How does Matthew 7:21 challenge mere verbal profession of faith in Jesus? The Text “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Verbal Profession Exposed - Saying “Lord, Lord” acknowledges Christ’s divine authority with the mouth. - Jesus affirms that words alone, even orthodox ones, do not guarantee entrance into His kingdom. - The repeated address “Lord, Lord” shows fervor; yet fervent speech without obedience is empty. Doing the Father’s Will vs. Saying the Right Words - Entrance hinges on active submission to the Father’s will, not on verbal acknowledgment. - God’s will is plainly revealed in Scripture—loving Him supremely, loving neighbor sacrificially, and walking in holiness (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; 1 Peter 1:15-16). - Authentic faith produces works prepared by God (Ephesians 2:10); these works validate, but never replace, saving grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Signs of Genuine Obedience - Consistent practice of Christ’s commands (John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments,”). - Ongoing repentance and confessed sin, not hardened resistance (1 John 1:9). - Tangible love for fellow believers (1 John 3:14-18). - Perseverance under trial, holding fast to gospel truth (Hebrews 10:36-39). - Sacrificial service that seeks God’s glory, not self-promotion (Colossians 3:23-24). Supporting Scriptures - Luke 6:46: “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?” - James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” - Titus 1:16: “They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.” - 1 John 2:3-6: The test of knowing Christ is keeping His commandments. Implications for Today - Assurance rests in a living faith that bears obedient fruit, not in a past profession or verbal formula. - Regular self-examination guards against self-deception (2 Corinthians 13:5). - The gospel invites humble trust in Christ that inevitably transforms conduct; grace empowers what mere words cannot accomplish. |
    |