Matthew 25:31-46 #1

Matthew 25:31-46 #1
This discourse by Jesus began in chapter 24 with the disciples’ question about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the Jewish nation. After discussing their question, Jesus turned to speak of the need for all disciples to prepare for His second return. Thus, in chapter 25, Jesus gave two parables (Virgins and Talents), and then concluded with a picture of the final judgment.
Notice that when Jesus returns, “He will sit on His glorious throne, and all the angels with Him.” Many teach that when Jesus returns He will reign on the earth for one thousand years. This same teaching further affirms that the righteous will be judged at the beginning of the thousand years and the wicked will be judged at the end of the thousand years. But this text plainly tells us that when Jesus returns, “all nations will be gathered before him.” This is a general judgment of both righteous and unrighteous: “He will divide them as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats.”
In verse 34, Jesus tells those on the right to come and “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” 1 Corinthians 15:50 states, “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” Therefore, when we inherit the kingdom we will no longer be in our flesh. This again denies any idea of a thousand year reign of Christ on the earth with all Christians living in a paradise kingdom. The kingdom is heavenly and the inheritance of it implies complete possession of the kingdom to the extent that we receive all the blessings and benefits of that heavenly realm. We are no longer in the flesh, but instead have been given a spiritual body, a body like Christ’s (1 John 3:2).
Note also that this was God’s plan “from the foundation of the world.” When God created us, it was His intention that we live eternally with Him. What a great and loving God we have that He would create us for that purpose, and even send His Son to die for us that we might be with Him.
Berry Kercheville