Many Muslims have suggested that Jesus is saying that everyone who calls Him "Lord" will be greeted with the response that "I never knew you", as a result of having called Jesus "Lord".
Let's look at the evidence within the passage itself:
Mat 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.We can see that those that do the will of Jesus "Father which is in heaven." will enter the kingdom of heaven.
This is a serious warning to those who believe themselves to be Christian but aren't submitted to the Lord's will but prefer the ways and things of this world. And particularly to those who remain in iniquity, in serial sin, that have not repented from that behavior. For Christians that may feel a little insecure about this passage here's a video that can help:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYsClDclvf0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ_26AE0G_8http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm?Criteria=lord+jesus&t=KJV&sf=5The notion that this passage is about condemning those that call Jesus Lord can be dismissed with a few verses. For Muslims, when you hear a concept like this from a proven liar like Deedat (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYcDZM8Hmg0 ) why not do a word search for yourself. In this case put the word - lord - in the box on this link:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm?Criteria=lord+jesus&t=KJV&sf=5You will readily see from verses like this.
A thief that was crucified on a cross next to Jesus said:
Luke 23:39
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.We can see that one thief had believed in Jesus and had become regenerate. He was more concerned about the kingdom to come than in having his own flesh saved for this world. As a result Jesus promises Him paradise even though he called Jesus "Lord".
One will also note that Jesus' disciples and apostles called Him "Lord" all the time:
John 13:24
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. 25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
