John 6:40 - For
my Father’s will is that
everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
These many people (unbelievers) in Matthew 7:22 had the wrong foundation. They were
trusting in their works to save them and NOT IN CHRIST ALONE. Jesus
NEVER knew them which means they were
NEVER saved. Their hearts were not right with God, so their attempted external obedience was stained with sin. *Seeking salvation by works is not the will of the Father.
Without faith it's impossible to please God no matter how many "alleged" wonderful works that these many people set out to conjure up through the flesh. This is why Jesus referred to them as WORKERS OF INIQUITY/LAWLESSNESS! *They were self righteous.
I'll never forget, prior to my conversion several years ago, while still attending the Roman Catholic church, I read Matthew 7:22 and thought to myself, wow! These many people accomplished all of that, "prophesied in His name, cast out demons, and did many wonderful works" but that still was not "good enough?" Then I thought to myself at that time, how am I going to "top that" and be "good enough?" Such is the mindset of someone who believes that salvation is by works.
Is Jaumej truly believing in His Lord by TRUSTING IN HIM AS THE ALL-SUFFICIENT MEANS OF HIS SALVATION? Or is he trusting in "what he does" (works) as the means of his salvation, like these many people in Matthew 7:22-23.
These many people in Matthew 7:22 were busy doing, but it was apart from truly believing and look where that got them. Sadly, there are many people who are "religious, but not right with God."