During small group several weeks ago we came upon Luke 17:20–35. The conversation revolved around what the Pharisees expected, how we ought to be awaiting Christ’s return, and what characterizes faithful followers in their waiting. An additional question came to my mind: what is the canonical function of Jesus bringing Noah and Lot into this teaching?
Great post! I have a question for you—do you think there is any chance that upon Christ's return, no one on Earth will have to suffer eternal punishment because all are believers?
Thank you for reading, and thank you for your question, Buck! I’m glad you enjoyed it. In regard to your question: soberly, I believe there is a zero percent chance in that happening given the way Scripture describes final judgment. At Christ’s return, all people from ages past will be resurrected for final judgment—believers and unbelievers alike alongside those alive in that day. However, at that final judgment there is a distinction of direction: some to eternal life and some to eternal punishment. So, I don't think there is a chance when all are raised that none would be unbelievers. (For an example in Christ’s teachings, check out John 5:25–29, one of the intertextual examples of it in Daniel 12:2, or the later description and discussion in Revelation 20:11–21:8.)
The teaching of Scripture points toward a complete restoration of God’s creation, but that restoration still involves judgment—both the eternally good and the eternally bad in direction. More fuel to "proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9)! (Another example in Christ’s teaching to look at would be Matthew 25:46 regarding two ultimate directions rather than one.) Thanks again for sharing your question, Buck! I hope that adequately answers it for you, but if it doesn’t feel free to ask counter questions here or with me personally.
Thank you very much for your quick and thoughtful response. I look forward to reading your future works!
Great post! I have a question for you—do you think there is any chance that upon Christ's return, no one on Earth will have to suffer eternal punishment because all are believers?
Thank you for reading, and thank you for your question, Buck! I’m glad you enjoyed it. In regard to your question: soberly, I believe there is a zero percent chance in that happening given the way Scripture describes final judgment. At Christ’s return, all people from ages past will be resurrected for final judgment—believers and unbelievers alike alongside those alive in that day. However, at that final judgment there is a distinction of direction: some to eternal life and some to eternal punishment. So, I don't think there is a chance when all are raised that none would be unbelievers. (For an example in Christ’s teachings, check out John 5:25–29, one of the intertextual examples of it in Daniel 12:2, or the later description and discussion in Revelation 20:11–21:8.)
The teaching of Scripture points toward a complete restoration of God’s creation, but that restoration still involves judgment—both the eternally good and the eternally bad in direction. More fuel to "proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9)! (Another example in Christ’s teaching to look at would be Matthew 25:46 regarding two ultimate directions rather than one.) Thanks again for sharing your question, Buck! I hope that adequately answers it for you, but if it doesn’t feel free to ask counter questions here or with me personally.