What Is the Will of the Father?

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”
Matthew 7:21

That’s a verse most folks read quickly—maybe even nod their head—but never stop to ask: What is the will of the Father? Jesus made it clear that calling Him “Lord” isn’t enough. Even doing miracles in His name won’t save a person if they’re not walking in the will of God.

So what is it?

Jesus tells us plainly in John 6:40—
“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
The will of God starts with believing in His Son. Not just knowing His name, but trusting Him with your life and eternity.

But it doesn’t stop there.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 says,
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification...”
That means a life set apart. Turning from sin. Becoming more like Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 gives us more:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
God’s will is about how we live day to day—joyful, prayerful, and thankful, even when life is hard.

And Romans 12:2 says,
“...be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
As we renew our minds with God’s Word, we learn to recognize His will. It becomes clear as we walk with Him.

So how do you know if you’re doing the will of the Father?
Start with faith in Christ. Then live a life that follows Him. Obey His Word. Stay close. Keep turning from sin. That’s the path Jesus was pointing to in Matthew 7.

Because when the day comes—and it will—we don’t want to hear Him say, “I never knew you.”
We want to be known by Him.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)