Ababab, prophecy is best understood as it is happening, or after it has happened. We have been in the conclusion of the system of things (harvest time) since 1914.
Whereas both parables are referring to ones with the prospect of living on into endless life here on earth, the separating of the fine fish from the unsuitable fish is not the same as the separating of the sheep from the goats. (Matt. 25:31-46) The separating, or final judgment, of the sheep and the goats takes place during the coming great tribulation. Until then, those who are like unsuitable fish may return to Jehovah and be gathered into container like congregations.
Consider, for example, that in 2013, there was a peak of 7,965,954 publishers, while 19,241,252 attended the annual observance of the Memorial of Christ’s death. Not all have yet taken a stand for Jehovah, which they will need to do before the outbreak of the great tribulation. - Matt 24:21.
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