Matthew 25
Parable of foolish and wise virgins verse 1- 4
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins
which took their lamps and went forth
to meet the bridegroom
and five of them were wise
and five of them were foolish
they that were foolish took their lamps
and took no oil with them
but the wise took oil in their vessels
with their lamps
Interpret: Bridegroom coming verse 5- 7
While the bridegroom tarried – they all slumbered and slept
and at midnight there was a cry made
BEHOLD – the bridegroom comes
go you out to meet him
THEN all those virgins arose – and trimmed their lamps
Interpret: Wise virgins had oil verse 8- 9
And the foolish said to the wise
Give us of your oil- for our lamps are gone out
But the wise answered – saying
Not so – lest there be not enough for us and you
BUT go you rather to them that sell
and buy for yourselves
Interpret: Foolish virgins had no oil verse 10- 13
And WHILE they went to buy – the bridegroom came
and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage
and the door was shut
AFTERWARD came also the other virgins – saying
Lord – Lord – open to us
BUT he answered and said
Verily I say unto you – I know you not
WATCH therefore
for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the
Son of man comes
Parable of three servants verse 14- 15
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country
who called his own servants
and delivered unto them his goods
AND to one he gave five talents – to another two
and to another one
to every man according to his several ability
AND straightway took his journey
Interpret: Two faithful servants verse 16- 23
THEN he that had received the five talents went
and traded with the same
and made them other five talents
and likewise he that had received two
he gained other two
BUT he that had received one went and digged in the earth
and hid his lord’s money
AFTER a long time the lord of those servants come
and reckoned with them
and so he that had received five talents
came and brought other five talents
saying
Lord – you delivered to me five talents
BEHOLD – I have gained beside them five talents more
His lord said to him – Well done – you good and faithful servant
you have been faithful over a few things
I will make you ruler over many things
enter you into the joy of the lord
He also that had received two talents came and said
Lord – you delivered to me two talents
BEHOLD – I have gained two other talents beside them
His lord said to him
Well done good and faithful servant
you have been faithful over a few things
I will make you ruler over many things
enter you into the joy of your lord
Interpret: One unfaithful servant verse 24- 30
THEN he which had received the one talent came and said
Lord – I knew you that you are an hard man
reaping where you have not sown
and gathering where thou hast not strewed
AND I was afraid – and went and hid your talent in the earth
LO – there you have that is yours
His lord answered and said to him
You wicked and slothful servant
you knew that I reap where I sowed not
and gather where I have not strewed
you ought therefore to have put my money to the exchangers
and then at my coming I should have received
mine own with usury
Take therefore the talent from him
and give it to him which hath ten talents
FOR to everyone that has shall be given
and he shall have abundance
BUT from him that has not shall be taken away
even that which he has
AND cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness
there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth
Separate of sheep from goats verse 31- 33
When the Son of man shall come in HIS glory
and all the holy angels with HIM
THEN shall HE sit upon the throne of HIS glory
and before HIM shall be gathered all nations
and HE shall separate them one from another
as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats
and HE shall set the sheep on HIS right side
BUT the goats on the left
Sheep given reward verse 34- 36
THEN shall the King say unto them on HIS right hand
Come – you blessed of MY Father
inherit the kingdom prepared for you
from the foundation of the world
FOR I was hungered – and you gave ME meat
I was thirsty – and you gave ME drink
I was a stranger – and you took ME in
Naked – and you clothed ME
I was sick – and you visited ME
I was in prison and you came to ME
Goats question verse 37- 40
THEN shall the righteous answer HIM saying
Lord – when saw we YOU an hungered – and fed YOU?
or thirsty – and gave YOU drink?
When saw we YOU a stranger – and took YOU in?
or naked – and clothed YOU?
or when saw we YOU sick
or in prison – and came unto YOU?
AND the King shall answer and say unto them
Verily I say unto you
Insomuch as ye have done it unto
one of the least of these MY brethren
you have done it unto ME
LORD replies to question verse 41- 45
THEN shall HE say also unto them on the left hand
Depart from ME – you cursed – into everlasting fire
prepared for the devil and his angels
FOR I was an hungered -and you gave ME no meat
I was thirsty – and you gave ME no drink
I was a stranger – and you took ME not in
Naked – and you clothed ME not
sick – and in prison
and you visited ME not
THEN shall they also answer HIM – saying
Lord – when saw we you an hungered – or athirst
or a stranger – or naked or sick – or in prison
and did not minister to YOU?
THEN shall HE answer them – saying – Verily I say to you
Inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these
you did it not to ME
Eternal separation of righteous and sinners verse 46
AND these shall go away into everlasting punishment
BUT the righteous into life eternal
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes. (1127 “watch” [gregoreuo] means be vigilant, give strict attention to, be cautious, be awake, be on the alert, or become fully awake.)
DEVOTION: When something is important to the LORD HE repeats it over and over again. Why does HE do that? The reason is that He wants us to understand how important it is to HIM and to us. We have short memories.
HE is repeating the thought that we are to be watchful for HIS return. Too often we can get caught up in our own life that we forget that our life has to be caught up in HIM. If HE isn’t first in our life we are in trouble.
Our first thoughts each morning should be to praise HIM. We should open our day with “thank you LORD.” We should also end our day with “even so come, Lord Jesus.” Our days should be full of thanksgiving to HIM for all HE is doing for us.
If we think HE is not doing anything for us today than we are not in right relationship to HIM. Correct it quick.
There were five good virgins and five foolish virgins in this parable. The five good virgins were ready for the return of the LORD. The five foolish virgins were not prepared.
CHALLENGE: Are you prepared for the LORD to call you home today? If not get ready!!! We don’t know the day or the hour.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 21 His lord said to him, Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things; enter you into the joy of your lord. (5479 “joy” [chara] means the emotion of great happiness and pleasure, gladness, happiness, delight, bliss, or state of rejoicing.)
DEVOTION: The parable of the virgins informs us that we have to be watchful for we don’t know the time of the LORD’S return. This parable of the talents is instructing us that we are not only to be watchful but we need to faithfully use our gifts for service to the LORD while we are watchful.
Each of us has been given a gift by the Holy Spirit the moment we became a believer. This gift is to help the local church reach their world for the LORD. If everyone in the church was using their gift regularly there would never be an empty position in a church that was faithful to the LORD in their programs.
Each of us has to be faithful in small things before HE will give us greater responsibilities. Too often we want to be big before we are small. Too often we look at others rather than just working in our gifted area. God knows what is necessary for HIS work to move forward. HE has you where you are needed at this time period of your life. If you remain faithful in your service to HIM, HE will move you when HE thinks you are ready. If we move ahead of God we are asking for trouble. Stay in HIS timing and not in what you think the timing should be.
CHALLENGE: Trust HIM and remain faithful in the small things.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (2090 “prepared” [hetoimazo] means make ready, provide, or make arrangements.)
DEVOTION: It is noted that God has a plan that HE made before HE created the world. HE knew what was going to happen from creation to creating a new heaven and a new earth. HE is omniscient. HE is never surprised by what is happening in our world. Remember again that HE doesn’t live in time only we do.
God sets the standard for those who are HIS followers. Jesus goes through a list of requirements for those who claim to be HIS followers. What are the requirements? First HE is concerned with those who are hungry. Next HE is concerned with those who are thirsty. Thirdly, HE is concerned with those who had no clothes. Fourth, HE is concerned with those who are sick that they need visitors. Finally, HE is concerned with those who are in prison.
Today we find that all these individuals need friends who care about them. Believers are supposed to be noted for their help of those who are helpless. We shouldn’t leave it to government to help those who are in need. They only care for the body, we can care for the body and soul.
Christians are to bring the gospel with them when they help others. Does that mean we are not to help those who will not listen to the gospel presentation? NO!! I have spoken in many city missions around the country. Many of those have heard preachers every day. They tune them out usually because they can tell those who really care and those who are just there to say they have been there. Those who care at any given city mission know the names of the regulars and also part of their story. Those individuals have the respect of those who are there because they know they are genuine.
The same is true for people in our churches. If there are needy people in a given church and some people visit to help they know which ones are there because they really care and which ones are there to put in their time and brag about how much they care.
Jesus isn’t interested in bragging rights. HE is interested in people who genuinely care about those in need.
There is the other side. There are those who think that all they need to do is give an offering on Sunday to help someone in need and let others care for them. They never visit. They never feed. They never get involved personally. They think they are either too good or don’t have the time. They are just giving excuses. God knows their heart.
CHALLENGE: God examines our motives and actions. HE knows if we are genuine. People know if we are genuine. Be genuine in your help of those who have genuine needs.
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: 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal (2851 “punishment” [kolasis] means correction, penalty, or torment.)
DEVOTION: This chapter is dealing with the return of the LORD. No one knows the day or the hour when the LORD will return. The only one who has the knowledge is the Father as the son other responsibilities.
The first parable deals with the fact that some people who think they are ready for the LORD’S return are not ready. Some people think they are Christians but they are not. These ten virgins are waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. Five brought oil for their lamps and five did not. Only the five who had oil were let in.
The second parable deals with servants who are given money from their master to invest. Two of them invest wisely. The third buried the money. He was cast out and his money was given to the one with ten talents. The other two servants received a commendation from their master. The third was cast into outer darkness where there was going to be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Christ taught many times about the final location of those who were not followers of HIM. This chapter gives us a description of weeping, gnashing of teeth, and outer darkness.
The end of the chapter gives us more of the description of the final destinations for all people. Some will go into eternal life in heaven. The ones who are called righteous will be in that location. What makes a person “righteous?” A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is required. This relationship is manifested by practicing the disciples of the faith on a daily basis. This is done not as an external appearance but from the heart with an internal motive of glorifying God. Remember the five virgins without oil thought they could be with the bridegroom. Remember the third servant still thought the master would be glad that he did nothing with his gift. Good works don’t save but they show that an individual is saved if it is done with the right motive. Our righteousness MUST excess the righteousness of the Pharisees.
Now we get to the teaching of Jesus about the final destination of those who are not followers of HIM. There is a problem in our world. There are many in our religious circles that don’t believe that God could send someone to “everlasting torment.” They think that God is a loving God and therefore would never cause people to be tormented for eternity.
Here we find a verse that says that there is going to be everlasting torment given to those on HIS left hand. Those on HIS right hand will have life eternal. The Greek word for “everlasting” and “eternal” are the same. The same amount of time that the righteous will be in heaven is the same amount of time those who are wicked are going to stay in torment.
If heaven is only going to last for a short time then the place of torment will only last for a short time but if heaven lasts for a LONG TIME than the lake of fire is going to last a LONG TIME. Jesus warns those around HIM that they have to show that they are followers of HIS by helping those who need help. If we are unwilling to help the needy, we might not be on our way to heaven. If we are not willing to help our fellow believers when they are in need, we might not be on our way to heaven.
Are we doing all those things that are mentioned in these last verses of the chapter? We should be. Not to earn salvation but to show our salvation to others. In this way others will see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven. Praise HIS name.
CHALLENGE: Find someone who has a need and help them anonymously.
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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
Father blesses verse 34
Foundation of the world verse 34
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
Parable of ten virgins verse 1- 13
Bridegroom verse 1, 5, 6, 10
Lord verse 11, 37, 44
Son of man verse 13, 31
Parable of the talents verse 14- 30
Hard man verse 24
Sit on the throne of HIS glory verse 31
King verse 34- 41
Welcomes sheep into kingdom
Sends goats to be cursed
everlasting fire
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Holy angels coming with Christ verse 31
Devil and his angels verse 41
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Ability verse 15
Nations verse 32
Stranger verse 35, 38, 43
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Foolish verse 2, 3, 8
Afraid verse 25
Wicked and slothful servant verse 26
Unprofitable servant verse 30
Goats verse 32, 33
Self- righteous verse 37
Cursed verse 41
Not feed hungry verse 42, 44
Not give drink to thirsty verse 42, 44
Not taking in stranger verse 43, 44
Not clothing the naked verse 43, 44
Not visiting sick verse 43, 44
Not visiting those in prison verse 43, 44
Not minister verse 44
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Wise verse 2, 4, 8, 9
Ready verse 10
Watch verse 13
Good and faithful servant verse 21, 23
Ruler verse 21, 23
Joy verse 21, 23
Sheep verse 32, 33
Blessed verse 34
Inherit verse 34
Feed the hungry verse 35, 37
Give drink to thirsty verse 35, 37
Housing for stranger verse 35
Clothes to poor verse 36, 38
Visit the sick verse 36, 39
Visit prisoner verse 36, 39
Righteous verse 37, 46
Minister to others verse 44, 45
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
Kingdom of heaven verse 1, 14
Liked to ten virgins
Son of man comes verse 13
Outer darkness verse 30
Weeping and gnashing of teeth verse 30
Gather all nations – sheep and goats verse 32
Kingdom prepared from foundation of world verse 34
Everlasting fire verse 41, 42
People on left
Prepared for the devil and his angels
Everlasting punishment verse 46
Life eternal – righteous verse 46
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QUOTES regarding passage
46 The same word “eternal” (aiōnion) modifies “punishment” as modifies “life.” Aiōnion can refer to life or punishment in the age to come, or it can be limited to the duration of the thing to which it refers (as in 21:19). But in apocalyptic and eschatological contexts, the word not only connotes “pertaining to the [messianic] age” but, because that age is always lived in God’s presence, also “everlasting” (cf. BAGD, s.v.; and esp. DNTT, 3:826–33). (On penal notions in NT theology, cf. J.I. Packer, “What Did the Cross Achieve? The Logic of Penal Substitution,” Tyndale Bulletin 25 [1974]: 3–45.)
The final separation of “sheep” and “goats” is a recurring theme in the NT, including Matthew (e.g., 7:21–23; 13:40–43). Some have argued that this doctrine has turned many people into infidels; but so have other Christian doctrines. The question is not how men respond to a doctrine but what Jesus and the NT writers actually teach about it. Human response is a secondary consideration and may reveal as much about us as about the doctrine being rejected. Nevertheless two things should be kept in mind: (1) as there are degrees of felicity and responsibility in the consummated kingdom (e.g., 25:14–30; cf. 1 Cor 3:10–15), so also are there degrees of punishment (e.g., Matt 11:22; Luke 12:47–48); and (2) there is no shred of evidence in the NT that hell ever brings about genuine repentance. Sin continues as part of the punishment and the ground for it. (Carson, D. A. (1984). Matthew. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke (Vol. 8, pp. 522–523). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
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25:46 The closing verse in Jesus’ discourse recapitulates both halves of the Judgment Day scene. The parallel between eternal punishment and eternal life makes it difficult to see in the former any kind of annihilationism, even if the word “eternal” can refer to a qualitative rather than quantitative attribute of life and attractive as doctrines of conditional immortality ought to be to anyone with a sensitive heart.
The upshot here, then, as with the culmination of all Scripture in Rev 20–22, is to assert that ultimately there will only be two kinds of people in the world. These will be distinguished on the basis of their response to the gospel and its emissaries, and their eternal destinies will be as distinct as is conceivable. True, everlasting reality is not to be found in this life but in the life to come. Hence, there remains no more pressing priority in this life than to respond properly to Jesus and his messengers by becoming disciples through faith in him. Then we must demonstrate Christ’s lordship in our lives through acts of service—to all the needy, yes, but especially to those of the household of faith (cf. Gal 6:10). What is more, picturing Christian witnesses as needy and suffering reminds us of the lot true believers often face. This is graphically seen in the Two-Thirds World today where some estimates suggest that over two hundred million Christians suffer malnourishment daily. (Blomberg, C. (1992). Matthew (Vol. 22, pp. 379–380). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
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25:41–46. To the goats on His left hand (cf. v. 33) the King will pronounce judgment. They will be told, Depart … into the eternal fire prepared not for men but for the devil and his angels (cf. “the kingdom prepared,” v. 34). The basis of their judgment will be their failure to extend mercy to the remnant of Jewish believers during the Tribulation. Their lack of righteous works will evidence their unconcern (vv. 42–44; cf. vv. 35–36). Such individuals will sympathize with the world dictator and support his cause. They will be removed from the earth and will be cast into “eternal fire” (v. 41) to undergo eternal punishment (v. 46). With all wickedness removed in the various judgments at the Second Advent, the kingdom will begin on earth with only saved individuals in physical bodies constituting the earthly kingdom as the King’s subjects. Glorified saints from Old Testament times and the church, the bride of Christ, will also be present to share in the reign of the King of kings.
In this extended prophetic sermon, Jesus answered His disciples’ questions about the sign of His coming and the end of the Age (24:4–31). He also presented practical lessons for those who will be living at that time (24:32–51), encouraging them to faithfulness, watchfulness, and preparedness. By way of application these lessons are relevant to all believers in any Age. He concluded by pointing out the establishment of the kingdom and the judgment of Jews (25:1–30) and of Gentiles (vv. 31–46). (Barbieri, L. A., Jr. (1985). Matthew. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 81). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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This section explains to us how Jesus Christ will judge the Gentile nations. The word nations in Matthew 25:32 means “Gentiles,” and it is in the neuter gender in the Greek. The word them in that same verse is in the masculine. This means that the nations will be gathered before Jesus Christ, but He will judge them as individuals. This will not be a judgment of groups (Germany, Italy, Japan, etc.) but of individuals within these nations.
We must not confuse this judgment with the Great White Throne Judgment described in Revelation 20:11–15. Some scholars merge both passages and call this “the general judgment.” The Bible knows nothing of a “general judgment.” This judgment takes place on earth immediately after the Battle of Armageddon. The White Throne Judgment takes place in space somewhere (“the earth and the heaven fled away,” Rev. 20:11). The judgment here in Matthew 25 takes place before the kingdom is established on earth, for the saved are told to “inherit the kingdom” (Matt. 25:34). The White Throne Judgment will take place after the 1,000-year reign of Christ (Rev. 20:7ff).
There is another error we must avoid. We must not force this passage to teach salvation by good works. A superficial reading would give the impression that helping one’s neighbor is sufficient to earn salvation and go to heaven. But this is not the message of this passage. Nobody at any time in the history of the world was ever saved by good works.
The Old Testament saints were saved by faith (Heb. 11); the New Testament saints were saved by faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8–10). People today are saved the same way. The gospel of “do good” is not a scriptural message. It is right for believers to do good (Gal. 6:10; Heb. 13:16), but this is not the way unbelievers can be saved.
If we keep in mind the three groups in the account, it will help to solve this problem: There were sheep, goats, and brethren. Who are these people that the King dares to call “My brethren”? It seems likely that they are the believing Jews from the Tribulation period. These are people who will hear the message of the 144,000 and trust Jesus Christ. Since these believing Jews will not receive the “mark of the beast” (Rev. 13:16–17), they will be unable to buy or sell. How, then, can they survive? Through the loving care of the Gentiles who have trusted Christ and who care for His brethren.
The interesting thing about this judgment is that the sheep individuals are surprised at what they hear. They will not remember having seen the Lord Jesus Christ and ministering to His needs. But just as they lovingly ministered to the believing Jews, they did it to Christ. Their motive was not reward, but sacrificial love. In fact, these Gentiles took their own lives in their hands when they welcomed the homeless Jews and cared for them. “He that receiveth you receiveth Me,” Jesus said to His disciples (Matt. 10:40); and surely this would also apply to His brethren.
The individuals designated goats were judged because they did not trust Jesus Christ and give evidence of that faith by caring for His brethren. They apparently received the mark of the beast and took care of themselves and their own, but they had no time for the Jewish remnant that was suffering on earth (Rev. 12:17). There are sins of omission as well as sins of commission (James 4:17). Not doing good is the moral equivalent of doing evil.
When we compare the two judicial sentences (Matt. 25:34, 41), we discover some interesting truths. To begin with, the sheep were blessed of the Father; but it does not say that the goats were “cursed of the Father.” The sheep inherit the kingdom, and inheritance is based on birth. Because they had been born again through faith, they inherited the kingdom.
This kingdom was prepared for these saved individuals, but Matthew 25:41 does not state that the everlasting fire was prepared for the goats. It was prepared for the devil and his angels (Rev. 20:10). God never prepared hell for people. There is no evidence from Scripture that God predestines people to go to hell. If sinners listen to Satan, and follow his ways, they will end up where he ends up—in the torments of hell. There are only two eternal destinies: everlasting punishment for those who reject Christ or eternal life for those who trust Him.
The sheep will be ushered into the kingdom to share in Christ’s glory. The church will be reigning with Christ, and Israel will enjoy the fulfillment of the promises made through the prophets. All of creation will share in the glorious liberty of God’s children (Rom. 8:19–21). Jesus Christ will rule from David’s throne in Jerusalem (Luke 1:30–33), and peace will reign for 1,000 years (Isa. 11).
As we look back over the Olivet Discourse, we should review several facts. To begin with, God is not finished with the people of Israel. Jesus made it clear in this sermon that Israel would be purified and brought to faith in the Messiah. God has not cast away His people (Rom. 11:1ff).
Second, the Old Testament promises of the kingdom will be fulfilled. The Tribulation period will be a very difficult time for people on the earth. But it will be “travail” in preparation for the birth of the kingdom. The suffering will lead to glory.
Third, God is going to judge this world. He is not sending cataclysmic judgments today because this is a day of grace when His message is, “Be you reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:14ff). The heavens are silent because man’s sins have already been judged at the Cross. God has spoken once and for all through His Son, and He will not speak to this earth again until He sends His judgments during the Tribulation.
Fourth, we as Christians and members of His church are not looking for signs. “The Jews require a sign” (1 Cor. 1:22). There will be no signs given prior to the sudden return of Christ in the air for His church. However, as we see some of these Tribulation signs beginning (“When these things begin to take place,” Luke 21:28, nasb), we feel that the end is not far away. It seems that international tensions and problems are increasing to the point where the world will cry out for a dictator, and Satan will have his candidate ready.
Finally, no matter what view of prophecy we take, we know that Jesus is coming again. As Christians, we must be alert and ready. We must not waste our opportunities. We may not have a great deal of ability or a great many gifts, but we can still be faithful in the calling He has given us. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 93–94). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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25:46 eternal punishment … eternal life. The same Gr. word is used in both instances. The punishment of the wicked is as never-ending as the bliss of the righteous. The wicked are not given a second chance, nor are they annihilated. The punishment of the wicked dead is described throughout Scripture as “eternal fire” (v. 41); “unquenchable fire” (3:12); “disgrace and everlasting contempt” (Da 12:2); a place where “their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mk 9:44–49); a place of “torments” and “flame” (Lk 16:23, 24); “eternal destruction” (2Th 1:9); a place of torment with “fire and brimstone” where “the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever” (Rev 14:10, 11); and a “lake of fire and brimstone” where the wicked are “tormented day and night forever and ever” (Rev 20:10). Here Jesus indicates that the punishment itself is everlasting—not merely the smoke and flames. The wicked are forever subject to the fury and the wrath of God. They consciously suffer shame and contempt and the assaults of an accusing conscience—along with the fiery wrath of an offended deity—for all of eternity. Even hell will acknowledge the perfect justice of God (Ps 76:10); those who are there will know that their punishment is just and that they alone are to blame (cf. Dt 32:3–5). (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Mt 25:46). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
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This passage also speaks to the awesome doctrine of eternal punishment. Although it seems that the doctrine of the annihilation of the lost is growing in popularity, the juxtaposition of eternal life and eternal punishment in 25:46 renders such a notion as wishful thinking. Matthew’s descriptions of the destiny of the lost speak of “fire” (3:12; 13:40, 50; 18:8–9; 25:41, 46; cf. 2 Thess 1:8; 2 Pet 3:7; Jude 1:7; Rev 14:10; 19:20; 20:10, 14–15; 21:8) and/or “deep darkness” (8:12; 22:13; 25:30; cf. 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 1:6, 13). The dreadful horror of everlasting separation from God is vividly expressed by both metaphors. (Turner, D., & Bock, D. L. (2005). Cornerstone biblical commentary, Vol 11: Matthew and Mark (p. 331). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.)
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Ver. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, &c.] Their excuses will not be regarded, their pleas will be of no avail, their pretensions to interest in Christ, and love to him, will be set aside; the sentence will remain irrevocable, and there will be no appeal from it, for there’s no higher tribunal to bring the cause before; judgment having passed, the execution of it immediately follows: these goats, or formal professors, shall be obliged, whether they will or no, to depart from the presence of Christ; the angels will be ordered to take and cast them into everlasting burnings; they’ll be driven by them into hell, the place appointed for them; where they shall endure עונש נצחי, everlasting punishment, as the Jews also express it; and that both in soul and body, as the just desert of sin; which being committed against an infinite God, cannot be satisfied for by a finite creature; who therefore must ever bear the punishment of it, because its pollution and guilt will always remain: but the righteous into life eternal; such as are justified by the righteousness of Christ, and who, though they have done works of righteousness under the influence, and by the assistance of the grace of God, yet have not depended upon them, but upon Christ, for life and salvation: these shall go into heaven, the place appointed for them, to enjoy that eternal life in soul and body, which is the free gift of God, through Christ; and will be a life free from all the sorrows of the present one; a life of perfect holiness and knowledge, and inconceivable pleasure; a life of vision of God, and communion with him, and which will continue for ever; and which ascertains the eternity of the punishment of the wicked: for as the happiness of the righteous wilt be eternal, the punishment of the wicked will be so too; for no reason can be given why the word which is the same in both clauses, should be taken in the one for a limited time, and in the other for an eternal duration. The Jews have a saying which agrees with this last clause, “the world to come is not made but for the righteous.” (Gill, J. (1809). An Exposition of the New Testament (Vol. 1, p. 318). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
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FROM MY READING:
I believe we are in a critical time in the life and history of the church. If we continue to go the way we have been going in fundamentalist and evangelical circles, the fundamentalist will all be liberals and most of the liberal will be Unitarian. We desperately need an outpouring of the Holy Spirit – and it cannot come as long as God’s people refuse to acknowledge that we have failed to take advantage of our heritage. (p. 204)
The church is called to live above her own ability. She is called to live on a plane so high that no human being can live like that of his own ability and power. The humblest Christian is called to live a miracle, a life that is a moral and spiritual life with such intensity and such purity that no human being can do it – only Jesus Christ can do it. (p. 205, TozerSpeaks (Volume one) by A. W. Tozer)
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THOUSANDS PROTEST REMOVAL OF CHILDREN FROM CHRISTIAN HOME (Friday Church News Notes, May 6, 2016, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) – The following is excerpted from “Thousands Gather to Protest,” ChristianHeadlines.com, Apr. 21, 2016: “Thousands of Norwegian Christians are protesting the government’s removal of five children from a Christian family. Christian Today reports that the Bodnariu family, including father Marius, a Romanian, and mother Ruth, a Norwegian, had their five children taken from them after Norway’s child welfare service, the Barnevernet, deemed them unfit to raise the children. The government’s intervention began when officials asked the children at school if their parents spanked them. Corporal punishment is against the law in Norway. The children responded affirmatively and were consequently taken from their parents, who have been accused of parental child abuse and religious indoctrination. The Bodnariu’s fight to regain custody of their children has not gone unnoticed, however. Tens of thousands of protesters joined together to petition the government to restore the children to their family. Cristian Ionescu, a spokesman for the family, said that their case has been a ‘catalyst that united’ conservative Christians ‘in a common cause that inspired us to witness for the values that represent us.’ … Thus far, a judge has ruled that the Bodnarius may regain custody of their youngest child, Ezekiel, and that the two older boys can see their parents twice a week.”
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Back in February, federal judge Stephanie M. Rose ruled that the University of Iowa could not strip recognition from Business Leaders in Christ for requiring leaders to follow traditional Christian teaching on sexual morality.
Rose, an appointee of President Obama, didn’t find a problem with the university’s “Human Rights Policy,” which the university claimed the Christian group violated. But she did think it a problem that the university applied the policy inconsistently, in a way that violated students’ free-speech rights.
Did the University of Iowa learn their lesson? Ummm… no. Last week, university officials found themselves back in Rose’s courtroom. Despite the very clear ruling from February, university officials de-registered InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in June, for the same reason.
I’m not sure what the university expected, but in the last seven months Judge Rose had not changed her opinion about what the Constitution requires.
In fact, this time she let them have it. Since the February ruling, she wrote in her opinion, university officials “proceeded to broaden enforcement of the Human Rights Policy in the name of uniformity applying extra scrutiny to religious groups in the process — while at the same time continuing to allow some groups to operate in violation of the policy and formalizing an exemption for fraternities and sororities. The court does not know how a reasonable person could have concluded this was acceptable.”
Back in her February ruling, Rose pointed out how “the Chinese Students and Scholars Association limits membership to Chinese students, and the Iowa Hawkapellas, an a capella group, only accepts women.” Yet neither of these groups were de-recognized for violating the Human Rights Policy.
Nor were fraternities and sororities or LGBTQ student groups required to open their leadership policies. Just about the only groups the policy applied to, according to university officials, were Christian groups that uphold traditional Christian teaching about sexuality.
Rose made her opinion about that quite clear: “The Constitution does not tolerate the way defendants chose to enforce the human rights policy.” She correctly identified the double standard clearly at work, which can be summed up as “some freedom of speech and association is freer than others.”
Frustrated with their stubbornness and determined to not have them re-visit her court for the same reason, Rose decided to hit officials where it really hurts: their wallets.
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The Brightness of His Rising
“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Isaiah 60:3)
This beautiful Messianic prophecy in the Old Testament book of Isaiah compares the coming of Christ to the rising of the sun.
The rest of this chapter in Isaiah seems to stress His coming in glory at the future end of the age (e.g., “the LORD shall be thine everlasting light,” Isaiah 60:20), but our text verse had at least a precursive fulfillment when the Gentile wise men from the east came to Bethlehem to honor Jesus soon after His birth.
Other Messianic prophecies used a similar metaphor. For example, there is Malachi 4:2: “Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.”
Christ Himself made the same comparison. “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). He would not serve as the light for only the Jews; He is the light of the whole world!
The theme of global light through Christ is often found in the Old Testament. “I the LORD . . . will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. . . . It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth” (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6).
It will all be perfectly and eternally fulfilled in the New Jerusalem, “for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: . . . for there shall be no night there” (Revelation 21:23-25).
(HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
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When you are lying flat on your back, knocked down by circumstances and by the cruelty of life and all that hell lets loose, remember that God, the God of all grace, the God to whom there is no limit, is able to make all grace abound toward you. (p. 221)
(A Merciful and Faithful High Priest by Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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DAILY HOPE
Today’s Scripture
Leviticus 5-7
The law in the United States has come under scrutiny. Pressure for it to be reviewed and changed has been demanded. The police and security have come to be analyzed in almost every situation. Between cell phone cameras and video recordings, we have become a nation constantly under investigation.
The law that God gave to the people of Israel was clearly stated and not up for review. The Lord gave the law to Moses, and the priests and religious leaders were to enforce it whenever they were called upon to examine a case.
Today’s chapters in Leviticus cite situations where people have committed wrongs either intentionally or unintentionally. Whatever the sin or the severity of that sin, God demanded that the person who had violated the law, had to bear his own guilt.
Whether rich or poor, deliberate or unintended, an offering to remove the guilt was prescribed. The intent was to remove any evil or sin that would block fellowship with God. Therefore, the rituals of purification and the compensation of wrong done to neighbors’ property or livestock was written for their instruction and implementation.
Sin was offensive to God, necessitating death. God required a pure and costly offering to atone or cover the sin. The priest was to stir up the fire on the altar so that the sacrifice could be burned. Believers are royal priests today (1 Peter 2:9) and the flame of service to God needs to be blazing to burn the leaven (sin) out of our lives. Paul instructed Timothy “to stir up” the gift within himself (2 Timothy 1:6). Let us offer ourselves as nothing less than “living sacrifices, holy, acceptable” (Romans 12:1) to the Lord and His work.
Expectant Hope, Pastor Miller
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