Yep, people think Paul contradicts Jesus teaching in Matt 25
Again, not speaking at you, but through you.
The sheep and goat parable, is a parable, but taught so that even the blind can see. It should be very clear, Jesus was teaching, Those who do not obey the commands, will not be saved. And those who do obey his commands...will be saved.
Why?
Because those who keep his commands, do so because they love Jesus....and they will feel love towards the recipients of those acts of love. Which are designed, to change the stony heart of the sinner...convert their heart of stone....that stony heart which causes them to sin.
How many times have you felt love, towards someone in need that you have helped? A complete stranger the Holy Spirit has put on your heart?
Maybe you didn't know that's where the command came from, or that... is was a command at all.
Now I could lather you all up in words, but that just creates an argument. So.....I want to issue a challenge to all who read this post...a challenge to prove, what I say is the Truth. Hopefully, you won't argue against your own heart.
Go buy yourself a $100 gift card, at a place like Walmart, a place where food and clothes are bought.
Ask God to direct you to someone who needs that gift card.
How will you know who God wants you to give this Gift Card?
You will know, because you will feel compassion for them, compassion for the one who is to receive this gift. You will feel this way, for the command will be written on your heart.
Once you give this gift, take no credit, else you will receive no reward. (Matthew 5:16) (Matthew 6:1)
Just tell them, God put them on your heart. And don't be surprised when they say, you have answered their prayers.
People...thats why God needs you to be servants here on Earth.
To answer prayers!!!
When someone prays for food, God doesn't put a knapsack full of food, onto the back of an angel.... and send him to earth.
No...he expects those who call themselves, his servants, to carry out his commands. He uses you and me, his servants, to answer these prayers. And if you don't do as he commands, he will find someone who will. Folks....Don't miss this opportunity, to serve him, for your reward may also be....an answered prayer.
....The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
Folks...We are to serve him on earth as his servants, the angels, serve him in heaven....
"Thy WILL be DONE, On Earth,... as it is in Heaven."
Now notice, how All of a sudden,... you feel a love for this stranger, a love you didn't feel before your Act of Righteousness. This feeling my friends, is the healing of your heart.
These Acts of Love... are also called Acts of Faith!!