The quest to understand the will of God is a profound and perennial journey for many believers. Central to this endeavor is the interpretation of biblical texts, which offer guidance and insight into God’s desires and expectations. Among these texts, Matthew 7:21 stands out as a pivotal verse that succinctly captures the essence of living according to God’s will. In this article, we will delve deeply into Matthew 7:21, exploring its context, meaning, and implications for contemporary faith practice.
Context of Matthew 7:21
Matthew 7:21 is situated within the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational discourse delivered by Jesus and recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5 through 7. This sermon covers a wide range of ethical teachings and spiritual insights, culminating in a call to authentic discipleship. The verse in question states:
“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.”
This passage highlights the distinction between mere verbal profession of faith and genuine obedience to God’s will. It serves as a sobering reminder that actions and intentions, rather than words alone, define one’s relationship with God and eligibility for the kingdom of heaven.
See Also: Who Is the Sower in Matthew 13?
Analyzing the Verse
To fully grasp the import of Matthew 7:21, it is crucial to break down its components:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven”: This opening clause immediately challenges superficial religiosity. By repeating “Lord,” Jesus emphasizes the intensity and apparent sincerity of the address. However, he makes it clear that not all who invoke his name will be accepted into God’s kingdom. This implies that verbal confession alone is insufficient for salvation.
“But only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven”: Here, Jesus provides the criterion for entry into the kingdom of heaven: doing the will of God. This clause shifts the focus from words to actions, underscoring the necessity of aligning one’s life with divine purposes.
The Will of God: A Biblical Overview
Understanding what Jesus means by “the will of my Father” requires examining broader biblical teachings on God’s will. The concept of divine will is multifaceted, encompassing God’s desires, commands, and ultimate plan for creation. It can be categorized into several aspects:
1. God’s Sovereign Will: This refers to God’s overarching plan that unfolds throughout history, including events predestined by His divine wisdom. Examples include the creation, the incarnation of Christ, and the eventual consummation of the world.
2. God’s Moral Will: These are the ethical imperatives and commands given to humanity, such as the Ten Commandments, teachings of Jesus, and apostolic exhortations. Living in accordance with these moral precepts is a central aspect of doing God’s will.
3. God’s Permissive Will: This aspect acknowledges human free will and the allowance of events that may not align with God’s ideal desires but are permitted within the broader scope of His sovereign plan. This includes the reality of sin and suffering in the world.
The Sermon on the Mount and the Will of God
The Sermon on the Mount provides extensive insight into God’s moral will. It includes teachings on various aspects of righteous living, such as:
1. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12): These statements describe the characteristics and blessings of those who live according to God’s values, such as humility, mercy, and peacemaking.
2. The Law and Righteousness (Matthew 5:17-48): Jesus expounds on the deeper, heart-oriented implications of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing internal purity and integrity over mere external compliance.
3. Piety and Devotion (Matthew 6:1-18): Instructions on giving, prayer, and fasting highlight the importance of sincere and humble devotion to God, rather than seeking human approval.
4. Trust and Priorities (Matthew 6:19-34): Jesus teaches about trusting God for provision and prioritizing His kingdom over material concerns.
5. Judgment and Discernment (Matthew 7:1-6): Warnings against hypocritical judgment and the call for discernment reflect the relational and ethical dimensions of God’s will.
Practical Implications of Matthew 7:21
Applying the principles of Matthew 7:21 involves a comprehensive approach to faith that integrates belief, behavior, and relational dynamics. Here are some key implications for contemporary believers:
1. Authentic Discipleship: True discipleship goes beyond verbal profession to encompass active obedience. This means consistently striving to align one’s actions, attitudes, and decisions with God’s revealed will.
2. Holistic Righteousness: The call to do God’s will challenges believers to pursue holistic righteousness, addressing both external actions and internal motivations. This involves cultivating virtues such as love, justice, humility, and purity.
3. Spiritual Discernment: Understanding and doing God’s will require ongoing spiritual discernment. This includes prayerful study of Scripture, attentiveness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and seeking wise counsel from mature believers.
4. Community and Accountability: The Christian journey is meant to be lived in community, where mutual support, encouragement, and accountability help individuals stay true to God’s will. Engaging in meaningful fellowship and service within the church is vital.
5. Mission and Witness: Doing God’s will also involves participating in His redemptive mission in the world. This includes sharing the gospel, practicing compassion and justice, and working towards reconciliation and peace.
Challenges and Misconceptions
Despite the clarity of Jesus’ teaching, several challenges and misconceptions can arise:
1. Legalism vs. Grace: There is a risk of falling into legalism, where one attempts to earn God’s favor through rigorous adherence to rules. Conversely, misunderstanding grace can lead to antinomianism, where moral obligations are dismissed. A balanced understanding recognizes that obedience flows from a relationship with God, empowered by His grace.
2. Cultural Relativism: Modern cultural norms often conflict with biblical ethics, leading to tensions in discerning and doing God’s will. Believers must navigate these challenges with wisdom, holding firmly to scriptural truths while engaging the culture with love and respect.
3. Individualism: The emphasis on personal autonomy in contemporary society can hinder communal aspects of faith and accountability. Embracing a biblical vision of interdependence and mutual submission is crucial for living out God’s will.
4. Suffering and Injustice: Experiencing or witnessing suffering and injustice can lead to doubts about God’s will. Understanding the distinction between God’s perfect will and His permissive will can help reconcile these difficulties, acknowledging human free will and the fallen nature of the world while trusting in God’s ultimate justice and redemption.
Conclusion
Matthew 7:21 presents a powerful and challenging call to authentic faith that transcends mere words and is demonstrated through obedient action. Understanding and doing the will of God involves a dynamic and multifaceted approach, integrating scriptural teachings, spiritual discernment, and practical application. As believers strive to live according to God’s will, they participate in the unfolding of His kingdom on earth, reflecting His love, justice, and grace to the world. In this journey, the assurance of God’s presence and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit provide the strength and guidance needed to faithfully follow Jesus’ call to genuine discipleship.