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. ~ Matthew 7:21 KJV
This has been a debatable scripture for believers. Some think it is referring to non-believers and others say it is referring to those who are believers in Jesus. When we dissect this scripture we will have a more clear understanding of who Jesus is referring to.
A person who is following Jesus will be someone who has accepted Jesus as his savior and desires to know him better. He will be known as a disciple as well. A few scriptures before verse 21 will bring more context into our study. Let’s view those now.
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. ~ Matthew 7:17-18 KJV
Jesus uses a tree to teach us that a good tree gives good fruit. If we apply this analogy to a person who believes in Jesus and has the presence of God you will see something very detailed.
A person who has accepted Jesus as his savior has the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit living in them. This is known as the “Trinity”. So let’s say this believer is the tree. When a person has love, patience, gentleness, kindness and all the rest of the fruits of the Spirit we know he is part of the family of God. But you can’t tell these are in them unless you see fruit. This means you would see the effects of the Holy Spirit on the outside.
In order to do God’s will, He needs to enable you to do so. This enabling would be the power of the Holy Spirit known as the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”. This is another step or another level of faith in a believer where the power of God flows through him/her and miraculous signs are visible. A person needs to seek to know about this power, desire it and pray for it. God is always willing to answer what you have asked for according to His will. Learning about his power and asking for it is something He has left for you to find.
Operating in this power is not the only thing a believer should do. They should be able to have an intimate relationship with the Lord. This person will know Jesus personally and be familiar with his voice. He will KNOW him.
If we go back to the scripture and we analyze why would Jesus say, “not every one that says Lord, Lord shall enter in to the Kingdom of heaven” we will be able to see clearly. A believer can operate in the power of God and not have a relationship with Him. He will be able to cast out demons and heal the sick and raise the dead. Those are the people Jesus is referring to in the scripture. Those who are familiar with the power of God, received it and have signs and wonders following BUT forget the most important part … Jesus. Jesus wants you to know Him personally. Spend time with Him and know His heart. These other operations or miracles do happen but it should not be your main focus. And to be very blunt and clear there is financial gain when you operate in these gifts. People will give to the person because they were blessed and touched by God but the financial gain should not be the person’s focus. This is when the heart is corrupted. A person can check themselves by asking, “What is the reason why I heal, cast out demons and set people free?”
(22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never KNEW you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. ~ Matthew 7:22-23 KJV
Jesus wants our hearts. He wants a personal relationship with you. It’s not about how many people you healed or cast out demons from. It’s about your hearts motivation and if you fellowship with Him. Take the time to spend it with Him now before it’s too late. Keep your heart pure and guard it. He is your closest friend. He knows everything about you and you can most definitely trust Him. Don’t be left out when He returns. He wants you to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
