The Father's Will in Matthew 7:21 Explained Theologically
Matthew 7:21 states, "Not euery one that sayeth vnto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdome of heauen, but he that doeth my Fathers will which is in heauen" (Geneva 1599) [1]. This verse concludes a significant portion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the critical importance of obedience to Christ's commands [6].
The broader context of Matthew 7:21 is Jesus' teaching on true discipleship, contrasting outward profession with genuine inward commitment and action. Jesus warns against false prophets and those who merely claim allegiance to him without demonstrating it through their lives [6]. The passage immediately preceding this verse discusses discerning false prophets by their "fruits," suggesting that actions are the true indicators of one's spiritual state [6]. The "will of my Father" is a recurring theme in Matthew, often linked to Jesus' own mission and the conduct expected of his followers [4, 8]. For instance, Jesus states that those who are true members of his family are those who do the will of the Father, as expressed in Jesus' commands [5].
The concept of "the Father's will" (Greek: to thelēma tou Patros) is central to understanding this verse. In biblical thought, the "Father" signifies God's position of authority and headship, akin to a patriarchal figure in a family [2]. God's will is not merely an abstract concept but is concretely expressed through Jesus' teachings [4]. This includes the ethical demands laid out in the Sermon on the Mount itself, such as the call for a "surpassing righteousness" that goes beyond mere external adherence to the law [9]. Jesus' teachings reveal God's will in contrast to traditional interpretations that might have missed the spirit of the law [9].
Interpreters have explored what "doing the Father's will" specifically entails. Tyndale House notes that the Father's will is expressed in Jesus' teachings, citing passages like Matthew 12:50, 21:28-32, Romans 2:13, and James 1:22-27 [4]. These passages collectively point to active obedience and living out the principles taught by Jesus. For example, Matthew 12:50 states, "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother" (KJV). This highlights that obedience is a mark of true spiritual kinship with Christ [5].
John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, clarifies that "doing the will of my Father" should not be understood as achieving perfect obedience to the moral law, as no one can perfectly fulfill it [7]. Instead, he interprets it as the "obedience of faith" to God's will revealed in the Gospel, which is to believe in Christ and have everlasting life (John 6:40) [7]. This perspective emphasizes that faith itself is an act of obedience to God's will. However, this faith is not divorced from action; rather, it is a faith that produces obedience as its fruit [5]. Obedience does not earn entrance into God's family, but one cannot be considered a member without it [5].
The passage functions as a stark warning against hypocrisy and superficial religiosity. It challenges the assumption that verbal profession ("Lord, Lord") is sufficient for salvation [1]. The emphasis is on the practical outworking of faith in daily life, demonstrating that genuine belief is evidenced by a life aligned with God's revealed will [6]. This aligns with other New Testament passages that stress the importance of both faith and works, not as two separate paths to salvation, but as integral components of a transformed life [4]. The ultimate judgment, as described in Matthew 25:31 and related passages, will involve an assessment of actions [3]. Even Jesus himself demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Father's will, even when it meant immense suffering [8].
Sources
- Matthew “Matthew 7:21 (Geneva1599) — Not euery one that sayeth vnto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdome of heauen, but he that doeth my Fathers will which is in heauen.”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Father — The position and authority of the father as the head of the family are expressly assumed and sanctioned in Scripture, as a likeness of that of the Almighty over his creatures. It lies of course at the root of that so-called patriarchal government, (Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11:3) which was introductory to the more definite systems which followed, and which in part, but not wholly, superseded it. The father's blessing was regarded as conferring special benefit, but his malediction special injury, on those on whom it fell, (Genesis 9:25,27; 27:27-40; 48:15,20”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Matthew 25:31 cross-references: Psalms 9:7, Daniel 7:13, Zechariah 14:5, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 19:28, Matthew 25:6, Matthew 26:64, Mark 8:38, Mark 14:62, Luke 9:26, Luke 22:69, John 1:51, John 5:27, Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Hebrews 1:8, Jude 1:14, Revelation 1:7, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 20:11”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 7:21: 7:21 The will of my Father is expressed in Jesus’ teachings (see also 12:50; 21:28-32; Rom 2:13; Jas 1:22-27).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 12:48: 12:48-50 Those who are true members in Jesus’ family do the will of the Father, as expressed in the commands of Jesus (see 7:21). Obedience does not earn entrance into this family, but one cannot be considered a member if he or she is not obedient (see 3:15; 5:17-48; 6:10, 12; 7:13-27; 21:31).”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 7:21: We have here the conclusion of this long and excellent sermon, the scope of which is to show the indispensable necessity of obedience to the commands of Christ; this is designed to clench the nail, that it might fix in a sure place: he speaks this to his disciples, that sat at his feet whenever he preached, and followed him wherever he went. Had he sought his own praise among men, he would have said, that was enough; but the religion he came to establish is in power, not in word only (Co1 4:20), and therefore something more is necessary. I. He shows, by a plain r”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 12:45: For whosoever shall do the will of my Father,.... This is not to be understood of a perfect obedience to the will of God, revealed in his righteous law; for since this cannot be performed by any mere man, no one could be in such a spiritual relation to Christ: but of the obedience of faith to the will of God, revealed in the Gospel; which is to believe in Christ, and have everlasting life; see Joh 6:40. This is the will of Christ's Father, which is in heaven, and which is good news from heaven, to sinners on earth; and which Christ came down from heaven to do, and”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 26:39: 26:39 If it is possible: Jesus’ heart’s desire was for uninterrupted communion with the Father instead of coming under God’s wrath. • Yet I want your will to be done: His resolution to do the Father’s will was firm (4:1-11; 16:23; John 6:38).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 5:21: 5:21-47 You have heard. . . . But I say: Jesus contrasts his own teaching to six misinterpretations of the law. Each antithesis provides an example of the surpassing righteousness of Jesus. Jesus reveals the will of God as it contrasts with traditions. 5:21 our ancestors were told: The expression refers to the traditional interpretation of the teachers of religious law and Pharisees. Though their traditions prohibited murder, they did not prohibit hatred. The surpassing righteousness of Jesus demands reconciliation (5:23-24); merely refraining from committing mur”