The Title to the Kingdom
J.A. Macdonald Matthew 7:21-29 Not every one that said to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven… As our Lord concludes his sermon, bringing us before the judgment-seat, so should we habitually judge ourselves as in the searching light of eternity. He advises us - I. THAT BY TRUE OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF GOD WE PROVE TITLE TO THE KINGDOM. 1. That will is embodied in the "sayings" of Jesus. (1) The Sinai covenant emanated from him. It was given by the God of glory. But the Father is essentially invisible. The Son has ever been his Revealer (John 1:14, 18; John 5:37; John 6:46; 1 Timothy 6:16, 17; 1 John 4:12). (2) From him also came the Law published from Zion (Isaiah 2:3; Luke 24:47). Nowhere is this Law more fully set forth than in this sermon. (3) The gospel law is love. Loving our neighbour as ourselves. Loving our brother better than ourselves (John 13:34). Loving God supremely. Love is practical. 2. Profession is no substitute for obedience. (1) Antichrist says, "Lord, Lord!" The Jewish. Mohammedan. Papistical. Infidel. Yet antichrist is the "man of sin" and the" son of perdition." (2) Hypocrites say, "Lord, Lord!" There are modern Pharisees. "Talking about Christ, his righteousness, merits and atonement, while the person is not conformed to his Word and Spirit, is no other than solemn self-deception" (Clarke). Note: Everything short of doing the will of God is merely saying, "Lord, Lord!" and it is working iniquity (see Matthew 21:31). 3. Zeal in the cause of religion is no substitute for religion. The repetition of the word "Lord" suggests earnestness. (1) "Workers of iniquity" may prophesy. True prophecy came from Balaam. So from Caiaphas. They may teach; write excellent books; preach excellent sermons; give good advice. A finger-post points out a road it never travels. (2) "Workers of iniquity" may cast out devils. Origen relates that devils were sometimes cast out by wicked men, using the name of Jesus (cf. Matthew 12:27; Mark 9:39; Acts 19:13). The truth, though ministered by ungodly men, may be made the power of God to the salvation of the hearer. The minister of saving truth may himself become a castaway (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:27). (3) "Workers of iniquity" may perform" many wonderful works." There may be faith-miracles without love (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1, 2). "Grace may bring a man to heaven without miracles, but miracles will never bring a man to heaven without grace" (Henry). Wonderful works, viz. of party zeal. II. THAT IT IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT WE BE THUS ABLE TO PROVE OUR TITLE. 1. For the testing will be severe. (1) It is compared to the striving of fierce elements upon a building. The "rain" in the East comes down in streams. The "floods" then rise with terrible suddenness. And the "wind" rushes with a violence seldom equalled in our climate. So by every kind of temptation - from above, from beneath, from around - from the world, the flesh, and the devil, are our principles tested even in this world. (2) But in the day of judgment. "That day" (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:14; Daniel 7:10; Matthew 24:36; Luke 10:12; 2 Timothy 1:12, 15). Then the heavens and the earth will be shaken; the severity of the testing will be most searching. 2. The life-building founded on the Rock of Ages will abide. (1) Our work must be begun in him. "Other foundation can no man lay" (cf. Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:20). The Founder of the earth is himself an immutable Foundation (see Hebrews 1:10-12). "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower." (2) It must be continued in him. "Not every one that saith unto me. We have to deal with Christ. I never knew you" - never acknowledged or approved you. We must ever have the approbation of him" with whom we have to do." The materials of this building are spiritual. The building is for eternity. (3) It must be ended in him. He claims to be our Judge. This doctrine astonished the Jews. Jesus spake with the authority of confirming miracles (cf. Matthew 4:24, 25; Mark 1:27; Luke 4:32, 36); but it was his doctrine that astonished (cf. John 6:42; John 7:46). The scribes never spake in this style. Even the prophets said, "Thus saith the Lord;" but Jesus, "I say unto you." 3. The life-building founded on the sand will be wrecked. (1) Any foundation other than Christ is sand. Religious speculativeness. Orthodoxy, or right opinion, by abuse of terms is called faith. Innocence or doing no harm. Self-righteousness. Attendance upon the ordinances of religion. (2) The fool is at as much trouble to build on the sand as the wise man on the rock. How many fools pass for wise men] How often those who pity fools are of their number! Wisdom and folly, in Scripture, express not intellectual but moral states. (3) False hopes are delusive. Sand looks like rock. In the judgment everything will be tested (cf. Romans 2:11; 1 Corinthians 3:13). (4) The doom of the foolish is dreadful. The more pretentious the building the greater the wreck. "Depart from me." Separation from Christ is hell. Note: The ending of this sermon teaches that it is not necessary that every sermon should end with consolation. But let us be wise, prudent, in time. - J.A.M. Parallel Verses 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. WEB: Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.