Meaning: The quote "That though thou seest it no great matter to be separated from Christ now, yet when the heavens shall be in a flaming fire, and the earth shall give up the dead that be in it." is a thought-provoking and powerful statement attributed to Thomas Shepard, a clergyman known for his influential role in the Puritan movement in the early American colonies. This quote reflects a deep theological and eschatological perspective, delving into the concepts of separation from Christ and the final judgment.

Thomas Shepard lived during the 17th century and was a prominent figure in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was known for his fervent preaching and writings, which often centered around the themes of divine judgment, salvation, and the Christian life. The quote in question encapsulates Shepard's emphasis on the eternal consequences of one's spiritual condition and the impending eschatological events as described in the Christian scriptures.

The quote starts with the phrase "That though thou seest it no great matter to be separated from Christ now," which can be interpreted as a warning or admonition to those who may not fully grasp the gravity of being spiritually separated from Christ in the present time. Shepard's use of language here suggests that some individuals may not fully comprehend the significance of their spiritual state or the potential ramifications of being distanced from Christ.

The latter part of the quote introduces a vivid and apocalyptic imagery, describing a future scenario where "the heavens shall be in a flaming fire, and the earth shall give up the dead that be in it." This imagery draws from biblical passages, particularly from the New Testament, that speak of the final judgment and the end of the world. The concept of the heavens being engulfed in flames and the earth yielding the deceased for judgment is a common motif in Christian eschatology, portraying a cataclysmic event marking the culmination of human history.

Shepard's choice of words in this quote serves to jolt the reader into a contemplation of the ultimate fate awaiting humanity and the individual's personal accountability in light of this impending reckoning. The contrast between the perceived insignificance of being separated from Christ in the present and the awe-inspiring, fiery judgment to come is intended to provoke a sense of urgency and sobriety regarding matters of faith and eternal destiny.

From a theological standpoint, this quote aligns with traditional Christian teachings on eschatology, emphasizing the belief in a final judgment where all individuals will be held accountable for their actions and spiritual state. It underscores the notion that the present indifference or nonchalance toward matters of faith and relationship with Christ will be overshadowed by the profound significance of these matters when confronted with the apocalyptic events foretold in Christian scripture.

In conclusion, Thomas Shepard's quote encapsulates profound theological themes related to the consequences of spiritual separation from Christ and the impending eschatological judgment. It serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal significance of one's spiritual condition and the sobering reality of the final reckoning as depicted in Christian eschatology. This quote continues to resonate as a thought-provoking reflection on the weighty implications of one's relationship with Christ and the ultimate destiny of humanity.