Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these

STATEMENT:

Feed the hungry, clothe the needy, visit the sick, welcome the stranger, help the less fortunate. (Jesus words, Matt 25:35-40.) I’ve always thought it curious that Jesus makes the distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous based on this criteria. Curiously missing is “confessing and believing”, having correct theology, “sinners prayer”, etc. In fact, according to this passage some people will have been doing these things without even knowing Jesus or that they were doing it for him.

ANSWER:

The passage you quote in Matt 25 will occur throughout the 7-year Tribulation. It does not apply today because Jews are not the chosen and preeminent nation during this grace dispensation. In actual fact, both Jew and Gentile are equal in God’s eyes today, so feeding, clothing, visiting the sick and in prison, etc, of the Jews does not have the salvific value as it will in the Trib.

The heavenly kingdom inheritance of Paul and all grace believers

The heavenly kingdom inheritance of Paul and all grace believers

There is no doubt that Paul was Jewish and a committed and fervent Pharisee in the nation of Israel (Phil.3:5-7), yet just before he is martyred, he writes to Timothy and says the following,

2Tim.4:18  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

So, what is significant about this statement? Well, notice the location of the kingdom Paul confesses he belongs to. The heavenly kingdom. Is this strange? Yes, but also no.

How does Romans 5 to 8 work in a Human Being? (Part 5 - Redeemed Israel gets a NEW Heart, Grace Believers get a NEW Mind)

How does Romans 5 to 8 work in a Human Being? (Part 5 - Redeemed Israel gets a NEW Heart, Grace Believers get a NEW Mind)

If you have been following this series of posts, you will be familiar with the two opposing lives (and laws) within the grace believer. In Romans chapter 7, Paul tells us about the war between the heart (the outer man) and the spiritual mind (the inner man), and how they are contrary to each other. Just read this short passage again to get the context,

Rom 7:14-24  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.  15  For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  16  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.  17  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  19  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  20  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  21  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  22  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  23  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  24  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

The New Jerusalem in the Millennial Kingdom

Many Christians believe that the New Jerusalem, the city of gold, will descend from heaven AFTER the Millennial Kingdom, and onto a new earth. Since Revelation 21 starts with these words, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.", many bible students think that the timing here is the beginning of eternity, the beginning of the dispensation of the fulness of the times. But one might be surprised to learn that this is NOT the case. The New Jerusalem will descend to earth at the BEGINNING of the Millennial Kingdom.

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 2)

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible

(Part 2 --- The PURPOSE for divisions in the Bible)

In the last two lessons, we've had a look at the necessity (or importance) of understanding and exercising right division in the Word. In this short post I simply want to ask the question, "Why is there a dual purpose in God's plan?" What is the reason why we have to split up the content in the Bible?

The answer lies in the design of God's plan. As in the image below, you'll see that the end of the plan involves two realms. The lower part (in blue) represents the 1000-year Millennial Kingdom, in which Christ will reign on earth. The part above that represents the heavens. We will look at these two realms in greater detail in the next post, but it is the fact that we have two realms that requires us to divide the Bible between two distinct and unique programs.

OBS: ACTS - The Transition (Part 6 - Pentecost vs. the New Covenant)

OBS: ACTS, The Transition (Part 6) The focus is not so much on studying Acts, as it is on using the book to teach us about dispensation truths.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

See the video lesson of this study here.

Pentecost vs. the New Covenant

OBS: ACTS - The Transition (Part 5 - Insights into the New Covenant)

OBS: ACTS, The Transition (Part 5) The focus is not so much on studying Acts, as it is on using the book to teach us about dispensation truths.

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

See the video lesson of this study here.

Insights into the New Covenant

S-A: (Rev20-6) He that hath part in the first resurrection

Scripture Analysis: (Rev.20:6) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection

Our Destination is Different from O.T. and Gospel Saints

Our Destination is Different from O.T. and Gospel Saints

Have you ever noticed that Old Testament and Gospel saints were NOT PROMISED HEAVEN as a destination? Instead they were promised an everlasting kingdom on earth. As a matter of fact, these saints never even had a concept of "going to heaven" when they died. The reason is because all through the Old Testament and prophecy it was spoken of a glorious new earthly kingdom; one which would be restored and refreshed as it was before.