THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS JUDGMENT INCLUDES TWO VERY PRECISE OPERATIONS

THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS JUDGMENT INCLUDES TWO VERY PRECISE OPERATIONS

"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: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left."  Matt. 25:32-33

•  The First Operation is that of Examination to Determine Nature vs. 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."

Like a shepherd who has in his flock both sheep and goats he examines them on the basis of nature.

In the precise sense it is essential nature that is first under consideration. This means that this must be a judgment of individuals, just as the shepherd would carry out with his flock.

Whole nations are therefore not in view, for nations do not have nature. Individuals alone possess nature.

•  The Second Operation is Separation into Different Camps Based on Nature vs. 33

"And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left."

The sheep are placed on the right hand, the place of favor, cf. John 10:27, 28 The goats are placed on the left hand, the place of disfavor. cf. John 10:27, 28

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

In these operations, works are not under consideration. This does not involve a matter of reward or loss.

 

This carries out the principle of John 3:3, 5 to determine the qualifi­cation for entrance to the kingdom.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."