Eschatology 4

Death and the Afterlife

Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

• This parable serves as a central teaching on judgment and the distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous.

Divine Attributes

All-Loving God

• The concept of God as ‘all-loving’ is prevalent in theology.

• Aquinas suggests that divine attributes are not merely human definitions but reflections of God’s nature.

Aquinas' View on Divine Attributes

• Divine attributes are essentially simple and unified, not fragmented qualities; they are God’s nature.

• Humans can understand them as they reflect their experience of virtues, yet God surpasses human concepts.

• This understanding promotes the notion that while we strive to describe God, our definitions will inherently fall short.

Key Points of the Parable

• The Son of Man will come in glory for judgment.

• Individuals will be divided into two groups: sheep (righteous) and goats (unrighteous).

• Righteous individuals (sheep) will inherit the kingdom prepared for them.

• The unrighteous (goats) will be condemned to eternal punishment in the fire prepared for the devil.

• Judgment is portrayed as unavoidable and has eternal consequences.

Judgement

• The parable emphasizes the certainty of divine judgment.

• It underscores the finality and eternity of the consequences of one’s actions during life.

• The narrative underlines an important theological principle: both reward and punishment are everlasting.

Righteousness in Matthew

Jewish Context

• The Gospel of Matthew was written within a Jewish community, deeply grounding its teachings in Jewish tradition.

• Jewish beliefs associate righteousness with adherence to the Torah (Law) given to the Israelites.

Matthew's Definition of Righteousness

• Matthew redefines righteousness to include acts of compassion:

  • Feeding the hungry

  • Welcoming strangers

  • Visiting the sick

• Righteousness is thus interpreted not only through adherence to laws but also through loving and serving others, highlighting a relational aspect of faith.

• This interpretation stresses that true piety is demonstrated through active love and concern for one’s neighbors.