I believe that the Olivet Discourse Matt. 24) refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, but not necessarily the parables. There was an earthly judgment that fell upon the nation of Israel in AD 70. Beyond that, there is a judgment we all face after death. The separation of the sheep from the goats in Matthew 25 is symbolic of the kind of judgment we all face in this life and after death. It is not, however, a separation of Christians from non-Christians. Both Christians (those who acknowledged Christ as Lord) and non-Christians (those who comforted and aided the least of Christs brethren, without realizing they were at the same time serving Christ) were treated impartially during this judgment. Those who were sent away to aionian chastisement included both Christians and non-Christians. This parable should not be taken literally. My take on it is that each of us will be rewarded for the good that we do and judged for our misdeeds. Our attitudes will also be judged. In other words, a good deed, which was done for wrong motive, will actually be judged negatively. I believe the judgment will take many forms, including self-judgment, the reaping of various rewards and punishments, and the requirement of making restitution and seeking forgiveness from those we have harmed.
Posted on: Fri, 02 May 2014 20:22:53 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015