The Great Divide
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Matthew 25:10-12
Read Matthew 25:1-13
All ten virgins became sleepy when the bridegroom tarried, staying away longer than they expected. It is wrong when, not only the unconverted, but also God’s people fall asleep in church. The Lord Jesus, the heavenly Bridegroom, calls His Church to pray continually and to diligently prepare for His return to the earth. When this does not happen we will be unable to distinguish between the converted and the unconverted in the church. This is deplorable and yet it happens!
However, the moment the Lord returns, the great divide will take place. The wise in the parable had oil with them, so their lamps remained burning. The foolish, however, saw that their lamps had gone out, but they did not have any oil with them. That is what made the eternal difference between these virgins. When the foolish virgins finally arrived at the guest chamber, they found that the door had been shut, and it could not be opened. I hope you understand the meaning of a shut door. When does a person come to the Lord and find the door shut? This happens when you do not have grace, you are still an unbeliever, but the final day of judgment has come. The oil and light mentioned in the parable point to a true faith which is characterized by love. Or, to put it in another way, they reveal the only comfort in life and death. Try to recall the answer to this question which you once learned by heart in catechism class: What is thy only comfort in life and death? However, do not be satisfied until you experience the testimony of this truth in your own heart.
Thought: What dangers do we face in the church today? What conduct should we expect from the wise today? How can we distinguish a Christian from a hypocrite?
Psalter 91: 4,5 (based on Psalm 34) By evil are the evil slain, The hope of sinful men is vain; The wicked, who the righteous hate, Their condemnation shall be great. The Lord redemption will provide For all who in His grace confide; From condemnation they are clear Who trust in Him with holy fear.