Understanding the Distinctions Between Outer Darkness and Hell 5-1-26

Doing the work of evangelist.

There is a controversy by some scholars when it comes to certain scriptures Several of the scriptures are believed by them is Jesus is talking about hell. I wrote about the:

1) Ten Virgins (five were wise and five were foolish (Matthew 25:1-13), 2) the man who was not properly dressed at the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-15), 3) the talents (Matthew 25:14-30),  4) those who said they prophesied and cast out demons in Jesus name (Matthew 7:21-23). This means they will receive no rewards or rulership, because they did those deeds in in their own name.

In writing, many times I remind the readers about KEY words, which are very important, and reading the scripture within it’s context. I caution others not to single out one scripture because it will not be understood which leads to one being confused.

Let’s do a synopsis of what those parables are conveying: Look at the ten virgins, meaning to be pure/born again. All of them were saved, but five were not prepared to meet Jesus when came.

Why?

Because the did fulfill God’s purpose in their lives; they were not faithful.  What about the man who came to the wedding banquet and was not properly dressed? He did nothing to get rewarded for; only the faithful will be rewarded.

Work out our salvation?

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;  for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13). So, what does this scripture mean? We didn’t work to get saved, but we are responsible for spiritual growth to help us fulfill the Lord’s purpose for our lives. 

The talents are symbolic of gifts given by Jesus; both the one that was given ten talents and the one who received five talents fully invested in the kingdom. They were faithful and they were rewarded. However, the servant with the one talent buried his. Therefore, he did not receive a reward. It has been established that these people are symbolic of those who are born again.

How do I know this? Only saved people stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, and the parable speaks of the Master/Jesus coming from a far county (heaven) and distributing talents which means gifts in the New Testament.

Why do I say New Testament? Talents were given in the Old Testament, whereas they are gifts in the New Testament. Remember this, it was still the old covenant until Jesus died and rose from the dead and that ushered in a new and better covenant.

This is the confirmation of this scripture: Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.  And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints (Revelation 19:7-8).

Jesus the Lamb is our groom and we are His bride. Notice who is closest to the bride and groom; the best man and the maiden of honor, and next in line and so on according to how intimate they were with the couple. The others are seated in the order of their relationship, and the further back one is seated there is less light.

FYI- The unfaithful servants will be cast into the outer darkness, and they will be weeping and gnashing (gritting) their teeth when they see Jesus and realize all He went through for them. BUT!

That’s not the end of the story: God will wipe all tears from their eyes (Revelation 21:4).

On the other hand, those who weep and grit their teeth in hell, will be tormented throughout eternity (Revelation 21:10).

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org