Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Yes, I think that was Jesus' point. Once a person has come to a knowledge of the truth, but has then subsequently and finally rejected that truth and become an apostate, he will be as deserving of punishment in God's view as someone who had never made any pretense of believing.

In fact, I would say that a person's unrepentant conduct can be used by God to make the same judgment, even if the person is nominally a Christian or has never formally disavowed his confession of faith. For example, Paul said that a believer who does not provide for his family/household is worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8).

September 16 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Anthony Clinton Teacher in China

The first note of importance in this parable is to whom it is speaking. Peter asks the question “ Is this for everybody or for the disciples?” Luke 12:41, Then Christ’s answer makes it very clear that He was directing the words to those who had been called to be ministers of His; those Genuine Christians who were called to take care of the flock. 

It was not a warning to fake believers nor was it to fake ministers it was to His servants with the call and responsibility of taking care of His flock. If it were to fake believers and fake ministers the warning would be “Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing....” Christ would never appoint a wolf to care for His sheep. Christ is not warning of merely losing rewards and getting into heaven by the skin of one’s teeth, but the loss of their eternal souls. 

Christ is returning and here as the judge of His Church. His appearing will be in a time when those wicked servants who abandoned their calling and responsibilities are not ready. This could mean a sudden death, then the resurrection to face their Judge. The warning is very clear to His servants, take heed to the flock and continue in grace or you will receive the same penalty after Christ returns that is afforded to unbelievers. That penalty is one and the same. The eternal lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

After such a warning, we would do very well to wake up to the seriousness of such a calling and commit to the welfare and caring of the Church and not be complacent because our enemy is walking around like a roaring lion (liar) seeking whom he may devour. 

Thankfully, there can be no other context here that anyone can create. There is no parable so clear as this parable in Luke.

September 19 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report