Matthew 7:13-23

Christian Standard Bible

Entering the Kingdom

¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate.^(A) For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,^(B) and there are many who go through it. ¹⁴ How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.

¹⁵ “Be on your guard against false prophets^(C) who come to you in sheep’s^(D) clothing^(E) but inwardly are ravaging wolves.^{(F) 16} You’ll recognize them by their fruit.^(G) Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles?^{(H) 17} In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.^{(I) 20} So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.^(J)

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,^(K) but only the one who does the will^(L) of my Father in heaven.^{(M) 22} On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons^(N) in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’^{(O) 23} Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’^[a][b](P)