Topic(s): Bible Study

Todd Clippard

The parable of the laborers emphasizes that all men can be saved, no matter what time in life they are called. It also emphasizes the sovereignty of God to do as He sees fit.

There may also be instruction to the Jews not to resent the inclusion of the Gentiles into the kingdom, though Israel had been God's chosen ones for many centuries. Sometimes, we resent "equal status" given to others who have not "put in their time" as perhaps we have. We should never feel badly toward one who may obey the gospel late in life and reap the benefits of heaven, even though we may have been Christians for many years and endured many hardships as a Christian.

Finally, just because all men can go to heaven does not mean all have the same capacity to enjoy and appreciate it. Those who have lived all their lives in a free society (as I have) cannot truly appreciate being free like one who has been freed from a lifetime or bondage or under the rule of some horrible dictator. In the end, both are free, but the latter has a greater capacity to appreciate it.

In like fashion, I will not be able to appreciate heaven nearly as much as men like the apostles who were persecuted, beaten, homeless, rejected, and ultimately killed for their faith (think about Paul). Because of their experience in getting to heaven, they will have a greater capacity to appreciate it.