Matthew 5:19
Verse
Context
The Fulfillment of the Law
18For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.19So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Whosoever therefore shall break--rather, "dissolve," "annul," or make "invalid." one of these least commandments--an expression equivalent to "one of the least of these commandments." and shall teach men so--referring to the Pharisees and their teaching, as is plain from Mat 5:20, but of course embracing all similar schools and teaching in the Christian Church. he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven--As the thing spoken of is not the practical breaking, or disobeying, of the law, but annulling or enervating its obligation by a vicious system of interpretation, and teaching others to do the same; so the thing threatened is not exclusion from heaven, and still less the lowest place in it, but a degraded and contemptuous position in the present stage of the kingdom of God. In other words, they shall be reduced by the retributive providence that overtakes them, to the same condition of dishonor to which, by their system and their teaching, they have brought down those eternal principles of God's law. but whosoever shall do and teach them--whose principles and teaching go to exalt the authority and honor of God's law, in its lowest as well as highest requirements. the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven--shall, by that providence which watches over the honor of God's moral administration, be raised to the same position of authority and honor to which they exalt the law.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,.... Which are to be understood not of the beatitudes in the preceding verses, for these were not delivered by Christ under the form of commandments; nor of any of the peculiar commands of Christ under the Gospel dispensation; but of the precepts of the law, of which some were comparatively lesser than others; and might be said to be broke, loosed, or dissolved, as the word here used signifies, when men acted contrary to them. And shall teach men so; not only teach them by their example to break the commandments, but by express orders: for however gross and absurd this may seem to be, that there should be any such teachers, and they should have any hearers, yet such there were among the Jews; and our Lord here manifestly strikes at them: for notwithstanding the great and excellent things they say of the law, yet they tell us, that the doctors of the sanhedrim had power to root anything out of the law; to loose or make void any of its commands, for a time, excepting in the case of idolatry; and so might any true prophet, or wise man; which they pretend is sometimes necessary for the glory of God, and the good of men; and they are to be heard and obeyed, when they say, transgress anyone of all the commands which are in the law (h). Maimonides says (i), that the sanhedrim had power, when it was convenient, for the time present, to make void an affirmative command, and to transgress a negative one, in order to return many to their religion; or to deliver many of the Israelites from stumbling at other things, they may do whatsoever the present time makes necessary: for so, adds he, the former wise men say, a man may profane one sabbath, in order to keep many sabbaths. And elsewhere (k) he affirms, "if a prophet, whom we know to be a prophet, should order us , "to transgress anyone of the commands", which are mentioned in the law, or many commands, whether light or heavy, for a time, we are ordered to hearken to him; and so we learn from the former wise men, by tradition, that in everything a prophet shall say to thee , "transgress the words of the law", as Elias on Mount Carmel, hear him, except in the case of idolatry.'' And another of their writers says (l), "it is lawful sometimes to make void the law, and to do that which appears to be forbidden.'' Nay, they even (m) say, that if a Gentile should bid an Israelite transgress anyone of the commands mentioned in the law, excepting idolatry, adultery, and murder, he may transgress with impunity, provided it is done privately. You see what reason Christ had to express himself in the manner he does, and that with resentment, saying, he shall be called, or be the least in the kingdom of heaven; meaning either the church of God, where he shall have neither a name, nor place; he shall not be in the least esteemed, but shall be cast out as a worthless man; or the ultimate state of happiness and glory, in the other world, where he shall not enter, as is said in the next verse; but, on the other hand, whosoever shall do and teach; whose doctrine and conversation, principles and practices agree together; who both teach obedience to the law, and perform it themselves: where again he glances at the masters in Israel, and tacitly reproves them who said, but did not; taught the people what they themselves did not practise; and so were unworthy of the honour, which he that both teaches and does shall have: for the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven; he shall be highly esteemed of in the church here, and be honoured hereafter in the world to come. The Jews have a saying somewhat like this; "he that lessens himself for the words of the law in this world, , "he shall become great" in the world to come (n),'' or days of the Messiah. (h) T. Bab. Yebamot, fol. 79. 1. & 89. 2. & 90. 2. (i) Hilch. Memarim, c. 2. sect. 4. (k) Hilch. Yesode Hattorah, c. 9. sect. 3. (l) Bartenora in, Misn. Beracot, c. 9. sect. 5. (m) T. Hicros. Sheviith, fol. 35. 1. (n) T. Bab. Bava Metzia, fol. 85. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:19 The realization of the law in Christ means that obedience to all of his commands (see 28:20) is the only acceptable response for his disciples. • Commandment refers to the Old Testament commands (5:18) as now fulfilled in Christ’s teaching (see 5:21-48). • the least in the Kingdom of Heaven: Jesus may mean that such an individual will enter the Kingdom, but only barely and with low status; alternatively, some Jewish evidence suggests that he is referring to damnation (cp. 8:12, where “those for whom the Kingdom was prepared” are eternally excluded).
Matthew 5:19
The Fulfillment of the Law
18For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.19So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Three Marks of New Convenant Life
By Zac Poonen3.4K59:16New CovenantNUM 15:32MAT 5:19MAT 12:1JHN 5:12CO 3:62CO 3:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not turning back and instead, pressing forward to win the battle and conquer new territories. He encourages the audience to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to bring about transformation in their lives. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their priorities and not spend excessive amounts of money on themselves, but rather give to God and His work. He also highlights the urgency of reaching out to those who are perishing in their sins and not sitting idly by. The speaker emphasizes that God's blessing is seen in our transformation to become more like Jesus and urges the audience to be immediate in their reactions to temptation and evil, as a mark of a life led by the Spirit.
Light on Satan's Tactics - Satan's Tactic With Eve
By Zac Poonen2.3K1:00:39SatanGEN 3:1PSA 91:11MAT 4:6MAT 5:192CO 11:142TI 3:16JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments, even the smallest ones. He uses the example of testing a child's obedience by instructing them not to commit serious sins like murder or adultery, but rather by observing their response to simple commands like doing homework. The speaker then delves into the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, highlighting how Satan tempted them and caused them to fall into sin. However, God did not leave them without hope, as He promised a solution through the coming of Jesus to defeat Satan and redeem humanity.
(Pure Testimony) a Witness for God on Earth
By Zac Poonen2.1K58:55PurityGEN 12:3EXO 3:2LEV 6:20LEV 7:6MAT 5:19HEB 6:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a witness for God in our personal lives and within our families. He uses the example of Job, who was described as an upright man who feared God. Job's dedication to his family is highlighted, as he would gather his grown-up sons and daughters for feasts and offer sacrifices on their behalf. The speaker urges listeners to take sin seriously and to be a part of the pure witness for God, even if others around them are hypocritical. He also emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments, even in seemingly small matters, and not allowing culture or traditions to influence our obedience to God's word.
(Through the Bible) Matthew 5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:25:45MAT 5:16MAT 5:19MAT 5:21MAT 5:48MAT 7:12MAT 22:37In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves, summarizing the law and the prophets. The preacher also highlights the need for self-reflection and recognition of our own weaknesses, as seen in the example of Paul the Apostle in Romans chapter 7. The sermon emphasizes the mission of the church to bring people out of darkness and into the kingdom of light, as described by Paul in his commission to deliver relief to the Gentiles. The preacher also references Jesus' teaching that believers are the light of the world and should not hide their faith but let it shine for all to see.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
By Mike Bickle251:05:54Rewards in HeavenJudgmentPSA 103:14MAT 5:19MAT 19:24ROM 14:101CO 3:112CO 5:10COL 3:3HEB 6:10JAS 5:17REV 14:13Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the judgment seat of Christ, portraying it as a place of public affirmation rather than condemnation. He explains that at this bema seat, believers will be rewarded for their secret acts of love and faithfulness, which often go unnoticed in this life. Bickle encourages the congregation to pursue greatness in God's sight, highlighting that true greatness is based on heart responses rather than outward achievements. He reassures that God remembers even the smallest acts of love and service, and that our life work will be evaluated based on our deeds, motives, and speech. Ultimately, he calls for a life of wholehearted devotion to God, warning against the regret of wasted opportunities at the judgment seat.
Jesus' Invitation for All to Be Great in His Kingdom (Mt. 5:19)
By Mike Bickle241:04:23Greatness in God's KingdomServanthoodMAT 5:19MAT 20:26EPH 1:17Mike Bickle emphasizes Jesus' invitation to greatness in His Kingdom, as outlined in Matthew 5:19. He explains that true greatness is not defined by worldly standards but is rooted in servanthood and obedience to God's commandments. Bickle highlights the importance of heart responses over outward achievements, encouraging believers to pursue faithfulness and a vision for greatness that aligns with God's perspective. He warns against the cultural pressures to seek exceptional growth, reminding us that our internal calling and relationship with God are what truly matter. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a commitment to living out the Beatitudes and teaching others to do the same, assuring that those who do will be recognized as great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Why We Should Desire Eternal Rewards
By Mike Bickle1756:25Eternal RewardsKingdom Of GodMAT 5:19MAT 6:19MAT 16:27LUK 6:35JHN 17:24ROM 8:181CO 4:52CO 4:17HEB 11:6REV 22:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of desiring eternal rewards, explaining that our earthly lives serve as an internship for our future roles in the Millennial Kingdom. He highlights that Jesus taught extensively about rewards, urging believers to seek greatness in God's sight rather than in the eyes of men. Bickle encourages a shift from a passive attitude towards eternal rewards to an active pursuit of a deeper relationship with God, as our heart responses now will determine our assignments in the age to come. He reassures that even our weaknesses are accounted for by God, and every moment spent in devotion is valuable and remembered. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to align their lives with the eternal perspective of their calling and rewards.
Jesus' Invitation for All to Be Great in His Kingdom, Part 2
By Mike Bickle141:11:17Obedience to God's CommandsGreatness in God's KingdomMAT 5:19MAT 23:11Mike Bickle emphasizes Jesus' invitation for everyone to pursue greatness in His kingdom, highlighting that this desire is part of our spiritual DNA. He explains that true greatness is not about worldly recognition but about obedience to God's commandments and living according to the Sermon on the Mount. Bickle encourages believers to actively seek this greatness, which will be fully realized in the age to come, rather than in the present. He warns against the passive attitudes that neglect this divine invitation and stresses the importance of teaching and influencing others in their spiritual journeys. Ultimately, he calls for a radical commitment to living out God's commands as a pathway to true greatness in His sight.
The Small Things
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PRO 4:23MAT 5:191CO 10:31GAL 6:9COL 3:23Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the details of our daily lives, highlighting the significance of small acts of kindness, regularity in prayer, good-humor, and avoiding temptations and annoyances. She explains that these seemingly minor actions are crucial expressions of a loving heart devoted to Christ. Frederick Temple underscores the value of upholding great sterling duties such as truthfulness, refusal to condone wrong, self-control, purity, and diligence, as they shape our character and prepare us to be instruments in God's hands for His divine purposes.
Homily 6 1 John 3:19-4:3
By St. Augustine0MAT 5:19MAT 23:3JHN 15:13ROM 2:211JN 4:1St. Augustine preaches about the importance of discerning the spirits and testing them to see if they are from God. He emphasizes the need to look beyond words and examine deeds, particularly in relation to confessing that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Those who have charity and love one another demonstrate the Spirit of God, while those who divide the Church, lack unity, and go against Christ's teachings are considered antichrists. St. Augustine urges believers to question their own hearts, seek unity, and abide in the love of God to discern the true Spirit.
Great in God's Sight
By J.R. Miller0True GreatnessPotential in Christ1SA 16:7MAT 5:19MAT 11:11LUK 3:3JHN 1:23JHN 3:30ROM 8:172CO 5:17EPH 2:10PHP 1:6J.R. Miller emphasizes the true greatness of John the Baptist as seen through the eyes of Christ, who declared him the greatest born of women. He contrasts human perceptions of greatness with God's view, highlighting that true worth lies in spiritual qualities and moral strength rather than outward appearances. John’s life exemplified courage, self-forgetfulness, and a commitment to truth, even at the cost of his life. Miller encourages believers to recognize their potential in Christ, suggesting that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John, as they share in the divine blessings and possibilities of life in Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a reflection on how we appear to God and the greatness we can achieve through obedience to His Word.
An Abbess Who Is Worthy to Be Over a Monastery
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 31:26MAT 5:19ROM 8:151TI 4:11St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of an Abbess in a monastery to remember her role as a Superior, reflecting the position of Christ in the monastery. The Abbess is called to uphold divine justice and lead by example, ensuring that her teachings and commands align with the Lord's precepts, serving as a spiritual guide to her disciples.
Straining Out Gnats
By David Servant0MIC 6:8MAT 5:19MAT 23:23JHN 13:35JHN 14:151CO 13:1GAL 5:141JN 3:14David Servant emphasizes the importance of not neglecting the weightier commandments of justice, mercy, humility, and faithfulness while also highlighting the significance of loving others as a primary Christian responsibility. He contrasts majoring on minor commandments with minoring on major ones, stressing the need for self-denying love and action over mere ritualistic practices. Servant points out that true spirituality is expressed through continuous acts of justice, mercy, humility, and faithfulness, reflecting a living relationship with God.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Understanding God's Heart
By Zac Poonen0ObedienceDiscipleshipISA 66:2MAL 1:11MAT 5:19MAT 6:5MAT 11:30JHN 7:39ACT 17:30GAL 3:24PHP 2:5HEB 1:9Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of understanding God's heart through obedience and reverence. He explains that while God overlooks our ignorance, He now calls us to turn to Him and obey, highlighting that true obedience is liberating rather than burdensome. Poonen illustrates the difference between a fleshly and spiritual Christian, urging believers to seek the Holy Spirit rather than worldly significance. He stresses that God desires pure sacrifices and true discipleship, not mere volunteers, and that our lives should reflect a deep hatred for sin to experience true joy. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, recognizing our purpose to bring pleasure to God.
Atonement, Justification, Sanctification
By Harald Lindström0ISA 1:16MAT 5:19ROM 6:22EPH 2:8JAS 2:17Harald Lindström preaches about the importance of salvation through faith, emphasizing the distinction between justification and sanctification. He delves into Wesley's view of salvation, highlighting the foundational role of atonement in both forgiveness and the transformation of the soul. Wesley's doctrine stresses the necessity of repentance and its fruits as a precursor to faith, although faith alone is the immediate condition for justification. The sermon underscores the significance of sanctification as the ultimate goal of salvation, leading to a restoration of the soul to its original purity and divine nature.
The Gospel a Law of Liberty
By J.H. Newman0GEN 2:3MAL 3:10MAT 5:19LUK 22:19ACT 2:42ACT 16:151CO 5:132TH 3:6TIT 3:10HEB 10:25J.H. Newman preaches about the ecclesiastical system in Scripture, emphasizing that the Bible teaches matters of faith essential for salvation rather than detailed discipline. He explains that the Gospel is a Law of Liberty, treating believers as sons who love God, and challenges them to show their love for Christ as Lord and Savior. Newman highlights that while the ecclesiastical system is faintly traced in Scripture, it aims to guide believers on what is most likely to please Christ, often through examples, implications, and comparisons of passages.
Abiding in Christ: Committed to Fruitfulness
By Mike Bickle0MAT 5:19JHN 4:36JHN 15:5ROM 1:13ROM 8:28GAL 5:22EPH 3:17PHP 1:22HEB 12:1Mike Bickle preaches on the importance of abiding in Christ as highlighted in John 15, emphasizing the two-way conversation between Jesus as the vine and believers as the branches, resulting in bearing fruit that remains forever. The process of abiding involves talking with God, applying His promises, and obeying His leadership, leading to a life of epic significance as we commune with Him in obedient love. The Father, as the vinedresser, prunes believers to bring forth greater fruitfulness, a process that involves removing distractions and hindrances to our growth in love, not divine discipline for sin.
On the Priesthood - Part 5
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 5:19ACT 20:31COL 3:161TH 5:111TI 4:131TI 5:172TI 2:242TI 3:141PE 3:15John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of being skilled and knowledgeable in the ministry, highlighting the dangers of unskilled leadership in the Church. He uses the example of St. Paul's mastery in both speech and doctrine, showing how his teachings and epistles have had a profound impact on the Church. Chrysostom stresses the need for priests and laity to be well-versed in Scripture, capable of defending the faith and refuting false teachings. He warns against the perils of unskilled leadership leading to the spiritual ruin of many souls.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Whosoever therefore shall break--rather, "dissolve," "annul," or make "invalid." one of these least commandments--an expression equivalent to "one of the least of these commandments." and shall teach men so--referring to the Pharisees and their teaching, as is plain from Mat 5:20, but of course embracing all similar schools and teaching in the Christian Church. he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven--As the thing spoken of is not the practical breaking, or disobeying, of the law, but annulling or enervating its obligation by a vicious system of interpretation, and teaching others to do the same; so the thing threatened is not exclusion from heaven, and still less the lowest place in it, but a degraded and contemptuous position in the present stage of the kingdom of God. In other words, they shall be reduced by the retributive providence that overtakes them, to the same condition of dishonor to which, by their system and their teaching, they have brought down those eternal principles of God's law. but whosoever shall do and teach them--whose principles and teaching go to exalt the authority and honor of God's law, in its lowest as well as highest requirements. the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven--shall, by that providence which watches over the honor of God's moral administration, be raised to the same position of authority and honor to which they exalt the law.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments,.... Which are to be understood not of the beatitudes in the preceding verses, for these were not delivered by Christ under the form of commandments; nor of any of the peculiar commands of Christ under the Gospel dispensation; but of the precepts of the law, of which some were comparatively lesser than others; and might be said to be broke, loosed, or dissolved, as the word here used signifies, when men acted contrary to them. And shall teach men so; not only teach them by their example to break the commandments, but by express orders: for however gross and absurd this may seem to be, that there should be any such teachers, and they should have any hearers, yet such there were among the Jews; and our Lord here manifestly strikes at them: for notwithstanding the great and excellent things they say of the law, yet they tell us, that the doctors of the sanhedrim had power to root anything out of the law; to loose or make void any of its commands, for a time, excepting in the case of idolatry; and so might any true prophet, or wise man; which they pretend is sometimes necessary for the glory of God, and the good of men; and they are to be heard and obeyed, when they say, transgress anyone of all the commands which are in the law (h). Maimonides says (i), that the sanhedrim had power, when it was convenient, for the time present, to make void an affirmative command, and to transgress a negative one, in order to return many to their religion; or to deliver many of the Israelites from stumbling at other things, they may do whatsoever the present time makes necessary: for so, adds he, the former wise men say, a man may profane one sabbath, in order to keep many sabbaths. And elsewhere (k) he affirms, "if a prophet, whom we know to be a prophet, should order us , "to transgress anyone of the commands", which are mentioned in the law, or many commands, whether light or heavy, for a time, we are ordered to hearken to him; and so we learn from the former wise men, by tradition, that in everything a prophet shall say to thee , "transgress the words of the law", as Elias on Mount Carmel, hear him, except in the case of idolatry.'' And another of their writers says (l), "it is lawful sometimes to make void the law, and to do that which appears to be forbidden.'' Nay, they even (m) say, that if a Gentile should bid an Israelite transgress anyone of the commands mentioned in the law, excepting idolatry, adultery, and murder, he may transgress with impunity, provided it is done privately. You see what reason Christ had to express himself in the manner he does, and that with resentment, saying, he shall be called, or be the least in the kingdom of heaven; meaning either the church of God, where he shall have neither a name, nor place; he shall not be in the least esteemed, but shall be cast out as a worthless man; or the ultimate state of happiness and glory, in the other world, where he shall not enter, as is said in the next verse; but, on the other hand, whosoever shall do and teach; whose doctrine and conversation, principles and practices agree together; who both teach obedience to the law, and perform it themselves: where again he glances at the masters in Israel, and tacitly reproves them who said, but did not; taught the people what they themselves did not practise; and so were unworthy of the honour, which he that both teaches and does shall have: for the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven; he shall be highly esteemed of in the church here, and be honoured hereafter in the world to come. The Jews have a saying somewhat like this; "he that lessens himself for the words of the law in this world, , "he shall become great" in the world to come (n),'' or days of the Messiah. (h) T. Bab. Yebamot, fol. 79. 1. & 89. 2. & 90. 2. (i) Hilch. Memarim, c. 2. sect. 4. (k) Hilch. Yesode Hattorah, c. 9. sect. 3. (l) Bartenora in, Misn. Beracot, c. 9. sect. 5. (m) T. Hicros. Sheviith, fol. 35. 1. (n) T. Bab. Bava Metzia, fol. 85. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:19 The realization of the law in Christ means that obedience to all of his commands (see 28:20) is the only acceptable response for his disciples. • Commandment refers to the Old Testament commands (5:18) as now fulfilled in Christ’s teaching (see 5:21-48). • the least in the Kingdom of Heaven: Jesus may mean that such an individual will enter the Kingdom, but only barely and with low status; alternatively, some Jewish evidence suggests that he is referring to damnation (cp. 8:12, where “those for whom the Kingdom was prepared” are eternally excluded).