Eternal Judgment 3

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the nature of eternal judgment based on our contemporary thought.

Scripture

Matthew 18:2-11

2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. 6 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!

8 “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.

10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.

Observations

List the possible outcomes to the eternal judgment as mentioned in the end, and group it sensibly.
According to this Text, what lead to these eternal destinations / circumstance? In other words what dictates one’s eternal destination based on this Text?

Reflection

What do you understand about the terms “enter the kingdom of heaven” or “enter in life”?
What do you understand about Jesus’ words “cast into eternal fire” or “hell fire”?
How do you feel about fallible humans someone being “cast into hell fire”? How does this shape your view of God, and your view of grace?
How do you feel about fallible humans graced to “enter into life”? How does this shape your view of God, and your view of grace?
What is the intent of this teaching of Jesus? How should one respond?

Prayer

Ask God to open your eyes giving you eternal perspective and opening your eyes to know God as Judge and God as Savior. Also, take time to pray for someone you love or care for who is in rebellion against God.