Not Everyone Who Says “Lord”: The Call to Authentic Kingdom Living

Obedience, Rebirth, and the Heart That Truly Belongs to Christ

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“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" ( Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV)

In a culture where spiritual language is often used loosely, Jesus’ words in Matthew 7 remind us that kingdom entry is not based on confession alone—but on obedience, transformation, and intimacy with Him. Many will claim spiritual credentials, but only those who have been born again (John 3:3) and walk in the will of the Father will be welcomed into His eternal kingdom. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3, 10, 12) reveal the posture of true disciples: humble, righteous, and joyful in persecution. This is the call to authentic kingdom living—not performance, but surrender; not religious activity, but spiritual reality.

The people the Lord Jesus is referring to in Matthew 7:21-23 are not atheists, or skeptics but individuals who were active in ministry. They prophesied, performed miracles, and cast out demons (deliverance). Yet Jesus says, “I never knew you.” The Greek word for “know” (ginōskō) implies deep, intimate relationship—not casual acquaintance. This passage in scripture reveals a painful truth: spiritual gifts and public ministry do not guarantee salvation. What matters is whether we’ve truly surrendered our hearts, been born again, and are walking in obedience to God’s will.

The Necessity of New Birth

Jesus makes this clear in John 3:3:

“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Salvation is not inherited, earned, or performed—it is received through spiritual rebirth. To be born again is to be transformed from the inside out, to receive a new heart, a new nature, and a new direction. Without this rebirth, even the most impressive religious resume is meaningless.

The Heart of Salvation

John 3:16 reminds us of the foundation of our faith:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

This is the invitation—to believe, to receive, and to be changed. But belief is not mere mental agreement; it is a faith that produces obedience. It is a surrender that leads to transformation.

The Heart of Authentic Discipleship

Jesus describes the heart of kingdom citizens in the Beatitudes:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:10

“Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven…” — Matthew 5:12

These verses reveal the posture of those who truly belong to the kingdom: humble, surrendered, righteous, and joyful even in suffering. They are not self-assured performers—they are broken vessels, fully dependent on God’s grace.

The Call to Genuine Kingdom Living

So what does it mean to live authentically as a citizen of God’s kingdom?

• It means pursuing intimacy with Christ, not just activity for Him.

• It means walking in obedience, not just claiming spiritual authority.

• It means being born again, not just born into a religious culture.

• It means living with a kingdom posture—poor in spirit, hungry for righteousness, and faithful to the end.

Let us not settle for outward signs of spirituality. Let us pursue inward transformation. Let our hearts be known by Christ, our lives marked by obedience, and our faith rooted in surrender.

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10

Friend, the kingdom of heaven is not for the loudest voices—it’s for the faithful hearts. Not everyone who says “Lord” will enter, but everyone who is known by Him, born of Him, and obedient to Him will be welcomed with joy.

Let us live not for applause, but for approval. Not for recognition, but for relationship. Not for performance, but for presence.

May we be found faithful.

Thank you for reading!

Yours in The Faith

Margaret (MKO)