Day 14—Matthew 7:21-24

 ²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

 ²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

______________________ 

Today’s text is one that came to mind during day thirteen’s study.  I think it was the word “everyone” that prompted my consideration.  Compare these two usages of “everyone” and you will see why today’s text came to mind:

1. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  (Joel 2:32, quoted by Paul—Romans 10:13)
2. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”  (Jesus—Matthew 7:21)

How can Jesus say one thing about salvation using the word “everyone”, and Paul say another thing using the same word, and they both stand correct?  How do I balance these statements?

The answer to my own question lies in their respective contexts.

The first “everyone” statement (where Paul uses the word) is discussing how the good news of salvation is available for everyone—both Jew and Gentile—who believes in God who raised Jesus from the dead, a concept difficult for many Jews to accept.  Therefore, “everyone” who calls on the name of the Lord with real faith in God and his Son Jesus will be saved.  This concept was discussed in day thirteen’s study. 

The second “everyone” statement (today’s text) is located in a very different context.  In the broader context, Jesus just finished teaching the “sermon” known to many as “The Sermon on the Mount” about how real heart-based faith in God plays out practically in real life.  Jesus was teaching his disciples the pure meaning of certain Old Testament Scriptures while helping them understand what will be expected of them as they live in the light—in his name.  Also, just before today’s immediate text, Jesus just finished a brief discussion about avoiding “false prophets” who come in sheep’s clothing but are really wolves.  In the end, they will be like bad trees that are cut down and used as firewood.

Certainly these “false prophets” are in mind when Jesus says “not everyone” in today’s text.  If these false prophets are actually wolves, then they are not true disciples of Jesus and not putting their faith in Jesus.  They may look like sheep by saying and doing things that resemble the teachings of Jesus, but they actually don’t belong to him at all. 

Going further, I think Jesus makes it clear to all of his disciples that if you want to enter the kingdom of God, then you are expected to do what pleases God (“…but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”); and Jesus’ ministry was all about turning the hearts of men toward God through his truthful teaching, which was much about how to live to please God. 

Are we expected to be perfect?  No.  But should we just carelessly live without trying to please God?  No!

Are we expected to do things and live the way Jesus instructed throughout his ministry?  Yes.  

Are we expected to put our faith in God, who raised Jesus from the dead?  Yes.

We need to be a part of the “everyone” found in both texts, the part that says, “I believe you God and trust you will save me, and now I want to live a life that pleases you.”