“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21 (KJV)
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” – Matthew 7:21 (NLT)
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master’—won’t get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills.” – Matthew 7:21 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 7:21 Mean?
This verse is a powerful statement from Jesus that challenges us to examine the nature of our faith and what it truly means to follow Him. It serves as a reminder that mere verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord is not sufficient for entry into God’s kingdom. We must also actively live out the teachings and commands of God. It highlights the difference between professing faith in Christ and demonstrating that faith through our actions.
Jesus is telling us that saying the right words is essential, but it cannot replace obedience to God’s will. We may shout “Lord, Lord” with passion, but if our lives do not reflect His teachings and commands, we risk missing out on a relationship with Him. Essentially, the foundation of our faith should be built on the actions we take, showing our dedication to living in accordance with God’s purposes.
Matthew 7:21 Explanation and Commentary
In the context of Jesus’ teachings, Matthew 7:21 expresses a profound truth about the essence of true discipleship. We often see people who call themselves Christians but do not live according to the principles of God’s Word. This verse reminds us that we cannot simply claim to follow Christ; we must actively demonstrate our commitment through our choices and behavior.
To understand this better, we can reflect on James 1:22, which says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” This reinforces what Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:21: that our faith must manifest in action. If we genuinely believe in Christ, our lives should mirror the love, grace, and righteousness He exemplified.
Moreover, the call to do the will of the Father indicates that faith is not stagnant. It requires us to engage in a practice of seeking God’s direction, understanding His desires for our lives, and aligning our actions accordingly. This process involves regular prayer, studying Scripture, and remaining receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, as laid out in Galatians 5:25, which encourages us to “walk in the Spirit.” This means that our daily decisions and interactions must reflect that we are living under the influence of God’s Spirit.
Another critical aspect to consider is the relationship between faith and works. Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states that we are saved by grace through faith and not by works. However, this does not mean that works are unimportant. In Ephesians 2:10, we read, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Our good works are the evidence of our faith. They reveal the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives.
In conclusion, Matthew 7:21 challenges us to evaluate the authenticity of our faith. It is not enough to simply call ourselves Christians; we must embody the teachings of Christ through our daily lives. Our obedience to God’s will is what genuinely qualifies us for entry into His kingdom.
Context of Matthew 7:21
To better appreciate the meaning of Matthew 7:21, it’s essential to consider the context within which Jesus spoke these words. This teaching is situated within the Sermon on the Mount, which spans Matthew chapters 5 through 7. During this significant address, Jesus shares the principles of the kingdom of heaven, outlining the values and ethical standards expected of His followers.
In the verses preceding Matthew 7:21, Jesus warns against false prophets and those who may appear righteous but do not bear good fruit. Specifically, in Matthew 7:15-20, He speaks about knowing a tree by its fruit. This imagery conveys that our true character is revealed by our actions, highlighting the importance of genuine faith that produces a life of obedience.
This context raises an essential point about faith and righteousness. Just like a tree will bear fruit that indicates its kind—an apple tree produces apples, while a pear tree produces pears—genuine faith will also yield actions that reflect our relationship with Christ. We must remember that actions speak louder than words, and our faith ought to transform our lives. Ultimately, Jesus wants to instill in us the understanding that our commitment to Him is demonstrated through living out God’s will in our everyday lives.
As we explore further into this chapter, we find that Jesus emphasizes the importance of building our lives on solid ground, as depicted in Matthew 7:24-27 where He mentions the wise man who built his house on the rock. This metaphor serves to illustrate that a life founded on the teachings of Jesus will withstand the trials and tribulations of life, producing lasting fruit and fulfilling God’s purpose.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 7:21
As we analyze the key components of Matthew 7:21, we see three significant elements: the call to action, the criteria for entry into the kingdom, and the will of the Father. Each of these aspects helps us deepen our understanding of the message Jesus conveys.
The first key element is the call to action. Jesus does not merely mention His title but emphasizes that it is not just about addressing Him as “Lord.” This repetition serves to stress that calling Him “Lord” is not enough; it must be matched by our behavior. We need to recognize that faith translates into action and that we cannot rely solely on our words or religious rituals. Our lives must reflect true submission and obedience to Christ.
The second key aspect speaks to the criteria for entering the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of the Father are granted entry. This assertion emphasizes that there is an expectation for us to be engaged in our faith actively. The will of the Father relates to living a life characterized by values that align with God’s heart—love, justice, mercy, humility, and faithfulness. These qualities are essential for a fruitful relationship with Him.
Finally, the will of the Father is central to this verse. It prompts us to ponder what it means to do God’s will in our lives. We can look at John 6:38-40, where Jesus explains that His purpose is to do the will of the One who sent Him, which includes bringing eternal life to those who believe. For us, pursuing the will of the Father involves cultivating intimacy with God, seeking His guidance, and allowing His Word to shape our attitudes and actions.
In essence, Jesus challenges us to reflect on our faith and ensure that it is more than mere words. He calls us to a deeper commitment and purposeful living that aligns with God’s desires.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 7:21
The lessons drawn from Matthew 7:21 are profound and relevant for us today. First, we learn that our faith must be genuine. It’s easy to say we are Christians, but we are called to be more than mere name-bearers. We must strive to live out our faith through actions that demonstrate our love for God and others.
Secondly, sincerity in faith requires introspection. We need to ask ourselves if we are living in alignment with God’s will. This means we must regularly engage in self-reflection and seek God’s guidance through prayer and study of His Word. By doing so, we can ensure we are on the right path, striving to be doers of His Word.
Another crucial lesson is that true obedience requires a heart change. It’s essential that we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. Romans 12:2 encourages us to not conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed through the renewing of our minds. This transformation equips us to discern God’s will and empowers us to live in ways that reflect His kingdom values.
We are reminded that God desires a relationship with us that is rooted in love and trust. His expectations are not merely about following a set of rules; they are about cultivating a heart that seeks to please Him. In John 14:15, Jesus states, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” This establishes the connection between love for Christ and our commitment to following Him faithfully.
Lastly, the ultimate outcome of doing the will of the Father leads to confirmation of our faith. As we actively live out our faith, we can experience the joy of walking closely with God, and we will be assured of our place in His kingdom. This assurance deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our resolve to continue living according to His will.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Matthew 7:21 calls us to examine the authenticity of our faith. It challenges us to move beyond lip service and into a life of action that demonstrates our commitment to God. We must remember that our relationship with Jesus is not defined solely by our claims but rather by how we live out His teachings in our daily lives. As we strive to do the will of the Father, let us fully embrace a faith that manifests in love, obedience, and a desire to serve others.
We encourage you to explore more about God’s Word and its impact on our lives. There are numerous topics to discover, such as Matthew 11, which delves into the promises of rest and assurance Jesus offers. There are also many fascinating resources on Genesis that highlight creation and God’s faithfulness. Don’t hesitate to take a look at Genesis 18 for insights on God’s covenant and relationships.