Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 13:47-50

As I mentioned in my previous article, I believe this parable is talking about the events of the general resurrection and judgment that will take place at the end of time. I also think one of the main points that Jesus is making in this parable is that the punishment of the wicked is not in question, and it will be everlasting.

This event is also recorded in the book of Revelation:

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:11-15

In this scene we find all mankind (small and great) present before God. We also find a book and a set of books. The single book is the book of life which contains the names of the elect of God (Luke 19:20). Those whose names are in this book of life are in no danger of everlasting punishment because they are God’s chosen people. In the parabe, they are the fish that are gathered into vessels.

Those whose names are not in the book of life are judged by what is in the other books. Some think this set of books are the 66 books of the Bible. Others think that they are the records of all the evil deeds each person has done. Whether either of these thoughts is true or another interpretation is true, the fact remains that ALL those judged from these books will suffer in the lake of fire. So, whatever is in these books, it convicts and condemns the wicked justly.

In the dragnet parable these individuals are said to be severed from among the righteous. This is a glorious promise that the evil of this world will never again vex and hurt the people of God. Nor will they ever be in or near His kingdom again!