When God said," depart from me I never knew you." , he was referring to those who claim Christianity, but their life is of sinful things, not reflecting the change a Christian is subjected to when the Holy Spirit fills their life. 1st John 2: 9 says," they went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but they're going showed that none of them belonged to us." anyone who claimed Christianity, but then turns away and rejects God was never truly a Christian to begin with, for anyone who truly knew Christ could not reject him. 2nd Timothy 2: 11 - 13," here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for he cannot …show more content…
They are spared from God's judgment, because despite their wondering they are still saved. They are wandering sheep, that will be gathered by their Shepherd. The prodigal son assumed he could have a more interesting and satisfying life away from his father, but instead was greeted with poverty and misfortune. So is that of a backslid Christian. God will actively pursue guiding the lost believer back to His path, and will welcome him back with open arms like that of the prodigal son's