Your Inheritance in Heaven

Created Date: 27-Jan-2019

 

Last updated: 4-May-2023

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Sections

1 Summary 2 Wood, Hay & Straw
3 Five Crowns and Much More 4 Do Not Lose Your Rewards!
5 An Example of Losing Rewards 6 It is Never too Late to Gain Rewards
7 Wrong Wedding Garment Being Cast Out 8 More on Matthew 7:20-23
9 Wedding Supper have Similar Points to the Foolish Virgins? 10 The Good News
11 Those Who Conquer 12 Love and Service
13 Corroboration on the Greek on Outer Darkness    

Summary

The overwhelming misconception by most Christians, is when we go to Heaven, then we will all have the same:

This belief is too often perpetuated by the way the Gospel is delivered by well-intentioned people and the scripturally illiterate.  Most Christians understand the first step in being able to go to Heaven, is obtaining Salvation through Jesus Christ.  Unfortunately, this is often spoken as the only aspect of the Christian's life with regards to eternity.  In deed Salvation, is the most important but there is much, much more! 

Matthew 6:19-21, speaks about treasures in Heaven, where the point is we are the laborer who puts the treasures there. 

Matthew 6:19-21 19  Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The scriptures impart that God has a great deal to give to us at the Judgment Seat of Christ if we have earned them.

  1. Inheritance, Rewards and Crowns to be given out.
  2. Privileges that are unique per each individual that will be given.
  3. Responsibilities for Eternity to be assigned to us.
  4. Status and rank given to us.
  5. A new body (oiketerion in the Greek) that will have identifiable and unique glory based on our performance and faithfulness.

Going forward in this topic, all the aspects mentioned in these five points will be collectively called Rewards.

Wood, Hay & Straw vs. Gold, Silver & Precious Stones

The most commonly known scriptures dealing with rewards is in 1 Corinthians 3:11-13, which gives the analogy of a test of our life's works, done in the Service of Jesus Christ, will be compared to:

1 Corinthians 3:11-13 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw 13 each one s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

Notice also in 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 the warning of loss but still being Saved.  Furthermore, this is amplified in 2 Corinthians 5:10 concerning a judgment of our works that go towards our presence, status and privileges in eternity with God.  

1 Corinthians 3:14-15 14 If any man s work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Matthew 18:23-35 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would make a reckoning with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him ...   {The servant acts with treachery against a fellow servant and experience loss.}

There are many scripture references, dealing with rewards in Heaven that are earned.  The scriptures are not stating that there is a work's requirement for Salvation as that was done by Jesus Christ and our acceptance as Him as our Savior. The scriptures are informing we should be living, exemplifying and doing things for our God which is also what the third commandment is instructing us to do

Everything done through faith that:

  1. Developed our relationship with God during our life,
  2. Activities in God's Service,
  3. Faithfulness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
  4. Righteously suffering, and
  5. Overcoming sinful areas and obstacles in life through the Holy Spirit.

will contribute to rewards in Heaven that includes our new glorified bodies.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

There is an important phrase used in many scriptures, "gnashing of teeth".  This phrase is dealing with anyone who has Salvation but is not reflecting, living or showing they are in God's Service which then caused negative consequences.  It is explained in scriptures such as the Parable of Talents in a Matthew 25:14-30 listed below, and also in the Wedding Garments Parable that is discussed later in this topic.  Gnashing of Teeth is an Jewish expression that reflects anguish for not having done what was needed that has caused deep remorse.

Matthew 24:42-51 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. 44 Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.   ...   50 the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, 51 and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.   {Notice the gnashing of teeth for the servant of the Lord that should have been wise but will experience loss.}
Matthew 25:14-30 14 For it is as when a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey. 16 Straightway he that received the five talents went and traded with them, and made other five talents. 17 In like manner he also that received the two gained other two. 18 But he that received the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord s money... 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away. 30 And cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 

{Notice the gnashing of teeth for the servant of the Lord that should have been wise but will experience loss.  Gnashing of teeth is a Israelite colloquial expression of despair for not doing what should have been done.}}

There are several other scriptural passages that emphasize the importance of works that are worthy, righteous and actually required of us all.  Luke 12:41-48 and Luke 19:11-27 emphasize the expectation that God has for us to be about doing works for the Kingdom of God.

Mark 8:34-38 34 And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel s shall save it. 36 For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? 37 For what should a man give in exchange for his life? 38 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Luke 12:41-48 41 And Peter said, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even unto all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  ...  47 And that servant, who knew his lord s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; 48 but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.  {Notice there is a comparison punishment for the servant of the Lord that should have been doing what was expected.}
Luke 19:11-27
(Parable of money)
11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was immediately to appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called ten servants of his, and gave them ten pounds, and said unto them, Trade ye herewith till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent an ambassador after him, saying, We will not that this man reign over us.  ...   26 I say unto you, that unto every one that hath shall be given; but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But these mine enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.  {Notice that the good servants of the Lord will receive more money to do more works for the Lord, the servants who did nothing would have what they had taken away, and then the enemies would lose their life.}

1 Peter 1:4 and many others remind us to build an incorruptible inheritance in eternity:

1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.

Five Crowns and Much More

There are five distinct crowns mentioned as rewards in the New Testament Scriptures.  Many Biblical Scholars have speculated that there is most likely more crowns but these are just the specific ones mentioned.

Crown of Live
James 1:12
Revelation 2:10
1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Incorruptible Crown
1 Corinthians 9:25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
Crown of Righteousness
2 Timothy 4:8
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Crown of Glory
1 Peter 5:4
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Crown of Rejoicing
1 Thessalonians 2:19
Philippians 4:1
2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Indirect References to Crowns and Diadems.

Beautiful Crown
Isaiah 28:5
In that day the LORD of hosts will become a beautiful crown And a glorious diadem to the remnant of His people;
Crown of Beauty
Isaiah 62:3
You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Do not lose your Crown
Revelation 3:11
'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Crowns on the 24 Elders
Revelation 4:10
the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

Do Not Lose Your Rewards!

There are many scriptures that admonish us all to protect our rewards and do not lose them.

Hebrews 12:1-3 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:14-17 14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.
1 Corinthians 9:27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
2 John 1:8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.
Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus
Matthew 5:10-12 10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
2 John 1:8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.
Revelation 22:12 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.

The following is an excerpt from the Judgment Seat of Christ topic:

The process of the judgment for rewards is summarized in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, and many others.  Many Christians identify 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 as pertaining to those who will not be in Heaven with God, but the implication of "inherit" has implications according to some Biblical Scholars and this author to mean that also Christians who participate in the following areas along with never over coming them, will lose or not have inheritance in Heaven even when going there.  This is also the implication of the Wedding Supper of the Lamb, so the strong advisement for all of us to stop participating in any of the areas listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11:

  1. Sexual immorality
  2. Idolatry
  3. Adultery
  4. Homosexuality
  5. Thieves
  6. Greediness
  7. Drunkenness
  8. Revilers (people who are abusive, angry, and insulting)
  9. Swindlers
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.15 If anyone s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

The list, of what is known, of our inheritance is explained in the Rewards in Heaven topic.  Many Christians seem to be unaware:

  • The Judgment Seat is an evaluation of life taken from the positive point of view on accomplishments where we all will see a moment-by-moment perspective of how God was there in our lives along with our service to Him. 

  • There will not be a negative critique of anyone's lives as the Jesus Christ paid for everyone's sins. 

  • There will be a sense of understanding of disappointment within ourselves that requires "God to wipe away our tears" (Revelation 21:4 listed below) for the loss of opportunities, bad choices and bad behavior.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 1:7-10 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

The Judgment Seat is like a rewards ceremony where there will be some people who will not have anything to show for their earthly life service to our God and King, but there will be God always involved giving Grace and Mercy

The Judgment Seat of Christ is not the same thing as the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.  The Wedding Supper of the Lamb is an invitation only dinner for those excelled in their relationship with God in their life.  This is also explained in the topic on Rewards in Heaven.

Note: The question often asked is how can it be a judgment without anything negative mentioned because of Romans 8:1 and other scriptures.  The answer has been described as we will see lost opportunities to act righteously, but God was still involved in our life unto God's Glory. 

All of us will experience a joy that surpasses our understanding to comprehend when we learn of the reality of getting to be with God in Paradise for Eternity.  There will be an initial period also of reflection and realization of what opportunities that we all have missed in the five points above. 

God exists outside of our Time Domain where a period of time in Heaven can occur while zero time on earth or a small time on earth has transpired if God so desires it.  Revelation 21:4's event is obviously concerning the New Heavens and New Earth, but in this author's opinion, it also reflects the event of the Judgment Seat of Christ where we all will have regrets that causes tears.  This is why Revelation 21:4 states that God will wipe our tears of sadness for the lost opportunities we had in our lives to be better than we were and most likely to have not influenced other people to be Saved which we cared about.

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

All of our good actions, that are deserving of inheritance in Eternity, cannot be judged until after the end of Tribulation Period and Second Coming of Jesus Christ to the Earth, because the full ramifications of our merits cannot be realized with their full extent of the love, happiness and to the glory to God until the last person affected by them has had their life completed.  The Judgment Seat of Christ occurs before the 1000 Year Millennium Kingdom of Jesus Christ

The people who will live during the 1000 Year Millennial Kingdom of Christ will come from those who survived and born after the Tribulation Period.  They will have a new direct understanding and knowledge of God because of Jesus Christ will be ruling during that period as read in Hebrews 8:1, and not influenced by our lives that were before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  That is the first reason why the Judgment Seat of Christ is before the Millennial Kingdom and the second reason has to do with who attends the Wedding Supper of the Lamb, as the attendees with be going back to Earth to reign with Jesus Christ in the Millennial Kingdom as read in Revelation 2:25-26.

Hebrews 8:1 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, Know the Lord, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
Revelation 2:25-26 25 Nevertheless what you have, hold firmly until I come. 26 The one who overcomes, and the one who keeps My deeds until the end, I will give him authority over the nations;

As a beautiful example of rewards accumulating over time, is the Thief on the Cross who asked Jesus Christ on the Cross to remember him when Jesus Christ comes into His Kingdom.  Jesus Christ told the thief that on that very day that the thief would be with Him in Paradise.  Ever since that event, there have been people who were near death or even have lived debaucherous lives, and who remember the story of the thief where they also gave their life to Jesus Christ unto their Salvation potentially at the last moments of their life.  The Thief on the Cross, since that time has been earning future payments of rewards because of the action, deed and words spoken while the Thief was near death on the cross with Jesus Christ.  The final tally of those who had and will have part of their inspiration because of the thief will not be known until the time of the end. 

Luke 23: 39-43 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"  43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

An Example of Losing Rewards

In the Old Testament there are two models given of losing rewards. 

  1. One is the Exodus Generation that failed to inherit the Promise Land but still kept their Salvation as God continued to take care of them. 
  2. The second is Esau, which is mentioned in Hebrews 12:14-17.

Case 1.  In Numbers Chapter 13 through Chapter 14, where the nation of Israel is coming out of captivity in Egypt, they failed to inherit the Promise Land.  They saw the miracles that God performed but they so angered God that God swore an oath that they would not inherit/enter the Promise Land.  Only two of the "spies", Joshua and Caleb, and the descendants under the age of accountability would enter the Promise Land.  The other estimated million people in the exodus from Egypt did not inherit and died in the wilderness because of consequences of grieving God. 

Excerpt from the topic on Moses:

Note that even Moses, along with all of us are not perfect and make mistakes.  There was unfortunately incident done by Moses which had the consequences of not being allowed by God to enter the Promised Land because of disobeying what God told him to do with staff and rock in Numbers 20:11. 
  1. This was second event of getting water from the rock, where Biblical Scholars point out that "rock" is used consistently in the scriptures as a model of Jesus Christ, where also Jesus Christ is the "living water" (John 4:10).
    John 4:10 Jesus answered her, If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.
  2. The first event of getting water from the rock by Moses who was to strike the rock was to represent Jesus Christ's first mission as the Messiah, and the second event was to have Moses speak to the rock which represents the Second Coming of Jesus Christ as the conquering King of Kings.  

We very know that Moses was deeply loved by God and Moses was at the event in the New Testament's Mount of Transfiguration appearance in Matthew 17:3 with ElijahLucifer so hated Moses that he wanted to desecrate Moses' body after death.

Deuteronomy 34:5-7 5 So Moses the servant of Jehovah died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of Jehovah. 6 And he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. 7 And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.
Jude 1:9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, The Lord rebuke you!

As already stated, while Israel did not get the rewards of the Promise Land, they were not sent back to captivity in Egypt.  Therefore, the Exodus generation were still saved from Egypt, followed God during their wonderings of the 38.1 years where God continued to take care of them, which shows God did love them.  Biblical Commentaries and this author agree that while the people who did not go into the Promise Land, still had Salvation.

Case 2: Consider the Scriptural case where Esau sold his birth right for one morsel of meat, thus showing he had no regard for it, which rejects the knowledge of blessing given to the first born.    We do not know from the scriptures if Esau will be in Heaven based on Hebrews 12:17, but taking the whole Word of God into consideration, the answer is hopefully "yes". Consider the possible evidence that the descendants of Esau, the Edomites, served Israel. 

These two examples are about rewards and it is NOT possible to lose Salvation. 

It is Never too Late to Gain Rewards

A beautiful example in the Scriptures concerning the possibility of earning rewards, even at the moment of death, is the Thief on the Cross. The Thief confessed his guilt to Jesus and asked to be remembered.  Jesus then told him, that he would be in paradise with Him on that very day.  Since that event that happened nearly 2,000 years ago, there have been people who have remembered this Scripture and then asked for forgiveness and acceptance by Jesus Christ before their death.  The Thief, unknowingly, has been part of the Plan of God to be an inspiration and path which the Thief is accumulating rewards over time. 

Everyone, of us, though the littlest of things, can unknowingly causing others to make Salvation decisions that we can earn some rewards along with inspiring other Christians to grater works.

Luke 23:39-43 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us! 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong. 42 And he was saying, Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom! 43 And He said to him, Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.

Two other great examples are:

Wrong Wedding Garment being Cast Out

In the scriptures, there is the parable of the man who was cast out of the wedding for not wearing the correct garment.  Many Biblical Scholars state that this parable is pertaining to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.  The scriptures point to the conclusion that there will be many people, who have Salvation, but are not invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb, Rev. 19:6-9.  Many Christians are never taught that:

because rewards are based on:

  1. Developing our relationship with God that has us loving God more and more,
  2. Activities in God's Service,
  3. Faithfulness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
  4. Righteously suffering, and
  5. Overcoming sinful areas and obstacles in life through the Holy Spirit.
The following is an excerpt from the Wedding Supper of the Lamb:

In the "Parable of the Wedding" by a king for his son, spoken by Jesus Christ in Matthew 22, we learn that there was a wedding guest that came wearing his own wedding garment.  There are two primary questions concerning this Parable:

  • Were all the guests that arrived Saved or everyone except for one?
  • Was the point of the Parable to let all of know that even if we are Saved, we may not be allowed to participate in some activities in heaven?
Matthew 22:10-13 10 And those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was filled with guests. 11 But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment: 12 and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

There is more to the Parable besides versus 10 through 13.  The point of these specific verses in the Parable, is they reflect:
  • The man was someone who thought he was in service to the King, because he was in the Kingdom, and accepted the invitation.  The King represents God the Father. 
  • This man came to the Son's wedding as a guest because he wanted to be there.  The son represents Jesus Christ.
  • This man came to the wedding but did not have the appropriate wedding garment.  The wedding represents the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.  Notice in verse 10, that both good and bad guest were invited, where the man wanted to be there which means he accepted the invitation, which is just like everyone who has Salvation, by simply asking to have it.  The man represents Christian people who most likely are:
    (a) Have nothing to show for their life lived in God's service, faithfulness, love, suffering, and overcoming which is against the 3rd Commandment of being ambassadors for God.. 
    (b) People who lived their life in Christian Arrogance and Ostentatiousness, such as possibly a Pastor who acts with self-righteousness because of the position in a Church, not being approachable and secretly feels like God is lucky to have himself serving as a Pastor.
    The Wedding Garment reflects the righteousness of Jesus Christ, which the man did not take into full consideration of how he could be at the event, because the man had not been living as he should have been. 
    Revelation 19:8-9)   8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God s holy people.) 9 Then the angel said to me, Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! And he added, These are the true words of God.
  • The King called the man the word "Friend".  This indicates the King sees this person as invited.  The King did not call the man the word infiltrator or spy.
  • Note that earlier in the Parable, the servants went out to the Streets to find more guests, which are the Samaritans and Gentiles, as Israel was the first invited guests.
  • The listener of the Parable knew that it was the custom of that time for the host of a wedding to provide garments for the guests, so the message of the parable was clearly understood to relate to the need to come with God's righteousness that He provides and not our own.   It is similar to the Epistle to the Laodiceans in the Book of Revelation, where the Christians believed they were good in God's eyes because they are Believers but have done nothing with their gift of Salvation as they were lukewarm.
  • The "outer darkness" in the Greek should be more accurately translated to "outside" or "the shadows".  In other words, it should mean the lesser illumination and away from the light of the wedding festivities.  The location of the wedding was the King's house, and for the listener at the time of Jesus Christ speaking the parable, would have been symbolized as the Jerusalem's Temple.  When the Shekinah Glory of God was present in the Temple, which is the manifested presence of God, then the illumination of God prevented Ministerial duties in the Scriptural references.  People in the Temple grounds could not get close or see into the brightness of the Shekinah Glory, so they had to stay away, in "the shadows".  See the section below on corroboration of this interpretation in the Greek from Chuck Missler, along with many others who agree with correlation of the "outside" being away from the festivities and absolutely not in the Lake of Fire.
  • The man, who is in the Shadow of the Festivities, deeply wants to be there and is weeping and gnashing his teeth in anguish for the loss.

Summary Interpretation: There are many Biblical Scholars who have come to the conclusion that this Parable is teaching us that "Outer Darkness" is not the Lake of Fire.  The Outer Darkness represents an exclusion from the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.  The man, who was cast out, was a Believer who had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior; but lacked or did actions that did not allow his participation in this one event.  This man is suffering a loss of status and privilege that is emotionally devastating. This interpretation is not without controversy and it should not divide us.  The point is we all need to understand that faithfulness, obedience and our relationship with Jesus Christ matters.  Remember 1 Corinthians 3:14-15, listed above, "saved: yet as through fire."

In contrast to this view, there is the interpretation that this man, who was a guest, was not Saved.  Some theologians will give Mathew 7:23 as evidence but other Biblical Scholars will point out that this section of scripture has nothing to do with the Parable.  Notice in Matthew 7:23 that Jesus says "I never knew you".  In Matthew 22:12, the King is saying hello friend which means he is known.  Going back to Matthew 7:23, Jesus is not saying "I knew you at one time and then I didn't know you later."  Additionally, the "friend" of Matthew 22:12 wanted to be at the wedding, where this author believes the preponderance of scriptures point to the unsaved person, before death, as never wanting to be in God's service so they would not have come to the wedding.

Matthew 7:20-23 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

An additional insight on the "gnashing of teeth" to indicate it is referring to people who have Salvation but are not invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb is Matthew 24:45-51.  The Matthew passage is dealing with the Rapture event, where the analogy given by Jesus Christ is discussing good servants compared to bad servants.  The key is recognizing that the servants, are serving God, even the bad ones because of the reference of hypocrites that are caught unaware not serving the Master (God). 

  • If the Master (God) chose a servant, then that means they are part of God's house (with Salvation) as God would not have servants in His House that do not have Salvation.
  • The analogy by Jesus Christ is using the term "servant" and not "slave".  A slave would not have a choice in the matter.  A servant has a choice and could leave which indicates the choice to be with the Master even if not serving faithfully.
Matthew 24:45-51 45 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, My master is staying away a long time, 49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

More on Matthew 7:20-23

The main point of the verses in Matthew 7:20-23, is about those who were never in God the Father's service or accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.  Those people who will be cast into the Lake of Fire, try to say they used Jesus Christ's name to do things but Jesus Christ informs them that He never knew them.  It would like someone who gave money to build a church and had their name listed as a donor, but this person did it for political reasons, tax donations purposes, networking with others, and wanting their name displayed on the side of the building. 

Recall in the Wedding Parable, the King called the man "friend".  Matthew 7:20-23 does not contradict the interpretation that the Wedding guest is a Saved Believer who is suffering loss from not living a Christ centered life or believing in self-righteousness after obtaining Salvation, like the Laodiceans..  

Wedding Supper have Similar points to the Foolish Virgins?

There are a few points of mutual warnings with the Wedding Supper of the Lamb and the parable of the Foolish Virgins Parable of Matthew 26:1-13, as Jesus Christ is teaching us about loss.  The Foolish Virgins are experiencing a loss because they were not prepared for the wedding, when the groom arrived to take them from their parent's home.  The wise virgins went with the groom and the foolish virgins were left behind.  The Oil for the Lamps in the Foolish Virgins Parable is an idiom for the Holy Spirit, so many Biblical Scholars believe the foolish virgins represents those who had not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.

The Foolish Virgins, are thought also to be similar to those who are in the Church of Thyatira, in the Book of Revelation, who are told they will go through the Great Tribulation unless they repent.  It is the thought of most Biblical Scholars, and this author's opinion, that once anyone accepts Salvation then they will be Raptured before the Tribulation Period begins.  Those in the Church of Thyatira are those who go to church and believe in God, but have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.

The warning, by Jesus Christ in the Foolish Virgins parable, is to give notice to everyone, who God knows will be Saved, to accept Salvation before the Tribulation period begins.  God exists outside of all Time Domains where He knows who and when someone will accept Salvation, so Jesus is saying to do it now rather than later.  The Foolish Virgins are like the people who were planning on accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior, while still being in a Christian Fellowship, but had not done so, but will.  We all know of people going to Church for many years, who then participate in an Alter Calling to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, where we had no idea that they had not already done it.

Click on this link for more information on the Foolish Virgins Parable of Matthew 26:1-13.

The Good News

The good news for all those who are Saved, is we will all be given White Robes and Palm Branches in worship as described in the Book of Revelation.  The point is that all of us, that are Saved, will be with God and we will not be removed from Heaven, but there are some in Heaven who will not be at some events that required Faithfulness and Obedience.  This should make all of us want to strive for the prize as Philippians 3:14 instructs us.

Revelation 7:9-11

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,
Philippians
3:14-16
14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: 16 only, whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk.

Those Who Conquer

In the Millennial Kingdom period and eternity with the new earth and universe, the over-comers will have special status and rights with Christ as many scriptures, such as those in Revelation informs us. All of us, who are Saved, are still in Heaven with Jesus Christ and that is always the most important part, but we all need to never stop trying to better.  All of us are a continued work-in-progress.

Revelation 2:26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,
Revelation 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Revelation 3:21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Revelation 3:12 he one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.
Revelation 3:5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life.  I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels.
Revelation 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.
Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Love and Service

By the whole of Scripture, it is very evident that God is showing us His great Love that is surpassing our ability to comprehend.  Paul spoke that he had knowledge of the 3rd Heaven that could not be spoke about.  In modern times, there have been many people who have had Near Death Experiences where they describe:

2 Corinthians 2-4

2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.  3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows 4. and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.

J Vernon McGee once said that one of the proofs of the Bible is the Bible does not tell us much about Heaven.  On Earth, a Salesman always finds a way to make something he is selling to always sound better than it really is.  God does not do this in the Bible.  Many Biblical Scholars have pointed out this is a verification, that is of course one of so many verifications, of the authenticity. 

Corroboration on the Greek on Outer Darkness

This excerpt is from the web link: https://www.khouse.org/articles/2009/882/print/ that is from Chuck Missler on the Greek explanation of the Matthew 22:13:


What to read next?

What is Salvation?  Is it possible to lose Salvation?  We have eternal life Evolution is not real.  When a Christian suffers is there benefits from it.  Do we Tithe?  What does the 3rd Commandment tell us?  What is Grace and Mercy?  Is there an Age of Accountability?  Is there a place of unending punishment and exile form God?