What does it mean that only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven will enter His kingdom?
Matthew 7:21
NIV - 21 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.
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Asked December 06 2013
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priva map
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
JD Abshire
Supporter
John 6:28-29 " Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."
Vivian Lindsey
Supporter
The only way to enter is to be saved by accepting Jesus into your heart as savior, believe He is the true son of God and repent of your sins. That is the will of God.
Nathan Toronga
Supporter
Dear Priva, what a question! Splendid, to say the least. The statement, as you rightly stated, comes from Matthew 7:21. This was the famous Sermon On The Mount (Matthew 5:1 through Mathew 7:29). One of the greatest sermons Jesus ever preached. Please read through it. This is important because that background culminates in the above verse. Jesus had made His famous DENIAL, "I did NOT come to abolish the Law" (Matthew 5:17-19), had warned against 'outward compliance' (Matthew 5:21-32), and had covered many essential facets of our treasured faith - the Christian character (Matthew 5:1-16, Mathew 5:33-48) and issues of prayer and getting our priorities right (Matthew 6:5-18). He had also warned about the prevalence of "popularity gospel" which is rampant today (Matthew 7:13-14). This was the New Testament compacted. Having taught thus, He declared that ONLY those who did the will of the Father, (which will He had summarised), would enter the Kingdom. It is not a matter of who can quarrel with a higher voice, or who can intimidate more people. The standard has been set, and it shall not be shaken. Immediately after, He warns against the folly of hearing then not putting to practice (Matthew 7:24-27). ONLY he who does the will of the Father will enter the Kingdom. Bless.
Gary Wainwright
Supporter
Priva, in response to your question, please refer to John 6:38-40 NLT which states (Jesus speaking) "38 For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do My own will. 39 And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. 40 For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” Therefore the will of God the Father is for everyone to receive eternal life (saved) by accepting His Son Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. John 3:36 NLT also states "36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” Therefore without His Son Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we choose to remain separated from God the Father hence why "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven...".
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