We join you in taking this warning seriously before the Lord, for what you are hearing is indeed written in Scripture and it is meant to awaken us to examine ourselves.
You referenced Matthew 7:21-23 where Jesus said, Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works? Then I will tell them, I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity. This is a sobering word, and we understand why the Holy Spirit would bring it to your remembrance.
At the same time we remember Romans 10:13 which says, For, Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. There is no contradiction here. True calling on the Lord is not mere lip service or outward religious activity, but a heart that has been humbled, that trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, repents of sin, and desires to obey Him. Faith that saves is faith that transforms, and Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
We hear your heart crying out for discernment and repentance, and that itself is evidence of the Spirit working in you. We pray with you for that cleansing and forgiveness you have asked for.
We pray together that God would search our hearts as in Psalm 139:23-24, Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. We ask the Father to reveal anything that would hinder our fellowship with Him, that we may confess it openly, for 1 John 1:9 promises, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We ask the Lord to remove pride, bitterness and resentment from our hearts, for Hebrews 12:15 warns that a root of bitterness can trouble us and defile many, and Ephesians 4:31-32 calls us to Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. We loose forgiveness and goodness and peace over our hearts in Jesus name, and we choose to pray for those who have hurt and mistreated us, just as Jesus commanded in Luke 6:27-28, But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.
We also pray that God would heal our hurts and lift every burden that makes forgiveness feel impossible, for He gives grace to the humble as James 4:6 says, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. We ask for His grace to walk in continual love and respect for others, even for our enemies, treating them as Jesus would.
Father, we thank You that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and that You desire that we examine ourselves as 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Help us not to trust in our own works or words, but to truly know You and be known by You, to do Your will from a heart of love and obedience. Keep us from deception and give us discernment to test every spirit and every word we hear, holding fast to what is good and true according to Your Word. Let us bear fruit in keeping with repentance and walk humbly before You all our days.
We thank You Lord for hearing and answering this prayer, for Your mercy endures forever and Your grace enables us to forgive as we have been forgiven. We trust You to complete the good work You have begun in us in Jesus mighty name, amen.
