PEGGY: I just want to thank you for posting Jack Kelley's article on the identity of the 10 Virgins, yesterday. I would encourage everyone to read it for a more accurate understanding of this parable.

 

I so appreciate Pastor F. M. Riley's posts/messages, in which he "rightly divides the word of truth", to our benefit.

 

I am grateful for Rick Hedrick's "rightly dividing" and his heart to pass that understanding on to others.

 

I'm sure there are others I am failing to acknowledge, presently, but I do appreciate all.

 

Paul's epistles form a unique body of writing intended particularly for the Church. In it, he reveals the "mystery hid from the ages" (unknown to, nor experienced by,  O.T. saints) Colossians 1:26 (and context)... "which is Christ IN you, the hope of glory." The Old Testament saints did not have the privilege we do of "the sealing of the Spirit." Nor will those believers in the coming tribulation period. They will have to "endure to the end" and "love not their lives even to death" (i.e. maintain the oil) or they will miss out. These scriptures are not intended for us (the Church, during this age of grace, who are sealed with the Spirit.) Once the Church is removed (with its unique privileges and position), Israel and its kingdom law (contained in the synoptic gospels) will be back in view and in force.

 

All of Paul's "mysteries" are worth our study (there are many.) One of them (the mystery of the rapture of the Church), we have become well-acquainted with. :)  I encourage all of us to become acquainted with the rest of Paul's "mysteries" and take particular note of his unique "in Christ" and "in Him" phrases, of which the O.T. saints (including the synoptic gospels) were not privileged to possess.

 

Again, I appreciate those who have the time and the ability and the passion to teach others the great truths of the Scripture, particularly "rightly dividing the word of truth", out of a heart of love for others and to see them "grow up into Christ." (Ephesians 4:15 and context.)

 

Eagerly awaiting our departure... with you,

Accepted in the Beloved,

Amy