Examine Yourselves

Matthew 25:1-13

Dr. Reimers, while he was a student, had a roommate who came back from a Bible Conference service and said, "I got saved tonight." This was a shock. There are people at BJU who are not saved but "fit in" and go through all the motions.

The parable in Matthew 25:1-13 challenges us to examine our hearts. In verse 1, the kingdom of heaven is like the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. Back in those days, the groom would build the bridal chamber and then surprise the bride as to the date of the marriage. Lamps were needed because there were no street lights, and hand-held torches with wooden handles were wrapped with old rags. The brides anxiously waited for the bridegroom, and likewise everyone who is saved is waiting for Christ.

What distinguishes the five foolish virgins from the five wise virgins? Not everyone waiting for Christ is ready for His coming. In verse 3, there were lamps but no oil. All the lamps looked the same during the day, but lamps without oil wouldn't light. Christ likens this to genuine salvation--though the unsaved and saved may look the same, only the truly saved will be taken up with Him.

The five wise virgins couldn't give oil to the foolish, but instead told them to go out and get their own. While they were gone (v.10), the bridegroom came and took the five wise virgins. In verse 11, the reality of what Christ is teaching resounds from the parable (vehicle for declaring truth). Anyone trying to get into heaven after the rapture will be told "I know you not." There is no excuse for anyone who does not receive Christ as Savior. It is foolish to reject what is free and necessary for salvation and required for entrance into heaven. It will be too late to get saved after Christ comes in the rapture, even if you have lived a good life.
Dr. Reimers had a 15-year-old in his church in New Hampshire who said, "I can't get it out of my mind that I only have a torch without oil." That afternoon he got saved. He realized the truth that the parable taught.

Graduation is a thrilling time. Dr. Reimers recalled a commencement when he had placed his cap and gown in his office. He got ready for graduation that morning and couldn't find his cap. Because he couldn't find his cap, he couldn't attend the commencement exercises. When he returned his regalia, he was told that a box was outside of the alumni building with lots of extra caps. Had Dr. Reimers gone outside that morning, he could have taken care of the lost cap and participated in commencement.

Are you embarrassed to admit your salvation (or lack of salvation) to others? But nothing can compare with the embarrassment and disappointment when the trumpet sounds and the Lord returns--and you are left behind. Ask yourself, "Do I have the oil? Does Jesus Christ live here?"

Dr Gary Reimers





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