Let Us Not Be Denied by the Lord on That Day

Many believers today live with a false sense of security, mistaking God’s blessings for His approval. They experience divine favor—answered prayers, provision, healing—and assume they are walking in obedience. But Scripture warns that it is possible to appear close to God outwardly while being far from Him in heart.

Betrayal and Denial: Two Sides of the Same Coin

In the Gospels, both Judas and Peter failed Jesus in critical moments. Judas betrayed Him for money (Matthew 26:14–16), and Peter denied even knowing Him (Luke 22:54–62). While one handed Him over to death and the other distanced himself out of fear, both actions reflect a rejection of Christ.

Jesus taught that denial has eternal consequences:

Matthew 10:33 (ESV)
“But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”

Denial isn’t just about words; it’s about actions and lifestyle. When we choose sin over obedience, or remain silent about Christ in a hostile world, we deny Him.

What Does It Mean to Deny Christ?

Denial, biblically, goes beyond verbal rejection. It’s living a life that contradicts the truth we claim to believe. It’s making a vow to follow Christ but abandoning that commitment when tested.

Imagine two friends who pledge loyalty to each other. In times of joy, they walk together. But when one is in trouble, the other claims not to know them. That’s betrayal—just like what Peter did.

Jesus warns of a future moment when many who seemed to walk with Him will hear devastating words:

Luke 13:25–27 (ESV)
“When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’”

God’s Blessings Are Not Always a Sign of His Approval

Jesus teaches that God is good even to the wicked:

Matthew 5:45 (ESV)
“For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

So, when God blesses us with health, jobs, or success, it doesn’t necessarily mean He is pleased with our lives. He is merciful, not blind. Grace is extended even to those who continue in sin—not as a reward, but as a call to repentance.

This is why some will say on Judgment Day:

Matthew 7:21–23 (ESV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

These are not unbelievers. These are religious people—some even ministers—who performed miracles in Jesus’ name but lived lives of hidden sin and rebellion.

The Call to Genuine Faith and Obedience

God is not deceived by outward religiosity. He desires a heart fully surrendered to Him. The Apostle Paul reminds us:

Titus 1:16 (ESV)
“They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”

If we claim to follow Christ but continue in unrepentant sin, we are denying Him by our actions. This includes secret adultery, dishonesty, drunkenness, idolatry, and love for the world (1 John 2:15).

Hebrews 10:26–27 (ESV)
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment…”

What Must We Do?

1. Repent sincerely – Turn away from sin and confess your need for Christ’s forgiveness (Acts 3:19).
2. Be baptized – As a public declaration of faith and obedience (Acts 2:38).
3. Be filled with the Holy Spirit – Who empowers us to live holy lives (Galatians 5:16).
4. Live in daily obedience – Doing the will of God, not merely knowing it (James 1:22).

Final Appeal

Jesus may be walking with you now—blessing you, guiding you, even using you. But what will He say on that Day? Will He welcome you into His kingdom, or will you hear the painful words: “I never knew you”?

Do not let God’s kindness lead you to complacency. Let it lead you to repentance (Romans 2:4).

2 Peter 1:10 (ESV)
“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.”

This is your moment. Surrender completely. Be known by Him—truly and eternally.

Shalom.
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