Commentary

What does Matthew 7:21 mean?

“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

Commentary Devotional Prayer

Matthew 7:21 (KJV) reads, "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." This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where he delivers profound teachings to the multitudes that have gathered to listen to him. In this specific verse, Jesus addresses the importance of true obedience and action as a demonstration of faith.

One of the key themes in this verse is the concept of true discipleship. Jesus warns against mere lip service and emphasizes the need for genuine obedience to God's will. This aligns with the broader theme of righteousness and purity of heart, which is a recurring motif in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus challenges his listeners to move beyond superficial religiosity and to pursue a deep, authentic relationship with God.

The context of this verse is important for a deeper understanding. In the preceding verses, Jesus speaks about false prophets and the importance of discerning their true nature by evaluating the fruit of their lives. He emphasizes that a good tree will bear good fruit, while a bad tree will bear bad fruit. This sets the stage for the following verse, where Jesus highlights the significance of deeds as a reflection of true faith. His message is clear - declarations of faith must be accompanied by corresponding actions.

The symbolism in this verse is profound. "Lord, Lord" represents the external profession of faith, which can often be insincere and hollow. By contrast, "the will of my Father which is in heaven" symbolizes genuine obedience and submission to God's divine purpose. The contrast between the two emphasizes the disparity between mere acknowledgment of the lordship of Jesus and a life that is truly aligned with God's will.

This verse also speaks to the paradox of grace and works in the Christian faith. While salvation is ultimately a gift of grace, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of obedient action as evidence of a transformed heart. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that true faith produces fruit in the form of good works. The Apostle James echoes this sentiment in his epistle, stating that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

The implications of this verse are profound for believers. It challenges us to evaluate the authenticity of our faith and the sincerity of our devotion to God. It calls us to examine our lives and consider whether our actions align with the will of the Father. This verse encourages a holistic approach to faith, where profession and practice are not divorced from each other, but rather are intertwined in a harmonious expression of devotion to God.

In conclusion, Matthew 7:21 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of genuine obedience and true discipleship. It challenges believers to move beyond mere words and to demonstrate their faith through righteous living and obedient action. This verse resonates with the broader themes of the Sermon on the Mount and encapsulates the essence of Jesus' teachings on authentic faith and righteous living. As we meditate on this verse, may it inspire us to cultivate a deeper, more sincere relationship with God, marked by obedience to His will.

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Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 7:21 - "¶ 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 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

"¶ 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

Matthew 7:21-23 - "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" - Matthew 7:21-23