“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
This verse comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about various aspects of kingdom living. In this particular verse, Jesus highlights the importance of obedience to the will of the Father as a requirement for entering the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus warns that mere verbal profession of faith, saying “Lord, Lord,” is not enough to secure entry into the kingdom. Instead, true discipleship and entrance into God’s kingdom require active obedience to the will of the Father.
This verse underscores the significance of aligning our actions with our words and beliefs. It emphasizes that a genuine relationship with God involves not only acknowledging Him as Lord but also actively living out His will and following His commands.
Jesus’ statement challenges us to examine our hearts and evaluate whether our faith is merely superficial or if it is manifested in a life of obedience and surrender to God’s will. True discipleship involves not just verbal affirmation but a transformed life that reflects obedience to God and His teachings.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to seek a personal relationship wit God, to listen to His voice, and to align our lives with His will. Through faith in Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can strive to live obediently and faithfully, ultimately aiming to enter into the kingdom of heaven.