Jesus has been talking about the End Times, being ready for His return, and about how His followers should be using what they’ve been given for eternal harvests. (Matt 24-25)

He then starts talking about a time of judgment where the sheep (Christians) will be separated from the goats (non Christians).

The sheep will be rewarded for their service to the Lord while the goats will be punished for their lack thereof. The sheep will enter into heaven and receive the inheritance of the Kingdom Christ has prepared for them, while the goats will receive everlasting punishment.( Matt 25:31-46).

This passage is sobering and deserves our close attention.

There is some debate about at which point in future events this judgment will take place. Some theologians believe it is prior to the millennial reign and some believe it is after.

But the curious and scary thing to me is the similarity this passage has with the parable Jesus just told of the Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1-13).

In these passages, both the five foolish and unprepared virgins and the goats felt as if they knew the Bridegroom and the Shepherd (Son of Man) but in reality, they did not and were denied entry.

So, is it possible that we may think we know the Lord in saving faith when we actually do not?

And if so, what are these passages telling us about those who truly know Him and those who do not?

Clearly, those who truly know the Lord will have behavior that is impacted by this knowledge. These two passages indicate that true Christ followers will be concerned with being spiritually prepared with an eye toward eternity because they know this life is not all there is and an eternal Kingdom awaits. They will also have lives marked by concern and service to others.

If the only thing you ever think about is yourself and the here and now, you might need to ask yourself if you truly know the Lord as Savior or just know about Him.

Maybe you go to church. Maybe you don’t. Maybe your family is religious and you prayed a prayer a long time ago, but deep down you know Jesus is not the Lord of your life. You aren’t concerned with following Him.

But what if Jesus is really who He says He is? What if He’s really the King of the Universe and the Righteous Judge?

Will you one day hear, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you! “’ (Matt 25:12) as the foolish, unprepared virgins did?

Or is He your Lord and will you hear, “ Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” as those who knew and followed the Lord did in Matthew 25:34?

No one can answer this question for you, but it is one that you should never put off resolving. None of us are promised tomorrow.

If you’d like to know more about salvation, send me a private message with your email. I’d love to tell you about the Savior who changed my life and Who is coming again!

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