The True Disciple: Understanding Matthew 7:21-23
In the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, nestled within the teachings of Jesus, lies a passage that has stirred the souls of believers throughout the ages. Matthew 7:21-23 confronts us with a stark reality: not everyone who outwardly professes faith will enter the kingdom of heaven. At first glance, one might find this terrifying, after all, I profess faith, how can I know that I will enter the kingdom of heaven? Is my salvation in doubt? It's a sobering thought, one that calls for deep introspection and a sincere examination of our walk with Christ.
As we delve into this passage, we must first grasp its context. Jesus presents a contrast between two gates: the wide gate leading to destruction and the narrow gate leading to life, and Jesus is not unclear, He commands us to enter through the narrow gate. He then warns of false prophets who appear as sheep but are inwardly ravenous wolves. These false prophets encourage people to stay on the broad road, to not seek out the narrow gate, to live for the here and the now, but a close inspection of their fruits will reveal their true nature. This sets the stage for the chilling declaration that many who call Jesus "Lord" will be turned away at the final judgment, that there is such a thing as false profession.
The crux of the matter lies in the phrase, "he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven." It's not enough to claim allegiance to Christ; our lives must reflect a genuine submission to God's will. And the terrifying reality is that many will stand before Jesus, recounting their spiritual exploits—prophesying, casting out demons, performing miracles—only to hear Him say, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness." Perhaps you would not recount these great works, perhaps instead you would talk about your teaching in Sunday School, the volunteering you did, the prayer meetings you attended. Some might recount the prayer they said with their Sunday School teacher, the response to an altar call, or even their baptism. What would be your response? If it has to do with anything you have done, you will hear those same words, “I never knew you.”
It's not enough to claim allegiance to Christ; our lives must reflect a genuine submission to God's will.
What does it mean to truly know Jesus, and to be known by Him? It's a relationship that goes beyond mere words or religious activities. It's a life transformed by the gospel, and Scripture teaches plainly that if anyone is in Christ they are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This life is marked, not by all the great things they do, but by obedience and a heartfelt desire to honor God in all things. It's a life that bears the fruit of the Spirit, not as a means of earning salvation, but because the Spirit of God truly lives in you. This is the evidence of a heart changed by the grace of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you have love Jesus, or more importantly, if Jesus has set His love on you, in your heart, it necessarily changes you into something you were not before.
For those who are in Christ, this passage is not a cause for fear but a call to assurance. We who truly know Him already know that we do not stand on our own merits, no, we know we stand only based on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Our confidence is not in our works but in His grace. We are reminded that our salvation is secure, not because of our flawless obedience, but because we have been born again into a living relationship with our Savior. We would not dare stand before Christ and recount all the great things we have done, rather, we would stand before Him, and if we could speak at all, we would simply tell of the great things that He has done. This passage should not inflict terror in the heart of the true believer, but rather a strong assurance, a true comfort.
We who truly know Him already know that we do not stand on our own merits, no, we know we stand only based on the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: Is Jesus truly the Lord of our lives? Do we seek to do the Father's will, not to earn His favor, but out of love and gratitude for the gift of salvation? Are we bearing fruit that points to a genuine faith? Am I asking, seeking, knocking, looking for the grace of God to be granted to me by the Father who is in heaven, the Father who gives good gifts to all who come to Him in faith? Do I do these wonderful things to win His favor, or because of His great love that has been shed abroad in my heart?
Let us not be content with a superficial faith that merely goes through the motions. The fact of the matter is, superficial faith will not save anyone. Instead, let us pursue a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus, one that transforms us from the inside out. There are not two classes of Christians, the saved and the disciples, no, there is only one class of true Christians, disciples. If you claim to be in Christ but do not follow Him then you are a false professor. Let us be true disciples who not only call Him "Lord" but live as though He truly is the Sovereign One over every aspect of our lives.
In the end, it is not our words that will matter, and it is not our deeds that will matter, but the reality of our relationship with Christ. That relationship is the most transformative relationship any human being could ever have, for when God enters into the life of an individual, they cannot go on unchanged. May we be among those who hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master,” not based on our work, but on the work of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21). Let us live each day in light of that eternal day when we will stand before our King, confident not in ourselves but in the One who called us by name and made us His own.
