by Mike Bennett

In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus Christ told about His followers who served and helped those in need, which He compared to serving Him directly. These giving people were living like Christ lived and will be welcomed into eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

But those who ignored the sick and the needy were not living the “give” way of life that Jesus taught. In the parable they asked, “Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?” (verse 44).

He answered, “Inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me” (verse 45).

They were sent away to the punishment called elsewhere the second death and the lake of fire. The effects of this death are permanent—there will be no resurrection from the second death.

Read more about what the Bible says about death and eternal life in our section on “Life After Death.”