Please explain the many warnings by our Lord Jesus that we must be READY for His return, to “watch and pray”......there is a dominant theme in His words that there are serious implications for those who are NOT READY.
What about the ten virgins? I have to believe those are SAINTS or they would not be called virgins. They all had lamps and had oil (Holy Spirit) at one time. Unbelievers have neither.
They were not ready for the wedding feast - the first stage of the coming together of the groom and the bride.
What percentage of the church is a.) closely walking with the Lord, and b.) eagerly watching and praying and looking for His coming? would you not admit that that does not describe most saints?
I believe from all the Lord’s warnings and those in the rest of the NT there have to be consequences for the believer who is not walking with Him when He comes. Serious consequences.
While salvation is solely by faith in the person and work of the Lord Jesus, it is clear that rewards for believers are based on works.
Could it be that the first reward is being caught up when he comes in the clouds?
I’m not sure.........but I do know I want to be ready, and I long to see His face, and I live like He may come in the next minute......
Am I saying I am ready? No. No one can say that. In fact, if one says he/she IS ready, they don’t have the attitude of Luke 17:10 and therefore are not ready...........
They are not the church.They are attending the wedding.
The wedding feast is for the Bride and Groom.
We know the Groom is Jesus.
We also know the Bride is the church.
Therefore, the virgins are not the church because it is not their wedding feast. They are guests at it.
The Bride, the church, is the guest of honor. It's HER wedding.