Matthew 7:21-23

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (NIV)

There is a lot revealed in these verses. For example, on the day of judgment there will be people who were very religious, and who on earth appeared to be close to God, but who will not enter the kingdom.

Who is it that will enter the kingdom of God? John 3:16 gives us the answer:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)

It is belief in Jesus Christ (as your Lord and Savior) that brings you into the kingdom. So why does Matthew 7:21 say that "he who does the will of my Father" will enter the kingdom? Is this a contradiction?

No, there is no contradiction. Jesus is talking about the visible result of believing in Jesus. We can never know for sure whether a person truly believes in Jesus or not. However, we can observe how people respond to Jesus. James 2:14 says:

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?"

This is exactly what Jesus is talking about in Matthew. He is talking about people who claimed to have faith, but their actions (deeds) were not actions done in obedience to God. James 2:15 gives the example of a person who wishes a person in need well, but who actually does nothing about that person's physical needs. However, God has commanded us to help those who are less fortunate than us. Through his disobedience of God (not doing God's will) this person is showing that he does not truly believe in Christ and thus he will not enter the kingdom.