THEOSISGregory the Great
If He removes him from his position, He will deny him, saying, I have not known you (Job 8:18). The hypocrite is “removed from his position” when he is separated from the accolades of this world through the reality of death. However, the inner Witness rejects him, leading to his destruction, affirming that He does not acknowledge him. The Truth, which rightly condemns the life of the fraud, does not recognize him or the righteous deeds he has performed, as he has never directed them towards the true intent of the heart. Thus, at the time of judgment, He will declare to the foolish virgins, Truly I say unto you, I know you not (Matthew 25:12), and upon witnessing the corruption of the heart, He even condemns physical purity.
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It would be insufficient for hypocrites if their own demise were the only consequence of their actions, as their wickedness also leads others down the path of deceit. Many seek to gather others like themselves, striving to create unity in their way of life and promoting their own desires as models for imitation. Consequently, among hypocrites, any semblance of simplicity is seen as an affront. They denounce candor of character, often deeming the purity of heart as folly. Those they wish to ensnare are steered away from the path of simplicity, and believing they have eliminated foolishness from their midst, they consider themselves enlightened, having compelled others to abandon that stronghold of wisdom—purity of heart. Yet, in His mercy, the hypocrite is judged not only for his own depravity but also for leading his followers to ruin; after insisting that he would not be recognized by the Judge, the subsequent words are fittingly added: