“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” — Matthew 7:21–23 (KJV)
A confession is not the same as obedience
Jesus makes a clear and weighty declaration: not everyone who calls Him “Lord” belongs to Him. Words alone do not open the gates of heaven. A confession of His name must be joined with a life that submits to His will.
In our day, many claim Christ. Churches are full of language about faith, blessing, and spiritual gifts. Yet the Lord does not measure us by what we say in public, but by whether we obey Him in private. True faith produces obedience. True conversion produces fruit. True love for Christ leads to submission to His Word.
The kingdom of heaven is not entered by slogans. It is entered by surrender.
Religious activity is not the same as relationship
The people in this passage were not atheists. They were active in ministry. They prophesied. They cast out devils. They performed many wonderful works. Outwardly, they appeared powerful and successful.
But Jesus exposes a terrifying truth: you can move in spiritual activity and still not belong to Him.
They say, “Have we not…?”
Jesus replies, “I never knew you.”
The issue was not their works. The issue was their relationship. Christianity is not about performing in His name while living outside His will. It is about being known by Him.
To be “known” by Christ means to walk with Him, obey Him, and remain faithful to His truth. It means holiness, not just gifting. Character, not just charisma. Obedience, not just outward success.
In these last days, there is a strong temptation to measure spiritual life by visible results. But heaven measures differently. God looks at the heart.
The danger of lawlessness in the last days
Jesus calls them “ye that work iniquity.” The word iniquity means lawlessness — living as if God’s commands do not matter.
This is prophetic for our time. We live in an age where many want the benefits of Christ without the authority of Christ. They want salvation without repentance. Power without purity. Ministry without submission.
But the will of the Father has not changed. His standard is still holiness. His call is still repentance. His command is still obedience.
The true church must not drift into lawlessness. We must not excuse sin while claiming the name of Jesus. The Spirit of God is preparing a bride without spot or wrinkle. Only those who do the will of the Father will stand in that day.
What is the will of the Father?
The will of the Father begins with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It continues in daily obedience to His Word. It is loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself. It is denying self, taking up your cross, and following Him.
The will of God is not hidden. It is revealed in Scripture.
If we love Him, we will keep His commandments. If we belong to Him, our lives will reflect His nature. Not perfection in our own strength, but transformation by His Spirit.
The question is not, “Have I done works in His name?”
The question is, “Do I truly belong to Him?”
A call to examine ourselves
This passage is not given to frighten the faithful, but to awaken the careless. It calls every believer to examine their life.
Are we walking in obedience?
Are we living in repentance?
Are we pursuing holiness?
Are we seeking relationship with Christ more than recognition from men?
One day, each of us will stand before Him. On that day, public reputation will mean nothing. Ministry titles will mean nothing. The only thing that will matter is whether He knows us.
Let us not settle for saying “Lord, Lord.”
Let us live in such a way that we hear, “Well done.”
Conclusion
Jesus is not looking for empty words. He is looking for obedient hearts. Not outward performance, but inward surrender. Not just those who speak His name, but those who do the will of His Father.
The time is short. The return of Christ draws near. Now is the hour to examine our lives, repent where needed, and walk in true obedience.
May we be found faithful. May we be known by Him. And may we enter the kingdom not by claim, but by covenant relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.