Matthew 7:23

Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)

وَلَكِنِّي عِنْدَئِذٍ أُصَرِّحُ لَهُمْ: إِنِّي لَمْ أَعْرِفْكُمْ قَطُّ! ابْتَعِدُوا عَنِّي يَافَاعِلِي الإِثْمِ!

What Does This Mean?

This verse is Jesus saying that on the day of judgment, he will tell some people he never knew them and asks them to leave because they do bad things. The key message is about true faith being more than just words but also actions.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing hide-and-seek with your friends. If someone says they were on your team but didn't really help, the game wouldn't be fair. Jesus is saying that people who say they love him but don’t do good things won’t be recognized as his friends in the end.

Historical Background

The Gospel of Matthew was written by one of Jesus' disciples to a primarily Jewish-Christian audience around AD 80-90. This verse reflects the early church’s understanding that genuine faith involves more than just claiming to know God, but also living according to God's will.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, this could apply to someone who goes to church every week and talks about being a Christian but never shows kindness or love in their actions. True Christianity is not just about saying the right words but also doing good deeds that reflect faith.

Topics

• judgment
• faith
• works
• salvation
• deception
• truth

Related Verses

• Luke 6:43-45
• 1 John 2:3-6
• Romans 2:6-10
• Proverbs 28:13
• Matthew 7:15-20

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean that just saying you believe is not enough?

Yes, the verse indicates that true faith involves both belief and action. Simply claiming to know Jesus isn't enough; actions must align with one's beliefs.

What kind of 'iniquity' does this refer to?

Iniquity here refers to any actions or behaviors that go against God’s will, including hypocrisy and not following the commandments He has given.

Is there hope for those who have done iniquity?

There is always hope through repentance and turning back to God. This verse emphasizes the importance of genuine faith that produces good works, not just lip service.

How can we apply this teaching in our daily lives?

We can focus on living out our faith by doing good deeds, showing love, and being honest and faithful in all aspects of life to ensure our actions reflect our beliefs.