Yesterday we read how Jesus compares the tares growing among the grain with wicked and hypocritic Christians The parable of the dragnet contains the same revelation.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt. 13:47-50)
In this parable the dragnet cast into the sea represents the gospel of the kingdom proclaimed in all the world. The various creatures caught in the net represent all those who have made a positive response to the gospel invitation. These include people of every kind – both good and bad, both just and wicked.
At the close of the age, the angels will separate out the wicked from the just and cast them into a place of punishment. Only after that will the good and the righteous go on to receive the blessings and rewards of eternity with Christ.
In this revelation we see yet another reason why the judgement conducted before the judgement seat of Christ will not result in final condemnation for any who appear there. Before this judgement of the true believers takes place, the angels will already have separated out and cast into a place of punishment all hypocrites and false Christians. Thus those who appear before Christ’s judgement seat to receive their rewards will be only the true and righteous believers, the salvation of whose souls is eternally assured through their sincere faith based on Christ’s own righteousness.
Lord Jesus, I continue to find it amazing and a wonderful grace that You have clothed me - as a child of God - with Your own righteousness! Unbelievable heavenly Father, that You see me through Christ, so that weaknesses fade and are blotted out by His precious, precious blood! Hallelujah! Amen.
