February 27
Are All Church-Goers Saved?
“Behold, the bridegroom comes…” —Matthew 25:6
Read Matthew 25:1-13
There was no outward difference to be seen in the ten virgins. They wore the same clothing, carried the same lamps, and had the same goal, namely, to meet the bridegroom. This is also true of the converted and unconverted churchgoer: we see no difference on the out-side. Both attend church, wear more or less the same clothing, come from outwardly decent families, and may even attend the Lord’s Supper, and yet one will be admitted to the marriage supper of the Lamb while the other will be excluded.
What is the cause of this drastic difference? In the parable, there were some virgins who had extra oil while the others did not. Those who possess oil would not have to fear an appearance before the Bridegroom. The wise virgins’ hearts were renewed, while the foolish remained unconverted, nominal Christians. However, all ten virgins fell asleep when the bridegroom tarried. This is a picture of the church in the end time, the time in which we live. Ultimately, people have no interest in the church or the Bridegroom, but only for the world.
Suddenly the call is heard: “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” How terrible for the foolish when they realize that their faith was not genuine; they had been satisfied with an outward religion; they had never sought the Lord in truth. They merely went to church because their families expected it. What now? In the parable, they were unable to buy new oil. This means that it was too late to repent. The words “I know you not” were irrevocable. What does this mean for us today? We must wake up. “Awake thou that sleep-est, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (Eph. 5:14).
How can you prepare yourself for the Lord’s second coming?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.