Understanding Matthew 7:21-23
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus delivers a powerful and sobering warning:
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"
— Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)
This passage reminds us that not everyone who claims to follow Jesus will be welcomed into His kingdom. It is a call to self-examination and a challenge to pursue genuine faith over outward religious acts.
Words Alone Are Not Enough
Many people profess faith in Jesus, calling Him "Lord," but their lives do not reflect true obedience. Jesus teaches that mere words—no matter how passionate or spiritual they sound—are not enough to secure salvation.
Throughout the Bible, God emphasizes that He desires obedience, not just lip service. In Luke 6:46, Jesus asks, "Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?" This question reveals that true discipleship requires action, not just words.
The Danger of Religious Deception
The people Jesus describes in Matthew 7:22 are shocked to be rejected. They prophesied, performed miracles, and cast out demons in His name, yet Jesus tells them, "I never knew you." This teaches us that:
- Spiritual activity does not always equal salvation. Someone can do good works, attend church, and even perform miracles, yet still not have a true relationship with Jesus.
- Self-deception is real. Many people believe they are saved because of their religious efforts, but they may not truly know Christ.
- God looks at the heart, not just actions. Obedience to God and a transformed life matter more than religious rituals.
Doing the Will of the Father
Jesus contrasts false disciples with true believers by saying that only those who “do the will of my Father who is in heaven” will enter the kingdom (Matthew 7:21). But what does this mean?
- True faith leads to obedience. James 2:17 says, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." A real relationship with Jesus results in a changed life.
- Loving God and others is central. Jesus summarized the greatest commandments as loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39).
- Repentance and surrender matter. Following Jesus is not about personal achievements but about turning away from sin and submitting to His lordship (Luke 9:23).
How Can We Know We Truly Belong to Christ?
To avoid being among those whom Jesus rejects, we must examine our faith. Here are key questions to consider:
- Do I have a personal relationship with Jesus, or do I just know about Him?
- Does my life reflect a love for God and obedience to His Word?
- Am I relying on good works to save me, or on the grace of Jesus through faith?
- Do I seek to do God’s will daily, or do I live for myself?
Final Thoughts
Matthew 7:21-23 is a warning and an invitation. Jesus is calling us to genuine faith, not empty religion. The good news is that those who truly know Christ—who love and obey Him—will never hear the words, "I never knew you." Instead, they will hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).
Let us examine our hearts, seek God sincerely, and live in true obedience to Him.
