Have I Done Enough to Get Into Heaven?
There was a time when Matthew 7:22-23 used to haunt me. I remember reading it and feeling a deep sense of unease. Jesus’ words hit hard:
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
I couldn’t shake the thought: What if that’s me? What if I spent my life thinking I was doing the right things, confident that I was “good enough” for heaven, only to find out I’d missed the most important thing? It’s a terrifying thought—to believe you’re on the right path, only to realize at the end that you’ve been walking in the wrong direction.
I never want to find myself in that place, and I don’t want anyone else to either. This passage forced me to confront a crucial truth: it’s not just about what we do that gets us into heaven, but about knowing Jesus intimately.
Good Works Aren’t Enough
In these verses, people are standing before Jesus, listing off the impressive things they’ve done in His name—prophesying, driving out demons, performing miracles. These aren’t trivial acts; they’re significant displays of spiritual power. Yet Jesus’ response is sobering: “I never knew you.”
This isn’t a judgment against the works themselves, but a revelation that good deeds alone aren’t the ticket to heaven.
It doesn’t matter how spiritually “successful” we seem if our relationship with Jesus is missing. That realization shook me.
I had to stop and ask myself, Am I doing things for Jesus while neglecting my relationship with Him?
It’s About Relationship, Not Religion
The more I reflected on these verses, the clearer it became: Christianity isn’t about ticking off a checklist of religious duties or building up spiritual accomplishments. It’s about a living, breathing relationship with Jesus. When Jesus says, “I never knew you,” He’s not talking about intellectual knowledge. It’s about intimacy, about a heart connection.
It’s possible to go through the motions—attending church, serving, even doing great things in His name—while missing the essence of what it means to truly follow Him. Jesus desires to know us personally, to walk with us, and to have a relationship with us that shapes every aspect of our lives. That’s what He means by “knowing” us.
The Danger of Self-Reliance
One of the scariest parts of this passage is how confident the people are in their standing before Jesus. They list their spiritual achievements as if they’ve earned their place in heaven. But here’s the danger—they’re relying on their works to justify themselves.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-reliance, believing that what we do for God is what makes us worthy of heaven. I’ve been guilty of this mindset myself. I would look at my good deeds and think, Well, I’m doing all the right things, so I must be on the right track. But this passage reveals that even the most outwardly impressive actions can mean nothing if they aren’t flowing from a relationship with Jesus.
The Heart Behind the Works
Jesus doesn’t dismiss good works altogether, but He makes it clear that the heart behind them matters. Are we doing things for God to earn His favor, or are we doing them with God out of love and devotion? The difference is subtle but significant.
The people in this passage were performing great works, but they lacked the key ingredient: knowing Jesus. Their actions were disconnected from the relationship. When we truly know Jesus, our actions flow from that relationship naturally, not as a way to earn salvation, but as an expression of the love and grace we’ve received from Him.
Knowing Jesus is the Key to Eternal Life
This passage ultimately points to the truth that salvation isn’t about our works; it’s about knowing Jesus. Eternal life is not a reward for good behavior, but a gift that comes from being in relationship with Him.
Jesus’ words—“I never knew you”—are a reminder that we can’t rely on our religious accomplishments or spiritual resumes to get us into heaven. Salvation comes from knowing Jesus personally, trusting Him as Lord, and following Him daily. It’s a relationship built on grace, not on what we do, but on who He is.
Conclusion: A Call to Examine Our Hearts
Matthew 7:22-23 isn’t meant to scare us into despair, but to lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It’s a call to examine our hearts and ask ourselves: Am I relying on my good deeds, or am I seeking to know Jesus more intimately?
I used to fear being one of the people in this passage—someone who thought they were good with God, only to find out they’d missed the point. But that fear has turned into a deeper desire to know Jesus, to walk with Him closely, and to live in the confidence that comes from being in relationship with Him.
At the end of the day, it’s not about what we’ve done—it’s about who we know. And knowing Jesus is the only thing that truly matters.
Do You Know Him Yet?
If you’re new to this journey and want to understand how to receive God’s forgiveness for the first time, you can start with this simple prayer:
“Father God, I come to You with an open heart, seeking Your love and forgiveness. I acknowledge that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to take the penalty for my sins. I believe in Him and His sacrifice, and I accept the gift of grace that You offer.
Please forgive me, cleanse my heart, and help me to follow You. I want to know You more and walk in Your ways. Thank You for Your unconditional love and for welcoming me into Your family.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.“
If you said this prayer, don’t keep it a secret. We would LOVE to know more and connect with you on your journey. Please send us a message so we can reach out to you and walk with you in the best decision ever.