Question 254: What Is Meant By: “The Children Of The Kingdom Shall Be Cast Out Into Outer Darkness?”

Answer:

In this passage (Matthew 8:11-12) Moshiach was evidently referring to the Jews. His remark was called forth by a Roman officer exhibiting more faith in Him than had ever been done by a Jew. He therefore warned His Jewish hearers that, although they prided themselves on being children of the Kingdom of YHVH, through their descent from Abraham, they might be excluded from the Kingdom because of personal unfitness; while others, who could not claim that illustrious pedigree, would be admitted because of their personal fitness. The present application of His Words appears to us to be not to converted persons, but to nominal believers, who have never been converted, but expect to enter heaven because they belong to Christian families, have been baptized and admitted to membership in a church; but have not the Spirit of Moshiach and Moshiach's Words here also apply to people in Christian countries who having a knowledge of the things of YHVH, do not live according to their knowledge. They too, will see people who had not their advantages admitted, while they themselves are excluded.