And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’    Matthew 7:21 NKJV

Facial recognition software has become a very useful tool. You may use it to unlock your smartphone or your office door. Police agencies can use it to identify criminals caught on camera. It’s just another technological breakthrough that can be both a help and a hindrance. For example, my phone doesn’t recognize me when I am wearing glasses. I think some systems are more advanced and can recognize faces even with beards or glasses, but our smartphones aren’t there yet.

When we get to heaven I don’t know if there will be facial recognition. We know our souls go to heaven. But one thing we know for sure is Jesus knows who we are. He knows how many hairs we have on our heads (Luke 12:7). He will recognize us at the judgment. Keep in mind, He also knows what’s in our hearts (Luke 16:15).

It’s not our faces that get us into or out of heaven, it’s what’s in our hearts.

Jesus is saying in our Scripture passage that many people who look and talk and act like Christians may be sent into an eternity in hell. Why? Because of what is truly in their hearts.

There is a common belief that we will recognize each other in heaven. When Billy Graham was asked this question, he answered it by quoting 1 Corinthians 12:13 which says “For now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known.” He explained this by saying we won’t only recognize each other but will know each other even better.

We are living in an age where people are holding to a form of godliness but denying God’s power (2 Timothy 3:1). Simply put, they are claiming to be Christians, but not fully comprehending God’s word or God’s power. This can be a very costly mistake. It can cost us eternal life with God the Father in heaven.

Don’t ever underestimate God’s power. We can’t please Him without faith (Hebrews 11:6). Don’t think just because we serve a loving God that He won’t judge us and execute judgment when we do wrong. He will not overlook our sins. He will not give a free pass just because we have some pretty good excuses.

None of us know whether we have another second on this planet. What we do know from God’s word is we will all face judgment (Revelation 20:12-13).

Jesus knows our faces, He knows our hearts. He tells us in John 13:35 that others will recognize us as His disciples by our love. Jesus will recognize our face, but most importantly He will recognize our love, the love we showed for Him and others.

You don’t want to hear Jesus tell you, “Depart from me I never knew you.” Trust in Him today.

Have a great day!