Matthew 25:42-46

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levi85

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2013
8,578
2,182
113
#1
Matthew 25:42-46


42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
 

arthurfleminger

Well-known member
Aug 18, 2021
1,405
780
113
#2
Matthew 25:42-46


42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
In these passages from Matthew, Jesus show us that we love God, Jesus, through love of neighbor.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells us that if we love God with our whole heart and our neighbor as ourselves, we shall inherit eternal life.

Jesus is showing us the basis for which we shall be judged as to eternal life or damnation, love God and neighbor. It is so straightforward and simple.
 

arthurfleminger

Well-known member
Aug 18, 2021
1,405
780
113
#3
Matthew 25:42-46


42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
A lot of folks will interpret these passages and Jesus' words to be a Gospel of salvation through works. Not so. These are words from a Gospel of salvation and works through love. Without love, faith is dead as a doornail. Of faith, hope, and love, love is the greatest. You can have all the faith and hope, but without love you are a clanging/empty gong.
 

arthurfleminger

Well-known member
Aug 18, 2021
1,405
780
113
#4
Matthew 25:42-46


42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

I can read this scripture and see how Jesus will judge me, at The Judgement of Nations. He tells us what He'll be looking for, as to whether or not we shall have eternal life or eternal punishment.
 

kenallen

Active member
Apr 8, 2022
437
92
28
#5
This entire chapter is showing that there is no middle ground with Jesus. The 10 virgins all had lamps. 5 were wise (Strong's practically wise. Sensible) 5 were foolish (Strong's dull stupid foolish) I am not so sure how wise the wise were because it says they all slept while waiting for the bridegroom (Jesus) The call went out that the bridegroom is coming. All 10 virgins woke up, the 5 wise still had oil and light in there lamps the foolish on the other hand were out and their lamps went out. They asked the wise for some oil, but they said go and buy it. While they were gone the bride groom came and the 5 were left out of the wedding. They tried to enter but were not allowed. This is the way it will be in the end.
This comes from got questions.org
In the Bible olive oil is mentioned several times as the oil used for lighting lamps (Leviticus 24:2; Exodus 27:20). Olive oil was also used for anointing oil (Exodus 30:23–25) and as part of the grain offerings (Leviticus 2:1–10). Kings were anointed with olive oil as a sign that they were chosen by God to rule (1 Samuel 16:1). As an important ingredient in the recipe for anointing oil, olive oil was used to sanctify priests (Exodus 29:7), the tabernacle, and all its furnishings (Exodus 40:9). Olive oil was also used in cooking. Olive trees grew in Israel (Deuteronomy 8:7–8), and the people in that region used the oil from pressed olives as people in other cultures might have used butter or animal fats.

Olive oil was an important part of Jewish culture because of its many uses. Because of its centrality to much of Jewish life, olive oil was sometimes used as a symbol of richness, joy, and health (Jeremiah 31:12; Hebrews 1:9). Times of judgment were described as a season when “the olive oil fails” (Joel 1:10).

Olive oil can also be seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (or possibly of faith) in Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13). The five wise virgins in the wedding party had made sure they had olive oil for their lamps as they waited for the bridegroom to come. The five foolish virgins did not think ahead and had brought no oil. As the bridegroom drew near, the five foolish virgins begged the wise ones for some of their oil. But the wise virgins could not spare any. While the foolish virgins were out buying more oil, the bridegroom came, and their chance to join the wedding celebration was gone forever.

Jesus gave the point of the parable: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13). At the end of the age, when Jesus comes back, some will be ready for His arrival (illustrated by the wise virgins who had olive oil); others will not be ready (symbolized by the foolish virgins who had no oil). Considering the olive oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (or of faith), we could say that only those who have the Spirit (or faith in Christ) are truly ready for Jesus’ second coming.

Not every reference to olive oil in the Bible is symbolic, of course. But there are passages in which olive oil can be a picture of the Holy Spirit, the One who sanctifies us, fills us, readies us to see Christ, and brings us light, joy, and spiritual health.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
61,103
30,232
113
#6
I am not so sure how wise the wise were because it says they all slept while waiting for the bridegroom (Jesus)
They were wise enough to have brought enough oil with them :D
 

kenallen

Active member
Apr 8, 2022
437
92
28
#7
I can read this scripture and see how Jesus will judge me, at The Judgement of Nations. He tells us what He'll be looking for, as to whether or not we shall have eternal life or eternal punishment.
I have to finish my reply to wordy. Verses 42-46 As with this whole chapter there are two outcomes. You can choose to help your fellow man both physically and spiritually. Jesus says I was hungry, thirsty, necked and you did not feed me the meat of the bible, give me the spiritual water and you saw that I did not have a white garment and you did not help me get one. I was sick, spiritually sick and stuck in the prison of unbelief, false teaching Ect. and you did not come and see me and try and give me the truth I needed. As you did to these you did also to Me. So depart from Me I knew you not.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
#9
I can read this scripture and see how Jesus will judge me, at The Judgement of Nations.
There are several different judgments mentioned in the Bible, and this judgment of nations has no bearing on the judgment of believers within the Body of Christ (the Church). Those who have been justified by grace through faith, and made children of God by the Holy Spirit, do not face any kind of judgment for sins, because our sins were judged on the cross, and our redemption was purchased with the blood of Christ.

So what then is the judgment for believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ in Heaven? It is a judgment of our works and words. Those works and words which will have eternal value (gold, silver, precious stones) will remain and many will receive rewards. Those works which were worthless (wood, hay, stubble) will be "burned up" or have no eternal value. Thus Christians will suffer the loss of rewards.

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST: THE JUDGMENT OF CHRISTIAN WORKS AND WORDS
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Rom 14:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (2 Cor 5:10,11)

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
(1 Cor 3:9-15) And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Rev 22:12)
 

kenallen

Active member
Apr 8, 2022
437
92
28
#10
There are several different judgments mentioned in the Bible, and this judgment of nations has no bearing on the judgment of believers within the Body of Christ (the Church). Those who have been justified by grace through faith, and made children of God by the Holy Spirit, do not face any kind of judgment for sins, because our sins were judged on the cross, and our redemption was purchased with the blood of Christ.

So what then is the judgment for believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ in Heaven? It is a judgment of our works and words. Those works and words which will have eternal value (gold, silver, precious stones) will remain and many will receive rewards. Those works which were worthless (wood, hay, stubble) will be "burned up" or have no eternal value. Thus Christians will suffer the loss of rewards.

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST: THE JUDGMENT OF CHRISTIAN WORKS AND WORDS
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Rom 14:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (2 Cor 5:10,11)

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
(1 Cor 3:9-15) And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Rev 22:12)
I like what you said about the judgment of the believers how it is our works and not us that will be judged. I also like the idea of the rewords some will have a lot and some will have a little. But what is the judgment of nations? Is that those that don't make it. I am going have to go look at your references. Thank you for putting them in for me.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
#11
But what is the judgment of nations?
The judgment of nations will follow the battle of Armageddon and precede the Millennium. It occurs after the the Second Coming of Christ -- "when the Son of Man will come in His glory" -- which corresponds to Mathew 24:30 and Christ coming "with power and great glory".

MATTHEW 25: THE JUDGMENT OF NATIONS: SHEEP VS GOATS
31 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: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

This is clearly not an easy passage (Mt 25: 31-46) to interpret, since it gives the impression that salvation is based upon good works, particularly works of compassion and charity shown either to the Jews or to Christians ("my brethren" v 40). Most of the commentators do not give a proper interpretation, since this is neither the Judgment Seat of Christ nor is it the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20).

The difficulty lies in interpreting this passage in the light of Gospel truth, particularly Ephesians 2:8-10: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The Gospel is very clear that salvation is NOT OF WORKS but purely by the grace of God. Yet in Matthew 25 the charitable works of the nations appear to grant them salvation and eternal life ("but the righteous into life eternal"). So some passages must simply be allowed to stand as such, knowing that God never contradicts Himself, and Christ will give us the true understanding of this passage when we see Him.
 

kenallen

Active member
Apr 8, 2022
437
92
28
#12
There are several different judgments mentioned in the Bible, and this judgment of nations has no bearing on the judgment of believers within the Body of Christ (the Church). Those who have been justified by grace through faith, and made children of God by the Holy Spirit, do not face any kind of judgment for sins, because our sins were judged on the cross, and our redemption was purchased with the blood of Christ.

So what then is the judgment for believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ in Heaven? It is a judgment of our works and words. Those works and words which will have eternal value (gold, silver, precious stones) will remain and many will receive rewards. Those works which were worthless (wood, hay, stubble) will be "burned up" or have no eternal value. Thus Christians will suffer the loss of rewards.

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST: THE JUDGMENT OF CHRISTIAN WORKS AND WORDS
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Rom 14:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (2 Cor 5:10,11)

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
(1 Cor 3:9-15) And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Rev 22:12)
 

kenallen

Active member
Apr 8, 2022
437
92
28
#13
There are several different judgments mentioned in the Bible, and this judgment of nations has no bearing on the judgment of believers within the Body of Christ (the Church). Those who have been justified by grace through faith, and made children of God by the Holy Spirit, do not face any kind of judgment for sins, because our sins were judged on the cross, and our redemption was purchased with the blood of Christ.

So what then is the judgment for believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ in Heaven? It is a judgment of our works and words. Those works and words which will have eternal value (gold, silver, precious stones) will remain and many will receive rewards. Those works which were worthless (wood, hay, stubble) will be "burned up" or have no eternal value. Thus Christians will suffer the loss of rewards.

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST: THE JUDGMENT OF CHRISTIAN WORKS AND WORDS
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Rom 14:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (2 Cor 5:10,11)

9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
(1 Cor 3:9-15) And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Rev 22:12)
I get that we are not to judge that is Gods job and not mans. We should be able to look at something that is wrong and be able to tell someone that is not the way God wants you to do it without it being judgment. I got the word discernment. We should have the right to decern right from wrong. Let me know what you thank
 

kenallen

Active member
Apr 8, 2022
437
92
28
#14
The judgment of nations will follow the battle of Armageddon and precede the Millennium. It occurs after the the Second Coming of Christ -- "when the Son of Man will come in His glory" -- which corresponds to Mathew 24:30 and Christ coming "with power and great glory".

MATTHEW 25: THE JUDGMENT OF NATIONS: SHEEP VS GOATS
31 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: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

This is clearly not an easy passage (Mt 25: 31-46) to interpret, since it gives the impression that salvation is based upon good works, particularly works of compassion and charity shown either to the Jews or to Christians ("my brethren" v 40). Most of the commentators do not give a proper interpretation, since this is neither the Judgment Seat of Christ nor is it the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20).

The difficulty lies in interpreting this passage in the light of Gospel truth, particularly Ephesians 2:8-10: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The Gospel is very clear that salvation is NOT OF WORKS but purely by the grace of God. Yet in Matthew 25 the charitable works of the nations appear to grant them salvation and eternal life ("but the righteous into life eternal"). So some passages must simply be allowed to stand as such, knowing that God never contradicts Himself, and Christ will give us the true understanding of this passage when we see Him.
Thanks I am going to have to go and look at that. I have never heard of the judgment of nations. God is so good to putimg people like you out there. I like that you gave me bible verses and your own idea.