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Explanation for:
Matthew
7
:
21
Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"As mentioned earlier, those who outwardly display a virtuous life should not be embraced due to their flawed teachings. Conversely, it is emphasized that even individuals who demonstrate strong faith yet live in an unprincipled manner and compromise the integrity of doctrine through sinful actions have a faith that is ineffective. For God’s servants must ensure that their actions align with their words, and their words reflect their actions. This idea may appear to contradict the familiar statement of the apostle: No one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. However, Scripture often interprets words through the lens of actions, thereby affirming that He rejects those who claim to have knowledge of the Lord without accompanying good works. They will hear from the Savior: I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me, all ye workers of unrighteousness. In this manner, the apostle also notes: They claim to know God, but their deeds deny Him."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Why did the Redeemer refrain from stating, 'But fulfill my will'? The initial statement was sufficient for the audience to grasp, while the concluding thought transcended their spiritual frailty. However, the first notion encompasses the final one. Additionally, we must recognize that the will of the Son aligns perfectly with the will of the Father. It seems that the Redeemer primarily addresses the Jewish people, who concentrated on doctrines but neglected their spiritual lives. Consequently, Paul admonishes them, saying, 'Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest on the law, and boastest of God, and knowest the will' (Romans 2:17, 18). Yet, this knowledge holds no value if it is not reflected in their conduct.\\n\\nJust as a sparrow, though not entirely ensnared in a net, may be trapped by one part, like a foot, so too are we under the influence of the adversary, even if we are not wholly captivated by him in both our beliefs and our actions, but rather in our actions. ‘Not every one that saith unto me, Lord! Lord!’ declares Christ, ‘shall enter into the kingdom of heaven’; and again, ‘I know you not; depart from me, ye that do iniquity’ (Matthew 7:21, 23). Do you perceive that faith holds no value if we are unloved by the Master? The same is stated to the maidens: ‘I know you not’ (Matthew 25:12). What good are their virginity and other commendable deeds if they remain unknown to the Master? We observe in various instances that individuals are not condemned for their faith, but rather punished for a corrupt life; conversely, some who are blameless in life face death for erroneous beliefs, for both aspects are interconnected.\\n\\nYou see, we fall into the snare of the devil when we fail to pursue God's will. Not only can an entire lifetime of wrongdoing lead to condemnation, but a single vice can also result in eternal punishment if it outweighs any virtuous deeds. The virgins were judged not for fornication or envy, but for a lack of oil, which symbolizes the absence of charitable acts. Those who faced the accusation to ‘Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,’ were condemned not for notorious sins, but for neglecting to provide for Christ. Can you grasp that even a single act of unkindness may lead to eternal fire? Consider this—if you do not engage in acts of charity, what are you truly doing? Do you fast each day? These maidens practiced fasting, yet it profited them little. Do you offer prayers? But what merit does that have? Without charitable acts, prayer is in vain. Without charity, everything is tainted and devoid of worth; the essence of virtue is lost. ‘He that loveth not his brother,’ as the Apostle states, ‘knoweth not God’ (1 John 3:10; 1 John 4:8); how can you claim to love him if you refuse to share even a portion of your modest possessions? Do you uphold chastity? Why? Is it out of fear of punishment? No, it should be rooted in your nature; if you were to practice chastity merely to avoid suffering, resisting such natural desires, you would be much more equipped to perform acts of charity. It is one thing to suppress an urge for wealth and quite another to restrain the desires of the flesh, the latter being far more challenging."},{"author-name":"Basil the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889927158e4af30595484_Basil%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Even if one adheres to the Lord’s commands, if it is not aligned with God’s intentions or performed out of love for Him, their efforts will ultimately be fruitless. This aligns with the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, who stated, ‘Inasmuch as they do it to show themselves before men. Verily I say unto you, that they have already received their reward’ (Matt. 6:5). The Apostle Paul likewise emphasized, ‘And if I give away all my possessions and my body to be burned, and have no love, it is of no avail to me’ (1 Corinthians 13:3)."},{"author-name":"Hesychius of Jerusalem","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ca04ac3836441d1cf62_Hesychius%20of%20Jerusalem.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"\\"Not everyone who calls Me 'Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven,\\" declares the Lord, \\"but only those who perform the will of My Father\\" (Matt. 7:21). The desire of His Father is expressed in these words: \\"Let all who love the Lord hate wickedness\\" (Ps. 96:10). Therefore, as we approach Jesus Christ in prayer, let us reject evil thoughts, thereby fulfilling the divine will."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The phrase “Not everyone who says to me, Lord! Lord!” indicates that Christ verifies His Lordship, for He refers to Himself as God. He instructs us that mere belief without corresponding actions holds no value. The expression “He that doeth the will” implies continuous action; He did not say “fulfilled once,” but rather “fulfilling” until the end of life. Moreover, He did not specify “my will” to avoid misleading His listeners, but instead referred to “my Father's will,” even though the Father and Son share the same will unless the Son chooses to betray it."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Consider what is stated here. Believing in me alone does not guarantee access to heavenly blessings; one must also adhere to my teachings, as noted in Luke 6:46. Faith by itself cannot secure salvation without a life that reflects that faith; similarly, a virtuous life is insufficient without being enriched by faith. It is essential to integrate both aspects, rather than separating them. Acknowledging Him as Lord pertains solely to faith. He did not say, “But he who does My will,” because He wished to honor the Father and illustrate that the Father’s will aligns entirely with the Son’s will. The will of the Father is embodied in the commandments of the Son."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Merely engaging in prayer is not sufficient for salvation; it must be coupled with acting in accordance with God's will, which corresponds to each individual's position and lifestyle. The primary focus of prayer should be to ask God for the strength to remain steadfast in His divine purpose. Conversely, those who earnestly strive to fulfill God's will in all aspects find their prayers are bolder and more readily acknowledged at His throne. It often occurs that when one’s prayer is not supported by a commitment to God's will, such prayer becomes insincere and superficial, marked by empty repetition and distracted thoughts rather than being authentic and heartfelt. It is essential to align both prayer and action with devotion to God in order to bear spiritual fruit."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Not everyone who expresses faith, etc. The Lord, with straightforwardness, proceeds directly from what He has previously communicated using the metaphor of a tree laden with fruit. When someone calls out to Me, “Lord! Lord!” it reflects a similar reverence demonstrated by the Jews when they referred to their leaders as Rabbi or Master, recognizing them as their educators and guides. The Church, in assigning this title to the Savior, indicates a recognition of His unique authority as Lord (cf. 1 Cor. 12:3; Phlp. 2:11). The phrase, “He that saith unto Me, ‘Lord! Lord!’” signifies the individual who acknowledges Me as his teacher and professes his faith in Me as his Lord. However, not all who claim this will enter the Kingdom of God—the Kingdom of Christ in heaven. Even those who appear to be part of His earthly Kingdom or Church may not enter, but only those who, while confessing the Savior as their Lord, also fulfill the will of God as outlined in the Law. In other words, a life lived in accordance with God's commandments and marked by virtue—bearing good fruit—will determine participation in this kingdom."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Amphiteatrov)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896e9b7a2ebaf99e4620a_Philaret%20(Amphiteatrov).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ addresses us, dear brothers and sisters. We, who are nurtured in the depths of His holy Orthodox Church, have been reborn into everlasting life through the sacrament of baptism. As infants, we learn to call upon Jesus Christ, saying \\"Lord, Lord,\\" and invite the life-giving spirit of true faith into our hearts. We, who read and hear the sacred scriptures, understand the will of our heavenly Father and recognize that obedience to it opens the gates of the kingdom of heaven. Who, then, can bar our way when our King, the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself grants us entry into His kingdom? No one, my brethren; the only barrier lies within ourselves. We close the gates to the Kingdom of Heaven when we acknowledge God's will but choose to live contrary to His divine and redemptive commandments, instead following our flawed, transient desires. \\n\\nNot all who say to Me \\"Lord, Lord\\" will find their place in the kingdom of heaven; rather, it is he who fulfills the will of My Father in heaven who will enter, as Jesus Christ has said. How true and just are these words! To desire the Kingdom of Heaven while neglecting the Father's will is to expect the impossible, even from God Himself. In the Kingdom, the bliss enjoyed by both angels and saints stems from their obedience to God’s will. Rebellion against this will cast down even the angels of light and the blessed from the paradise of delight. In His infinite love and compassion, God has devised a wondrous way for humanity to attain the Kingdom of Heaven, but it requires a return to fulfilling His will. Thus, the only begotten Son of God, who came to liberate us from sin and darkness and to lead us into the light and life of His Kingdom, exemplified perfect obedience to the Father. \\n\\nHe, who was in the form of God, did not cling to equality with God; instead, He humbled Himself, taking on the nature of a servant, becoming like us, and obediently accepting death, even the death on the cross (Philippians 2:6-8). This illustrates the vital importance of fulfilling God's will to gain entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. The grace of baptism we received as infants represents the greatest mercy from God, but we must cherish this gift as a treasured aspect of our holy lives, allowing the seed of genuine faith planted by the Holy Spirit to bloom into virtues that yield the fruit of eternal life. \\n\\nWe can forfeit this divine gift through sin, exposing ourselves to greater condemnation. Our affiliation with the Church and our adherence to the tenets of Orthodox faith is a cherished legacy passed down from our ancestors, but, as the holy Scripture states, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17), akin to a body devoid of a soul. Genuine saving faith, which leads us to the Kingdom of Heaven, is always alive and fruitful. It is inseparable from the practice of the Gospel’s commandments, where the will of our Father in heaven is fully revealed. If we lack that living and prevailing love for God and our Savior, which true believers allow to guide their thoughts, desires, and actions according to the Gospel, then our faith is rendered futile, and our hope is in vain. \\n\\nWe must continually seek the goodness of our heavenly Father, knocking on the door of His mercy for the outpouring of this love into our hearts until it becomes the essence of our being. Though we may face many temptations that challenge our adherence to God’s will due to our human frailties, we must remember that God's strength is perfected in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). By remaining faithful and turning to Him in prayer during our struggles, we may find healing and rest. Jesus Christ, fully aware of our vulnerabilities, has given us His life-saving commandments; the fulfillment of these, out of genuine love for God, is crucial for entering the Kingdom of Heaven, rendering even the gifts of prophecy and miracles insignificant at the Last Judgment without it, according to the Gospel."},{"author-name":"Ivanov A.V.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88db13197efab881aa332_Ivanov%20A.V..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Not everyone who calls out to Me: Lord, Lord, will gain entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. Both prayer and faith alone do not guarantee access to the Kingdom of God. One might prophesy, perform miracles through faith, or, as the Apostle points out, even speak in the tongues of angels and humans (1 Cor. 13:1-3). It is possible to sacrifice oneself as a martyr for the sake of Christ without embodying love, thus failing to fulfill the paramount commandment of love, remaining lawless and therefore excluded from the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ indicates that He will turn away such individuals, declaring that He does not know them, meaning He does not recognize them as deserving of the Kingdom of God."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Consider the words of the Lord directed towards individuals like you: not everyone who calls out to Me, ‘LORD! LORD!’—those who acknowledge Me verbally as their Lord and Master—will be granted entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. Rather, it is the one who fulfills the WILL (sacred commandments) of My Father in Heaven, consistently and in all matters, to the best of his ability and with the support of My grace. The Saviour did not state, \\"He who does My will,\\" as such an expectation was initially too overwhelming for their frailty. Additionally, the will of the Son aligns perfectly with the will of the Father. Thus, mere faith, devoid of righteous deeds, cannot lead to a man's salvation."},{"author-name":"Kochomski S.W.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Not everyone who calls out to me, Lord, Lord, meaning those who acknowledge Me as their Sovereign and routinely declare it, will enter the kingdom of heaven, signifying that they will not share in the everlasting heavenly splendor of Christ’s reign."}]}
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