Not Everyone Who Calls Lord, Lord, Will Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven Series

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus issues a serious warning: "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 serves as a sobering reminder that mere profession of faith is not enough to guarantee entrance into the kingdom of heaven. In this sermon, we'll explore few examples of individuals who, despite their claims of devotion, may not necessarily inherit the kingdom.

1. The Unrepentant Sinner

Consider the individual who claims to be a follower of Christ but continues to live a life of unrepentant sin. They may attend church, participate in religious rituals, and even vocalize their faith, but their actions betray their words. Jesus says, "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4). Without genuine repentance and a transformed life, their profession of faith is hollow.

2. The Hypocritical Pharisee

The Pharisees of Jesus' day were notorious for their self-righteousness and external displays of piety. They prayed in public, tithed meticulously, and adhered to strict dietary laws, all while neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23). Jesus condemned their hypocrisy, saying, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" (Matthew 15:8). Mere outward appearances of devotion are insufficient for entrance into the kingdom.

3. The False Prophet

In Jesus' teachings, false prophets are those who claim to speak on behalf of God but actually promote falsehood and deception. They may perform impressive feats or utter convincing words, but their message is not grounded in truth. Jesus warns, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). Those who peddle falsehood, even if they claim to be speaking for God, will not enter the kingdom.

4. The Unfruitful Branch

In Jesus' parable of the vine and branches (John 15:1-8), he teaches that fruitful branches are those that abide in him and produce fruit. Unfruitful branches, on the other hand, are cut off and discarded. Those who claim to be followers of Christ but fail to produce spiritual fruit – such as love, joy, peace, and kindness – may not be genuinely connected to the vine.

5. The Self-Exalting Leader

Consider the individual who seeks to elevate themselves to positions of power or prestige within the church, using their supposed devotion to God as a means to gain influence. Jesus cautions, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12). Those who prioritize personal ambition over humble service may find themselves outside the kingdom.

6. The Uncharitable Neighbor

In Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), he teaches that true devotion to God is demonstrated through love and compassion for one's neighbors. Those who claim to love God but neglect or mistreat their fellow humans may not be demonstrating genuine faith. James writes, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (James 1:27).

7. The Unbelieving Family Member

Finally, consider the individual who claims to be a follower of Christ but fails to demonstrate faith in their daily life. They may attend church, participate in religious activities, and even vocalize their faith, but their actions and decisions reveal a deeper unbelief. Jesus says, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46). Without genuine faith and obedience, their profession of devotion is empty.

In conclusion, Jesus' warning in Matthew 7:21-23 serves as a reminder that entrance into the kingdom of heaven requires more than mere profession of faith. It demands a transformed life, genuine devotion, and a heart that truly seeks to follow God. As the apostle Paul writes, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you – unless indeed you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5).