The Net Is Drawn Ashore
47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 13:47–50
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The Net Is Drawn Ashore
The kingdom of heaven is like a net cast into the sea, gathering fish of every kind. But when the net is drawn ashore, a separation takes place. So it will be at the end of the age. The Church's nets gather both believers and hypocrites. Outward membership in the Church does not guarantee saving faith. The Lord alone knows the heart, and He will judge with perfect righteousness. This warning ought to drive us to repentance, not despair. We cannot stand before God's judgment on the strength of our works, religious appearances, or outward righteousness. Our only hope is Jesus Christ, who bore the judgment our sins deserved upon the cross. There, the innocent Son of God was condemned so that all who trust in Him might receive forgiveness and eternal life. Until that final day, Christ gathers sinners through His Word and Sacraments. Remain in His grace, trusting His saving work alone.
Matthew 13:47–50
+
The Net Is Drawn Ashore
The kingdom of heaven is like a net cast into the sea, gathering fish of every kind. But when the net is drawn ashore, a separation takes place. So it will be at the end of the age. The Church's nets gather both believers and hypocrites. Outward membership in the Church does not guarantee saving faith. The Lord alone knows the heart, and He will judge with perfect righteousness. This warning ought to drive us to repentance, not despair. We cannot stand before God's judgment on the strength of our works, religious appearances, or outward righteousness. Our only hope is Jesus Christ, who bore the judgment our sins deserved upon the cross. There, the innocent Son of God was condemned so that all who trust in Him might receive forgiveness and eternal life. Until that final day, Christ gathers sinners through His Word and Sacraments. Remain in His grace, trusting His saving work alone.
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2026
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