Can someone explain Matt 7 21-23?

Question

It says not everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved?

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mt%207:21-23;&version=50;


my bad I am not a cool kid :(

Answer 1

It is not enough for us to say we believe in Christ and then do what we think is right. It is absolutely necessary that we find out what God’s will is on the matter. Jesus showed this in his Sermon on the Mount when he said: “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.”—Matthew 7:21.

We could even be doing what we believe to be “good deeds,” and be doing these in the name of Christ. Yet all of these would be of no value if we failed to do God’s will. We would be in the position of the ones Christ next mentions: “Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:22, 23) Yes, we can be doing things that we think are good—and for which other humans may thank us and even praise us—but if we fail to do what God says is right we will be regarded by Jesus Christ as “workers of lawlessness.”

Since many religions today are not doing God’s will, we cannot simply assume that the teachings of the religious organization we are associated with are in agreement with God’s Word. The mere fact that the Bible is used by a religion does not of itself prove that all the things it teaches and practices are in the Bible. It is important that we ourselves examine whether they are or not. Persons in the city of Beroea were commended because, after the Christian apostle Paul preached to them, they checked the Scriptures to make sure that the things he was telling them were true. (Acts 17:10, 11) The religion that is approved by God must agree in every way with the Bible; it will not accept certain parts of the Bible and reject other parts.—2 Timothy 3:16.

Answer 2

It's not about calling on the Lord, it's about doing things in his name. What Jesus is saying is, that just because you claim to be a Christian isn't good enough. You actually have to act like one.

"Faith without works is dead." --James 2:17

Answer 3

It is a warning to Bubba preachers who preach we can be saved by saying "Jesus is my saviour, his blood has washed away all my sins past, present, and future"

Jesus later said how to qualify for Heaven:

"Forgive others for their mistakes; If you do not forgive others, your father in Heaven will not forgive you."

In both Matt 7:21-23 and in Matt 8:11,12 Jesus is telling us that you don't get to Heaven by what you say, or which organization, or family you belong to, or even what works you perform.

Why? Because Heaven is a place of harmony-loving folks. If you are not harmony loving, you would not be a good neighbor in Heaven (no matter how much you scream "Jesus is my Lord".

And, how do you prove you are a harmony-loving person? Answer in Jesus' words: "Forgive others when they make a mistake"

Answer 4

Prophesying in His name, Casting out devils.. Sound like very good works. But even doing these things aren't what God requires. What is the real work That God would have of us then:
John 6:29
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.


Simple but it's faith that He want from us not good works. Good works do nothing more than manifest real saving faith... Jim

Answer 5

In this section ... verses 21-23 is talking about true disciples ... in the verses before that it says u can identify a person by there actions ...so not everyone the calls out to God will enter the Kingdom of heaven because the Lord knows everyone for who they really are ...Only those that fulfill the will of God will enter the Kingdom of heaven ...even on the day of judgment those who we thought were righteous and those who thought they themselves were righteous will say Lord i have done so much for you and it was all done in Your name father.... those who have fulfilled the Will of the Father will enter the Kingdom of Heaven... if you choose not to after hearing the truth and way then when Judgment comes do not call on the name of the Lord telling him of all you have done for Him in His name because he will stand there and disown and say "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." which means he will say he does not know who you are ...leave me because you have broken the law of God... no matter what it maybe make sure you fulfill the Will of God and judgment will not fall on you ....Jesus will open His arms and call for you on the day of judgment and will stand for you if you have followed the Law of God and fulfilled his law and commands .... i hoped i helped .... God BLess

Answer 6

If you were one of the cool kids, you would link to Bible Gateway!

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mt%207:21-23;&version=50;

Perhaps it means that politicians like President Bush who constantly invoke the name of religion but start wars instead of turning the other cheek go to hell?

I dunno. That's my atheist reading of it.

Answer 7

They aren't doing the will of the Father.

"but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter."

It doesn't say he who believes in the will of My Father.

Rev 3: 15'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.

16'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.


Jesus don't say I know your faith, He said I know your deeds.

1 Cor 13:2 if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

Faith without doing the Father's will,
Faith without proper deeds,
Faith without love

will not save you.

Answer 8

Jesus exposed those people who sounded religious but had no persoanl relationship with him. At "That day" (the day of Judgement) only our relationship with Christ--our acceptance of him as Savior and our obedience to him will matter. Many people think that if they are "good" and sound religious, they will be rewarded with eternal life. In reality, faith in Christ is what will count at the judgement.
"that day" is the final day of reckoning when God will settle all accounts, judging sin and rewarding faith

Answer 9

What it says is, those who practice lawlessness will not be saved. This is clearly taught throughout the New Testament.
"Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil. (I John 3:7,8)

Answer 10

It is similar to the servants that were given money one did nothing and the other two made it grow.

If you believe you will have salvation, by His grace. And if you truly believe your works will show it.

Faith without works is empty.