Millions Think They're Saved... But Jesus Never Knew Them | Pastor Josh Howerton
Speaker: Pastor Josh Howerton
Overview
In this challenging biblical message, Pastor Josh Howerton examines one of the most sobering warnings Jesus ever gave: not everyone who professes to believe in Him, identifies as a Christian, or participates in religious activities is necessarily someone who has genuinely experienced salvation.
Drawing particularly from Matthew 7:21–23, Howerton explores the difference between outward expressions of Christianity and an authentic, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His central concern is that many people may possess a false sense of spiritual security, believing themselves saved while never having truly surrendered their lives to Christ.
Key Biblical Teachings
1. Religious Activity Is Not the Same as Salvation
Attending church, reading the Bible, praying, performing good deeds, and participating in Christian ministry are not, by themselves, proof of salvation. Even impressive religious accomplishments cannot substitute for genuine faith and a transformed relationship with God.
2. Jesus' Warning in Matthew 7:21–23
Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. Some will point to their religious accomplishments, even claiming to have prophesied, cast out demons, and performed mighty works in His name.
Yet Jesus will declare to some of them:
"I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Matthew 7:23 (KJV)
The distinction is between merely performing religious activities and actually belonging to Christ. Jesus is not looking for empty religious appearances but genuine faith and obedience.
3. Salvation Is About Knowing Christ
There is an important difference between knowing facts about Jesus and personally knowing Him. A person can grow up in church, memorize Scripture, understand Christian doctrine, and participate in ministry without necessarily having surrendered their heart to Christ.
Genuine Christianity involves a personal relationship with Jesus, founded upon faith in His sacrifice, His resurrection, and His saving grace.
4. Good Works Cannot Replace the Gospel
Human goodness cannot erase sin or earn reconciliation with God. Salvation is not a reward for accumulating enough good deeds. It is made possible through the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Good works should be the fruit of genuine faith, not an attempt to purchase salvation or compensate for sin.
5. Examine Your Own Relationship With God
The message challenges Christians to examine their own hearts rather than simply judging the spiritual condition of others. The important question is not merely whether someone considers themselves religious, but whether their faith is genuine and their life reflects a sincere commitment to Jesus Christ.
The Central Message
The most important takeaway is that Christianity is not simply about religious identification, church attendance, biblical knowledge, or outward morality. It is about genuine faith in Jesus Christ, receiving His grace, and living in a relationship with Him.
A profession of faith should not become a substitute for authentic faith. Neither should religious accomplishments create a false sense of security.
The question we must ultimately confront is not simply whether we know who Jesus is, but whether we truly belong to Him.
Scripture for Further Study
- Matthew 7:21–23 — The warning about those who call Jesus Lord.
- John 17:3 — Knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ.
- Romans 3:23–24 — Sin, grace, and justification through Christ.
- Ephesians 2:8–10 — Salvation by grace through faith and the purpose of good works.
- 2 Corinthians 13:5 — Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.
- James 2:17–26 — Genuine faith and its demonstration through works.
- 1 John 2:3–6 — Knowing Christ and keeping His commandments.
This message serves as a serious reminder that eternal security should never rest upon religious appearances or human accomplishments, but upon genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
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