Capter 100
THE JUDGMENT
Matthew 25:31-46
Before we begin this study let us pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, Almighty God
We come before You in the name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Father God we pray and ask You to please open our spiritual ears, eyes and heart. Please move upon us so we can truly hear, see and understand what You are about to teach us.
Amen
INTRODUCTION
In this study our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ takes us to the time when He will render judgment upon the peoples or nations of this earth. To explore what He said we will:
1. Review the setting under which the judgment will take place.
2. Read some background material for the various characteristics and behavior of sheep and goats.
3. Read and explore Jesus’ judgment for the sheep.
4. Read and explore Jesus’ judgment for the goats.
With the above introduction in mind let us now begin with,
THE SETTING
To prepare us for the time of our judgment, we begin by reading from,
Matthew 25:31-33
[31] “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. [32] All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. [33] And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.
To expand upon this we go to the vision God gave to the Apostle John,
Revelation 4:1-8
[1] After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” [2] Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. [3] And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. [4] Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. [5] And from the throne proceeded lightings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. [6] Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. [7] The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. [8] The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”
Let us now read about God the Father passing the title deed for the earth to His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. This event is recorded in,
Revelation 5:1-5
[1] And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. [2] Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” [3] And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. [4] So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. [5] But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”
It is noted that in verses 1-5 the scroll with the seven seals was a typical Old Testament custom under which a title deed for a piece of property was to be exchanged. The scroll was the deed and the seals represented the conditions and/or payment that were set for the sale or transfer. As each of the conditions were met, the corresponding seal was broken thereby freeing the title to the new owner, see Jeremiah 32:6-15.
In this case the seven seals are the conditions that must be fulfilled before our Lord Jesus Christ will sit upon the throne of glory and take full possession of the earth. More specifically, these are the seven seals of judgment (see Revelation 6:1-8:1) to be executed so that the enemies of Jesus Christ will become His footstool.
To see this, let us first read what God the Father said to His Son, Jesus Christ as it is recorded in King David’s,
Psalm 110:1
[1] The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
Currently, Jesus is sitting on God the Father’s right hand, waiting for this event to occur. This is recorded for us in.
Hebrews 10:12-13
[12] But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, [13] from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.
To read what it will be like when this transition happens we continue with,
Revelation 5:6-14
[6] And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. [7] Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. [8] Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. [9] And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
[10] And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.”
[11] Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, [12] saying with a loud voice:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
[13] And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
[14] Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.
As we read in Matthew 25:31-33, when the above gathering all the peoples who inhabited the earth come before Jesus and His angels is when Jesus, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats, will divide the peoples gathered before Him.
Before we explore what Jesus said to the sheep and then to the goats, it would be very beneficial for us to review some of the characteristics and behavior of sheep and goats. Hence the following,
BACKGROUND
Before we briefly review the characteristics and behavior of sheep and goats, it is noted that according to Zondervan1 in most Western countries the problem of dividing sheep from goats would never arise. The reason for this is that, in these countries, the two flocks were unlikely to be mixed and thus the two species would not be easily confused. Consequently, for those people living in the Western culture, Jesus’ example of the sheep and goats would be difficult for them to relate to. However, during the days of Jesus, in the area of Palestine, the two species would run together and the breeds may be alike in size, color and shape. Hence, for at the time when Jesus gave the illustration of the sheep and goats His disciples would readily be able to relate to His illustration.
According to “The Bible Almanac” by J.I. Packer, Merril C. Tenney and William White the goats were lively and strong-willed creatures2. In fact, according to Zondervan3 not only is the goat hardy but if it was allowed to escape it will quickly return to the wilds, establish them self and develop into a wild and untamed herd or flock. Another interesting side note is that because of the goat’s tremendous appetite for tree saplings, twigs and leaves they, with man’s help, have been most responsible in the destruction of land vegatation1.
According to the “Handbook of Life in Bible Times” by J.A. Thompson4 sheep were also hardy and could live outdoors. However, every day they required water and at least some grass. Consequently, the sheep needed a shepherd to feed, care for and protect them. In other words, the sheep became domesticated and were dependent upon the shepherd for their survival. Thus, the shepherd developed a close relationship with the sheep and had a distinctive call that his or her sheep would recognize. Thus when several flocks of sheep were gathered together each shepherd, would gather their flock by a simple call to them4.
This relationship between the shepherd and his sheep Jesus used to teach us about Him, the Great Shepherd, and those of us who belong to Him.
To see this let us first read from,
John 10:11-14
[11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. [12] But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. [13] The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
Let us now read from,
John 10:27
[27] My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
With the above background in mind, let us read,
JESUS’ JUDGMENT FOR THE SHEEP
Before we do this, let us first find out:
WHO ARE THE SHEEP?
The answer to this question is that the sheep represent the true-born again believers in Jesus Christ. To see this we will review two similarities about sheep and the true born-again believer.
First of all, as we read in the previous background, the sheep became totally domesticated from their wild tendencies and characteristics. It is the same with us, the born-again believers. In other words, in Christ Jesus the true born-again believer became a new creation. To see this let us read from,
2 Corinthians 5:17
[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
As a result of their new creation, the true born-again believers in Jesus Christ have put to death their old behavior patterns and have forsaken their old sinful ways. To see this we go to “The Amplified Bible” and read from,
1 Peter 4:1-5
[1] So, since Christ suffered in the flesh [for us, for you], arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having the mind of Christ] has done with [intentional sin] – has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God. [2] So that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by [his] human appetites and desires, but [he] lives] for what God wills. [3] For the time that is past already suffices for doing what the Gentiles like to do, living (as you have done) in shameless, insolent wantonness, in lustful desires, drunkenness, reveling, drinking bouts and abominable, lawless idolatries. [4] They are astonished and think it very queer that you do not now run hand in hand with them in the same excesses of dissipation, and they abuse [you]. [5] But they will have to give an account to Him Who is ready to judge and pass sentence on the living and dead.
Secondly, as the sheep are dependent upon their shepherd for their care, feeding and protection, it is the same for those who became born-again believers in Jesus Christ. As the Scripture says; “They now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls.” This truth is recorded in,
1 Peter 2:25
[2] For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
In the Old Testament this close relationship between our Shepherd and us is beautifully expressed by King David’s,
Psalm 23:1-6
[1] The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
[2] He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
[3] He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
[5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
[6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
After Jesus places the sheep on His right hand He will then grant them,
THE REWARD
To read about the reward Jesus will give to the sheep we go to,
Matthew 25:34
[34] Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
This is the time when the sheep, who are the born-again believers in King Jesus, will not only receive but will also experience the glorious promise God Almighty gave to them.
To see this let us first read one of the things Jesus told His disciples to prepare them for His ascension back into Heaven. To do this we go to,
John 14:1-3
[1] “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
To expand upon this a bit more let us read from,
1 Peter 1:3-9
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, [7] that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, [8] whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, [9] receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
Secondly, those who will be receiving this reward will have had the same attitude and view of their life upon this earth as Abraham and the patriarchs. To read about this view of Abraham and the patriarchs we go to,
Hebrews 11:9-10
[9] By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; [10] for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Let us skip a few verses and continue our reading from,
Hebrews 11:13-16
[13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. [14] For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. [15] And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16] But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
To see that the born-again believers are to have this same attitude or view let us read the Holy Spirit’s warning in,
1 John 2:15-17
[15] Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
To expand upon why we should have this attitude, let us read from,
Philippians 3:20-21
[20] For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Before we move on to the goats, let us read,
JESUS’ REASON WHY THE SHEEP WERE AND ARE BLESSED
To read what Jesus will say to them we go to,
Matthew 25:35-36
[35] for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; [36] I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
It was not the spiritual gifts, or position of authority, or educational degrees, or etc. that Jesus used to identify His sheep. No! It was because His sheep loved and cared for His flock. This is exactly what Jesus said as to how we will know those who are His. To read what He said we go to,
John 13:34-35
[34] A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. [35] By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Let us now read from,
Matthew 25:37-40
[37] “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? [38] When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? [39] Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ [40] And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
The true believers or the sheep were not even aware that by loving, caring for and building up the flock they were doing it to Jesus. To help us understand that by loving, caring for and building up Jesus’ flock we are also doing it for Him. Let us remember that each and every born-again believer is a member of His body. This is taught to us in,
1 Corinthians 12:27
[27] Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
Thus, as each one of us, with the gifts we have been given, care for and help those of His body we are also doing it for Jesus.
This now brings us to,
JESUS’ JUDGMENT FOR THE GOATS
Before we read what Jesus will say to the goats let us first find:
WHO ARE THE GOATS?
First of all, it is noted that there are two categories of goats.
The first category of goats or unbelievers will be like the ones that have not yet been domesticated. These are the ones who say they believe in God. However, they will not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. To read what the Scriptures say about this group let us first read from,
James 2:19
[19] You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
With this in mind let us read what Jesus told Nicodemus of what is required to be able to see and enter into the Kingdom of God. To read what Jesus said we go to,
John 3:3-7
[3] Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” [4] Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” [5] Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
The second category or class of goats is composed of those who claim to be born-again believers in Jesus Christ; but, in reality they are not. These are like the so-called domesticated goats that lived during the days of Jesus Christ. As we read in the background, these goats or those who claim to be born-again believers may look like sheep, sound like sheep and mingle with the sheep. To see this let us read what Jesus said about these people as it is recorded in,
Matthew 7:21-23
[21] “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. [22] Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ [23] And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
With all the above wonders, prophecies and professions of faith that were performed and proclaimed, the question arises as to; “How can we tell the difference between the goat and the sheep?” The answer is simply … by their fruit. To see this let us read the way Jesus explained this truth as recorded in,
Matthew 7:15-20
[15] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. [16] You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? [17] Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Let us recall that the right standing of the sheep with God was not the demonstration of spiritual gifts, or positions of authority, or educational degrees, or etc. No! Their right standing with God was because of the fruits of the Holy Spirit that were produced from within them. Unfortunately, unlike the sheep, the goats, did not become a new creation and hence there were no fruits of the Holy Spirit coming from within them.
To help us understand this a bit more let us read the difference between the fruits that come from our old sinful nature verses the ones that come from God the Holy Spirit living within us. To do this, we begin with another set of lawless fruit that comes from our wild untamed nature. To do this we go to,
Galatians 5:19-21
[19] Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, [21] envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
For this study, note that lawless fruits include selfish ambitions and heresies.
Let us now read the fruit from the Holy Spirit as recorded in,
Galatians 5:22-25
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. [24] And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
As we read in the background to this study, unlike the sheep, the goats never truly became domesticated. Instead, they kept their lively and strong-willed nature. In addition, as we read in the background, if permitted, they would quickly re-establish themselves and develop into a wild and untamed flock. This type of flock is commonly called a heretical or cultic church.
With the above discussion in mind let us now read,
JESUS’ CONDEMNATION UPON THE GOATS
To read what Jesus said to them we go to,
Matthew 25:41
[41] Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:
As we did with the sheep let us now read,
JESUS’ RATIONAL FOR THE CONDEMNATION OF THE GOATS
To do this we go to,
Matthew 25:42-43
[42] for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; [43] I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
Before we move on let us remember that one of the behavior patterns of the goats was their insatiable appetite. As we read in the background, this appetite, if unchecked, would lead the goats to consume all the vegetation that was to be used for nourishment. In fact, according to Zondervan1 if the flock of goats were on an island they would ultimately die of starvation.
With this in mind let see how the goats, who claimed to be Christians, not only did not care for, feed or build up the body of Christ but because of their selfish ambitions and appetite for power, wealth and fame they in effect were destroying them. In other words, to increase attendance for their congregations the goats would and will adulterate or pervert God’s Word for their own gain and selfish desires. Thus, instead of nourishing, feeding or building up the body of Christ with good solid Biblical teaching, they were actually spiritual starving them with false teachings and prophecies. To see this, let us read what the Holy Spirit wrote to defend Paul’s ministry and warn us about the false teachers or goats. To do this we go to,
2 Corinthians 2:15-17
[2] For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. [16] To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? [17] For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
It is noted that in this setting the word “peddling” in verse 17 means adulterating for gain. To see this and expand upon verse 17 let us read it as it is translated in; “The Amplified Bible.”
For we are not, like so many (as hucksters, tavern keepers, making a trade of peddling God’s Word – short-measuring and adulterating the divine message; but as [men] of sincerity and purest motive, commissioned and sent by God, we speak [His message] in Christ, the Messiah, in the [very] sight and presence of God.
An example of how one would adulterate the Word of God for their own gain would be to present a non-Biblical gospel that provides a method and motivation for the listeners to achieve their goals for physical health, success and prosperity. In other words, instead of teaching the true Word of God for the salvation of their souls, they would present a gospel that tickles the ears for their earthly ambitions. To see this let us read Paul’s admonition to Timothy to continue preaching and teaching the unadulterated Word of God from,
2 Timothy 4:1-5
[1] I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: [2] Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; [4] and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. [5] But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
With the above in mind let us read the following exhortation for us in,
Philippians 3:17-21
[17] Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. [18] For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [19] whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. [20] For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
As it was with the sheep, at the time of judgment, the goats will ask; “When did we not minister to you?” This is recorded in,
Matthew 25:44-45
[44] “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ [45] Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’
Let us remember that the true born-again believers in Jesus Christ are individually and collectively the body of Christ. Thus, what was done or not done for them was done or not done for Jesus Christ.
CLOSING
Let us close this study by reading what Jesus said He will do when the time comes for Him to sit upon His throne of Glory. To do this we go to,
Matthew 25:46
[46] And these (the goats) will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous (the sheep) into eternal life.”
To see what this will be like for both the sheep and goats let us read the following excerpt from John’s vision of the new heaven and new earth as recorded in,
Revelation 21:1-8
[1] Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. [2] Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. [4] And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” [5] Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” [6] And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. [7] He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. [8] But the cowardly unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
Shall We Pray?