Who Shall Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven?

David Eldridge

Jesus speaks of those who will be granted entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew 7:21-23. Let us consider these verses together to see who shall enter the eternal kingdom of God.

Not those who only call on His name (vs. 21). Many teach that all one must do is call on the name of the Lord in a “sinner’s prayer” upon their belief. Jesus says it is not enough just to call on His name. It is not enough just simply to believe in the person of Jesus. Truly the Bible says, “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). However, this calling is not made by a “sinner’s prayer” of which you cannot read about in the Bible. It is by faithful obedience to Christ in baptism (Acts 22:16).

Not by merely being “religious” (vs. 22). Notice the people spoken of in this verse. They were “religious” people – doing good, casting out demons, prophesying. But, in vs. 23, they are referred to as workers of lawlessness. There is a popular concept that all “religious” people will be saved. Jesus says this not the case. Unless one is following the commands of God explicitly as given in His word, he will be lost.

The one who obeys God (vs. 21). Who will enter the eternal kingdom? It is the one who obeys the Father. Not by doing what one determines is right and pleasing in his own eyes, but one who looks to God’s commandments and walks in them completely. Will you be one who Jesus does not own, or one to whom is afforded eternal life?