I see the theme of identity running through this...
Just a few chapters prior to 25, in Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus states the first and second greatest commandments are "love God" and "love others." Then, here in Matthew 25, he illustrates those two commandments. Those who love God (greatest commandment) are the sheep, and those who do not are the goats.
Likewise, Matthew 7:21 specifies "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." So, not all who claim their identity in Christ, but only the ones who are not wolves in sheep's clothing.
In either of these passages you cite, knowing Jesus is primary.
I’ve taken a much more action and works based approach to faith over the last few years, but it hasn’t been to win salvation or earn it, for I myself am but dirty rags, but at no point is it said that we should not do works or follow the law, but rather that salvation doesn’t come by either thing, but by grace.
Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Romans 5:20 - Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Romans 6:1-2 - 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
I see the theme of identity running through this...
Just a few chapters prior to 25, in Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus states the first and second greatest commandments are "love God" and "love others." Then, here in Matthew 25, he illustrates those two commandments. Those who love God (greatest commandment) are the sheep, and those who do not are the goats.
Likewise, Matthew 7:21 specifies "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." So, not all who claim their identity in Christ, but only the ones who are not wolves in sheep's clothing.
In either of these passages you cite, knowing Jesus is primary.
One of my favorite verses...always humbling and reminds me that it is grace alone and not works and the blood of Christ which gives us the way to Him.
I’ve taken a much more action and works based approach to faith over the last few years, but it hasn’t been to win salvation or earn it, for I myself am but dirty rags, but at no point is it said that we should not do works or follow the law, but rather that salvation doesn’t come by either thing, but by grace.
Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Romans 5:20 - Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Romans 6:1-2 - 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
But in context, those people were identifying with Christ, but they were trying to do it their own way, not God’s way.