There’s a verse in the Bible that many people misunderstand—and it could cost them everything. People quote it all the time, and they think they understand it, but if you don’t get this right, it can affect your eternity. It’s not just some cute verse to throw around—it’s a matter of life or death, heaven or hell. I’m talking about Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus 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. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?’ Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23)
This Is the Verse That Could Change Everything
Many people believe that as long as they “believe” in Jesus, they’re good to go. They think saying “Lord, Lord” and showing up to church makes them safe. But let’s be real—Jesus Himself is telling us that’s not enough. This verse is the warning we need to wake up to, because it’s not just about saying the right things; it’s about doing what He says.
Let’s Break It Down:
- It’s Not About Words, It’s About Action
Did you catch that? Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” That’s huge. This tells us that words alone don’t count. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been to church your whole life, know all the Bible stories, or can quote scripture like a pro. What matters is whether you are living out the will of the Father.
This isn’t about perfection, but it’s about a real relationship with Jesus that leads to a life that looks different. If your life doesn’t reflect the heart of God, there’s a problem. It’s not just about saying “Lord, Lord” on Sunday and then living like the world the rest of the week.
- Your Religious Activity Doesn’t Save You
People in this verse are talking about all the things they’ve done in Jesus’ name: they’ve prophesied, cast out demons, and performed miracles. These are big things, right? We’d probably call them “good deeds.” But even doing these things doesn’t guarantee you a spot in heaven.
Let that sink in. This is serious. You can be busy with all kinds of religious activities—serving in ministry, volunteering, even preaching the Gospel—and still miss the point if you’re not truly following Jesus with your heart.
So, what does that tell us? You can be active in church, but still not truly be saved.
- Jesus Wants a Relationship, Not Just Religion
The scariest part of this verse is where Jesus says, “I never knew you.” He’s not talking about knowledge in the way we think. This isn’t about knowing facts about Jesus. It’s about knowing Him on a personal level. Jesus is saying He didn’t have a real relationship with these people. They may have done things in His name, but they never truly connected with Him on a heart level.
The question is: Do you know Him? And more importantly, does He know you?
It’s about having a relationship with Jesus that changes the way you live. If your life hasn’t been transformed, then maybe you need to take a step back and really ask yourself if you’ve truly met the Savior.
- Obedience is Key
Notice how Jesus says that only those who “do the will of My Father” will enter the kingdom of heaven. It’s not enough to just believe; we have to obey. Obedience isn’t about following a set of rules—it’s about aligning your heart with God’s will and living in a way that reflects His love and holiness.
God doesn’t want people who just show up to church or say the right things. He wants people who are willing to change their lives, turn away from sin, and follow Him. And that’s a process, but it starts with a real decision to follow Him, not just on Sundays but every day.
Why This Matters for You
If you’ve been taught that just saying a prayer or showing up to church is enough, I’m here to tell you that it’s not. Don’t let your eternal security rest on something so shallow. Jesus is calling for a deep, personal relationship with Him. He’s calling for a transformation, not just a behavior change.
Don’t be one of those people who says, “Lord, Lord,” only to hear Jesus say, “I never knew you.” That would be the worst thing that could happen to you.
How to Get It Right:
- Make Sure You’re Living for Jesus, Not Just With Him
This means that everything you do should reflect your relationship with Jesus. Your choices, your priorities, your actions—are they honoring Him? If you’re living for Jesus, it won’t just be words; it will be seen in your actions. Your life will bear fruit, because real salvation changes everything.
- Know Jesus Personally
Don’t just know about Him. Know Him. Spend time with Him daily in prayer, in reading the Bible, and in worship. It’s not about religion—it’s about knowing your Savior deeply, and letting Him change you from the inside out.
- Live in Obedience
Obedience isn’t a suggestion, it’s the result of a true relationship with Christ. When you follow Him, you obey Him. When you disobey, you repent and come back. And when you obey, you’re living out the will of God for your life.
- Repent of Your Sin
If you’re still living in sin, then it’s time to repent and turn back to Jesus. Repentance is more than saying sorry—it’s a complete turnaround, a change of heart that leads to a change in behavior. It’s saying, “I don’t want to live like this anymore, Lord. I want to live for You.”
Conclusion
The reality is clear: many churchgoers are living with a false sense of security, thinking that their church attendance or religious activities will get them into heaven. But Jesus is telling us that it’s not enough. Salvation is about more than just words—it’s about having a real, transformed life. It’s about living for Jesus every single day, obeying His Word, and cultivating a personal relationship with Him.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re safe just because you’re sitting in a pew. Make sure your heart is right with God. Live for Him. Know Him. Follow Him. Because in the end, it’s not the works or the religious routine that saves—it’s a true relationship with the Savior.