Matthew 7:21-23

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 7:23

Verse 23 23.And then will I confess to them (482) By using the word ὁμολογήσω , I will confess, (483) Christ appears to allude to the vain boasting, by which hypocrites now vaunt themselves. “ They indeed have confessed me with the tongue, and imagine that they have fully discharged their duty. The confession of my name is now heard aloud from their tongue. But I too will confess on the opposite side, that their profession is deceitful and false.” And what is contained in Christ’s confession?... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:13-27

(4) Epilogue (cf. Matthew 5:3 , note). Dare to take up this position, which has been laid down in Mt 5:21-7:12, involving though it must separation from the majority of men ( Matthew 7:13 , Matthew 7:14 ); and this notwithstanding the claim of others to reveal the Lord's mind, whose true nature, however, you shall perceive from their actions ( Matthew 7:15-20 ); they that work iniquity have neither present nor future union with me ( Matthew 7:21-23 ). Finally a solemn warning ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:15-23

Matthew only in this form, though most of the separate verses have much matter common to other passages; viz.: verses 16, 18, parallel with Luke 6:43 , Luke 6:44 , cf. also infra , Matthew 12:33 ; Matthew 12:19 , cf. Matthew 3:10 ; verse 21, cf. Luke 6:46 ; Luke 6:22 , cf. Luke 13:26 ; Luke 13:23 , parallel with Luke 13:27 . (For the connexion of these verses, cf. Luke 13:13 , note.) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:15-29

Sermon on the mount: 8. Wise and foolish builders. The righteousness required in God ' s kingdom is the subject of our Lord's teaching in this sermon. After contrasting this with various spurious forms of righteousness, he shows the ruin that results from false pretensions. This he does by means of three figures: 1 . The mere pretender is like a wolf in sheep's clothing; you cannot turn a wolf into a sheep by merely putting on it from the outside a fleece. 2 . Or he is like a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:21

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord . Professing obedience ( Matthew 6:24 ). Observe the indirect claim to this title of reverential submission and the implied expectation that it will be given him by many. Shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. The final goal of our hopes. But he that doeth the will of my Father. Not "of me," but of him whom I represent, and to whom I stand in a unique relation (observe the claim). This man also says, "Lord, Lord" (Winer, § Matthew... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:21

The self-deception of professors. The professors here are the "prophets" of Matthew 7:15 . But the sadness of their condition comes out in a very striking way when they are seen to be both deceivers and self-deceivers. There may be a designed allusion to the characteristic teachers of the day, some of whom were hypocrites, and some of whom were self-deceived. Illustration may be found in the mischievous influence of the Judaist teachers who followed St. Paul and eagerly laboured to destroy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:21-23

These verses stand in close connexion with Matthew 7:15-20 . Seeing that external actions are the result of internal life, it is they, not words nor even miracles, by which the true followers of Christ will be finally distinguished from others, and which therefore will alone secure admission to abiding with Christ in the kingdom of heaven. To these verses Luke 13:23-28 have many resemblances (cf. also Luke 13:13 , Luke 13:14 , supra ) . St. Luke thus omits the warning against false... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:21-29

Conclusion of the sermon. I. THE NECESSITY OF OBEDIENCE . 1 . Not all disciples will be saved. They all say, "Lord, Lord;" they all call themselves by the holy name of Christians; but not all can enter into the kingdom of glory at the last. For our Father which is in heaven is the King of heaven; and none can enter into his kingdom but those who do his will. They all pray, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." It is mere hypocrisy, it is mocking God, to say that holy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:21-29

The saying and hearing contrasted with the doing. This passage bears internal and intrinsic evidence of standing in the original position at the end , and as the end of the discourse. Its connection with what precedes is also apparent. "Fruits" have been spoken of as the test of the false or the true prophet. And the discourse finishes with a forcible setting forth of the fact that practice, not profession, is the passport, whether into the kingdom of heaven on earth or into the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:21-29

The title to the kingdom. 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. 2 . Profession is no substitute for obedience. 3 . Zeal in the cause of religion is no substitute for religion. The... read more

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