DEPART FROM ME: 5 Days to Know You're Really Savedনমুনা

The Terrifying Warning

Devotion: This is the most terrifying passage in Scripture. Not atheists. Not pagans. Not skeptics. But religious people—people who called Jesus "Lord," performed miracles, cast out demons, and did ministry in His name—hear the words, "Depart from Me, I never knew you."

Never. Not "I once knew you but you fell away." Never. As in, not for one moment. Not ever. They thought they were saved. They were wrong.

These people were confident. They had a ministry resumé. Prophecy. Deliverance. Miracles. Public ministry. Spiritual gifts. They pointed to their works as proof of salvation. Jesus said their works proved nothing.

Why? Because they never knew Him. They knew about Him. Worked for Him. Used His name. But never had a relationship with Him. Religion without relationship. Ministry without intimacy. Activity without surrender.

Here's what haunts me: if they could be deceived, so can we. If they could think they were saved when they weren't, we could too. If they could serve Jesus without knowing Jesus, it's possible we are.

Jesus didn't say "few will be surprised." He said "many" will hear "depart from Me." Many. That word should terrify us into self-examination.

Paul said, "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves" (2 Corinthians 13:5). This isn't about doubting God's faithfulness. It's about testing our own.

Better to question now than be shocked then.

Declaration: "I will examine my faith honestly. I refuse to assume I'm saved without evidence. I will test myself against Scripture and pursue genuine relationship with Jesus."

Prayer: "Jesus, search my heart. Show me if I'm deceiving myself. I don't want religion—I want relationship. I don't want to work for You—I want to know You. Reveal any false assurance. I'd rather be shaken now than shocked on judgment day. In Your name, amen."