Welcome to Bible Study Week 18 from our ongoing series based on Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist — a transformative church-wide study rooted in A Catechism of Christian Faith and Doctrine for the Global Methodist Church. This week's session dives deep into one of the most sobering and hope-filled questions in Christian theology.
What are the two ultimate outcomes facing humanity?
The righteous rise to eternal life, and the wicked to eternal condemnation. (See Global Methodist Catechism, Question 36)
In this raw, interactive Bible study session, the group explores Jesus' teachings on eternal destiny through key Scriptures, focusing on:
- The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43) — Jesus explains the coexistence of good and evil in the world until the final harvest, when angels separate the "sons of the kingdom" from the "sons of the evil one." The wheat is gathered into the barn (eternal life), while the weeds are burned (eternal condemnation).
- The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31–46) — The Son of Man judges the nations based on how they treated "the least of these," revealing that true faith shows itself in compassionate action toward others — as service done to Christ Himself.
- Discussions on judgment belonging to God alone, the dangers of prematurely "pulling up weeds," the possibility of late-life repentance (like the thief on the cross), the reality of hell as a choice locked from the inside (echoing C.S. Lewis), and Methodist emphases on ongoing discipleship, sanctification, and growing in grace.
Pastor Ron guides a thoughtful, honest conversation among participants, touching on:
- Why Jesus teaches plainly about heaven and hell.
- The balance between discernment within the church and leaving ultimate judgment to Christ.
- Wesley's belief in prevenient grace — God's constant drawing of all people — and the call to choose life.
- How we avoid judging individuals' eternal fate while faithfully witnessing to the two paths before humanity.
This session emphasizes orthodox Christian teaching: there is no middle ground — only eternal life with God or eternal separation. Yet it also highlights God's mercy, justice, and relentless pursuit of every soul.
Whether you're part of the Global Methodist Church, exploring Methodist theology, or simply seeking deeper biblical insight into eternity, this study encourages personal reflection: How goes it with your soul?
Key Scriptures Referenced:
Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 | Matthew 25:31–46 | References to John 3, Romans, Joshua 24, and more.
If this resonates, check out the full *Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist* resource from Seedbed (by Ryan Barnett & Jason Vickers) for group studies, student workbooks, and deeper dives into the Global Methodist Catechism.
