Matthew 7:21-23
What is written? (ESV)
“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.’
What does it say?
Not everyone who appeals to me will enter the kingdom of heaven; only the one that obeys my Father’s will. On that [judgment] day, many will claim they did good works in my name, but I will denounce them saying, “I never knew you. Go away from me, lawbreakers!”
What is its immediate context?
Jesus’ conclusion of his sermon on the mount (chapters 5-7). He goes on to give the illustration of the wise man – the one that does the things he hears from Jesus – versus the foolish man – the one that hears but does nothing.
How Matthew 7:21-23 is applied across Bible answers
Does your belief determine your behavior?
Jesus states that only doing "the will of my Father in heaven" will permit someone to "enter into the kingdom of heaven." Notably, he calls out those who obviously believe in him as the ones who will be surprised to learn this "on that day."
How is the sinner’s prayer used in scripture?
Jesus says that on the last day there will be those claiming that they called out to Him and even did miraculous things in His name, yet He will tell them to depart.
The point Jesus makes is that one must do or act on (e.g. be obedient) the things Jesus says in order to be proven faithful in the end.
Will we be judged according to works?
Jesus isn't saying here that works won't be what is judged on "that day." Rather, that works will be judged according to the standard of God's will.
