Matthew, Chapter 7

[Computer8]

I’ve thought before that, in Matthew Chapter 7, could it be possible that the people on Judgement Day who say: “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, work many miracles in your name?” are lying about what they are claiming to have done (they never did prophesy in His name, drive out demons in His name or work miracles in His name). They realise that Jesus is the son of God on Judgement Day but it is too late. That is why Jesus responds with: “I have never known you; away from me, all evil doers!”?

I am a Catholic and I don’t think I’ve read this interpretation anywhere before.
Would it be possible for this interpretation to be correct?

 

[erikd]

Hi, Computer8, my answer to your question is no, it is not possible to lie in front of God. When we go up to judgement day, we no longer have our earthly bodies, nor are we subject to the precepts of this life. We are already in our next life where it is not possible to lie to God. Lying is a function of human error.

 

[Ferds_Guiang]

Hi Computer8!
Some people may be using God’s name to do good things. But sometimes we can never know the hidden motives of people. So if for instance someone uses God’s name to evangelize but is living in grave in, then that is what Jesus condemns. Jesus does not require that we mouth words of praise only, He asks us to interiorly be sincere in following Him in all areas of our lives.

 

[Reuben_J]

Yes, these are the people who do the work of God but with different motive and self interest. It also can be hypocrisy like the Pharisees.

What is interesting is that even an insincere person (living in sin or self-interest) can still perform the work of the Lord and may prophesize, drive demons and even perform miracles. These may include lay people and clergies who on the outside perform their duty accordingly but deep inside are involving in sin. These will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Thus Mt 7:21 “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”.