JEFF TURNER

The Bible describes a future event in Matthew 25 where Jesus Christ will judge humanity by separating people into two groups, much like a shepherd dividing sheep from goats. This judgment happens at a specific time in history, after a seven-year period of great suffering known as the tribulation.

When Jesus comes back to Earth, He arrives with two purposes. First, He will judge all people who are still living at that moment. Second, He will establish His kingdom on Earth. This kingdom represents a thousand-year period of His rule, often called the millennial reign.

The judgment itself uses imagery that people in ancient Israel would have understood immediately. Shepherds regularly separated their flocks because sheep and goats often grazed together in mixed herds. Even today in Israel, you might see these animals grouped together.

In this judgment, the goats represent those who have rejected God. These individuals will face condemnation and destruction. They will be sent to hell for their unbelief and rebellion against God. This fate awaits everyone on Earth at that time who does not belong to Christ.

The sheep, however, represent those who have placed their faith in Jesus and belong to Him. These believers will not face destruction. Instead, they will enter directly into Christ’s kingdom while still alive. They will receive the promised blessings that come with His reign on Earth.

This separation is final and complete. Everyone alive when Christ returns will be evaluated and placed in one of these two categories. There is no middle ground or third option. The judgment covers all people across the entire planet at that moment in time.

The event marks the beginning of a new era. After removing the ungodly from the Earth, Jesus will rule with His faithful followers in a kingdom of glory. This fulfills ancient promises made throughout Scripture about a coming age of peace and righteousness under the Messiah’s direct leadership.

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:31-34