Readiness
S. Lavington. Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.… I. Wherein doth this readiness consist? 1. Habitual readiness is to have "oil in their vessels" — that is, grace in the heart. Those who have a work of grace upon their hearts, (1) have been effectually called; (2) are justified by His grace; (3) are sanctified by the Spirit; (4) preserve herein to the end. 2. An actual readiness. When gracious souls have notice of their Lord's coming, they endeavour to put themselves in the best posture to receive Him. They are (1) sober; (2) vigilant; (3) watch unto prayer. II. What is implied in the saints entering in with Christ to the marriage? 1. They shall enter into the nearest relation to Jesus Christ. 2. They shall enter into the joy of their Lord. III. When Christ and His saints are entered into heaven, there will be neither going out nor coming in for ever. Application — 1. There will be a certain and final separation between empty professors anti real saints. 2. What a grievous loss will they sustain, who do not thoroughly attend to religion! 3. What a mercy it is that the door of the sanctuary is still open. (S. Lavington.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. WEB: "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom.