What does 'I never knew you' mean in Matthew 7?

In Matthew 7:23, when Jesus declares 'I never knew you,' He is addressing those who claim righteousness based on their works rather than on faith in Christ. This condemnation reflects an inability to plead genuine mercy and grace, exposing a relationship deficit with the Savior. This illustrates that mere verbal acknowledgment of Christ absent of true faith leads to eternal separation. Believers must approach God humbly, recognizing their need for Christ's redemptive work while placing complete reliance on His grace for salvation, as opposed to self-reliance or boasting in their achievements.