GM family I always read something spiritual in the morning and I love to share with my family. The phrase gnashing of teeth is found in several places in the Bible and is used exclusively in reference to the final judgment of sinners, either directly or in a parable. Gnashing of teeth is always combined with either weeping or wailing. The Greek phrase for gnashing of teeth, literally means the act of grinding ones teeth together. When combined with weeping, it can be compared to hitting ones thumb with a hammer, squeezing the eyes closed and grinding the teeth together hard in reaction to the pain. Weeping and gnashing of teeth in Scripture, however, is much more dreadful, partly because it lasts for eternity. Jesus first reference to weeping and gnashing of teeth comes in Matthew 8:12 where He compares the kingdom of heaven where many come from all parts of the world to recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The sons of the (other) kingdom, however, are thrown into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, a description of a truly horrible and painful fate. In His parable of the weeds sown in the field, Jesus again describes the fate of those who reject Him, this time adding to the description the fiery furnace into which they will be cast (Matthew 13:41-42). The story of the guest who comes to the wedding feast of the Lamb without the proper clothing (salvation) is cast into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 22:11-13), as is the wicked servant described in Matthew 24:44-51 and the worthless servant in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). All these references to weeping and gnashing of teeth have one thing in common-the undeniable fact that those who do not belong to Christ will suffer this terrible fate, while His children will enjoy bliss in heaven with Him forever. In heaven, He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:4). The pain that causes the gnashing of teeth will be unknown in heaven, and there will be no weeping, no wailing and no tears. The sorrow and death that cause us to weep and mourn will be a thing of the past. Sickness, death, persecution, and sin will be no more. Sadly, those who reject God will realize what they have truly lost and the realization that there is no second chance will cause them to feel the full weight of the pain that goes with that knowledge. The pain of being separated from God does not go away. It is eternal and unrelenting. We all deserve that kind of punishment: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23) but God, in His mercy, made it possible for us to avoid that eternal pain and suffering. Paul explains, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). All who accept the gift God has provided through the resurrection of Jesus Christ will escape the weeping and gnashing of teeth. Paul proclaims to the Romans that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved (Romans 10:9-10). Jesus uses powerful imagery like wailing and gnashing of teeth to illustrate the importance of turning away from the sin that leads down that path and turning to Him who alone provides salvation.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 11:54:35 +0000
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