cannot provide assurance of salvation. Their plea ought to have been, “Lord, You promised eternal life to those who believe in You. We believed and are saved by faith, so You can’t turn us away.” The true gospel was neither the emphasis of their “ministry” nor the basis of their assurance.

Sadly, we find the same dominant emphasis upon “miracles,” or signs and wonders, within much of the charismatic and “faith teaching” and “positive confession” sectors of the professing church today. Take heed!

This is also a powerful scripture for eternal security. If salvation could be “lost,” surely Christ would have said to at least one of them, “You were doing well until you lost your salvation.” He says that to none of them. They never had salvation to “lose.”