The Evangelical Universalist Forum

A Possibly Underrated UR Verse–First and Last in the Kingdom

Theology Biblical Theology
#1

“So the last will be first and the first will be last” (Matt. 20:16 NIV)

So it appears that the bad guys will at least get into the kingdom of heaven.

Here’s what evangelical scholar Herman Ridderbos has to say in his Matthew commentary:

“This parable is strongly reminiscent of the older son in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:25-32). It shows, on the one hand, the absolute freedom of God’s grace and on the other hand, the delusion of those who think they can earn God’s special favor merely by doing what is required of them. Such people will come last in the kingdom of heaven, **if indeed they even find a place there **[emphasis mine]. Thus Jesus gave a warning to all people, Pharisees and disciples alike, who pride themselves on what they have done beyond others and self-righteously take offense at the revelation of God’s grace.”

“If indeed they even find a place there” seems to be pulled from thin air.

NOTE – It’s unclear to me whether “first” and “last” refer to the timing of entry into heaven, or to rank in heaven. But for the purpose of this argument, it doesn’t matter.

#2

That’s a favorite of mine in support of universalism.

#3

To the OP - I have thought the same thing each time I read that. Great post.

#4

Both perhaps. Last in chronology may be first in rank. Christ is both First and Last, it says in Revelation. There may be different ways that is true. Once that comes immediately to mind is that He is the “last Adam” and also the firstborn of the dead.

Sonia

#5

And Firstborn is maybe a title, not just a chronology. A father could (I’m told) name a second or later born son as his Firstborn if the older son was unworthy in his eyes of the responsibility.

#6

Yes, yes, yes. I have thought the same before, but you’re the first I’ve ever seen suggest it. Thanks for bringing this up.

#7

I’m not really sure the verse has any relevance to supporting UR as such. I guess it could in some sense but only in a supportive way. To me it has more to do with grace and understanding the Gospel and it workings than any other issue IMO. In the end God is no man’s debtor so though there is no merit as such in the equation God will honour work done in his Name and through his Spirit in Jesus name though again comparisons are odious.

#8

I think it actually does, though in a kind of back-handed way. The first will be last; the last; first. In this statement, EVERYONE arrives. That’s not the point of the statement, but universal inclusion in the Kingdom does seem to me a natural implication of it.

#9

Good point Cindy :smiley:

#10

Exactly. Look at the context:

Verse 30 is translated differently in many translations and the way the ESV translates makes it appear that Jesus is talking over about the latter who make it into the kingdom which would preclude the former who are cast out. But this doesn’t seem to fit with the flow of the text. Curious for our experts here - is 'And behold" an accurate translation for the beginning of verse 30? I should hardly think, based on this context that anyone would care about being last or first if they are one of the ‘few’ who get in! Call me crazy, but if only a few are saved, the last thing on my mind is going to be what position I have!

#11

I think it might also be important to remember that (according to what I’ve read, anyway) Jesus’ audience would have been looking forward to the reign of righteousness in which they expected Israel, and especially those deemed the righteous of Israel, would rule and reign with Him over the whole earth with the last (themselves) first and the first (the non-Jews) last. This would also probably apply between the ruling religious class, who tended to be wealthy and to love money, and the lower-class Hebrew people who oftentimes were poorer and who engaged in professions rather looked down upon (such as the shepherds we see mentioned so much in the Gospels).

So the Jews were looking for that promised kingdom on the earth, in this life, and I don’t know whether they had much of a conception of anything beyond that time – what it would be like. They didn’t expect the poor and lowly to take the leading positions, and certainly NOT those outside Israel, NOT chosen, NOT elect. So that many who are first now, will be last. They might not even make it into that millennial kingdom they were so looking forward to ruling. They might be standing outside, watching the actual elect – those shepherds and garbage collectors and common laborers, women, even Samaritans (ye gods!) feasting with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and the prophets, reclining at the table of Yahweh. That doesn’t mean they’ll never be let in. Just that they miss the marriage feast.