144. Entrance and Exclusion.

They that were ready went in with him to the marriage; and the door was shut. - Matthew 25:10. >DURING the waiting period, the virgins seemed much alike, even as at this day one can hardly discern the false professor from the true. When the midnight cry was heard the difference began to appear, as it will do when the Second Advent approaches.

When the Bridegroom was actually come, they were finally divided.

Let us prayerfully consider—

I. THE READY AND THEIR ENTRANCE.

1. What is this readiness? "They that were ready."

· It is not a fruit of nature. None are ready to enter the marriage feast of glory while they are in an unregenerate condition.

· It must be a work of grace; since we are unable to make ourselves fit for the vision of God, and the glory of Christ is too bright for us to be naturally fit to share in it.

· It should be our daily concern. He who is ready for the marriage feast is ready to live, and ready to die–ready for anything.

· It mainly consists in a secret work wrought in us—

In being reconciled to God by the death of his Son.

In being regenerated, and so made meet for glory.

In being anointed with the Spirit, and fitted for holy service.

In being quickened into a high and holy fellowship with God.

In being delighted with God, and so being ready to enjoy him.

· It should be our present inquiry whether we are now "ready."

Some make no profession, never pray, nor praise.

Others make profession, but neither love, nor trust; they have lamps, but no oil with which to keep them burning.

2. What is this entrance? A going in unto glory to be for ever with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:17).

· Immediate. "They that were ready went in." No sooner was the Bridegroom come, than they went in. Love brooks no delays.

· Intimate. They "went in with him." This is the glory of heaven, and the crown of its joys, that we go into them with Jesus, who remains our constant Companion therein.

· Joyous. "They went in with him to the marriage."

· Personal. "They went in" – each one entered for herself.

· Eternal. "The door was shut" – to shut them in for ever.

· "He shutteth, and no man openeth" (Rev. 3:7).

· Actual. In all the marriage-festival each one of the wise virgins had a share: indeed, they enjoyed more than appears in the parable, for they were brides, as well as maids of honor.

What a world of meaning lies in that abundant entrance which will be ministered to all the faithful! (2 Pet. 1:11).

II. THE UNREADY AND THEIR EXCLUSION.

1. What is this unreadiness?

· It was the absence of a secret essential; but that absence was consistent with much apparent preparation.

These persons had the name and character of virgins.

They had the lamps or torches of true bridesmaids.

They were companions of the true virgins.

They acted like the true; in their virtues and in their faults.

They awakened as the true did, startled by the same cry.

They prayed also, after a fashion–"give us of your oil."

· Yet were they never ready to enter in with the King.

· They had no heart-care to be found ready, hence flaming external lamps, but no hidden internal oil.

· They had no faith-foresight; they had not provided for the probable waiting, and the late coming.

· They played the fool with Christ's wedding-feast, not thinking it worth the purchase of a little oil, but going to it with torches which would inevitably go out in smoke.

· They put off till night what should have been done at once.

2. What is this exclusion?

· It was universal to all who were not ready.

· It was complete: "the door was shut" – shut for those without quite as surely as for those within.

· It was just; for they were not ready, and so slighted the King.

· It was final. Since the fatal news that the door was shut, no news has come that it has been opened, or that it ever will be.

What if the cry were heard at this moment, "Behold he cometh"?

As yet the door is not shut. Be ready ere it closes.