The Sum of the Sermon on the Mount

Steven’s Scribbles
“The Sum of the Sermon on the Mount” 
Matt. 7:21-29


    One of the major lessons that christians need to take away from the last few verses of the Sermon on the Mount is that Christianity is a doing religion. Those who put all their confidence in salvation by faith only, which amounts to calling on the Lord verbally, and once saved, always saved, would do well to pay attention to these verses. In verses 21-23, Jesus makes it clear that it is more than just saying a prayer, or crying out to God. Rather, “he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” He goes on to say in verses 24-27 that the differential between the wise and the foolish is acting on the words of Jesus. Once one becomes an obedient follower of the Christ, he must continue to follow in Jesus’ teaching. This is an act of obedience and love “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). What we learn from the end of the Sermon on the Mount is that the Lord has expectations, and if we don’t do them we will hear “Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matt. 7:23). This does not negate the love of God, but it does show that He is a just God. He therefore will judge justly. Let us strive to do the Lord’s will so that we will hear, “enter into the joy of your master” (Matt. 25:21). I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley