They felt that the separating of the sheep from the goats would take place during the Thousand Year Reign of Christ.

What of the timing of the separating of the sheep from the goats? The article stated that Christ’s brothers would be ruling with him from heaven during the Millennial Reign, so they could not be helped or neglected by an earthly class. Therefore, the separating of the sheep from the goats would have to take place before the Millennial Rule begins.

6. In the 1990’s, how was our viewpoint further clarified?

⁶ As a result of that adjusted understanding, Jehovah’s people felt that individuals were being judged as sheep or goats throughout the conclusion of the system of things, depending on how they responded to the Kingdom message. However, in the mid-1990’s, our viewpoint was clarified. Two articles in the October 15, 1995, issue of The Watchtower noted the similarities between Jesus’ words as recorded at Matthew 24:29-31 (read) and those at Matthew 25:31, 32. (Read.)a The conclusion? The lead article stated: “The rendering of judgment on the sheep and the goats is future.” When, exactly? “It will take place after ‘the tribulation’ mentioned at Matthew 24:29, 30 breaks out and the Son of man ‘arrives in his glory.’ . . . Then, with the entire wicked system at its end, Jesus will hold court and render and execute judgment.”

What about the timing of the judgment? This judgment will occur toward the end of the great tribulation just ahead.