“Go...I never knew you.”
The most frightening words that Jesus ever spoke.
On the other hand, “Well done my good and faithful servant” are among the most comforting. That’s what I long to hear even if He says right after, “Close the gates behind you, you’re the last one in” :)
But notice they had been “working for salvation”, per Charles’ instruction. THAT’S the scary part, they thought they had obligated God.
The most frightening words that Jesus ever spoke.
They proved his point by becoming uppity and defensive. Now if they had shown sincere interest in the relationship, they would have greatly desired to rectify it via contriteness of heart and a genuine spirit of reconciliation.
Then he would have been merciful and open for a fresh start. Alas, though, they demonstrated that they were strangers all along, just wanting free stuff and attaboys without all the "trouble" of loving him personally.
If they had truly loved him, they would have felt lower than low, and would have been falling all over themselves in order to put the pieces back together. And he would have seen that, and responded accordingly.
He really just loves people. Simple as that. He has a lot of patience, but doesn't want to be messed with, either.
It was extrememly difficult to recognize and to trust him, what with shrewd and ruthless deceivers out there pretending to be him, but I worked past that, and he listened and understood. Praise God.