Are You Ready for Christ’s Return?

Are You Ready for Christ’s Return? by Cynthia Greene

In a the previous post, Keeping Our Vessel Filled, we looked at the Parable of the Ten Virgins. All ten virgins were waiting for the bridegroom, but only five were prepared when he arrived.

One lessons we can learn from this Parable of the Ten Virgins is that spiritual readiness requires more than outwardly appearing Christian.  We must be spiritually prepared, and have a deep-rooted personal relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Outward Appearance vs. Inward Faith

The oil in the lamp produced a visible flame. In a similar way, others may see us attending church, praying in public, worshipping, speaking God’s Word, or doing good deeds. These can be sincere expressions of our faith and ways to let our light shine in this darkened world.

However, outward expressions alone are not an indication of a deep and meaningful relationship with God. Proximity to holy things does not mean personal holiness.

“..For the Lord sees not as a man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”  (1 Sam. 16:7)

True spiritual conversion involves things that are only visible to God: repentance, obedience, private prayer, fasting, meditation, personal sacrifice, taking every thought captive, enduring trials and hardships, good works done in private, fruits of the Spirit, responding to the prompting of the Lord, hearing the voice of God (John 10:27), dying to self, trusting in God’s promises, submitting to God’s will, and faithfulness.

How Do We Keep Our Vessel Full of Oil?

Keeping our vessel full of oil requires being connected to the One who is our source of life. Only through our relationship with God and Jesus Christ does the Holy Spirit continually flow into our lives to lead us into all truth.

Our relationship is built through prayer, study, meditation, worship, repentance, gratitude, and obedience. These are ways we seek Him, hear His voice, and respond to His leading. Continually connecting to God gives us a constant connection to the source of our oil, the Holy Spirit.

Our personal relationship with God is personal and not something others can see. Spiritual growth and conversion takes place over time as we face trials, make choices to obey and follow God even when doing so is a sacrifice and difficult.

“…pray to your Father who is in the secret place, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Mat. 6:6)

“…Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9)

We need more than an outward appearance of faith. Our life needs to be rooted in Christ, sustained by the Holy Spirit, and shaped through a continuing relationship with Him.

We are responsible for how we obey and respond to God. We are called to seek:

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your heart.”  (Jer. 29:13)

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness…” (Mat. 6:33)

Actively Living Out Our Faith

“Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when He comes.” (Matthew 24:46)

What does actively living out our faith look like?  

• To proclaim the gospel and give account for the hope within you (Mark 16;15, 1 Peter 3:15)
• Encourage, pray and build each other up.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Walk in obedience. (2 Peter 3;11, 14)
• Care for the hungry, sick, stranger, orphans and widows.  (Matthew 25:40, James 1:27)
• Love in actions not just words. (1 John 3:18)
• Use our gifts and talents. (Parable of the Talents)
• Serve (1 Peter 4:10) 

Responding to the calling of God is not for the faint of heart.  It takes sacrifice, patience, obedience, accepting that we are in this world but not of it, recognition that we are set apart and will be different, going down the narrow path, facing rejection, surrendering our own will and desire and being willing to obey no matter what.   This is why Scripture tells to count the cost of choosing to serve and follow God.

Why We Cannot Borrow Someone Else’s Oil

When the bridegroom’s arrival was announced, the foolish virgins asked the wise virgins to share their oil, but it could not be transferred to them.

This parable teaches us that we cannot depend on someone else’s relationship with God to prepare us for Christ’s return. We cannot borrow someone else’s prayer life, faith, and obedience. Nor can we wait until the time of the return of Christ to develop the faith and trust we need to endure till the end.

The faith of our parents, spouse, friends, or minister cannot replace our own relationship with Christ. We cannot assume that because we were raised in a Christian home, attend church regularly, or have spent years listening to biblical teaching, we are spiritually prepared.

We can certainly learn from others, receive biblical instruction, and be strengthened through fellowship but each of us must seek God personally:

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12)

The wise virgins were spiritually prepared before the bridegroom arrived. Their preparation was not something they could accomplish after the announcement had been made.

Final Thoughts

The Parable of the Ten Virgins reminds us that spiritual readiness is a personal responsibility. We cannot depend on outward appearances, religious activities, or someone else’s faith to prepare us for Christ’s return.

We must continually examine our hearts, remain connected to Christ, and allow His Holy Spirit to work within us. Our readiness is not something we suddenly accomplish when we see the signs of His coming. It is the result of a life spent walking with Him.

Our calling is a great honor.  With God’s help we can faithfully live each day and be doing the work we have each been tasked with until Christ returns.

Luke reminds us:

“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48)