Matthew 7:21 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.
This verse along with the verses that follow are a warning from Jesus about the importance of true discipleship and not just a superficial profession of faith. It emphasizes that simply calling Jesus "Lord" is not enough; one must also do the will of God to enter the kingdom of heaven. This passage highlights the difference between those who merely claim to follow Jesus and those who genuinely live out their faith through obedience to God's commands.
• Not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven:
This verse directly addresses the idea that mere verbal profession of faith is not sufficient for salvation.
• Doing the will of the Father is essential:
True discipleship involves not only acknowledging Jesus as Lord but also actively following God's will.
• Distinction between true and false followers:
Jesus distinguishes between those who say "Lord, Lord" but do not do the will of the Father, and those who genuinely follow Him.
• Emphasis on the importance of obedience:
The passage stresses the significance of action and obedience to God's commands, not just words.
• Consequences of rejecting God's will:
Those who reject God's will, despite claiming to be followers, will face consequences on judgment day.
• Contrast with those who build their house on the rock:
This passage is part of a larger section that contrasts those who build their lives on Jesus' teachings with those who do not.
In essence, Matthew 7:21-23 calls for a deeper understanding of discipleship, urging believers to move beyond a surface-level profession of faith and to embrace a life of genuine obedience and love for God and others.