Who are the people in Matthew 7:21–23?

Published August 30, 2026

The people in Matthew 7:21–23 are false professors who call Jesus “Lord” and claim remarkable ministry works but have never truly belonged to Him. Jesus does not identify them by a modern denomination or one spiritual gift. He identifies them by the contradiction between their confident profession and their practice of lawlessness.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven… Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?… And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you.” — Matthew 7:21–23 (KJV)

They are outwardly religious

These people are not presented as atheists or enemies who openly reject Jesus’ name. They call Him “Lord, Lord.” The repetition communicates urgency and confidence. They expect to enter the kingdom and are surprised when rejected.

Their example warns that Christian vocabulary is not the same as conversion. A person can learn the language of faith, identify with a church, and speak respectfully about Jesus while remaining unsubmitted to Him.

They claim impressive supernatural works

The group points to three kinds of activity: prophecy, casting out devils, and many wonderful works. Their argument is not modest. They appeal to public, powerful, and apparently spiritual accomplishments performed “in thy name.”

Jesus does not evaluate their claims in detail. Whether every work was fraudulent, deceptive, exaggerated, or outwardly real is not the main issue. Scripture shows that supernatural phenomena alone cannot establish truth. Pharaoh’s magicians imitated signs for a time (Exodus 7:11–12), and Jesus warned that false christs and false prophets would show great signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24).

Even genuine ministry activity does not automatically prove the condition of the worker. God can accomplish His purpose through flawed instruments. Caiaphas prophesied concerning Christ’s death despite his opposition to Jesus (John 11:49–52). Judas participated in the apostles’ ministry while remaining “the son of perdition” (John 17:12).

They trust what they did instead of what Christ did

Notice the center of their defense: “Have we not…?” They list their works before the Judge. They do not appeal to His mercy, His sacrifice, or His righteousness.

Scripture does not teach that a sinner enters heaven by presenting an impressive ministry résumé. Paul rejected confidence in his own religious achievements so he could be found in Christ with righteousness through faith (Philippians 3:4–9). Salvation is “not by works of righteousness which we have done” (Titus 3:5).

The tragedy is not that their works were too small. It is that works, however dramatic, cannot substitute for being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.

They practice lawlessness

Jesus calls them “ye that work iniquity.” Their claimed service and their actual allegiance point in opposite directions. “Iniquity” carries the idea of lawlessness—a life that uses Christ’s name while refusing His authority.

This does not describe believers who never commit a sin. Jesus’ true followers still need confession, correction, and growth. The distinction is between stumbling while following Christ and making iniquity one’s ongoing work while using religion as a covering.

The surrounding passage uses fruit to expose identity. “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit” (Matthew 7:18). Jesus tells hearers to evaluate teachers not merely by claims or wonders, but by the fruit that reveals what kind of tree they are.

They are among the “many,” not a rare exception

Jesus says “many” will speak this way “in that day,” referring to the day of judgment. The warning is intentionally broad and sobering. Crowds, popularity, and religious success cannot determine whether a ministry or profession is approved by Christ.

Earlier in the same chapter Jesus contrasts the broad way leading to destruction with the narrow way leading to life (Matthew 7:13–14). He then warns about false prophets in sheep’s clothing (verses 15–20), false professors (verses 21–23), and hearers who build on sand by refusing to obey His words (verses 24–27). The whole section calls for discernment and an obedient response to Christ.

Does “the will of my Father” mean earning heaven?

Jesus says the one who does the will of His Father will enter the kingdom. This cannot mean sinless obedience or salvation purchased by works, because the rest of Scripture teaches salvation by grace. Jesus explained the Father’s will in terms of faith: “that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life” (John 6:40).

Genuine faith also produces obedience. The Sermon on the Mount will not allow someone to claim faith while deliberately rejecting everything Jesus commands. Doing the Father’s will is the evidence and expression of a real relationship, not a wage that forces God to grant eternal life.

Are these people sincere?

They appear convinced, but confidence does not prove sincerity in every detail, nor does sincerity establish truth. People can deceive others and themselves. Paul warned that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13).

Matthew 7 does not give enough information to diagnose the motives of every individual in the group. Some may be deliberate deceivers; others may be deeply self-deceived. What unites them is an empty profession that Christ does not recognize.

How should churches apply this warning?

Do not treat gifts, crowds, money, titles, or reported miracles as proof of godliness.
Test teaching by Scripture and examine the fruit of a teacher’s life.
Never excuse abuse, greed, sexual immorality, or deception because a leader appears powerful.
Do not make ministry performance the foundation of personal assurance.
Preach salvation through Christ and call professing believers to repentance and obedience.

Churches should avoid reckless accusations. Jesus’ warning authorizes discernment, not gossip or pretending to know every person’s heart. Clear doctrine, observable fruit, and accountable conduct matter.

A personal response

Do not ask merely whether you have said “Lord,” served in ministry, or experienced something supernatural. Ask whether your hope is in the biblical Jesus and whether you receive His authority. Examine yourself honestly, but do not try to replace grace with a better list of achievements.

The people in Matthew 7:21–23 are religious workers whom Christ never knew. Their warning points us away from empty profession and self-trust, and toward genuine faith in the Savior whose grace forgives and transforms.