The final harvest?

[Randy Kluth]

Jesus said world history is like an agricultural year, in which the hoped-for crops would have to mature. In order for this to happen, weeds would have to be allowed to mature as well. The Lord has no wish to immediately destroy what looks like weeds when they may turn out to be part of the crops.

This age is characterized by God's Kingdom appearing as near through the ministry of Christ's Gospel. And yet, it cannot yet be here because of this agricultural process. God is not willing to comprehensively destroy the world as it is because He is still developing His crops.

There are still judgments from God going on all through NT history, and yet comprehensive judgment, indicated by the Flood story, is not ready to come until this maturing process of God's crops is completed. What do you think indicates in our day this harvest is coming to completion?

 

[Randy Kluth]

Jesus said world history is like an agricultural year, in which the hoped-for crops would have to mature. In order for this to happen, weeds would have to be allowed to mature as well. The Lord has no wish to immediately destroy what looks like weeds when they may turn out to be part of the crops.

This age is characterized by God's Kingdom appearing as near through the ministry of Christ's Gospel. And yet, it cannot yet be here because of this agricultural process. God is not willing to comprehensively destroy the world as it is because He is still developing His crops.

There are still judgments from God going on all through NT history, and yet comprehensive judgment, indicated by the Flood story, is not ready to come until this maturing process of God's crops is completed. What do you think indicates in our day this harvest is coming to completion?

Obviously, one thing necessary to complete the harvest of the earth is spreading the Gospel to all nations. But today we find much more than simply announcing the Gospel to all nations.

We also have Christianization of European Civilization along with outreach to all nations, including pagan nations that are resistant to Christianization. And along with the Christianization of Europe is the decline of Europe.

Until strong pockets of Christianity are eliminated I see no reason to destroy countries that house these pockets of Christianity. As long as Christianity exists in sufficient amounts, a testimony is being made to the non-Christian world of the need to repent.

Either the world becomes so hardened that they no longer respond to the Gospel, or the Christian testimony becomes so weak that the world can no longer hear the Gospel. The harvest is complete when there can be no more successful work in planting and reaping.

 

[jeffweeder]

Good posts.

You do not pull the weeds until the Gospel has run its course.
What happens to the weeds once the fruit is harvested?

Matthew 13:30
Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First gather the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”


37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 38 and the field is the world; and [as for] the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the weeds are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.


40 So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend [those things by which people are led into sin], and all who practice evil [leading others into sin], 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].

43 Then the righteous [those who seek the will of God] will shine forth [radiating the new life] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.




If unbelievers are thrown into the fire before the righteous shine in the eternal kingdom then how on earth can there be a future 1000 years after Jesus comes with all his Angels?

 

[Randy Kluth]

Good posts.

You do not pull the weeds until the Gospel has run its course.
What happens to the weeds once the fruit is harvested?

Matthew 13:30
Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First gather the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”


37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 38 and the field is the world; and [as for] the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the weeds are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.


40 So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend [those things by which people are led into sin], and all who practice evil [leading others into sin], 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].

43 Then the righteous [those who seek the will of God] will shine forth [radiating the new life] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.




If unbelievers are thrown into the fire before the righteous shine in the eternal kingdom then how on earth can there be a future 1000 years after Jesus comes with all his Angels?

I was raised Amillennial, but became Premillennial when all of my teachers and friends taught me that way. I've never seen a need to go back to Amillennialism, though I respect it. Many of my heroes in history held to that position. It's not a hill I'm going to die on!

Thanks for your answer!

 

[jeffweeder]

I was raised Amillennial, but became Premillennial when all of my teachers and friends taught me that way. I've never seen a need to go back to Amillennialism, though I respect it. Many of my heroes in history held to that position. It's not a hill I'm going to die on!

Thanks for your answer!

You're welcome.

What in Matt 13 do you disagree with?

You must somehow believe that Jesus sending out his Angels at the harvest does not refer to his second coming.
It is consistent with what Jesus taught a few chapters later.


Matt 25
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory and majesty and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him [for judgment]; and He will separate them from one another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right [the place of honor], and the goats on His left [the place of rejection].

34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God, appointed to eternal salvation], inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

41 “Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Leave Me, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels (demons);


Matthew 13:30
Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First gather the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”


37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 38 and the field is the world; and [as for] the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the weeds are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.


40 So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend [those things by which people are led into sin], and all who practice evil [leading others into sin], 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].

43 Then the righteous [those who seek the will of God] will shine forth [radiating the new life] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.

 

[Randy Kluth]

You're welcome.

What in Matt 13 do you disagree with?

You must somehow believe that Jesus sending out his Angels at the harvest does not refer to his second coming.
It is consistent with what Jesus taught a few chapters later.


Matt 25
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory and majesty and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him [for judgment]; and He will separate them from one another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right [the place of honor], and the goats on His left [the place of rejection].

34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God, appointed to eternal salvation], inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

41 “Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Leave Me, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels (demons);


Matthew 13:30
Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First gather the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”


37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 38 and the field is the world; and [as for] the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the weeds are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.


40 So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend [those things by which people are led into sin], and all who practice evil [leading others into sin], 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].

43 Then the righteous [those who seek the will of God] will shine forth [radiating the new life] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.

I don't know Jeff. I understand the problem, and yet there doesn't seem to be a problem. Jesus is Coming Again, yes. He will inherit his Kingdom, and will determine who will be on his right and who will be on his left. Those on his left will be cast into the eternal fire of the 2nd Death.

Where's the problem in this? It doesn't speak of a Millennium at all. It simply indicates Christ comes and renders judgment. We don't know the circumstances by which this judgment is reached. Christ simply selects those who he has chosen, and rejects the rest. This can happen in a Millennium or without one.

 

[jeffweeder]

I don't know Jeff. I understand the problem, and yet there doesn't seem to be a problem. Jesus is Coming Again, yes. He will inherit his Kingdom, and will determine who will be on his right and who will be on his left. Those on his left will be cast into the eternal fire of the 2nd Death.

Where's the problem in this? It doesn't speak of a Millennium at all. It simply indicates Christ comes and renders judgment. We don't know the circumstances by which this judgment is reached. Christ simply selects those who he has chosen, and rejects the rest. This can happen in a Millennium or without one.

It is a massive problem for premills as far as I can tell.
Jesus doesn't inherit his Kingdom, he Glorifies what he himself established through his death.

Note matt 13 again...,

40 So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend [those things by which people are led into sin], and all who practice evil [leading others into sin], 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].

They are gathered out of the already established kingdom for not serving him.

He comes a second time to glorify it....to sit on the throne of his glory as matt 25 : 31- teaches.

The words he has already spoken will judge all the last day yes. Let us force our way in before he comes again.

John the baptist even said...,

1. Matthew 3 10 And already the axe [of God’s judgment] is swinging toward the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
   His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat (believers) into His barn (kingdom), but He will burn up the chaff (the unrepentant) with unquenchable fire.”
   
   
2. Luke 3:17
   His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat (believers) into His barn (kingdom); but He will burn up the chaff (the unrepentant) with unquenchable fire.”

43 Then the righteous [those who seek the will of God] will shine forth [radiating the new life] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.

 

[Randy Kluth]

It is a massive problem for premills as far as I can tell.
Jesus doesn't inherit his Kingdom, he Glorifies what he himself established through his death.

Note matt 13 again...,

40 So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend [those things by which people are led into sin], and all who practice evil [leading others into sin], 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].

They are gathered out of the already established kingdom for not serving him.

He comes a second time to glorify it....to sit on the throne of his glory as matt 25 : 31- teaches.

The words he has already spoken will judge all the last day yes. Let us force our way in before he comes again.

John the baptist even said...,

1. Matthew 3 10 And already the axe [of God’s judgment] is swinging toward the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
   His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat (believers) into His barn (kingdom), but He will burn up the chaff (the unrepentant) with unquenchable fire.”
   
   
2. Luke 3:17
   His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat (believers) into His barn (kingdom); but He will burn up the chaff (the unrepentant) with unquenchable fire.”

43 Then the righteous [those who seek the will of God] will shine forth [radiating the new life] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.

You raise good questions, but to be frank, nothing about this is clear with respect to God's Kingdom and the Millennium. God's Kingdom is actually everywhere--it is not just established yet on earth. You may not believe it will even be established on earth at all? You can answer this for yourself?

So let's just assume that whether you're a Premillennialist or not that we both believe the Kingdom of God has not yet reached the apex of its fulfillment, that when Christ comes his Kingdom will, in a more full sense, achieve something better on a New Earth? If so, then how would angels gather the wicked to be burned?

We are told it is at Christ's Coming, so that sounds like it is Armageddon where this "gathering" takes place, indicating it is a pre-Kingdom gathering. The gathering, as such, sounds like it will be *as Christ comes,* instead of *after Christ comes.* The wicked are removed from the earth at that point, to be cast into the Lake of Fire later, *after Christ comes.*

I think the point I'm questioning, therefore, is whether the "gathering of the wicked" takes place pre-Kingdom or post-Kingdom? You say it is post-Kingdom, but I'm not sure the language requires that interpretation?

When are the angels sent out to gather the wicked? It seems like it happens just prior to the Kingdom as part of Jesus' Coming. His Coming, though taking place in an instant, has several things associated with it that requires much longer than an instant. His Coming can be said to involve the entire scope of the Armageddon judgment, including the gathering of nations to Armageddon, even though the Coming itself takes place in an instant.

1 Cor 15.51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.

So the Coming itself is a flash of lightning, indicating that our transformation to immortality is instantaneous. This is for the purpose of making us able to return with him in the same instant, in my opinion. But what about the angels being sent forth to gather the wicked?

Rev 16.14 They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.

Rev 16.16 They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty. 16 Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

This suggests that evil angels are gathering nations and people to war for the battle of Armageddon, which I think is a mobilization to the Middle East, leading to a world-wide nuclear war. But God is also operating to gather people, using His angels, for a different reason.. Here Jesus is talking about God gathering His people to Him spiritually...

Matt 12.30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Matt 13.30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.

All of this appears to be a *spiritual gathering,* with respect to the righteous, and not a physical gathering. People are gathering in devotion to Christ by having the Gospel of truth preached to them. When they receive that truth in their hearts, and obey God's word, they are united with Him. They are "gathered to Him."

So I believe the following is a *spiritual gathering,* appropriating God's People at the Coming of Christ...

Matt 24.31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

But the gathering of the wicked is a different kind of spiritual gathering, culminating in an actual physical gathering of nations to Armageddon. In effect it will winnow out the wicked from participation in the coming Kingdom of Christ.

They will die, and not be allowed to enter into that Kingdom. And they will not be able to be restored to it, since they will then be committed, at that time, to Eternal Death.

So Jesus, at his Coming, will preside over mankind, and determine, at that moment, how to deal with those so gathered, the righteous spiritually gathered to Christ, and the wicked gathered to Armageddon to oppose Christ. And the wicked he will destroy beyond recovery at Armageddon, at which time he will come. They will die, and not be restored ever. They will eventually be cast into eternal fire.

I don't believe the casting into eternal fire will all be at the moment of Christ's Coming. But the determination at that time is that they are dying with that ultimate judgment in mind, that they are being destroyed from God's Kingdom forever.

 

[jeffweeder]

You raise good questions, but to be frank, nothing about this is clear with respect to God's Kingdom and the Millennium. God's Kingdom is actually everywhere--it is not just established yet on earth. You may not believe it will even be established on earth at all? You can answer this for yourself?

Thanks.
I do not see how Gods kingdom can be established on this old fallen earth. Can Eden exist in the fallen world? Flesh and blood cannot see or enter the kingdom of God. His Kingdom is and never will be a part of this world. That can only happen on the restored NHNE where God will dwell and walk with Man again like Eden.

So let's just assume that whether you're a Premillennialist or not that we both believe the Kingdom of God has not yet reached the apex of its fulfillment, that when Christ comes his Kingdom will, in a more full sense, achieve something better on a New Earth? If so, then how would angels gather the wicked to be burned?

Yes new earth. The kingdom is all about redemption then full restoration.
When Jesus comes he Gathers all the nations people whether they are goats or sheep , wheat or tares. He sends his Angels to do this.
All are then righteously judged. Glorified or eternally cast away.

Seeing as our Glorification takes a twinkling of an eye, the same must be said of the wicked, as they suffer their fate first.



Matt 13
40 So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend [those things by which people are led into sin], and all who practice evil [leading others into sin], 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].

43 Then the righteous [those who seek the will of God] will shine forth [radiating the new life] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.

 

[ewq1938]

If unbelievers are thrown into the fire before the righteous shine in the eternal kingdom then how on earth can there be a future 1000 years after Jesus comes with all his Angels?

Unbelievers are not thrown into fire before the Millennium begins. That is a post-Millennium event.

 

[Randy Kluth]

Thanks.
I do not see how Gods kingdom can be established on this old fallen earth. Can Eden exist in the fallen world? Flesh and blood cannot see or enter the kingdom of God. His Kingdom is and never will be a part of this world. That can only happen on the restored NHNE where God will dwell and walk with Man again like Eden.

I actually believe that God's Kingdom is described, biblically, as existing in some form on earth in history, as well as today. The Davidic Kingdom was so associated with God's Kingdom that they were viewed as nearly synonymous. And when the torch got passed from Israel to the Gentile nations, who became Christian nations, the Kingdom of God came to be associated with those Christian governments as well.

Of course, there is a big difference between God's pure Kingdom and earthly kingdoms in the present age. Christian kingdoms can begin strong and end weak and compromised--sometimes even completely apostate, such as Russia. So you're right that there can never be a complete and total comparison between God's Kingdom and kingdoms on this present earth.

But the point is, if in the Bible God's Kingdom has in some way been viewed as synonymous with earthly kingdoms, then why not in a Millennial Age? It wouldn't be the "New Earth," but it would be some form of successful Christian government!

Yes new earth. The kingdom is all about redemption then full restoration.
When Jesus comes he Gathers all the nations people whether they are goats or sheep , wheat or tares. He sends his Angels to do this.
All are then righteously judged. Glorified or eternally cast away.

Seeing as our Glorification takes a twinkling of an eye, the same must be said of the wicked, as they suffer their fate first.

As I said, there is a possibility in my mind that Christ's Coming can be generalized to include the circumstances that immediately and directly lead up to that event, as well. That is, the military mobilization that leads to Armageddon can be viewed as part of "Christ's Coming."

In that sense, angels/demons are gathering forces to Israel to initiate a very destructive battle. Antichrist's campaign against Christianity will come to an end at that time, and in particular, when Christ himself returns in a moment of time.

But the mobilization will take some time, and takes place, I think, after the 1260 days. This is an unspecified period of time, keeping the date of Christ's Coming ambiguous and unpredictable by unbelievers, who wish to prove Christianity wrong.

Matt 13
40 So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend [those things by which people are led into sin], and all who practice evil [leading others into sin], 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].

43 Then the righteous [those who seek the will of God] will shine forth [radiating the new life] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.

I happen to think this could be a very generalized way of saying that God will distinguish between believers and unbelievers in the last days. He will gather his followers in the "Rapture." But those who do not believe and oppose him he will have gathered to Armageddon for destruction.

I'm not certain about these things--just speculating to show that I'm not sure anything *doctrinal* comes out of these passages. God gathers His people *spiritually,* and not always physically. But in the endtimes I'm less sure about this. It may be talking about both spiritual and physical gatherings?

 

[jeffweeder]

Unbelievers are not thrown into fire before the Millennium begins. That is a post-Millennium event.

Was Jesus wrong to have Matt 13 and Matt 24 and 25 included in the scriptures?
Or should we all listen to your idea of the millennium period is instead.?
Lets all ignore the obvious and put our faith in you rather than the majority of the NT.
Not.
Jesus knew what he was talking about and explained things more simply than what you guys suggest.
Jesus assured us that he told us everything we need to know beforehand and the whole congregation in the first century hung on his every word. The book of Revelation came much later and should only serve to compliment, not contradict and give license to shed a different opinion and what was originally embraced. You have been warned about doing such a thing within the pages of Revelation right?
The Spirit of prophecy will always remain the testimony of Jesus.

 

[ewq1938]

Was Jesus wrong to have Matt 13 and Matt 24 and 25 included in the scriptures?
Or should we all listen to your idea of the millennium period is instead.?

Should we all listen to your misinterpretations of those verses and your idea of the millennium period instead?


The scriptural truth is that the unsaved as a whole are not killed, nor thrown into the LOF at the second coming and no passage contradicts that. Many passages people think are the second coming are not.

There is a clear contradict between the saved being harvested first, then tthe unsaved facing wrath and another passage where the unsaved (tares) are havested first and burned, then the saved going to the barn (KOG).

Either God cannot remember what happens first or these events happen at different times and the order changes and people commonly and predictably confuse the two.

 

[jeffweeder]

Should we all listen to your misinterpretations of those verses and your idea of the millennium period instead?

I present scripture all the time when I make an interpretation. Let us fix our eyes on what Jesus said would be my advice.
I like to remind people of that when I present my understanding...all the time, unlike some who appear to wing it.

The scriptural truth is that the unsaved as a whole are not killed, nor thrown into the LOF at the second coming and no passage contradicts that. Many passages people think are the second coming are not.

Says who ....you?

When Jesus states he is talking about his coming, he is in fact teaching about his coming. Its not rocket science.

There is a clear contradict between the saved being harvested first, then tthe unsaved facing wrath and another passage where the unsaved (tares) are havested first and burned, then the saved going to the barn (KOG).

Either God cannot remember what happens first or these events happen at different times and the order changes and people commonly and predictably confuse the two.

And yet again you fail miserably to quote the relevant passages. I am not surprised.

 

[ewq1938]

And yet again you fail miserably to quote the relevant passages. I am not surprised.

I quoted and/or referred to/from them. Your complaint is meaningless and a waste of time.

 

[jeffweeder]

I quoted and/or referred to/from them. Your complaint is meaningless and a waste of time.

That was your 3rd post in this thread.
It will not take long for people to see you made no such quotes or referrals.
You are right about one thing, its a waste of time taking seriously anything you say.

 

[ewq1938]

That was your 3rd post in this thread.
It will not take long for people to see you made no such quotes or referrals.

It was in that post.

You are right about one thing, its a waste of time taking seriously anything you say.

No, that's you. Instead of a normal conversation you choose to hurl negatives.

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

You're welcome.

What in Matt 13 do you disagree with?

You must somehow believe that Jesus sending out his Angels at the harvest does not refer to his second coming.
It is consistent with what Jesus taught a few chapters later.


Matt 25
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory and majesty and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him [for judgment]; and He will separate them from one another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right [the place of honor], and the goats on His left [the place of rejection].

34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God, appointed to eternal salvation], inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

41 “Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Leave Me, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels (demons);


Matthew 13:30
Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First gather the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”


37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 38 and the field is the world; and [as for] the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the weeds are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.


40 So just as the weeds are gathered up and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend [those things by which people are led into sin], and all who practice evil [leading others into sin], 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].

43 Then the righteous [those who seek the will of God] will shine forth [radiating the new life] like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.

Exactly, Jeff. The timing of the harvest of all people is at Christ's return and it will be at that time that all people will either be rewarded with eternal life in the kingdom of the Father or will be cast "into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels". This does not allow for any thousand year earthly kingdom to occur after Christ returns.

 

[strepho]

It's really sad that some Christian people dont know who the kenites are. I respect other people's beliefs and opinions. Lack of knowledge is the downfall for many people near future. Ephesians chapter 6, the gospel armour is knowledge and wisdom of God's word.
Matthew chapter 13. .parable of the tares and wheat.
Jesus is teaching the harvest of the end times. The wheat are seed of Abraham.
The tares are seed of the devil.
Who are the Tares? Thier kenites.
If you dont understand what happened in garden of eden, your armour is off, and your defenseless against antichrist lies and deception near future. Get the picture.
Genesis chapter 3 and Corinthians chapter 11. Eve was beguiled by the serpent, who is satan. She had sexual relations with satan. Then Adam knew his wife, eve. She had twins. Cain and abel. Two different fathers.
NAGA in Hebrew means/ To Touch.
Eve was beguiled by the serpent, sexual intercourse.
The kenites are offspring of Cain. Thier the seed of the devil. This is what Jesus taught in parable of Matthew chapter 13. The Tares are kenites.
Those who reject the truth, have strong delusions.
Second thessalonians chapter 2. . God has been sending strong delusions on those who love not the truth. Some people have spirit of stupor.
Those with spirt of stupor or strong delusions, will worship antichrist near future.
Faith is the key. Sadly, some people lack faith or their closed minded.
Without gospel armory on, many people will worship antichrist near future.

 

[rwb]

Jesus said world history is like an agricultural year, in which the hoped-for crops would have to mature. In order for this to happen, weeds would have to be allowed to mature as well. The Lord has no wish to immediately destroy what looks like weeds when they may turn out to be part of the crops.

This age is characterized by God's Kingdom appearing as near through the ministry of Christ's Gospel. And yet, it cannot yet be here because of this agricultural process. God is not willing to comprehensively destroy the world as it is because He is still developing His crops.

There are still judgments from God going on all through NT history, and yet comprehensive judgment, indicated by the Flood story, is not ready to come until this maturing process of God's crops is completed. What do you think indicates in our day this harvest is coming to completion?

If the Kingdom of God is near through the Gospel, how can it not yet be here? The Kingdom of God is both near, and has come, but not yet completely because the Gospel is still being heard and the Kingdom of God in heaven is not yet complete, for the last of the Gentiles have not yet entered into the spiritual Kingdom of God in heaven according to grace through faith.

I agree with the analogy of an agricultural process being the reason this world has not been destroyed. We err when we look for a manifestation of a physical Kingdom of God to come to this earth as evidence the Kingdom of God is complete. Unless we understand the Kingdom of God that Christ ushered in shall not be physical and is both spiritually near and here for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord. When the spiritual Kingdom of God in heaven is complete through Gentiles of faith, then Christ will come again and this earth shall then be utterly destroyed by the fire of God that will come down from heaven. Those of faith will not be on this earth when the fire comes down, we will have partaken of the final harvest that will come when the last trumpet sounds.