Not Everyone Who Calls Me Lord Lord
Yes. If you are trying to think where you heard that the last time, let me save you the effort. That’s Matthew 7:21, where Jesus says:
“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.”
Does that scare you?. You could be calling on Jesus your whole life and not enter the kingdom?
Meaning and Context
Superficial Faith vs. Genuine Obedience:
Jesus is teaching that merely calling Him “Lord” or outwardly professing faith is not enough for salvation. True discipleship is shown by actually doing God’s will-living in obedience and sincerity, not just by words or religious rituals.
Warning Against False Assurance:
This statement warns that some people may appear religious or even perform impressive deeds in Jesus’ name, but if their hearts and actions are not aligned with God’s will, their profession is empty.
The Historical Context:
Jesus delivered these words during the Sermon on the Mount, challenging the religious leaders of His day who emphasized outward piety but neglected true obedience and relationship with God.
Also read:
Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
James 1:22: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says
In Conclusion,
Simply calling Jesus “Lord” is not sufficient to enter into the kingdom of God; what matters is a genuine faith that results in doing the will of God. This verse emphasizes the importance of authentic commitment over mere verbal profession or outward religious acts.
