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NASB | Matthew 25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. |
Subject: the ten virgins |
Bible Note: Greetings Scribe! You went a little further than I was anticipating in your post! Basically, the question plaging me is whether my non-believing friends and family (who have all heard the Gospel, but have chosen to ignore it to date)will have an opportunity to accept Jesus as their personal Savior after the Rapture. The presence of Tribulation saints is well supported, but who are they other than the "elect of God"? Jew/Gentile at this point doesn't seem to be an issue. A Pastor remarked that those who had heard the Gospel and rejected it prior to the Rapture will NOT have an opportunity to come to faith after the Church is Raptured. He used 2 Thess. 2:7-12 as supporting Scripture. I have heard this affirmed and rejected on the Forum. This quandry led me to consider the parable of the Ten Virgins - 5 with the oil went into the marriage supper. Then who are the 5 foolish virgins? We read that the door (synonmous with Jesus as the Door?) was locked (compare with Rev 4:1) and the Lord replied when they knocked, "I don't know you." Not being a scholar in Greek or Hebrew, I don't know what the significance of this statment is. Does this mean that He (the Lord) does not know them at this time and He may in the future? Then I consider . . . Since we know who the Bride and Bridegroom are, could the 5 wise bridesmaids be representing the Tribulation saints? (Rev 19:6-9) If this is so, then the 5 foolish bridesmaids must be those who will not be guests at the wedding feast of the Lamb. They will be the main entree at the great banquet of God (Rev. 19:17-18) In this, we see no second chance. So perhaps trying to bring a connection between this parable and present day believers is less viable than connecting it to post Rapture believers! As you can see, my mind is working in overdrive as I try to process and keep things in their proper sequence. I appreciate your input! Blessings in Jesus! Mommapbs PS I still don't have an answer to my original question about post Rapture acceptance of Christ by those who have refused Him prior! Maybe the answer is in what the thunders said or perhaps it is written on the little scroll that John ate in Rev 10:1-11. Salvation is sweet isn't it? But when we digest the truth of rejecting such a great Salvation, indeed it makes one sick to contemplate the wrath that will be poured out upon unbelieving mankind! |