To Meet The Bridegroom - Christ's Object Lessons, Chapter 29

Welcome to To Meet The Bridegroom chapter of Christ’s Object Lessons eBook

In Short:

• Why without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word is of no benefit?

• Why no one can believe for another and receive the Spirit for another?

Christ told His disciples the story of the ten virgins.

Their experience illustrate the experience of the church that will live just before His second coming.

The lamps represent the Word of God and the oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Matthew 25:6.

The common things for the two groups are that they all:

• claim to be Christians and profess to be waiting for their Lord

• are called virgins because they profess a pure faith and doing God's service

• have a knowledge of the Scriptures

• have heard the message of Christ's near approach, and confidently expect His appearing

• had lamps and vessels for oil.

As in the parable, so it is now

Faith is tried in the time of waiting. Thus when the cry is heard, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him, many are unready. 

They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Without the Spirit of God:

• a knowledge of His word is of no avail

• the theory of truth cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart

• mankind will not be able to distinguish truth from error

• the character will not be transformed.

The foolish virgins

They are not hypocrites. Though they have a regard for the truth they have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working. 

They have not fallen upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and permitted their old nature to be broken up.

This is the class that:

• do not know God

• have not studied God's character

• not held communion with Him

• content with a superficial work.

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. 2 Timothy 3:5.

Therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live. Moreover, in time of peril they are found crying and entreat others to supply their lack.

But in spiritual things no one can make up another's deficiency. The grace of God has been freely offered to every soul.

The great final test comes at the close of human probation when it will be too late for the soul's need to be supplied.

"I know you not"

To many who claim admission to God's Kingdom, saying:

Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? Matthew 7:22,

the answer is: I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me. Luke 13:27.

We cannot keep Christ apart from our lives here, and yet be fitted for His companionship in Heaven.

The wise virgins

In the parable the wise virgins had oil in their vessels with their lamps. 

In the same manner the followers of Christ are to shed light into the darkness of the world.

Through the Holy Spirit, God's word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver.

By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. 

The light of His glory - His character - is to shine forth in His followers. Thus they are to glorify God.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1

The darkness of misapprehension of God

Humans are losing their knowledge of God's character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted.

Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people: Behold your God. 

Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth.

In their own life and character the children of God are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.

Ye are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14, 16.

God's glory is to shine forth through His church

In the gift of the Holy Spirit are contained all of heaven's resources. 

If all were willing to receive the riches of His grace, all would become filled with His Spirit.

Furthermore, Christ has made every provision that His church shall be a transformed body, possessing the glory of Emmanuel. 

It is His purpose that every Christian shall be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere of light and peace.

He desires that we shall reveal His own joy in our lives.

The indwelling of the Spirit will be shown by the out-flowing of heavenly love.

Christ is coming with:

• power and great glory

• His own glory and with the glory of the Father

• all the holy angels with Him.

With uplifted heads and rejoicing that their redemption draweth nigh, the saints go forth to meet the Bridegroom, saying:

Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. Isaiah 25:9.

Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. Revelation 19:9.

He is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14.

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