Question: “Hello I have a question about the parable in Matthew 25:14-30. I do believe that once we are saved we are always saved but I am having trouble understanding this parable. Why would the servant who did nothing with his talent be cast into outer darkness if our salvation is not based on our works ? Thank you”
Answer:
Great question! Contextually, Jesus is answering the questioned asked in Matthew 24:3.
“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3)
This sets the context for everything in Matthew 24:4 – 25:46. He is talking about the end of the Tribulation period. His audience is his disciples and Israel.
The parable in Matthew 25:14-30 is about the Jew who rejects the Messiah. He is supposed to be spreading the news of the Messiah’s return. Instead, he rebelled against the Messiah. He was punished with outer darkness.
This cannot be a child of God because the child of God is one who has believed on Jesus Christ. This cannot be a Christian Jew because that is one who has accepted Jesus is their Messiah. This must be the unbelieving Jew. Lots of well meaning pastors and teachers misunderstand these two chapters. They are dispensational in tone. They are not talking about believers in the body of Christ.
I hope this helps. I will be making a video on these parables in the future.