Sheep And Goats

This familiar parable has some valuable lessons.

Matthew 25:31-46

End of the world.

• all nations shall be assembled (this did not happen in 70 AD.)
• separation between the righteous and the wicked
• eternal rewards and punishments
• The glory of the Son of Man. He who was humiliated shall be glorified

Sheep

• a kingdom prepared for them before the foundation of the world; before they had done, thought, or decided anything (v. 34).
• blessed of my Father—by creation, providence and electing grace
• those who have been thus blessed will do good, not as the basis of grace but as the result of grace (35-40).
• to do good expecting nothing in return, not even a favorable nod, is to be like God

Goats

• everlasting fire—prepared for the devil and his angels. Those who distort God’s electing grace complaining that some men have been predestined to hell need to read this verse again.
• the unrighteous are not habitually kind and are always “keeping score” hoping to earn favor with God

Acts of kindness

• Food
• Water
• Shelter
• Clothing
• Visiting/friendship

[print_link]