In the bustling landscape of contemporary spirituality, where myriad voices clamor for attention and allegiance, a profound warning echoes through the ages.
Jesus, in His timeless wisdom, foresaw a time when the proclamation of His gospel would be intertwined with a dangerous distortion—one that subtly divorces salvation from the transformative lordship He demands.
As we traverse the currents of our era, it’s imperative to heed His words with discerning hearts and minds.
Unveiling the Authentic Confession: “Lord, Lord”
In the annals of Matthew’s gospel, a poignant dialogue unfolds, illuminating the essence of true discipleship. Jesus, the embodiment of divine wisdom, unveils a startling reality:
“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” (Matthew 7:21, KJV).
Here, the repetition of “Lord” evokes an intensity of emotion—a fervent confession intertwined with a deep-seated passion for Christ.
This passage serves as a powerful reminder that mere words and lip service are insufficient in the eyes of God. True discipleship, Jesus teaches, is not found in empty declarations of faith, but in the tangible demonstration of obedience to the will of the Father. It is not enough to simply acknowledge Jesus as Lord; one must actively seek to align their lives with His teachings and commands.
Embracing Emotional Fervor: A Deeper Understanding
Delving into the nuances of language, we unearth a profound truth nestled within the heart of Jesus’s words. The doubling of “Lord” signifies not mere emphasis but an outpouring of fervor, akin to King David’s anguished cry over his son Absalom (2 Samuel 19:4).
Just as Revelation echoes with the triple proclamation of “Woe,” underscoring profound emotion (Revelation 8:13), so too do these believers fervently declare their allegiance to Christ.
These believers, in the face of persecution and tribulation, stand firm in their faith and boldly proclaim their loyalty to Christ. The use of the word “woe” in Revelation signifies a deep sense of lamentation and warning, emphasizing the severity of the coming judgment. Similarly, the believers’ declaration of allegiance to Christ is a testament to their unwavering commitment and steadfast devotion.
Active Service: Beyond Lip Service
Moreover, Jesus unveils a striking reality: these professed believers are not passive spectators but active participants in His kingdom work. They preach the message, engage in spiritual warfare, and champion God’s cause (Matthew 7:22, The Message). Their fervor extends beyond words to deeds, embodying the very essence of Christian service.
The Crux of Deception: Practicing Lawlessness
Yet, amidst their fervor and service lies a sobering revelation: they practice lawlessness (Matthew 7:23). This insidious anomaly, encapsulated by the Greek term “anomia,” signifies a willful disregard for divine authority—an active rebellion against God’s precepts. Despite their outward zeal, these individuals flout the foundational principles of righteousness, forgoing true obedience in favor of self-serving pursuits.
The Litmus Test of Authenticity: Obedience as the True Barometer
In the crucible of discernment, obedience emerges as the litmus test of authenticity. Jesus’s solemn declaration—”I never knew you”—resounds with poignant clarity, unveiling the absence of intimate communion (Matthew 7:23). True discipleship transcends mere confession, encompassing a radical obedience rooted in love and reverence for the divine will.
A Call to Genuine Faith: Action as the Manifestation of Belief
James, in his epistolary wisdom, echoes this sentiment, proclaiming the inseparable link between faith and action (James 2:18). Genuine faith, he asserts, finds expression not in empty professions but in tangible deeds—a sentiment echoed by Jesus Himself (Matthew 7:20).
In essence, James is emphasizing that true faith is not just about believing in something, but also about living it out through our actions. This means that faith without works is dead, as faith should naturally lead to a transformation in our behaviors and attitudes.
When Jesus spoke about judging a tree by its fruit in Matthew 7:20, He was essentially saying the same thing. Just as a tree is known by the quality of its fruit, so too is a person’s faith known by the actions they produce.
The Immutable Foundation: Lordship as the Bedrock of Faith
As we navigate the tempestuous seas of contemporary spirituality, we are confronted with a fundamental choice: to build upon the rock of Christ’s lordship or the shifting sands of human wisdom (Matthew 7:24–27).
The parable of the wise and foolish builders serves as a poignant reminder of this eternal truth—a truth that transcends the ages, beckoning us to anchor our faith upon the unshakable foundation of divine sovereignty.
Conclusion: Embracing the Path of True Discipleship
In the crucible of discernment, let us heed the clarion call of Christ, embracing the transformative power of His lordship. Let our confession of “Lord, Lord” be more than mere lip service, transcending emotion to embody a radical obedience rooted in love and reverence. For in the crucible of obedience, true discipleship finds its fruition, paving the path to eternal communion with the Divine.
Recommendation: Nurturing Spiritual Growth Through Scripture
As we embark on the journey of authentic discipleship, let us immerse ourselves in the transformative power of Scripture. Drawing inspiration from the following verses, may we cultivate a deeper understanding of Christ’s lordship and its profound implications for our lives:
- Matthew 7:21 (KJV): “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
- Matthew 7:24–25 (ASV): “Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.”
- James 2:18 (KJV): “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”
- 1 John 2:3–4 (NASB): “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
- Matthew 7:21–23 (KJV): “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
