THEO 101 Lecture 5.3d - True Deeds

Introduction

• Final part of Doctor Seaman's lecture series "Untrue Deeds".

• Explores the complex relationship between attitudes and actions in the context of Judgment Day, emphasizing how these aspects inform one's standing before divine judgment.

The Judgment Scene

• Transition from the Sermon on the Mount to the eschatological judgment scene marks a significant thematic shift, highlighting the culmination of Jesus' teachings.

• Imagery is deeply rooted in Daniel Chapter 7, where the prophetic visions foretell the establishment of divine justice.

• Son of Man symbolizes the coming of the Kingdom, representing both Jesus and the prophetic figure whose role is to preside over the final judgment.

• Judgment encompasses all humanity, transcending divisions between Jews and non-Jews.

• Identities of individuals during the judgment are assessed based solely on their actions rather than nationality or religion, indicating a universal criterion for judgment.

The Separation of People

• The Son of Man, acting as a divine shepherd, separates people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats, emphasizing a clear distinction based on moral behavior.

• The Righteous (Sheep) are placed on the right side, symbolizing approval and favor, while the Accursed (Goats) are placed on the left, denoting rejection and condemnation.

The Righteous (Sheep) - Positive Outcome

• The King’s Declaration: "Come, you who are blessed by my father..." highlights the warmth and invitation extended to the righteous.

• They are declared the inheritors of the Kingdom, which aligns with the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the meek..." affirming a connection to biblical principles of humility and mercy.

• This Kingdom was prepared from the foundation of the world, indicating not only divine intention but also the eternal nature of God’s plan for humanity.

Reasons for Blessing

• The actions that exemplify righteousness include:

  • Feeding the hungry: Engaging in acts of charity and support for those lacking basic needs.

  • Giving drink to the thirsty: Providing essential resources to those in need.

  • Welcoming strangers: Practicing hospitality and kindness towards outsiders.

  • Clothing the naked: Addressing poverty through generosity.

  • Caring for the ill: Offering support to those suffering and in need of aid.

  • Visiting the imprisoned: Reaching out to those marginalized by society, showing compassion and concern.

• The righteous inquire, "When did we ever do this to you?" highlighting their humility and perhaps a lack of awareness of the significance of their acts.

• Jesus' response underscores that actions towards others are a reflection of one’s alignment with the principles of the Kingdom, reinforcing the interconnectedness of faith and works.

The Accursed (Goats) - Negative Outcome

• The King’s Statement: "Depart from me, you accursed..." is a stark warning that echoes earlier admonitions found in Matthew Chapter 7, which emphasizes the consequences of failing to live righteously.

• Similar language to prior warnings in the Sermon on the Mount serves to connect the teachings of Jesus throughout the Gospel, reiterating the seriousness of moral negligence.

• The accursed individuals did not perform acts of kindness and failed to respond to the needs present around them:

  • They did not feed, welcome, clothe, or care for those in need.

• Their inquiry, "When did we see you?" reflects a profound ignorance of the implications of their inaction, showcasing a disconnect between their beliefs and actions.

• Consequence: The declaration of eternal punishment for the unjust signifies the ultimate outcome of a life devoid of compassion and care for others.

The Harmony of Attitudes and Actions

• The emphasis begins with the Beatitudes, which articulate virtues such as spiritual poverty, meekness, and a hunger for righteousness.

• The judgment scene focuses predominantly on actions, indicating a belief that true faith is demonstrated through deeds, rather than merely professed beliefs.

• Critical thinking reveals that the two groups are not wholly distinct; indeed, the actions taken or neglected reflect the virtues lauded in the Beatitudes, blurring the lines drawn between the righteous and the unrighteous.

• The Kingdom is thus defined by the harmony between attitudes and actions, indicating a holistic approach to faith rather than mere alignment with religious or doctrinal structures.

Conclusion

• There exists an essential connection between integrity, honesty, and one's eternal destiny as outlined in the judgment scene.

• The teachings emphasize the profound importance of character, extending beyond mere academic integrity to encompass moral and ethical dimensions of life.

• Ultimately, the series suggests that one's underlying attitudes lead to actions; together, they shape one's understanding and potential entry into the Kingdom, reinforcing the principle that faith without works is dead.