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.… Very miserable is the state of such as these who have grace to get when Christ cometh. 1. All the profession of these virgins is lost. 2. All opportunities and means of grace are now lost, never to be enjoyed more. 3. The door of hope is shut against them. 4. The door of grace is shut. 5. They have now lost their communion with the wise virgins, who are safe within the door. 6. These virgins have now lost their veils. They are discovered to themselves, the king, to the world. 7. These who were in the midnight's sleep, are now in their midnight's darkness. 8. All who profess to be the bridesmen must take heed of resting in aught that is common to them with the foolish virgins. What gifts of grace are chiefly to be in exercise in order to an actual preparation for the coming of Christ by death and judgment? (1) There is always a general and habitual preparedness to meet Christ in hearts that are truly godly, but not always a particular, actual fitness. (2) That though a state of grace is here supposed, seeing grace cannot be exercised where it is not; yet there may be need to have it cleared. (3) Maintain your faith in frequent exercise, and make no less conscience of acting daily faith than you do of daily prayer. (4) This faith doth necessarily work by love. (5) Keep even accounts with God, and still be perfecting that repentance which is the work of every day; and let there be no old reckonings between God and you. (6) Be much in the exercise of goodness, mercy, and works of liberality towards Christ in His needy members, according to your opportunity and power. (7) Exercise diligence and faithfulness in your particular calling. (W. Hook.) 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. |
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