What is the interpretation of the parable of the ten virgins?

What is the interpretation of this parable? (Matthew 25:1-13)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:1-13)

The virgins all have lamps which indicate they are waiting for the return of a bridegroom during the night. This is their testimony. They are all unconscious of the time, for they are sleeping. In the middle of the night, a cry brings all of them to consciousness. The announcement is that this is the night time of the bridegroom’s coming. The virgins are not a bride or bridal candidates. They are waiting to join the wedding feast (the context defines whether the word "marriage," v 10, refers to the wedding or the wedding feast) with the bridegroom. The event announcing the coming of the bridegroom shows the difference between the two classes. The others prove incapable of meeting him, because they have no oil to sustain their professed expectation of the bridegroom.

Two types of Jewish people profess to be awaiting the return of Christ to earth. In the middle of the 7-year period, the event the Lord describes in Matthew 24" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:, the abomination of desolation, takes place. The Lawless One desecrates the Jewish temple in Jerusalem by taking the place of God, in all likelihood sitting on the mercy-seat of the temple. This will cause those Jews who profess to wait for the redemption of Israel (Luke 21:28; 2:38)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 21:28; 2:38) to recognize the crucial prophetic times surrounding them. Those who are not born of the Spirit (pictured by the oil in the vessels) will not be able to withstand the power of the Beast (the Lawless One) and to survive in a society governed by the mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:4-18)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 13:4-18). When the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2)" TARGET="_blank">Malachi 4:2) comes to end that dark night of persecution, those regenerated by the Spirit will enter the joyous wedding feast (Revelation 19:9, 11)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 19:9, 11). The unregenerate will be eternally excluded from the kingdom and the presence of the Lord.

D. Oliver
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When will Old Testament believers be resurrected?

What is the meaning of "rest" and "stand in thy lot" (Daniel 12:13)" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 12:13)?

Daniel 12:7" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 12:7 states that the Great Tribulation will last 3.5 years or 1260 days. Verses 11 and 12 add 30 and 45 days to make 1290 and 1335 days. Mr. H. S. Paisley in "This Daniel" suggests that the added days are required after the descent of the Lord to earth to judge the nations and set up the Kingdom.

Undoubtedly, "the end of the days" (verse 13) refers to the end of the tribulation. Daniel is promised that although he will "rest" and his body will "sleep in the dust of the earth" (verse 2), he will "awake" "to everlasting life," and will "stand in [his] lot," that is, he will share in the glory of the kingdom of the true Prince of Peace.

Some teach that "stand in his lot" is resurrection, and that church saints will be raptured when the Lord comes to the air and Old Testament and tribulation saints will be raised at the end of the tribulation days. Whatever view is held on this subject, it is clear that all who have died and all who have been raptured without dying will join together in the city where the Lamb is the Light (Revelation 21:23," TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21:23, Hebrews 12:22-24)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 12:22-24).

N. Crawford

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What is a woman's "meek and quiet spirit" in 1 Peter 3?

What is a meek and quiet spirit, spoken of in 1st Peter 3:4" TARGET="_blank">1st Peter 3:4?

Peter uses Sarah as an example for godly wives. The recorded occasion when she called Abraham "Lord" (Genesis 18:12)" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 18:12) took place when her husband and their guests discussed Sarahs having a child in her old age. She laughed at the impossibility of such a thing, but was to learn the value of not unresisting Gods ways with her. This is meekness. It is not an undesirable feature that grows in the garden of weakness. It is the strength that responds submissively to the Lords way of accomplishing His will in us.

True beauty of spirit embraces Gods ways with us as being only good. A number of translations use the word "gentle" for "meek." Respect for the Lord, rather than fear of others, produces this gentleness. Societys view of a meek woman pictures her as being afraid because she dare not do otherwise. Scriptures view of a meek woman presents her as willingly bowing to the Lord, because she knows His ways are best.

The word translated "quiet" has the thought of tranquility, peace. Her quiet spirit is at peace in the enjoyment of the Lords presence.

These are features unknown or unappreciated in the world, but regarded by the Lord as "an ornament of great price."

D. Oliver
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To whom can believers go if the elders seem unapproachable?

To whom can believers go if the elders seem unapproachable?

This perception may not be true. Try to approach them! Otherwise, we are responsible to notice the log in our own eye before noticing the speck in our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:1," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 7:1, ESV). In interpersonal problems, first check your own "eye." Is it possible that you have contributed to this alienation? If so, confess the fault (James 5:16)" TARGET="_blank">James 5:16) - even the slightest contribution - and seek to remedy the situation.

But, supposing that the log is in overseers’ eyes, two possibilities exist. The first is a primary resource and the second is a possible resource. The primary resource is prayer, whether or not the overseers are unapproachable. This is not a resource of last resort! The possible resource is some other Christian brother or sister who has earned your respect and the respect of other (and perhaps older) godly believers. In seeking their help, refrain from speaking evil of your overseeing brothers (James 4:11;" TARGET="_blank">James 4:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13)," TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13), and do not allow this to produce factions in the assembly.

D. Oliver
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What is the gift of speaking in tongues?

The gift of tongues is a God-given ability to speak another human language without ever studying or growing up in the language. The gift of tongues is a miraculous ability. The Bible has several references to people who had the gift of tongues.

The Bible's Example the Gift of Tongues

The first mention in the Bible of people having the gift of tongues is found in Acts 2:1-4" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:1-4 during the Jewish festival of Pentecost. The apostles were instructed by Christ to wait in Jerusalem to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost, the apostles spoke to the crowds gathered in Jerusalem who had come from all parts of the world. Each nationality and tribe heard the Apostles speak in the language or dialect from which they had traveled. The Apostles, however, were local fishermen, who had never traveled or studied foreign languages.

“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Acts 2:11" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:11

Although there are other occasions in which people spoke in tongues (languages), Acts 2" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2 is the only chapter where the nature of the tongue is described.

Regulating the Gift of Tongues in the Church

The Church in the city of Corinth was have a lot of problems, including the unrestrained and chaotic use of the gift of tongues. Paul mentions several times the importance of speaking intelligibly in order to help people.

“But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue” (1 Corinthians 14:19)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:19).

1 Corinthians 12:1" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:1 through 1 Corinthians 14" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14: is an extended discussion about regulating how tongues should be used in the church. The gift of tongues was designed to help people understand a word from God even if the evangelist normally didn't speak the language of the person listening.

“Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?” (1 Corinthians 14:6)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:6).

The Gift of Interpreting

Similar to the gift of tongues is the gift of interpreting (1 Corinthians 12:30)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:30). Normally to be able to interpret for another speaker, the interpreter needs to study or grow up speaking two languages. The gift of interpretation is a super-natural capability to understand a foreign language in order to tell the listener what is being said.

The End of the Gift of Tongues

The gift of tongues was given by God to call the attention of the Jews to the fact that new prophets were on the scene in Jerusalem. Every person in the Bible who was able to perform miracles was given their amazing abilities in order to authenticate that their message was indeed from God. For example, Moses, who wrote the first five books of the Bible, performed many miracles. Later, men like Elijah and Elisha spoke authoritatively for God and had the ability to perform miracles. The Apostles, who were delivering a new message, the gospel of Jesus Christ, which would eventually become the New Testament, also had the divine seal of authority from God, namely the ability to perform miracles, including the gift of tongues.

First Corinthians 13:8" TARGET="_blank">First Corinthians 13:8 says that gift of tongues would cease along with the completion of the revelation of God given through the apostles. No new messages need to come from God today since the collection of books of the Bible is complete.

1 Corinthians 13:8-10" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. (9) For we know in part and we prophesy in part, (10) but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

Does the gift of tongues as seen today match the Biblical example?

Those who claim to have the gift of tongues today often have a very different form of tongues than that found in the example of Acts 2." TARGET="_blank">Acts 2. Random vocal sounds are attributed to being "a heavenly language". No trace of grammar, vocabulary or similarity to any known langue can be found. How different that what we find in scripture, “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:27-28).

I speak in tongues

I went to Mexico as a missionary in 2006 where I studied for over a year every day with many hours of practice. If I had been given the gift of tongues, I would have saved a lot of time and frustration. Acts 2" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2 is not the normal experience for today since we have a full Bible.

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Why does Joseph's genealogy matter to Jesus since he wasn't the real father?

Why does Joseph's genealogy have relevance to the Lord when Joseph was not His natural father?

Matthew begins with, 'The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David." His purpose is to present our Lord Jesus as the Son of David Who will reign as king, sitting on the throne of David. Matthew shows that Joseph had descended from David through Solomon, and therefore had the legal rights to the throne. Matthew lists 15 kings by name, but only David is referred to as king (verse 6). Jechonias is the last king named in the genealogy. Concerning him, Jeremiah 22:30" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 22:30 says, "No man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David."

When Joseph obeyed the angel of the Lord and took Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20,24)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 1:20,24), he also accepted her son as his. Our Lord Jesus thus inherited the legal rights to the throne of David. Since Joseph was not his natural father, He did not inherit the curse of Jechonias. It is wonderful how God worked it out!

W. Gustafson

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Should Christians fast?

Be the first to give an answer to this question. Write an answer in the comment section below. Please provide your name and if you have a website or blog, be sure to include the URL and email address in your answer.

Answers will be reviewed.

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Does "the coming of the Son of Man" refer to the Rapture?

Does "the coming of the Son of Man" refer to the Rapture?

This expression occurs three times in Matthew 24" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24 and, like any Bible expression, must be understood from its context and background. In each case, a comparison is given: "as ... so." At verse 27 the coming of the Son of Man is compared to lightning which will be seen universally. At verse 37 & 39 it is paralleled with the sudden judgment executed at the flood. The same context describes the Son of Man "coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (verse 30). This latter is an illusion to Daniel 7:1344," TARGET="_blank">Daniel 7:1344, where Gentile rule is terminated and the Son of Man receives universal and eternal dominion. Hence, the expression, in context does not refer to the Rapture but to the future advent of the Lord Jesus to earth when He will judge the evil of this world and, in His character as "Son of Man," take the position forfeited by the first man. He will then come and sit on the throne of His glory (Matthew 25:31)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25:31) and realize the dominion belonging to the "son of man" in Psalm 8." TARGET="_blank">Psalm 8.

D. GilIiland

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Does God ever refuse to forgive in this life? If one is COflSCIOUS of having resisted the call of Go

Does God ever refuse to forgive in this life?

If one is COflSCIOUS of having resisted the call of God, may not that make it impossible for Him to forgive?

It is quite certain that God will never refuse forgiveness in this life to anyone who comes to Him as a sinner in the Name of the Lord Jesus, pleading in faith His atoning work. No other plea can suffice, but that will always reach the ear of God. “To Christ give all the prophets witness, that through His Name, whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 10:43). “We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:7). This is the forgiveness of God as Judge. Then to believers, the Father’s forgiveness, for the restoration of communion, is granted on confession. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)." TARGET="_blank">1 John 1:9).

As to Divine forgiveness, there may seem to be an exception in Matthew 12:31," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 12:31, where the assurance of “forgiveness of all manner of sin and blasphemy” is qualified by the Lord with the words, “but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men,” the reason of His saying this being, “because they said He hath an unclean spirit.” I know this is usually taken as proving that the Pharisees had actually committed the “unpardonable sin;” for myself I feel more and more persuaded, taking other Scriptures into consideration, that the Lord was rather warning them of the terrible danger of refusing the future testimony of the Spirit, at and after Pentecost.

The rejection of Christ did not shut the door of forgiveness, for the Spirit was poured forth; but if His testimony were rejected there could only remain judgment. No one who finally rejects that testimony will ever, I believe, feel the need of forgiveness, much less ask for it. How many there are who did at first resist the offers of God’s mercy, and the pleadings of His Spirit, but who afterwards were led to repentance. Was not Paul’s “kicking against the pricks” a case in point? But it is not poor, timid, anxious souls who have finally resisted the appeal of the Spirit, but hardened and impenitent sinners like the murderers of Stephen.

W.H.

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Could you explain "captivity to the law of sin," Romans 7:23?

Could you explain "captivity to the law of sin," Romans 7:23" TARGET="_blank">Romans 7:23?

Four laws are in the passage.

   1. "The law of God" is spiritual, holy, just, good (verses 12,14), While the law cannot justify (3:20), in chapter 7 Paul demonstrates that the law cannot sanctify.
   2. "The law of my mind" (verse 23) consents that the law of God is good (verses 16, 18).
   3. "The law of sin" is a principle which opposes the expression of God's law in the life (verses 17-20), even though the inward man delights in it (verse 22), and the mind of the individual willingly desires to comply with it. Frustration and failure confront him at every turn. Thus hedged in, he finds himself taken "into captivity" as a prisoner of war by this sin principle in his members. The problem lies within self: "but I am carnal, sold under sin" (verse 14). Carnal self cannot be controlled by even a spiritual law. Deliverance is found alone through the resources of the risen, glorified Jesus Christ our Lord (verse 25).
   4. "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (8:2).

W. Skates

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The Bible's Example the Gift of Tongues