It is high time to be reconciled to God! Now, while it is still the day, let us watch for Christ’s return, pray for it, tell others about it, and hope for it. And as we do this, may we be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,” for the return of Christ will be sudden, surprising, and swift!
And they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Matthew 25:10
We previously considered the sudden and surprising nature of Christ’s return. But one more element is necessary for brief consideration. Christ will appear swiftly. Perhaps this is the highlight of the parable. When the call goes out all will happen quickly.
The return of the Lord will be swift and will lead immediately into the judgment. There will be no time to go and buy oil though many may try and do so as the foolish virgins tried. But like those virgins they will not be successful, there will be no more opportunity, no more call of salvation, the time will be at hand.
So many people expect to have a warning before their death or Christ’s return. So many think they will have time to prepare. Remember, all the virgins, both the wise and the foolish, were asleep when the cry came.