Not Everyone Who Says “Lord, Lord” Will Enter Heaven: What Jesus Really Meant In Matthew 7

Many Christians are familiar with Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21–23:

“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 in heaven.”

This verse can be shocking, especially to those who assume that merely believing in Jesus or calling Him “Lord” is enough to be saved. But Jesus didn’t leave us guessing—He gave a clear condition: doing the will of His Father.

1. Saying “Lord” Isn’t Enough

It’s tempting to think that if we simply confess Jesus with our lips, we’re in the clear. But Jesus tells us otherwise. He’s not talking to pagans or atheists here—He’s talking to people who claim to know Him:

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? …’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22–23)

These people weren’t just casual believers. They were doing seemingly religious acts—but without actually obeying the Father’s will. That’s the key difference.

Jesus wasn’t impressed by their résumé of religious activities. He looked at their hearts—and their lives.

2. What Is the Father’s Will?

Thankfully, Scripture tells us exactly what this means:

“This is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life” (John 6:40).

But this belief isn’t just intellectual assent—it’s lived out in obedience. Jesus also says:

“If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

Belief and obedience aren’t opposed. They go together. St. Paul tells us in Romans 2:6-8 that God “will repay each one according to his works… to those who seek glory and honor and immortality, He will give eternal life.”

3. Catholic vs. Protestant Interpretations

Here’s where Catholic teaching diverges from many Protestant interpretations.

• Protestant view (particularly those holding to sola fide): Saving faith is a one-time event, not dependent on ongoing obedience.
• Catholic view: Faith is the beginning of salvation, but it must be perfected in love and action (Galatians 5:6).

Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7 supports the Catholic understanding. Salvation is not a “get out of jail free” card handed out once and never revisited. We must cooperate with grace.

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you…” (Philippians 2:12-13)

4. What the Church Fathers Said

The early Church knew this truth. Here’s how they put it:

• St. Augustine: “To say ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what He says is to mock Him.”
• St. Jerome: “It is not enough to leave Egypt; one must also cross the desert and enter the Promised Land.”
• Didache (1st century): “There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways.”

They weren’t confused about the meaning of Jesus’ words. Obedience mattered.

5. So How Do We Know We’re Doing the Father’s Will?

Jesus didn’t leave us on our own. He gave us His Church, the sacraments, the Holy Spirit, and His Word.

Here are a few ways to stay on track:

• Examine your conscience regularly.
• Stay close to the sacraments—especially Confession and the Eucharist.
• Read Scripture and pray daily.
• Love others sacrificially and concretely.
• Stay connected to the Church’s teachings so you’re not led astray by false gospels.

Final Takeaway

Jesus warned us—not to scare us, but to wake us up. It’s not enough to say the right things. What matters is whether we truly know Him—and whether we’re letting His will reshape our lives.

Let’s make sure our “Lord, Lord” isn’t just lip service. Let it be the cry of a heart fully surrendered.

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22

Want to Go Deeper?

• CCC 1815 – “The gift of faith remains in one who has not sinned against it… but ‘faith apart from works is dead’ (Jas 2:26).”
• Catechism of the Catholic Church sections 678–682 (on judgment and works)
• Salvation: What Every Catholic Should Know – by Michael Barber

If this article challenged or helped you, share it with someone wrestling with what it means to truly follow Jesus.

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