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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 · King James Version

Meaning

When Jesus spoke about not everyone who calls him "Lord, Lord" entering the kingdom of heaven but only those who do the will of his Father in heaven, he was emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and obedience. Mere lip service or outward expressions of devotion are not enough to secure a place in heaven. True discipleship requires more than just words; it requires actions that align with God's will. By doing the will of the Father, believers demonstrate their commitment to following Jesus and living according to his teachings. This verse serves as a reminder that faith without works is dead and that true discipleship involves a heart transformed by God's love and a life dedicated to serving him. So, let us not only profess our faith in Jesus but also live out that faith through our actions, showing the world the transformative power of God's grace in our lives.

Theological Overview

From a theological perspective, this verse emphasizes the importance of not just professing one's faith, but also living it out through actions. The expression "Lord, Lord" is used to demonstrate a verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord. However, mere words are not enough to secure entrance into the kingdom of heaven. True followers of Christ are those who not only claim Him as Lord but also strive to do the will of the Father in heaven. The phrase "he that doeth the will of my Father" underscores the idea that faith without works is dead. This verse serves as a reminder that true discipleship involves a lifestyle of obedience and submitting to God's will. Through this interpretation, believers are urged to go beyond superficial professions of faith and instead demonstrate their commitment through their actions, echoing James' teaching that faith without works is useless.

Matthew 7:21 in other translations

American Standard Version

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 who is in heaven.

World English Bible

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Douay-Rheims

Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Not euery one that sayeth vnto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdome of heauen, but he that doeth my Fathers will which is in heauen.