THE GOATS ARE SEPARATED FROM THE SHEEP

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Hebrews 4:3b ESV

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His works were finished from the foundation of the world.

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Some Enter His Rest, While Others Don't. We can have hope in our salvation, for the Lord declared the beginning from the end; meaning He spoke from the ancient of days clear up until the end of time, with the profession that it will stand as He declared (Isaiah 46:10; Hebrews 4:3-4) for He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). And we know He rested from all His works on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). This very rest was promised by God to those who believe (Hebrews 4:3; Exodus 33:14) and this rest still remains for some to enter (Hebrews 4:1, 4-6, 9-10). But frighteningly, He also declared, with an oath, others will never enter His rest (Psalm 95:11). Who are the ones to enter or not enter?

​The Day of The Lord.  Since the Lord has spoken and declared the end, we know mankind stands before the Great White Throne of Judgment and is divided into two groups. The dead were judged according to what was written in the books and all who's names were not found in the book of life were found not worthy (Revelation 20:11-14). The angels placed the wicked (goats) on the left separating them from the righteous (sheep) on the right; and after the King spoke to both groups, then the angels throw the wicked into the lake of fire (Matthew 13:49-50; 25:31-33; Revelation 20:11-15; John 15:6). The King said to the righteous, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.' (Matthew 25:34). So again, we can see the end was established at the beginning before the Lord rested from His work. The two groups were symbolized by two robbers crucified with Jesus, to the right and left of Him, with only one receiving mercy (Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27; Luke 23:33; 39-43). One can only assumed the justified was on the right. We see these two groups symbolized in Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Sarah and Hagar, and Saul and David. There are only two possibilities, with no retries, as some suggest with purgatory or reincarnation. 

Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it (Hebrews 4:1).

The Accountability of Those Who Have Heard. We are called to be doers of the word, not just hearers; for all who hear are accountable, either to the law of Moses (Romans 2:12-13) or to the message of the Kingdom of God by Jesus (James 1:22). The law was a shadow of what was to come, but even it had a glory of it's own; so how much more will the real brightness of His glory be expressed in Jesus, whom all the fullness of God dwelt bodily with all power and authority (Hebrews 1:3; 10:1; Colossians 2:9-10). Those who refuse these messages, even if they worship God with their lips, but have hearts far from Him, are just as convicted today as in the days of Moses (Matthew 15:8; Isaiah 29:13; Psalm 12:2; Proverbs 26:24-26). We can go to church, we can identify ourselves as Christians, and we can be 'good people,' and have no love for Christ Jesus in us - these people are not saved, as Jesus can read the thoughts of your heart. Jesus cannot be mocked.  ​Jesus explains this point to us by teaching us the parable of 10 virgins. These virgins heard the message, and knew the truth. All began to repair for the wedding by trimming their lamps with oil. They would need for their lamps to burn while awaiting their groom. However, only five took enough to hold their positions the entire time while the other five lacked the sufficiency and turned back - departing from their position. Upon the bridegroom's arrival, He took only those who were ready and in position; closing the door behind Him to the others (Matthew 25:1-13). Clearly all 10 heard the gospel message and received it, initially. However, only five had the faith and sustaining power to endure  the night, the hardships of life, until the end without losing heart or turning from their faith, their position. These five stayed strong and burned with the love light of God, enduring until the end. Meanwhile the other five didn't prevail under the pressure of life. Jesus warns us to be awake and ready upon His return. 

​The Accountability for Those Who Haven't Heard. Not everyone as heard the message of the Law taught by Moses or the Kingdom of God taught by Jesus. However, the same rule applies to them, they must be doers not hearers (Romans 2:13). But how can that be; how can they be held responsible - for a message they did not hear? Because, they did hear it - in their hearts. This holy God, knew the end from the beginning. He wrote the law in their hearts (Romans 2:15). No one has an excuse who will stand before our righteous and glorious King. ​And now, they are a law unto themselves; for when they sin or do right, their conscience bears witness, and their thoughts accuse or excuse them, respectfully (Romans 2:12-16). No one escapes the righteousness of a mighty God.

Be Imitators of God. As children of God, we are to look different, we are to come out from among the world. For we were commanded, 'Therefore, Come out from them and be separated,' says the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:17a). When we walk in obedience to the Lord, then the God of all peace will be with us (Philippians 4:9). Even Moses asked for the Lord's presence to be with Him, he asked what else would distinguish us from all the nations (Exodus 33:14-17). And Paul declares, The only thing that matters is that you continue to live as good citizens in a manner worthy of the gospel of the Messiah (Philippians 1:27). Paul was imploring them to be humble, loving and sharing in one mind with unity in the Spirit (Philippians 2:1-4), while telling them to walk out their faith with fear and trembling  for it is God who produces in you both the desire and ability to do what pleases Him (Philippians  2:12-13). We are to walk differently then the world, so we shine like stars in this dark world, as we hold firmly to the word of life and do everything without complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:12-16). Instead of arguments and complaints, we are to be rejoicing (Philippians 2:18; 3:1; 4:4). While always pursing perfection even though it's not fully realized until completion of this life. We must just keep striving ahead, looking for the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus, obeying the rules we have already learned, as we grow in knowledge of Him as the Spirit reveals things, reaching towards the goal of having you being of one and the same mind as other mature believers, following Him as our pattern (Philippians 4:12-17). He concludes with a declaration to be humble with a gracious attitude, always rejoicing, while making requests and petitions to God; and then God's peace will guard our hearts and minds - in union with Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7). You'll have the mind of Christ Jesus. Adding, that we should keep practicing the things which are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy - as you have learned, received, heard and seen - then the God of all peace will be with you (Philippians  4:8-9). Seeking God by reading the word, following the Spirit, praying and rejoicing. Not following after the ways of the world nor complaining about the suffering there within. The Spirit will begin to manifest from within us as we walk all these ways; people will see the fruits of our sacrifice and death to ourselves so that He may reign from within us, for they will see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control manifest from our being as we give more and more of our lives to the control and obedience of Christ Jesus - who lives within us (Galatians 5:22-23).

Control Of Your Tongue. For God knows our tongues have been set on fire by hell, and able to set ablaze the course of our entire lives: for they are uncontrollably evil and filled with deadly poison, for they boast of great personal achievements while cursing others who made in God's image (James 3:5-10). And Peter warns us to have unity of our minds: leaving selfish thoughts and instead having sympathy and love for each other. Reminding us to forgive and never return evil for evil, but instead return blessings to those who afflict us - allowing God to avenge our enemies. For he warns, 'Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. (1 Peter 3:8-12). If we are to enjoy this life and the afterlife, it is imperative that we control our tongue; never using our words to curse one another. Never using our tongue to make speech and high praise for ourselves, boasting and carrying on about achieving - while seeking approval and accolades from man - attempting to take glory and honor away from God and direct it towards ourselves. The centrality of our focus of attention should not be on ourselves, but on God and others. Nothing is more depleting to the soul, then someone who speaks of themselves every time they open their mouths or a mouth that casually speaks curses over others.

Warning Against Neglecting This Message. The first message of the oracles of God proved to be reliable enough to bring blessings and curses, and it was the law of God delivered by angels to Moses (Hebrews 2:2). Now the second message is delivered by Jesus, the Son who is the radiance of God's glory (Hebrews 1:2-5) and He is delivering a much more excellent message of salvation which is the invitation into God's rest in the Kingdom of God (Hebrews 1:1; 2:2-4). How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation (Hebrews 2:2b)? For the scriptures says, See that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns from heaven (Hebrews 12:25). Therefore, we have to pay much closer attention now, for Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 3:10; 7:19; Luke 3:9). From a gospel perspective, there is no room for Christianity Light, for those who have one foot in the world and the other in the church; those who declare, God knows my heart but they do nothing to follow or obey Him, and are in no way being lead by the Holy Spirit. But rather they give their vessels over to the law of sin, which only wages war against the Lord. In fact God speaks to such people with this warning, So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16). 

Those of the Flesh. Those who are the goats; they follow after the flesh with their minds set on worldly things based on the desires of their eyes and the pride of life, with their god being their belly. As they go about eating up all the sinful ways that taste good in their mouths, satisfying their sinful passions and desires with no regard for the care of others, using everyone else as tools to their own selfish desires; demonstrating the characteristics which are completely and fully in hostility towards God - so it is thoroughly impossible for them to please God (1 John 2:16; Philippians 3:19; Romans 7:5; 8:5-9; Galatians 5:17). The holy scripture likes them to blindness, foolishness and being dead in their trespasses. What we sow, in due time, will produce a harvest - either to the good or to the bad, based on the seeds we planted. So if one sows his to his own flesh, then he will reap corruption; and their fruit will be discord, jealous, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, disorder, impurity, sexual sin, debauchery, bitterness, rage, human anger, brawling, malice, filthy language, disputing, strife, every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, depravity, envy, murder, strive, deceit, God-haters, insolent, boastful, and disobedient to parents (2 Corinthians 12:20-21; James 1:20; (1 Timothy 2:8); Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8; Romans 1:29-31). 

Lukewarm Doesn't Work Either. The lukewarm people are an interesting bunch for they are the wealthy and satisfied in this world but famished in the Spiritual world. The Lord gives them the right to sit with Him on His throne, just as He victoriously sat down with His Father on His throne. He tells them that He has warned them, even reminding them that He disciplines those He loves, and He stands at the door and knocks for them - patiently awaiting for them to receive Him. And If anyone of them hear His voice and opens the door, He will come and eat with them. He reveals the thoughts of their hearts, that they are wealthy, lacking nothing and have no need of anything. But He knows the truth, and He declares, they are wretched and pitiful, blind, naked and poor. In their ignorance, He counselled them to become rich by trusting in Him so they can gain white garments of righteousness to cover their naked shame which is openly on display without them even knowing. He longs to given them the healing balm that will take away their blindness for their spiritual eyes. (Revelation 3:14-21). What great compassion and love, the Lord has for His people. He says, My people will parish for lack of knowledge. He is offering for them to sit on His throne, if only, they will humble themselves and receive Him.

The Goats from the Sheep. Jesus came to deliver the message that the Kingdom of God is at hand; and He still speaks to it today, for He is alive, and His Spirit bears witness with our conscious and spirit that we are children of God, and He convicts us of righteousness, sin and judgment (Romans 8:16; 9:1; John 16:8; Hebrews 10:15; 12:25). Jesus' words cut to the heart of every man, and we should fill the sword of his word piercing through every inch of our being - as it divides the spirit from the soul, the very person of who we are. Jesus knows the secret thoughts of our hearts and He will not be mocked by what comes from our lips, but rather we will reap what we sow in due time (1 Corinthians 4:5; Galatians 6:7; Psalm 44:21). As, 'Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the Kingdom of God, but (only) he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"' (Matthew 7:21-23). These words bring terror to my bones every time I hear them; and I beg the Lord to never let me be separated from Him. Paul implores us to examine ourselves to see if we really are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5), and he adds that we must run the race until the end to get the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24). The gospel message is the power unto life or death and on that day, the Lord will judge and reward accordingly, and the warrior angels will separate the flock, the goats out from among the sheep. The Lord knows those who trusted and gave their hearts to Him from those with closed hearts to Him, while not being confused by what comes out of their mouths. Playing church: living with one foot in the church and one foot in the world will destroy you - just as it did Lot's wife.  

Therefore, as you receive Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him (Colossians 2:6).

Dear heavenly Father, we thank You for such a great salvation, we give You all praise, honor and glory that is due Your holy name, we ask that You would open our ears and eyes to the truth of Your glorious gospel message, so that we may walk in all Your ways so as to finish to hear You say, 'Well done, My good and faithful servant.' Amen

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