xjwsforChrist

I'm curious how the "bride" can be a city.

Rev 21:2: "I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband."

Rev 21:9,10: "One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God."

Thoughts?

Good morning, dear LQ, and peace to you! Actually, the explanation is quite simple, dear one, although it might take many steps for one to SEE just how simple it is. Let's take it step-by-step (so that perhaps you will "see" the "thinking" process), shall we? Note, I have included scriptures and verses that you might wish to look up so as to help you "see". Of course, though, you can always ask, too (smile). Now, then:

1. Picture, if you can/will, all of us, humans as being "houses"... structures... in which a "man" can dwell (i.e., take up occupancy in).

2. For purposes of this matter, let's say TWO men dwell/take up occupancy in these "houses/structures."

3. Now picture, in some instances, one of those "men" being the Father of the "owner" of the house... but in the other instances, the other "man" is an enemy of the "owner" of the "house."

4. Now, consider that because these "men" who've taken up occupancy are SPIRIT beings, these structures/houses... are actually "temples" (places where SPIRITS/deities dwell/take up occupancy).

5. And so some of these "houses" constitute "temples" of God (places/"houses" where God's spirit "lives/dwells" - 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:19-21; and

6. And some (most) constitutes "temples" of Another (places/"houses" in which that other spirit lives/dwells) - John 8:44

7. Now, picture, that in each case, that Father and enemy dwell by means of doing so THROUGH their "children", perhaps even their "sons" - John 14:23; Romans 8:9, 10; Matthew 8:31; Mark 5:15; Revelation 12:9

8. Now picture, if you will, what you have when you have several/many "houses/structures" all "situated" in a common place. What do you have, but... a "city"? A unified community of "houses/structures"... even "temples" (houses occupied by a spirit "man" or "men").

So that you have:

1. Babylon the Great is the "Great City" of which is said:

"She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal." Revelation 18:2

This means that such spirits dwell... in the "houses"... or "temples"... or PEOPLE... who make UP that "city." Because there is a COMMUNITY of such people... she is constituted a CITY.

2. The NEW Jerusalem is the "beloved city" of which is said:

"... the camp of God’s people, the city he loves." Revelation 20:9

"... the Holy City... a bride... God’s dwelling..." Revelation 21:2, 3

"... the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” Revelation 21:9

"... the Holy City, Jerusalem..." Revelation 21:10

She is the NEW "Jerusalem", because she is the NEW and SPIRITUAL "city" of God, the "city of DOUBLE peace"... and the City of the Lamb, Christ, the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah)... who is the "Lion of Judah" (Revelation 5:5)... versus the old and EARTHLY city of Jerusalem, the City of David.

The first (earthly, physical) city was built by David (actually already existed but was taken over by him from the Gibeonites - Joshua Chapter 9 and 2 Samuel Chapter 21 - then subsequently built UPON), with its temple built by his son, Solomon, after that privilege was taken FROM David due to his errors. 2 Samuel 7:4-16, 27, 28; 1 Kings 5:3, 5

The SECOND "city" AND it's temple are BOTH built by Christ (as was supposed to occur with David!), by means of him teaching those with "houses" IN it... HOW to "build": ON HIM. Matthew 7:24-26; 16:18; John 14:2-4; Ephesians 2:19-21 HE is the one who gives out the KEYS to that "city" to those who belong to HIM, those who exercise faith, mercy, and justice... so as to be able to enter into her "gates." It is this faith, mercy, and justice that allows those who "guard" the gates to let these "go in and out" - John 10:10; Revelation 21:21

They do that, go in and out, by means of being "like the angels" and so being able to put on and put off flesh, and never (again) dying in the flesh. Knowing "bad" (death), yet living. Genesis 18:1-8; 28:12; Mark 12:25; Luke 20:36

Unlike the physical/earthly/old city of Jerusalem, however, the "city" that is the NEW Jerusalem has no temple IN it. In the first, there was the temple building... with its Holy... and Holy of Holies. In the NEW Jerusalem, JAH and Christ are the "temple" - Christ, the Holy (One of Israel)... and JAH the MOST Holy (One of Isael) or HOLY of Holies:

"I did not see a temple in the city, because JaHVeH Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." Revelation 21:22, 23

In the old Jerusalem, the camp and city were lit up by the "light" and flame that issued from within the MOST Holy/HOLY of Holies chamber (above the Ark of the Covenant), which chamber was accessed THROUGH the Holy (chamber). That light and flame represented JAH's (holy) spirit... which for which His Son, the HOLY, was the conduit: the Shekinah "light." The Light by means of which Israel... and those who went with her... could "see" God.

Then, as a result of Israel's "adultery" (seeking and joining themselves to OTHER gods)... he, Christ, the HOLY One (of Israel)... was given to the WORLD... so as to become NOT just the Light for Israel, but the Light OF THE WORLD. A light... by means of which whoever WISHED... Israel AND any others... could see [the "Way" to] God. John 1:4-9; 8:12

In the NEW Jerusalem, however, JAH and Christ THEMSELVES are the Light. There is no need for a temple structure with a Holy and Most Holy/Holy of Holies chamber... because JAH... IS the MOST Holy, Himself... and Christ, the Lamb, is the Holy.

So that these two, JAH and Christ, constitute a temple... from which emanates the ULTIMATE LIGHT... WITHIN the temple (that is the people in which they DWELL (reside, occupy)).

Which is why "she" is called the New JERUSALEM... or city of "DOUBLE" peace. Because she is a temple (made up of people, who are foundation, gates, pillars, stones, etc.)... in which is the ULTIMATE temple: JAH and Christ, His Lamb (who is the Light of the world... and who, by means of his blood... takes away the SINS of the world... so as to take them OUT of darkness... and so, death... and INTO light... or life).

I hope this helps dear, dear LQ! I hope it wasn't too confusing or befuddling or difficult to grasp/see. If one would just allow themselves to see all of this, however, by simply looking at the original tabernacle and/or temple... one would see that those structures were ANTITYPES... and NOT the realities... but had to be used because there was NO way for Moses or Solomon to build the REALITY using people.

But all, the tabernacle, the temple, the beloved city "New Jerusalem"... and the Great City, Babylon the Great... ALL... represent people. SPIRIT people.

Again, peace to you... and may you be given, if you TRULY WISH THEM... eyes to "see" the TRUTH of what I've shared with you here, as well as ears to hear... when the Spirit, that is the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah)... and HIS Bride, those people in whom the spirit (blood/breath/seed) of the MOST Holy One of Israel, JAH of Armies... dwells... say to YOU:

"Come! TAKE... 'life's water'... the holy spirit of GOD, the MOST Holy One of Israel, JAH of Armies... which spirit, His blood/breath/seed... are poured out from the innermost parts of His Son and Christ, the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah)... and granted to ANYONE who is truly wishing and thirsting... FREE!"

YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar

Yes, to all that Shelby has shared above.

The Bride IS the City, the New Jerusalem.

The people who make up the bride... are represented by the 'things/houses' that make up a city... all built upon the foundation stone (Christ)... within whom dwell the spirit of Christ, and God.


Peace to you!

tammy

Thank you, Shelby and Tammy.


I did, of course, but . . .

Anyway, okay, so all this I understand, and have understood (albeit with mostly minor differences).

Questions:


Rev 18:2 is referenced, and I understand the dwelling for demons and unclean spirits. If this is a city made up of SPIRIT people, how can people "get out of her"? It seems this city is more symbolic and is made up of more than just SPIRIT people since it's said that the kings commit fornication with her and merchants become rich by means of her.




and


What is my question here . . . ? It seems to me that there are indeed a group of people who are the bride. Then there is another group.

Rev 19:6,7: "Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready."

From this, it appears that this "great multitude" is not part of the bride as they are speaking about the bride as if she is someone else. True or false?

If true, then really, who is this great multitude? And how do they relate to the bride, New Jerusalem, etc. And in what way are they "before the throne" as Rev 7:15 says, and how do they "serve him day and night in his temple"?

Rev 18:2 is referenced, and I understand the dwelling for demons and unclean spirits. If this is a city made up of SPIRIT people, how can people "get out of her"? It seems this city is more symbolic and is made up of more than just SPIRIT people since it's said that the kings commit fornication with her and merchants become rich by means of her.

I understand your confusion, dear LQ (again, peace to you!). Babylon the Great are those who once BELONGED to Christ... but have committed "spiritual" fornication with others. One can "get out of her" by SEPARATING themselves and QUIT touching HER... the "unclean thing." 1 Corinthians 6:16, 17; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18



True!



Smile. You are confusing two different "great multitudes" dear one. You are confusing those of people of "every nation, tribe, and tongue" who are part of the Bride (Revelation 5:9, 10; 7:4, 9, 15 with the HEAVENLY multitude of spirit beings, which Daniel also wrote about:

“As I looked, thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.

“Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." Daniel 7:9-14

They are the same that entered and took their station before the MOST HOLY One of Israel, JAH of Armies, to make their report (Job 1:6; 2:1), as well as were referred to by That One when asked Job:

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?" Job 38:4-7

Their are myriads of spirit beings, angels, dear one. Not "a" myriad... but myriads of myriads (Matthew 26:53; Mark 5:9). The constitute the "heavenly" host.

Psalm 103:21
Psalm 148:2
Luke 2:13

I hope this helps and, as always, peace to you!

Your servant and a slave of Christ,

Shellamar

Arms in the air fingers snapping dancing in the street: thank you Shelby that was very clear to me, good reminder to think in spirit not flesh just finished reading this to hubby on our way to the Bay Area
Peace and Love to you

“Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)

Who are the "other beasts"

Again, many thanks.





Lemme see if I got this: The "great multitude" in Rev 5 and Rev 7 are those FROM THE EARTH, but are part of the body of Christ. The "great multitude" in Rev 19:6 refers to the myriads of angels. This makes more sense to me as, of course, they are not part of the bride.

Next question: does this arrangement (the bride and marriage of the Lamb) have anything to do with the parable at Matt 25:10?
Related question: John the Baptist called himself a "friend of the bridegroom" (John 3:29). The Christ referred to "friends of the bridegroom" (Luke 5:34) or "guest of the bridegroom (Mark 2:19). Who are these? And, I think, related to this is: what was meant when it was said of John the Baptist, "whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matt 11:11)?

Mornin' and peace to you, both, dear HTBO and LQ! I believe I am permitted to respond and share what my Lord has given me re your questions but have to ask your patience as this is dear Hubby's day (to spend together). We're out and about for a bit but I will share what was given me when I'm back home this evening. In the meantime perhaps others might share what they may have received, too!

Peace and "talk" with you soon!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar

The bridesmaids in the parable represent those called out to be invited to the wedding/marriage of the lamb, since the "oil" represents holy spirit, only the wise ones who sought it without delay from the one who could bestow it, were blessed with an anointing (Hebrews 1:9), adopted as sons/daughters and part of the bride, and thus able to attend.

Similarly the guests/friends of the bridegroom have also been invited to the marriage, Christ by discussing the inability to patch old cloth with new was referring to the new covenant replacing the old law covenant which would no longer apply, these friends/guests were going to have to be able to spiritually discern the enormity of this change and put their faith in the bridegroom so as to receive the full invitation/anointing after Christ's death. They would grieve for Him but their grief would be turned into joy when they received the holy spirit he would then send.

I hope I've helped to clarify, I doubt it's as well as AGuest though!

Loz x

_________________
"This is my son. LISTEN to Him!"

Okay, you first, dear HTBO (peace to you and thanks for your patiences):



These would be the four beasts Daniel first saw:

"Daniel said: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.

“The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a human being, and the mind of a human was given to it.

“And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and eat your fill of flesh!’

"After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.

“After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns."

There is all kind of speculation in the world as to who/what these beasts were, many believing them to be world governments (i.e., the Assyrian, Babylonian, Greecian, and Roman empires, etc. But what Daniel saw was for MUCH farther into the future: he was seeing subparts of the "beast" that "came out of the sea" recorded at Revelation 13:1, 2:

"And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion."

THAT beast... is religion. We can know it is religion because:

1. It receives its power, throne, and authority from the arkaic serpent ("dragon") - neither JAH nor Christ, however, sanction ANY religion; the only religion that WAS sanctioned was the Mosaic priesthood and tabernacle/temple system, which was later rejected by JAH. Hence, if something is not sanctioned by JAH or Christ... so as to receive its power, throne, and authority from THEM... it has to receive such from some other source, some other "ruler" that HAS power, a throne, and authority so as to GRANT it. The only one who fits that role... is the Adversary. How do we know? Because we know:

a. The Adversary is a ruler... a prince... and so has a throne (Luke 4:6, 7; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Revelation 2:13)

b. The account goes on to state:

"The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast."

2. One of the beast's heads... is that formerly sanctioned system of religion of Israel, which is the head that received the fatal wound, which would was healed. Jeremiah 15:18, 19; 30:12-17

So, the "beasts" Daniel saw are subparts of the "beast" that TOGETHER make up the "(wild) beast" John saw coming out of the sea. Those subparts, although stripped of authority, were allowed to live a bit longer than the OTHER beast that Daniel saw thrown in to the fire. What is THAT "beast"?

That is the SECOND (wild) beast of Revelation 13:11-18... the "(wild) beast" that, along with the FALSE prophet, is thrown into the lake of fire. Both Daniel and John saw and wrote of this event:

Daniel - “I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire."

John - "... the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Revelation 19:20

"And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown." Revelation 20:10

The first "beast", made up of the "four beasts" Daniel saw are religions that the dragon gives power, authority, and rulership to. They are allowed to live a bit longer than the other beast, a religion, as well, which the "false prophet" uses to perform great signs and mislead/delude those who receive the mark OF that beast.

Yes, I know which religions... but I am not permitted to share that other than as to the head that received the fatal stroke but was cured (Judaism) and the wild beast that breathes life into the IMAGE of that beast who head was slain. The "image" is the Law Covenant, which the WTBTS, that other wild beast, "has breathed life BACK into" (that Law "died" with Christ)... and by means of it puts under compulsion TO the Law (the image of the first wild beast) "the great and the small." It is the two-horned beast... which has horns (strength) "LIKE a lamb" (i.e., as if directed by the Lamb)... but spoke/speaks "like a DRAGON" (its words are LIES).

As always, no one has to take my word for any of this but, again, ask for themselves. I, though, have shared it with you just as I received it from my Lord, the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah)... who is the Son, Christ, and Anointed King of the MOST HOLY One, JAH... of Armies (of spirit beings).

I hope that helps, my dear, and again, peace to you!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar

What you've shared is pretty accurate and a really good summary, dear Loz (peace to you, and to you, dear LQ, and thank you for your patience, as well). Perhaps I can expound on it a little more, though, you know, and include some details, as it all actually ties in (ya'll know me - wink - LOLOL!)? Thanks, luv!

I am not sure there are "bridesmaids" - I am thinking you are referring to the "virgins in the train" of the Bride. It is those virgins, however, who make UP the Bride - they are "in her train", per se, because they are part of her "adornment" -

"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband." (Revelation 21:2

It is the virgins in her train that MAKE her "beautifully DRESSED," dear one. BridesMAIDS aren't getting married, but are only friends of the BRIDE and accompany her on her walk to her waiting husband. It may be that the virgins are thought to be bridesmaids because of the erroneous interpretation as to her train (it is the bridesmaids who carry the bride's train; here, though, they are "in" her train - they ARE her train).

There are actually three (3) entities:

1. The Bridegroom... who is the Christ;

2. The Bride... or "virgins"... those who make up the Body of Christ; they are virgins NOT because they've never had sex but because they have been WASHED CLEAN, had their sins blotted out... so that they are PURE... BEFORE God. Once cleansed, they do not "defile" themselves (again) with "women," the "daughters" of Babylon the Great, the "Mother of the Harlots." In this way, they are restored to the state of "chaste virgin" and so TOGETHER make up a "Bride" for Christ.

3. The friends/guests of the Bridegroom... those who are constituted "sheep" due to the "good" they do TO the Christ by means of the good they do to even the least ones of his brothers. Because of this, these are invited and granted entry into the marriage FEAST... or the reception... which occurs AFTER the marriage (of the Bride and Bridegroom) has taken place.

Matthew 22:1-10; 25:31-40

The Apostles and others were called "friends" and were of this group prior to receiving holy spirit; once they received an anointing with that "oil", though, they became "brothers" of Christ... due to now having the holy spirit of JAH... His blood/breath/semen... which made them SONS... and so his brothers... and so (part of) his Bride... versus his friends.

John 15:15; 20:22; Acts 2:1-4

Which brings us to John, the Baptizer, our dear Lord's physical cousin. Dear LQ asked:



John is called "friend" of the Bridegroom... and our dear Lord said of him that a least one in the kingdom is greater than John... because John did not receive the promised holy spirit which would have anointed him and "beget" him as a SON (of God). Remember, John was put to death before holy spirit that would accomplish THAT purpose... begetting and adopting sons of God... was poured out.

That's not to say that holy spirit wasn't upon John; it was - he was chosen to pronounce the arrival of and identify Christ even before he was born. However, what he received was like King Saul - JAH's spirit UPON him, yes, but not IN him so as to make him a SON... and so part of Christ's Bride. He was and is a FRIEND of the Bridegroom, Christ, in that he did good to our Lord... but not as part of the BRIDE of Christ. And so, for this reason, one who is least in the kingdom... as part of that Bride... is greater than John, who only attained to the status of FRIEND of the Bridegroom.

John, however, is granted another position, however, one that is shared by mean like Noah, Abraham, Elijah, and David... and that is as one of the "24 elders." These elders, however, while very privileged... are not part of Christ's Bride and so do not rule with him/them and so have no "authority," per se. They are faithful, beloved, and trusted men, yes, but they do not receive the kingdom in the way that those of the Bride do (co-rulership).

Why? Because... the promise had not been held out during their lives. During THEIR lives the promise was ONLY for a resurrection. When Christ came, however, he held out something NO ONE had even entertained: NOT just to be CITIZENS of his kingdom... but to rule WITH him, as kings! What brother does that? Few, if any! But that, again, goes to show the kind of "man" our dear Lord is... unselfish, loving, humble, and willing to SHARE his kingdom... rather than garner all rulership for himself!

And THAT is why, after ALL of his enemies are but under his feet... even the "last" enemy, Death... which is done by the FATHER, after our Lord gives Him back the kingdom at the END of the "1000 years" (so that HE, the MOST HOLY One of Israel, JAH of Armies, can judge... the dead (those who are resurrected TO judgment, and NOT those who (1) took part in the FIRST resurrection/changing, (2) those resurrected to LIFE, or (3) those who constitute "Gog", who have already been destroyed by fire))... the Father hands the kingdom over to HIM, Christ the SON... to rule... forever and ever. Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14; Revelation 20:1-7, 11-15

The role and purpose of the 24 elders is different from... and subordinate to... that of the Bride. Unlike them, she, the Bride... is ONE... with her husband. They... are among the "friends" of the Bridegroom.

I hope this helps, dear LQ and Loz!

Again, peace to you, both!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar

Beautifully explained Shelby, thank you.

Loz xl

_________________
"This is my son. LISTEN to Him!"

And the virgins, who are the bride, though they have also fallen asleep... when their Lord comes and wakes them, there is enough oil (faith) in their lamps, that they are ready for Him.



Peace to all of ya!

tammy

Five of the virgins, yes, dear tec (mornin' and peace to you, luv!) have enough oil (which my understanding is is holy spirit, the "oil of exultation," one of the FRUITS of which is faith, so I can see where faith would be an appropriate understanding, here, please forgive my pendantic-ness and need to include details! LOLOL!). They (the wise virgins) have enough because they had the foresight to BUY enough BEFORE they went to sleep.

The other five (foolish) virgins, although they also wake up, do not have enough oil in their lamps and so are sent off to buy some "from those who sell it." While they're off buying, however, the Bridegroom arrives and takes the five who had enough oil (so as to SEE him when he arrived)... closing the door behind him and them... leaving the other five "outside." They obviously don't go off to buy oil from our Lord, as he has gone into the wedding chamber with his Bride. So, they must seek it from some other source... which apparently takes some time because by the time they return... they have missed their own wedding.

The time to buy "oil", dear ones... is NOW. BEFORE one falls asleep. And one must buy ENOUGH of it... BEFORE the time of sleep comes upon them... so as to STILL have some upon awakening... so as to SEE the Bridegroom BEFORE he literally arrives, having been awakened by the ANNOUNCEMENT that he on his WAY to do so. And one must buy it... from the One who SELLS it... in abundance... so that one has ENOUGH. Revelation 3:17; Matthew 24:31

And what is that "falling asleep"? It is death. Falling asleep... in death. The time to buy ENOUGH oil... is before one dies (in the flesh/sleeps in the spirit). Do ALL of the virgins falls asleep (in death)? No. Some never see death, but are changed. John 11:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

These virgins, though, are those who DID die... and (1) are resurrected at the Master's arrival and taken into the marriage chamber (the wise virgins), or (2) left outside (the foolish virgins).

Those who don't buy enough NOW... while they are LIVING... and so must run out and try to buy some when they are awakened by the announcement of the Bridegroom's arrival... but can't yet SEE him so as to know they don't really have enough TIME to do so... will find, when they return, that it was too late. The "Door" will be shut by the time they acquire more "oil"... and so they MISS seeing the Bridegroom's arrival... and entering WITH him into the wedding chamber (the Father's house, where they are married). And thus, they miss part in the (first) resurrection.

What constitutes a "wise" virgin? The wise virgins KNOW... that they DON'T KNOW the day or hour... and so must buy all the "oil" that CAN... NOW. As MUCH as their "lamps" will HOLD... and then OVERFLOWING. That is the ONLY way they can be SURE they have ENOUGH "oil"... when the time comes to light their lamps and go out and meet their Bridegroom.

What constitutes a "foolish" virgin? Ones like those young men who had things to do... BEFORE committing to fully following Christ. Perhaps needing to bury a loved one FIRST, or unable to give up all of their belongings NOW... so as to follow and receive an ABUNDANCE of "oil"... from him NOW... in order to ensure they have enough LATER. They believe they're okay taking just a LITTLE "oil"... now... because they believe they will either have sufficient stores of it when Christ arrives, or that they will still have time, then, to buy more. They are foolish... because they are fooling... themselves. They think they have enough oil... and/or enough time. They have neither. Not enough oil... because they aren't buying enough... and not enough time... because they don't know when the Master will arrive... OR when they will die. Either... could be today.

I hope this helps!

Peace to you, all!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shellamar