What does Matthew 7:21 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 7:21 is a potent verse found in the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of Jesus's teachings found in the Gospel of Matthew chapters 5 to 7.

This specific verse underlines a stark warning about spiritual self-deception and the importance of obedience to God.

Jesus is addressing the crowd, making a distinction between merely professing faith verbally and manifesting it through actions that are aligned with God's will.

It emphasizes that salvation is not granted solely by acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord, but by living a life that is reflective of God's commandments and desires.

The deeper meaning touches upon the sincerity of one's faith and the consequent fruit that genuine faith should produce in the life of a believer.

Historical Context

During the time when Matthew was written (likely around 80-90 A.D.), Christianity was in its formative years.

The Gospel was being spread primarily in a Jewish context, where legalistic adherence to the Law of Moses was prevalent.

Jesus's message often revolved around transforming the understanding of the Law from an external obedience to a matter of the heart.

In this verse, Jesus challenges the prevailing religious views that formalistic recitation and outward religious expression are enough to secure a place in the kingdom of heaven.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints can offer variety in interpreting this verse:

• Evangelical View: This group often sees the verse as underscoring the necessity of a personal relationship with God that manifests in obedience, as opposed to a mere verbal profession of faith.
• Reformed View: Those with a reformed perspective might highlight the doctrine of election, implying that true believers predestined by God will naturally do His will, and others will not.
• Catholic View: The Catholic interpretation could include the importance of good works in conjunction with faith as evidence of doing the Father's will.
• Liberal Christian View: A more liberal approach might focus on the ethical teachings of Jesus, suggesting this verse calls for social justice and compassionate actions as the will of the Father.

Practical Applications

Matthew 7:21 encourages self-reflection and challenges believers to assess whether their lives reflect the will of God.

It calls for authentic faith that is lived out through actions of love, service, and obedience to God's commandments.

In daily life, individuals are prompted to align their values, decisions, and behaviors with biblical teachings, demonstrating a faith that goes beyond words to affect their conduct and interactions with others.

Cross-References

• James 2:14-17: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"
• Luke 6:46: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
• John 14:15: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
• Romans 2:13: "(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."
• 1 John 2:4: "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

Language Study

In the Greek text, key words from Matthew 7:21 include:

• "Lord" (kurios): A title denoting authority and divinity, acknowledging Jesus as master.
• "Will" (thelēma): Refers to the desire or pleasure of God, indicating His plan or purpose.
• "Heaven" (ouranos): Symbolic of God's perfect realm and by extension, His ruling presence.
• "Doeth" (poieō): To make or to do; employed here to mean those who act or perform God's commands.

The emphasis in the original language is on the contrast between saying (λέγων) and doing (ποιῶν), highlighting that actions in accordance with God's will are the true indicators of belonging to the kingdom.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient religions and cultures, the theme of divine law and ethical living is also present.

Many ancient myths convey gods demanding certain behaviors or rituals from humans to gain favor or blessings. Comparatively, in the teachings of Jesus, there is a departure from ritualistic or superficial practices towards an internalized, transformative obedience.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific principles or discoveries, the broader conversation around behavioral science and psychology might contribute to understanding why individuals may profess beliefs without their actions aligning accordingly.

Cognitive dissonance, social pressures, and moral psychology are relevant fields that can expand upon this human tendency.

commentaries

Various experts have commented on this verse:

• John Calvin: Emphasized the importance of God's grace for right action, noting that true believers are those who, by grace, follow God's will.
• William Barclay: Stressed that Christianity is not only about words but also about deeds, and those deeds must stem from a genuine faith.
• **D.A.

Carson**: Argued this passage teaches the necessity of discernment in determining genuine faith and noted the emphasis on obedience as evidence of true discipleship.

• **Craig S.

Keener**: Suggested that in a Jewish context, the call to do God's will was a statement that would resonate with the need to live out the commandments, but Jesus is presenting this call with a new depth and personal intimacy.