So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. Matthew 22:10
How good does a person have to be to get to Heaven? Good question! However, according to the Bible, today’s text, in fact, goodness has nothing to do with getting to Heaven. The wedding in today’s parable is a picture of an event called the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This great event is the first item on Heaven’s agenda after the Rapture. All of those who ‘make it’ to Heaven will attend this great kick-off event in the great Forever After. The only qualification given is a positive response to the King’s servants as they issued the invitations. Our text tells us that both good and bad were called, and both good and bad answered the call. Heaven’s great celebration will be fully furnished with participants. We will be there because we are saved, not because we are better.
Our parable tells us that, despite God’s great invitation, most of those invited reject the invitation. Initially, Israel was invited. But as a nation, Israel rejected the invitation, and God has set that nation aside for a time. Although individual Jews are being saved, the nation’s salvation will await a coming day, and will not occur during the current dispensation. The invitation has gone to the Gentiles, and from the heathen (yes, we are racially heathen who do not belong to Israel), God is gathering guests for His wedding feast. Most reject, but enough are accepting to fill the wedding hall by the time the rapture occurs.
Would you call yourself good or bad? I know some Christians who came from a bad life. They committed terrible crimes, live deeply immoral lifestyles, or were involved in activities that were opposed to God and His people. They were bad, by anybody’s standard. I also know other Christians who lived upright, honest, and community-serving lives. Some were involved in religious organizations, some were participants in events and organizations that have done many good things for their own communities and the world. Some were wonderful friends, neighbours, and family members. By earth’s standards, they were good. Good or bad, none get to heaven on merit, at least, not their own merit.
If it is not our merit that gets us to Heaven, what then? The One who has invited us has provided all the merit we require. Which is why, at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, we will not be bragging about what we have done to deserve Heaven. We will be praising the One who has invited us, regardless of whether we have been good or bad. Today is a good day to practice our praise. He is worthy! Otherwise, we would not be on our way to Heaven. –Jim MacIntosh