Zone1 What is the message of the parables in Matthew 25?

[ding]

Well try to bring this one back.

If we accept that Matthew 5:48 was a directive to us, then we are told to become perfect even as God is perfect. Some will insert other words for perfect and I am open to that. The more general point is that whatever it is....it is an attribute of Diety and we are directed to move in that direction.

Call it becoming better.

The term conversion or becoming converted is one I prefer.

So, while we do "move around", the over all goal is a direction towards whatever attribute the Savior is referencing.

Agreed. It's a journey, not a one time event.

 

[ding]

That is true.

However, the message of these three parables is that choices by the people in the parables influenced the outcomes.

There was no "accept and be done".

They made choices. And justice/mercy accorded them as much as they were able.

I have no clue as to how people can think that God can be arbitrary in his decisions. Those decisions are set within the strict guidelines of laws established long before the world was. And he can't alter them to suite his purposes.

Agreed. The easiest way through this all is to love God with all one's heart, mind, body and soul. If one's relationship with God is right, all other relationships will be right. That doesn't mean we won't make mistakes, but when we do, we do everything in our power to make it right. Thus laws or rules become unnecessary because we are doing everything in our power to do right. Following the letter of laws just leads to people looking for loopholes. Following the spirit of the law, doesn't.