To begin with, we must understand these verses in relationship to where this happens in the scope of the future. Currently we are all living in the church age and the next big event on God’s timetable will be the rapture (spoken of in John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 3:10). The rapture (rapturo), which is Latin for the words caught up in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, brings an abrupt end to the church age as Christ appears in the clouds and snatches up all living believers from the earth (as well as dead believers) and takes them to heaven. Millions of Christians will disappear from the earth in an instant and immediately following the rapture there is a seven year period (often referred to as the Tribulation) then followed by the 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth (millennial reign of Christ). Getting this picture of the future is very important in understanding the words of Jesus in this passage. When Christ returns to earth following the tribulation period but right before the millennial reign, there is a judgment of nations (specifically Gentiles). Jesus will sit on the throne and all nations (Gentiles) will appear before Him and He will separate them into “sheep and goats.” The sheep are true believers and the goats are those who have rejected Jesus Christ as Savior. All believers, those who were converted during the seven year period of tribulation – Revelation 6-19, will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven. Christ remarks that their good works proved salvation had truly taken place, specifically that they had treated the Jews with love and respect during the time of tribulation (25:34-40). However, Jesus sits in judgment of those who refused to help the Jews during this time of tribulation (25:41-46) and their final judgment would be eternal punishment. Jesus is not teaching a salvation through works, but that when true salvation takes place, works will automatically follow. Faith without works is dead. Although Christ is speaking of a specific judgment in these verses, there is much application for us today. True conversion will always result in good works. Examine your heart today!
Dear God, may Your Spirit develop good works in my life.
