Matthew 7:21 is a sobering reminder of the importance of a genuine relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The verse says, “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 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about true discipleship and the characteristics of those who belong to the kingdom of heaven.

The key message here is that mere verbal profession of faith, without a life that reflects God’s will, is insufficient for salvation. It emphasizes that true faith in Jesus is transformative and is evidenced by obedience to God’s commands and a life that bears spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Jesus further illustrates this point in Matthew 7:22-23, where He describes a scene of judgment where many claim to have prophesied, cast out demons, and performed many miracles in His name. Yet, He declares to them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” This indicates that the crucial factor is not the outward display of religious activity or spiritual gifts, but a personal and obedient relationship with Jesus Christ.

The apostle James echoes this teaching in James 2:26, saying, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” This does not mean that salvation is earned by works, but that genuine faith naturally results in a life changed by and for God—a theme consistent throughout the New Testament.

Therefore, Matthew 7:21 serves as a call to self-examination and sincerity in one’s faith journey, urging individuals to ensure their relationship with God is rooted in genuine faith and obedience. It’s a reminder that the foundation of our salvation is not in religious rituals or verbal affirmations alone, but in following Christ in such a way that our lives reflect His teachings and love.

To address the concern of ensuring one’s faith is genuine and aligns with the call of Christ, leading to a life that ultimately is in communion with God rather than separation (which is often what people fear when they think of “ending up in hell”), it is essential to focus on the core principles of the Christian faith as revealed in Scripture. The Bible provides guidance on cultivating a living, active relationship with God through Jesus Christ, which is the foundation for a life that reflects true discipleship.

1. Sincere Faith in Jesus Christ: Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the cornerstone of Christianity. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Belief in Jesus is not merely intellectual assent but involves trusting in Him for salvation and surrendering your life to Him.
2. Repentance: Repentance is a vital aspect of genuine faith. Acts 2:38 says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Turning away from sin and toward God is a continual process in the life of a believer.
3. Obedience to God’s Word: Jesus emphasized the importance of obedience to His teachings as evidence of true love for Him. John 14:23 states, “Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.’” Living according to God’s Word is essential for growth and maturity in faith.
4. Fruit of the Spirit: The evidence of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit is seen in the fruits of the Spirit, which Galatians 5:22-23 describes as “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” These attributes should increasingly characterize the life of someone who follows Christ.
5. Prayer and Fellowship with God: Continuous communication with God through prayer is crucial for a vibrant relationship with Him. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers not to be anxious but to present their requests to God in prayer, which sustains a living connection with Him.
6. Community and Accountability: Being part of a community of believers provides encouragement, growth, and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 underscores the importance of meeting together and spurring one another on toward love and good deeds.
7. Witness and Service: A life transformed by the Gospel naturally seeks to share the love and truth of Christ with others and serve as Jesus served. Matthew 28:19-20 commissions believers to make disciples and teach others to follow Jesus’ commandments.

By focusing on these biblical principles, a believer can cultivate a faith that is genuine and a life that reflects the reality of that faith. It’s a journey of growing closer to God, becoming more like Christ, and living out your faith in a way that impacts the world around you.