Matthew 25:31-46; The Great Separation

Matthew 25:31-46

Future Things: The Great Separation

(pt. 12)

Many believers hold different interpretations when it comes to the finer point of biblical eschatology (truth related to the end times). What should we do when good and godly saints disagree over some point of doctrine? What should we not do?  

Here is a summary of the Last Days According to Jesus.  The Master-Teacher taught his disciples Four Key Truths:

1) When the Messianic King Comes He Will Establish the Long-Awaited Kingdom-just not right away!  (Luke 19:11-27)

2)  For Rejecting her King, the Jewish People will be repeatedly trampled upon UNTIL “the time of the Gentiles is complete.” (Luke 19:28-44; 21:24)

3) The Glorious Kingdom will begin WHEN national Israel finally welcomes Jesus as Savior, Lord, and King!   (Luke 13:34-35)

4) Upon Reestablishing the Throne of David, the Son of Man will Judge the (Unbelieving) Nations! (Matthew 25:31-46)

Matthew 25:31-46 (the sheep and goats judgement) is different than the final judgement in Revelation 20:11-15.  The first takes place before the Millennial Kingdom and the second takes place after the Messianic Kingdom.  Some Christian theologians teach that Matthew 25 and Revelation 20 are talking about the same event.  On textual grounds we lovingly disagree.  And here's why:

Matthew 25:31-46 

A)   Unlike Rev. 20, the judgment here involves BOTH sheep & goats!

B) Unlike Rev. 20, those judged in Mattthew 25 are ALIVE (when King Jesus Returns to earth)

C) Unlike Rev. 20, this judgement takes place on EARTH BEFORE the Millennial Kingdom!

The key words in v. 31 are WHEN and THEN.

D) Unlike Rev. 20 the judgement in Matthew 25 is specifically related to the mistreatment of Tribulation saints!

Humanitarian groups often quote Matthew 25:34-46 out of context.  We must always study and apply the Bible in context.  Failure to do so leads to various errors (some more significant than others).

For Further Reflection/Application:  We must be doers of the Word and not merely hearers

Songs that Reference God’s Judgments; (and Why We Should Not Neglect This Theme)

Songs that Reference God’s Judgments (and Why God's People shouldn't neglect this biblical theme in worship).  Article by Bob Kauflin —Choosing Songs, —Worship and Eschatology, —Worship and God

"We generally shy away from singing songs about God’s judgments, but that judgment is a theme found in many Psalms and Scriptural songs. I promised that I’d follow up with a post that suggested some songs we can sing that reference God’s judgments and help us think about them in a way that honors God, encourages a passion for holiness, and strengthens our confidence in the gospel. So one month later, here we are.

Before listing the songs, it’s important to mention three things: First, God is the Judge, not us. We’re concerned about his fame and vindication, not ours. That means we don’t sing about God’s judgments with self-righteousness or callousness. 

Second, God judging evil is part of the Bible’s story line to redeem a people for his glory. As one commenter said, “God’s judgment is simply the ‘negative’ side of our great heartcry, ‘Let your kingdom come!'” 

Finally, the predominant theme of our gatherings is not simply that God judges wickedness, but that he rejoices in righteousness. And that his righteousness has been most clearly demonstrated in the Jesus Christ, the Son of God, dying for our sins and rising from the dead. Because Christ was made to be sin for us, we are now clothed in the righteousness of God and are no longer under his wrath. Definitely cause for great rejoicing!

With that being said, here are some suggestions, modern and hymns.

Day of Judgment, Day of Wonders (John Newton)
(Probably one of the best comprehensive hymns on the day of judgment.)
At His call the dead awaken,
Rise to life from earth and sea;
All the powers of nature shaken
By His look, prepares to flee.
Careless sinner, what will then become of thee?

Almighty (Paul Baloche, from Glorious)
You will judge the nations,
You’ll reward Your servants,
Both the great and small.

Lord of All (Kristian Stanfill, from Attention)
We will respond with joy in our song
Your enemies rise, Your enemies fall
Your fire consumes them all