| crakjak |
02-04-2011 08:27 PM |
Re: The "Cracky" and "Wacky" Universalism
Quote:
Originally Posted by Socialite
(Post 1024827)
Other scriptures seem to contradict the idea of Universalism though:
Mt 25:46 "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
|
This verse is the final line in Jesus' parable of the sheep and goats, and many folks believe it is the final word on the fate of unbelievers. Though there is no reference at all concerning the saved or the lost in these scriptures.
What is the true meaning of this parable: What I find is that when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, Jesus says, it is as if we are ministering directly to Jesus himself. And when we refuse to minister to the broken and hurting around us, it is as if we are refusing to minister to Jesus himself.
Many are utterly shocked to discover the true nature of their own actions. This verse is a very powerful point about the inclusive character of love and how the interests of Jesus are so closely connected with his love for humanity that any good that befalls them is good that befalls Him, and any evil that befalls "the least of His" is evil that befalls Him.
Most folks consider this context as the final separation of the good and the wicked, and that eternal life is the reward for our good works--even though Paul explicitly denies that that is the case.
"The purpose of the story is to inform us that our actions, for good or ill, are more far reaching than we might have imagined, and that we will be judged accordingly; it is NOT to warn us concerning the ultimate fate of the wicked." T. Talbott |
