25:1 “THEN the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 “And five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 “For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. 5 “Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. 6 “But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 “Then all those virgins rose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 “And the foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the prudent answered, saying, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 “And later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12 “But he answered and said, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.
This is one of many such warnings in the New Testament about being ready for Jesus’ return. The days are getting confusing – “clergy” telling believers that the rapture is a Biblical myth, that (despite the Bible clearly saying otherwise), that Christians will go through the Great Tribulation and days of judgement just as the rest of the world.
Matthew 25 tells a somewhat different story… Jesus is telling a story about 10 virgins, all of whom believe in him AND are expecting his return. Here is where the “clergy” are partially correct – there are 5 wise virgins (Christians) and 5 UNWISE virgins (Christians). Jesus plainly says in this parable that the 5 UNWISE and unprepared virgins (Christians) were unknown to him.
This passage is NOT talking about the return to the Battle of Armageddon, as there is no wedding feast after that, but judgement. The wedding feast has already concluded when he comes back to defeat Satan in that battle (we will be coming with him). This return he is talking about here is where he comes for his bride (the church, or believing Christians). This is a parable, which was used for teaching and illustration, but if we just hold to the math in this parable, 50% of Christians at his coming for his bride will be foolish and be left behind.
Are you a wise Christian, or an UNWISE Christian?
I pray, MARANATHA! (Come quickly, Lord Jesus!)
*NOTE: The picture attached to this post is an original digital artwork created by me. You can find more as I complete them on the “original art” page at www.your-morning-coffee.com.
