Does Matthew 7:21 Deny Jesus’s Divinity? Let’s Unpack the Truth

A video circulating online raises several claims about Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus’ divinity, and the Trinity. However, these assertions are based on misunderstandings of scripture, logical fallacies, and factual inaccuracies. Let’s analyze these claims, correct the misinformation, and present the biblical truth that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Misrepresenting the Bible: Misquoting Matthew 7:21-23

At the heart of the speaker’s argument is a misrepresentation of Matthew 7:21-23. The speaker claims the passage condemns those who call upon Jesus’ name and equates their actions to lawlessness, implying that Jesus denies His divinity. However, the actual verse tells a very different story.

Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV):

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom

of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"

What the Passage Actually Says:

1. Acknowledging Jesus’ Divinity: Jesus refers to Himself as “Lord,” a title of divine authority. His declaration that He determines who enters heaven underscores His divinity.
2. Condemning Hypocrisy: The passage warns against superficial faith. It rebukes those who outwardly perform religious acts without genuine obedience to God’s will.
3. Exercising Divine Judgment: Jesus’ role as the ultimate judge affirms His identity as God. Only God can declare eternal judgment over humanity.

The Speaker’s Error:

The speaker misquotes the verse, inaccurately adding terms like “evildoers” and “workers of iniquity” while misinterpreting the message. This distortion shifts the focus from the call to authentic faith to a straw-man argument against Jesus’ divinity.

Addressing Matthew 17:21 (NKJV):

To compound the confusion, the speaker conflates Matthew 7:21 with Matthew 17:21, which states: “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” This verse pertains to Jesus teaching His disciples about casting out demons and is unrelated to the themes of Matthew 7:21-23.

Claim: Christianity Is Mysterious and Confusing

The speaker asserts that Christian doctrines like the Trinity are overly complex and questions why Jesus never directly says, “I am God, worship Me.” Let’s address these misconceptions.

Biblical Clarity on Jesus’ Divinity:

1. John 10:30 (NKJV): “I and My Father are one.”
2. John 8:58 (NKJV): “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
3. Matthew 28:9 (NKJV): “And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, 'Rejoice!' So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.”

Jesus’ statements and actions consistently affirm His divinity, and His acceptance of worship underscores His identity as God.

The Trinity in Action:

While the word “Trinity” doesn’t appear in the Bible, the concept is clear. At Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16-17), the Father speaks, the Son is baptized, and the Holy Spirit descends—a powerful depiction of the triune God.

Claim: A Map Referring to Palestine, Not Israel

The speaker highlights a map labeled “Palestine” in an antique Bible as evidence undermining the Bible’s validity. However, this reflects a lack of understanding of historical terminology.

Historical Context:

The term “Palestine” was commonly used during the 19th century to describe the region of the Holy Land, influenced by Roman and British usage. This label reflects historical norms, not a denial of Israel’s existence or biblical significance.

Logical Rebuttal:

Map labels are cultural artifacts, not theological statements. The Bible’s spiritual truths and historical reliability remain unaffected by such terminology.

Jesus in the Quran and Hadith: Evidence of His Unique Nature

While Islamic doctrine denies Jesus’ divinity, the Quran and Hadith highlight His extraordinary nature in ways that align with the Bible.

Key Verses in the Quran:

1. Surah An-Nisa 4:171: “The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him.”
   • Jesus is uniquely called “His word,” reflecting His divine origin.
2. Surah Maryam 19:19-21: “He said, ‘I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.’ She said, ‘How can I have a boy while no man has touched me?’”
   • The miraculous virgin birth points to Jesus’ divine role.
3. Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:110: “[Allah will say], ‘O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you... you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird.’”
   • Jesus’ ability to create life mirrors divine creative power.
4. Surah An-Nisa 4:158: “But Allah raised him to Himself.”
   • Jesus’ ascension signifies His unique status.

The Hadith:

1. Sahih al-Bukhari 3448: “The son of Mary will shortly descend among you as a just ruler.”
2. Sahih Muslim 155a: “Jesus son of Mary will descend... He will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the Jizya tax.”
   • Both references depict Jesus’ future return, aligning with biblical eschatology.

Conclusion: Truth, Logic, and Faith in Jesus

The claims presented in the video are based on misinterpretations, flawed logic, and a lack of understanding of scripture. By examining the Bible, historical context, and even Islamic texts, we find overwhelming evidence affirming Jesus’ divinity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Matthew 7:21-23 warns against hypocrisy, not invoking Jesus’ name.
2. Historical labels like “Palestine” do not undermine biblical truth.
3. Jesus’ divinity is affirmed in both the Bible and Islamic texts.

As believers, we are called to share the truth in love. Jesus declared in John 14:6 (NKJV): “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” May this inspire all who seek clarity to embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior.