" By simply reading the text, it’s evident the many Jesus warned about are those who think they’re saved but really aren’t. I can assure you that our Lord wasn’t referring to alcoholics in a bar or prostitutes roaming the streets, but to churchgoers and religious individuals on every level—including pastors, preachers, priests, elders, deacons, praise and worship leaders, those involved in children’s ministry, and on and on. “The fact that they uttered the word ‘Lord’ twice meant they were quite emphatic that a mistake had been made and that they truly belonged to Him. This would explain their desperate pleas, as they tried convincing Jesus of the many good things they did in His name—driving out demons and performing many miracles—as if God had somehow overlooked something, or that their constant pleadings might get Him to change His mind. "
― Patrick Higgins , I Never Knew You