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Parables of Jesus Christ Adult Sunday School Class 1 – 6/6/2010

Gregory Chao

Introduction (Why study the parables of Christ?)

Christ’s use of parables was unique. Only one OT example 2 Sam 12:1-10. No one in the early church taught by parables. The Rabbinic parables served to illustrate or expound the Law instead of teaching fresh insights about God’s ways. Christ’s use of the parables was extensive. Approximately 1/3 of Jesus’ teaching is through parables. Christ uses parables to teach about the Kingdom of God. We learn about God’s values, what heaven will be like, and what a Christian’s duties are.

Purpose/Schedule of Class

This three week study will focus on developing rules for interpreting parables and then applying them to actual parables. It is meant to be a practical class helping students of the Bible to gain confidence in interpreting parables and applying their teaching. Week 1 Rules of Interpretation/Simple Three Point Parables(Part I) – Rule of

Interpretation, the Prodigal Son (Luke 15_11-32), The Lost Sheep and Lost Coin (Luke 15:4-10 cf. Mt 18:12-14), The two Debtors (Luke 7:41-43).

Week 2 Simple Three Point Parable (Part II) – The Two Sons (Mt 21:28-32) and Faithful and

Unfaithful Servants (Luke 12:42-48; Mt 24:45-51), The Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-13), The Wheat and the Tares (Mt 13:24-30, 36-43), The Dragnet (Mt 13:47-50).

Homework - Week 3 Complex Three point Parables - The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), The

Children and the Marketplace (Mt 11:16-19; Luke 7:31-35), The Talents (Mt 25:14-30; cf. Lk 19:12-27), The Labors in the Vineyard (Mt 20:1-16), The Sower (Mk 4:3-9, 13-20)

Appendix Two Point and One Point Parables - The Great Supper (Luke 14:15-24; cf. Mt 22:1-

14) and The Unforgiving Servant (Mt 18:23-35), The Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14), The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), The Mustard Seed (Luke 13:18-21). Theology of Parables.

Reference: Interpreting the Parables by Craig Bloomberg

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Background History

1) Scholarly work on the parables of Jesus is vast and varied. Early Church fathers (Augustine) used allegory (one to one correspondences) to interpret parables. E.g. In the Prodigal son – Father = God, Prodigal = Sinner, Older Son = Pharisee, Ring = Baptism, Banquet = Lord’s Supper, Robe = immortality, Shoes = prep for journey to heaven. Notable voices that called for a halt were Chrysostom, Aquinas and Calvin.. The problem with the use of allegory is the “arbitrariness” of interpretation.

2) During turn of the century, Adolf Julicher almost single-handedly demolished the allegory method. Following and refining his thought were C.H.Dodd and Jeremias. They rejected all use of allegory. They asserted that parables have only one lesson. a) The majority of modern scholars reject allegorical interpretation in favor of an approach

which sees each parable as making only one main point. b) Parable that do have a few undeniable allegorical elements are an exception to the rule

or are not authentic 3) However, a growing minority of Modern scholars now believes that the parables are much

more allegorical than previously acknowledged. a) Removes the need to reject allegorical element of parables as inauthentic b) Many parables make more than one point.

Rules to Interpretation

1) Interpret parables through the eyes of the original audience 2) Details that are unrealistic are most likely allegorical 3) The main characters are most likely allegorical 4) Most other details are not allegorical and serve to enhance the story only 5) The meaning of the parable can be found by taking the point of view of the main characters.

Most parables have three characters and therefore three meanings.

The Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11-32

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 Even as the father went to elaborate lengths to offer reconciliation to the prodigal, so also God offers all people, however undeserving, lavish forgiveness of sins if they are willing to accept it.

Father Prodigal older brother

Father

Character 2 Even as the prodigal always had the option of repenting and returning home, so also all sinners, however wicked, may confess their sins and turn to God in contrition

Prodigal

Character 3 Even as the older brother should not have begrudged his brother’s reinstatement but rather rejoiced in it, so those who claim to be God’s people should be glad and not mad that he extents his grace even to the most undeserving.

Older Brother

Allegorical Elements

Father = God; prodigal = sinners; Older brother = Pharisees and scribes, “righteous”; ring, robes, shoes, and fatten calf are not allegorical but server to highlight the extent of restoration.

Unusual Elements

No son would ask father for inheritance; Father’s lavish welcome atypical;

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Lost Sheep and Lost Coin – Luke 15:4-10; cf. Mt 18:12-14

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 Just as the shepherd goes out of his way to search diligently for their lost possessions, so God takes the initiative to go to great lengths to seek and save the lost sinner

Shepherd Lost sheep 99sheep

Shepherd

Character 2 Just as the discovery of the lost sheep elicit great joy, so the salvation of lost men and women is cause for celebration

Lost Sheep

Character 3 Just as the existence of the 99 sheep affords no excuse for not searching for what is lost, those who profess to be God’s people can never be satisfied that their numbers are sufficiently great so as to stop trying to save more.

99 Sheep

Allegorical Elements

Shepherd = God; Lost Sheep = sinner; 99 Sheep = scribes and Pharisees or God’s children

Unusual Elements

Shepherds were reputed to be dishonest and lawless;

The Two Debtor – Luke 7:41-43

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 Like the creditor, God forgives both categories of sinners and allows them to begin again with a clean slate.

Creditor Debtor Debtor Forgiven Forgiven More Less

Creditor

Character 2 Like the debtor owing five hundred denarii, those who recognize they have much for which to be thankful will naturally respond in generous expression of love for Jesus.

Debtor forgiven more

Character 3 Like the man owing fifty denarii, those who take their spiritual condition for granted and are not aware of having been forgiven of numerous gross wickednesses should not despise those who have been redeemed from a more pathetic state.

Debtor forgiven less

Allegorical Elements

Creditor = God; Debtor forgiven less = _________; Debtor forgiven more = ___________

Unusual Elements

500 denarii = 1 ½ years wages.

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Parables of Jesus Christ Adult Sunday School Class 2 – 4/25/04

Gregory Chao

Review of Rule of Interpretation

1) Interpret parables through the eyes of the original audience 2) Details that are unrealistic are most likely allegorical 3) The main characters are most likely allegorical 4) Most other details are not allegorical and serve to enhance the story only 5) The meaning of the parable can be found by taking the point of view of the main characters. Most

parable have three characters

The Two Sons (Mt 21:28-32)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 Like the father sending his sons to work, God commands all people to carry out his will.

Father Son who Son who Refused but promised Went but didn’t go

Father

Character 2 Like the son who ultimately obeyed, some rebel but later submit and are accepted. Son who refused

but went

Character 3 Like the son who ultimately disobeyed, some promise but do not perform rightly and are rejected by God

Son who promised but

didn’t go

Allegorical Elements

Father = God; Son who refused = sinners; Son who promised = Jewish leaders; Some commentators have allegorized the vineyard as Israel or the church (reject church by rule 1, Israel is possible by not an essential allegorical element)

Unusual Elements

This parable is one of shocking reversal.

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Faithful and Unfaithful Servants (Luke 12:42-48; Mt 24:45-51)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 God rewards and punishes people at the final judgment on the basis of their stewardship of the tasks assigned to them. God may come back unexpected

Master Faithful Unfaithful Servant Servant

Master

Character 2 Faithful stewardship requires perseverance and consistency, for the end could come at any time.

Faithful Servant

Character 3 Those who postpone their responsibility and do evil in the meantime may sadly discover that it is too late for them to make amend for their errors.

Unfaithful Servant

Allegorical Elements

Master = God; Faithful Servant = faithful followers of Christ; Unfaithful Servant = Unfaithful followers of Christ;

Unusual Elements

Rule 2 – cut to piece very extreme = reference to the judgment day, “weeping and gnashing of teeth” = hell

Three Additional Simple Three Point Parables

The Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-13)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 Bridegroom Wise Foolish Young Young Women Women

Bridegroom

Character 2 . Wise

Young Women

Character 3

Foolish Young

Women

Allegorical Elements

Bridegroom = God; Wise Women = wise followers of Christ; Foolish Women= foolish followers of Christ. Commentators have attributed oil = good works, saving faith or grace, Holy Spirit but foolish women are told to buy more which breaks down the allegory; therefore, oil is probably not allegorical.

Unusual Elements

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This parable is contrasted with Faithful/Unfaithful servant in that the issue is that the Father may be delayed in coming back. It is implausible for the bridesmaids to refuse to open the door and claim they do not know them – the irreversible judgment which awaits those who have masquerateded as true people of God. Answers: (1) Like the bridegroom, God may delay his coming longer than people expect. (2) Like the wise bridesmaids, his follower must be prepared for such a delay—discipleship may be more arduous than the novice suspects. (3) Like the foolish bridesmaids, those who do not prepare adequately may discover a point beyond which there is no return – when the end comes it will be too late to undo the damage of neglect.

The Wheat and the Tares (Mt 13:24-30, 36-43)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 Farmer Wheat Tares

Farmer

Character 2 . Wheat

Character 3

Tares

Allegorical Elements

Jesus provides an interpretation here – outlining the allegorical elements. Tends to support rules 2, 3, and 5 Farmer = God; Wheat = followers of Christ; Tares= Wicked; Field = world; Harvest = judgment. Burning = Hell; Older commentator make field=world (reject by rule 1)

Unusual Elements

Each of the main characters of the story takes turns holding the upper hand. First, the enemy and weeds seem to triumph. Second, the wheat thrive inspite of the tare. Third, the farmer still harvest crops destroying weeds and salvaging wheat. Answers: (1) God permits the righteous and the wicked to coexist in the world, sometimes superficially indistinguishable for one another, until the end of the age. (3) The wicked will eventually be separated out, judged and destroyed. (2) The righteous will be gathered together, rewarded and brought into God’s presence.

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The Dragnet (Mt 13:47-50)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 Dragnet stands for God who will come to judge his people on the last day

Fisherman (Dragnet) Good Bad Fish Fish

Dragnet

Character 2 The righteous will be gathered for further service and safekeeping

Good Fish

Character 3 The unredeemed will be discarded as worthless

Bad Fish

Allegorical Elements

Dragnet = God; Good Fish = followers of Christ; Bad Fish = Wicked

Unusual Elements

Emphasis on every kind of fish is unusual probably representing different nationalities of human beings.

Consistent Themes So Far

God 1) God seek those who are lost 2) God welcomes sinners 3) God forgives all who are repentant 4) God command all to do His will 5) God reward and punishes according to their obedience and stewardship 6) God establishes a day of final judgment, the timing of which is uncertain, in which truth will be

completely vindicated and evil irreversibly obliterated

Good Subordinates

1) Men must turn to God irrespective of their past, repent, and show love for all 2) They must persevere with a consistent expectation of the end of the age 3) They will be rewarded with God’s abiding presence

Bad Subordinates

1) Warning against despising the grace God extends to others 2) Warning against complacency in one’s spiritual life (even when one appears superficially similar to

the truly pious) 3) Warning against failure to keep one’s promises to God 4) Warning against inadequate preparation for the “long haul” of discipleship 5) Warning against lovelessness or miserliness, especially with respect to the world’s needy

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Parables of Jesus Christ Adult Sunday School Class 3 – 5/2/04

Gregory Chao

Review of Rule of Interpretation

Version 2 (boiled down version)

1) Interpret parables through the eyes of the original audience 2) Details that are unrealistic are most likely allegorical 3) The main characters are most likely allegorical 4) Most other details are not allegorical and serve to enhance the story only 5) The meaning of the parable can be found by taking the point of view of the main characters. Most

parable have three characters

Rich Man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 Like Lazarus, those whom God helps will be borne after their death into God’s presence

Abraham Lazarus rich man

Lazarus

Character 2 Like the rich man, the unrepentant will experience irreversible punishment Rich man

Character 3 Through Abraham, Moses, and the prophets, God reveals himself and his will so that none who neglect it can legitimately protest their subsequent fate

Abraham

Allegorical Elements

Lazarus = people who have faith in God; Abraham = spokesman for God; Rich man = those who value riches more than God

Unusual Elements

Only parable with action in the next world. Only parable with character names. Overturns the idea that the rich are blessed.

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The Children in the Marketplace (Mt 11:16-19; LK 7:31-35)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 The joyful message of forgiveness should be freely celebrated and not dampened by legalistic restrictions.

Uncooperative children playmates playmates suggesting suggesting wedding funeral

playmates suggesting wedding

Character 2 The solemn message of repentance should not be ignored but taken with full seriousness

Playmates suggesting

funeral

Character 3 The truth of both of these principles will be demonstrated by those who implement them. Uncooperative

children

Allegorical Elements

Playmates suggesting wedding = Jesus’ ministry; Playmates suggesting funeral = John the Baptist ministry; uncooperative children = unresponsive Jews

Unusual Elements

None

Complex Three-point Parables

The Talents (Mt 25:14-30)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 Like the master, God entrusts all people with a portion of his resources, expecting them to act as good stewards of it.

Master Good Wicked Servants Servants

Master

Character 2 Like the two good servants, God’s people will be commended and rewarded when they have faithfully discharged is commission

Good Servants

Character 3 Like the wicked servant, those who fail to use the gifts of God has given them for his service will be punished by separation from God and all things good.

Abraham

Allegorical Elements

Master = God; good servants = faithful followers; wicked servants = wicked people; Non-allegorical elements include talents or ratio of return

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Laborers in the Vineyard (Mt 20:1-6)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 From the unifying role of the master stems the precious truth that all true disciples are equal in God’s eyes.

Master Eleventh Rest Hour labors of laborers

Master

Character 2 From the earlier group of workers, one learns that none of God’s people will be treated unfairly; no one will be short changed

earlier group

Character 3 From the last group of workers comes the principle that many seemingly less deserving people will be treated generously, due to the sovereign, free choice of God.

Latter group

Allegorical Elements

Master = God; Earlier Group = Jews; Latter Group = sinners and tax collectors

Unusual Elements

None

The Sower (Mark 4:3-9, 13-20)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 Like the sower, God spreads his word widely among all kinds of people

Sower Fruitful seed unfruitful seed Seed on seed on seed on Path rocks thorns

Sower

Character 2 Like the three kinds of unfruitful soil, many will respond to his word with less than saving faith, be it (a) complete lack of positive response due to the enticement of evil, (b) temporary superficiality masquerading as true commitment, or (c) genuine interest and conviction about the truth that simply falls short due to the rigorous demands of discipleship.

Unfruitful seed

Character 3 Like the fruitful soil, the only legitimate response to God’s word is the obedience and perseverance which demonstrates true regeneration

Fruitful seed

Allegorical Elements

Sower = God; Unfruitful seed = people who do not follow X; Fruitful seed = people who listen to the word

Unusual Elements

Jesus interprets the parable for the reader showing the level of allegory and lessons.

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Parables of Jesus Christ Adult Sunday School Class 4 – 5/9/04

Gregory Chao

Complex Three point Parables

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 From the example of the priest and Levite comes the principle that religious status or legalism does not excuse lovelessness.

Samaritan Man priest/ In Levite ditch

Priest/Levite

Character 2 From the Samaritan, one learns that one must show compassion to those in need regardless of the religious or ethnic barriers that divide people

Samaritan

Character 3 From the man in the ditch emerges the lesson that even one’s enemy is one’s neighbor Man in ditch

Allegorical Elements

Chararcters are generic.

Unusual Elements

Clearly shows the power of teaching lessons through parables

The Great Supper (Lk 14:15-24)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 From the graciousness and severity of the master we learn that God generously and consistently invites all kinds of people into the kingdom but that a day will come when the invitation is rescinded and it is too late to respond

Banquet giver Replacement invitees Guest who refuse To come

Banquet giver

Character 2 From the excuses of the first group of guest stems the principle that all excuses for rejecting God’s invitation are exceedingly lame

Invitees who refuse

Character 3 From the helplessness of the second group of guest follows the teaching that God’s generosity is not thwarted by the rejection of the “establishment,” because he extends his invitation even to the dispossessed of this world.

Replacement guests

Allegorical Elements

Banquet giver = God; Invitees who reject = those who reject the call of God; Replacement guest = those who accept the call

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The Unforgiving Servant (Matt 18:23-35)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 Just at the king forgives his servants, so God’s grace is boundless

King First servant Fellow servant

King

Character 2 In the middle section, the second servant underlines the absurdity of grace spurned; one who has been forgiven so much and yet so mistreats his fellow debtor does not deserve to live

Fellow servant

Character 3 The final section depicts the frightful fate awaiting the unforgiving, as the wicked servant discovers his ruin.

First servant

Allegorical Elements

King=God; first servant=any person; fellow servants= fellow human beings

Unusual Elements

6000:1 ratio of two debts (10000 talents (600000 denarii) versus 100 denarii)

The Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 All of God’s people will be called to give a reckoning of the nature of their service to him.

Master steward debtor

Master

Character 2 Preparation for that reckoning should involve a prudent use of all our resources, especially in the area of finances

debtors

Character 3 Such prudence, demonstrating a life of true discipleship, will be rewarded with eternal life and joy

steward

Allegorical Elements

King=God; steward=wise person; debtors= fellow human beings

Unusual Elements

The unscrupulousness of the steward should not be allegorized.

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The Wicked Tenant (Mt 12:1-12)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 God is patient and longsuffering in waiting for his people to bear the fruit which he requires of them, even when they are repeatedly and overtly hostile in their rebellion against him.

Landlord (son?) New Original Tenants tenants

Landlord

Character 2 A day will come when God's patience is exhausted and those who have rejected him will be destroyed

Original Tenants

Character 3 God's purposes will not thereby be thwarted, for he will raise up new leaders who will produce the fruit the original ones failed to,provide.

New Tenants

Allegorical Elements

Landlord=God; Original=Israel leaders; New= replacement people; other servant= prophets; son=Christ

Unusual Elements

Two Point Parables

The Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 He who exalt himself will be humbled (God/Jesus) Tax Pharisee collector

Pharisee

Character 2 He who humbles himself will be exalted

Tax Collector

Allegorical Elements

Pharisee=anyone who exalts himself; Tax Collector=anyone who humbles himself

Unusual Elements

There is no third unifying figure to judge between two.

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The Two Builders (Luke 18:9-14)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 The person who responds to the gospel with obedience will survive God’s judgment intact

(Storm/flood) Wise Foolish Builder Builder

Wise

Character 2 The person who refuses to follow Christ in discipleship, on the other hand, will be destroyed on that last day

Foolish

Allegorical Elements

Wise builder=anyone who is wise; Tax Collector=anyone who is foolish; Storm=judgment

Unusual Elements

The Unprofitable Servant (Luke 17:7-10)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 God retains the right to command his followers to live however he chooses

Master Servant

Master

Character 2 God’s people should never presume that their obedience to his commands has earned them his favor

Slave

Allegorical Elements

Master=God; Servant= followers

Unusual Elements

The Seed Growing Secretly (Mk 4:26-29)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 The kingdom will continue to grow inexorably, though sometimes almost invisibly

Farmer Seed

Seed

Character 2 At the end of the age, the kingdom will have grown into all its fullness, after which judgment day will immediately follow

Farmer

Allegorical Elements

Farmer=God; Seed= followers

Unusual Elements

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The Rich Fool (Lk 12:16-21)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 A purely selfish accumulation of possessions is incompatible with true discipleship

God Rich Man

Rich Man

Character 2 This incompatibility stems from the transience of earthly riches and the coming reckoning which all will face before God.

God

Allegorical Elements

Rich man = anyone

Unusual Elements

The Barren Fig Tree (Lk 13:6-9)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 God continues for a short while to offer mercy in the hope that Israel’s leaders will at last respond properly to him.

Master Fig tree/vinedresser

Master

Character 2 The threat of imminent judgment hangs over Israel’s leaders Fig tree/

vinedresser

Allegorical Elements

Master=God; Fig tree= Israel’s leaders

Unusual Elements

The Unjust Judge (Lk 18:1-8)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 God will hear and answer the cries of his people against injustice by again sending the Son of man to earth, although the cannot be sure of the timing

Judge Widow

Judge

Character 2 We must persist in faithful petition for the consummation of the kingdom Widow

Allegorical Elements

Judge=God; Widow=followers

Unusual Elements

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The Friend at Midnight (Lk 11:5-8)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 God will provide for the needs of his people even more generously and willingly

Man sleeping Friend needing bread

Man sleeping

Character 2 One should practice bold, unabashed forthrightness in prayer, which does not hesitate to request the good gifts which God has promised to his people if they ask for them.

Friend needing bread

Allegorical Elements

Man Sleeping=not God; Friend= followers

Unusual Elements

The Householder and the Thief (Mt 24:43-44)

Meaning Diagram

Character 1 People must constantly be ready for the possible return of Christ

Householder thief

Householder

Character 2 He might come at any time and catch some off guard Thief

Allegorical Elements

Householder=followers; Thief= Christ

Unusual Elements

Christ is like a thief in that he can come at anytime.

One Point Parables

The Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price (Matt 13:44-46) – The kingdom of God is so valuable that it is worth sacrificing anything to gain it. The Tower Builder and the Warring King (Lk 14:28-33) – Would be disciples must consider the commitment required to follow Christ The Mustard Seed and the Leaven (Lk 13:18-21) – The kingdom will eventually attain to significant proportions despite its entirely inauspicious outset.

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Theology of the Parables: The kingdom and the Christ

1. Teaching about God

a. God is sovereign. He commands his servants as he chooses (Lk 17:7-10) and sows his word in whatever soil he selects (Mk 4:3-9)

b. God is patient – He delays his punishment of evildoers in the hopes that they will at last bear the fruit of obedience to his commands (Mk 12:1-9 pars.) and that he will find faith on earth at the end of the age (Lk 18:1-8). He takes great pains not to destroy evil where good might be destroyed as well (Mt 13:24-30). God gives generously to those who ask him (Lk 11:5-8 18:1-8).

c. God is gracious and merciful beyond all expectation - He does not reward on the basis of merit (Mt 20:1-16). He goes to great lengths to seek and to save the lost, extending his concern even to the disenfranchised of society (Lk 15; 7:41-43, 31-35 par.; 14:16-24 Mt 18:23-35).

d. God entrusts all people with tasks of stewardship (Mt 21:28-32; 25:14-30; Lk 16:1-9), and he will judge them in accordance with their faithlessness or faithfulness to his charge (Lk 13:6-9 16:19-31; Mt 24:43-25:13 pars.; 13:47-50).

2. Teaching about God’s people a. Abandonment - Those who would truly follow Christ must be prepared to abandon

whatever might stand in the way of whole-hearted discipleship (Lk 14:28-32; Mt 13:44-46).

b. Unworthiness - In so doing they acknowledge their utter unworthiness to earn God's favor (Lk 17:7-10).

c. Stewardship - They commit themselves to a life of stewardship (Mt 25:14-30), obeying God's commands, making concern for society', oppressed and afflicted a priority (Lk 10:25-37; 16:19-31), and assiduously avoiding the idolatry which invariably comes with the needless accumulation of possessions (Lk 12:13-21; 16:1-9; Mt 18:23-35).

d. Alert - They must not presume to know how long a span of time they have in which to exercise this stewardship, but they must remain alert to the possibility that the end could come at any moment (Mt 24:43-25:30).

e. Prayer - They bring their needs to God in prayer, boldly and without shame (Lk 11:5-8; 18:1-8). They look forward to seeing the kingdom grow into a powerful force despite its inauspicious beginning and often imperceptible presence (Mk 4:1-34 pars.).

f. Behavior - They must not begrudge God's generosity to others nor try to box him into molds of predictable behavior (Lk 15:11-32). They must realize that their disobedience and faithlessness can lead to their forfeiting the privileges which should be theirs (Mt 21:28-32; Mk 12:1-9 pars.; Lk 14:16-24; Mt 22:11-14).

g. Persevere - Those who persevere until the end will ultimately be rewarded with eternal fellowship with God and the company of all believers (Mt 13:24-30; Lk 16:19-31; 12:35-48

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3. Teaching about those who are not God’s people a. Profession of faith not enough - Profession of allegiance to God or Christ is inadequate

in and of itself. A visible life yielding the "fruits befitting repentance" must follow (Mk 12:1-9; 4:3-9; Mt 21:28-32; 7:24-27).

b. Position/status not enough - Positions of status in organized religion are no substitute for true repentance and deeds of mercy (Lk 18:9-14, 10:25-37).

c. Imminence - Now is the day in which to make a full commitment, while judgment is delayed for just a little while longer (Lk 13:6-9; 19:11-27). A day will come when it will be too late to repent, and then those who have spurned God will have no further prospect save that of a fearful, eternal judgment in separation from all things good (Mt 13:24-30, 47-50; 18:23-35; 24:45-25:30).

d. All sins can be forgiven - No sin or state of degradation is so vile that God will refuse to forgive the repentant heart (Lk 15:11-32).

e. Rebellion/excuses - Persistent rebellion is ultimately nothing but hypocrisy, since it rejects true happiness and denies human sinfulness (Lk 7:31-35 par.). All excuses for remaining outside the kingdom are remarkably flimsy (Lk 14:1624).