Marilyn makes the statement that she believes that the ten virgins are
all believers, however if this is the case, why did Jesus say in Matthew
25: 12, "I do not know you"? The Lord has said that not all those who
call Him Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. The five foolish
virgins did not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them because they were
never born again spiritually. Jesus said "You must be born again, to
enter the kingdom of heaven". They were only pretenders, of which there
are many in the church today, sorry to say.
May God bless you,Wes K.
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My brother Wes,
Adam "knew" his wife and bore a son. Does this mean she was a stranger to him apart from sexual relations. OF COURSE NOT! Unfortunately, there is much meaning that can be lost in the transition of translation. My point: There are various levels of KNOWING, or intimacy presented in Scripture. I think, the verse "depart from me, I have never known you" could be taken to mean: I have never had intimate relations with you.
There are those who believe that by saying half the virgins are not born again, one merely injects confusion - Babylon - into Scripture. While we are all guilty of this, it is something we need to guard against. If the five foolish virgins are not regenerate, then why did our Lord refer to them using the same terminology as those who are saved? It would have been more appropriate for Him to refer to them as something other than virgins. And since He did not do that, it would be consistent, and logical, to interpret it as if all the virgins represent born again individuals.
I am curious? Could you please point out where it says you must be born again to enter the kingdom??? Though I have been told, and heard this, this many times, I have not been able to locate any verses in support of this concept. John offers the clear and precise wording of the Lord. One must be born from above to see the kingdom of God (Jn. 3:3). Amen! Regeneration provides us with spiritual eyes to see the kingdom. But entering into the reign of our Lord? Ahhhh! There, something else is specifically stated and required. (This is also confirmed by Paul 2 Tim. 2:2; which also mentions how we will be dealt with - the Lord will deny us, as he did the virgins).
The first statement the Lord made in rsponse to Nicodemus inquiry deals with regeneration only. The second deals with regeneration and reigning. For that, one must be born out of water; something quite different from being born again - born of the Spirit of God.
"If one is not generated out of water and Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God" (Jn. 3:5).
Being born again enables us to see the kingdom. Being born "out of water" takes us into the Kingdom. The fact that these - seeing, and being born out of water - represent two distinct aspects in our spiritual life is a rather important item often overlooked.
Reference is made in Scripture to the fact that many, though they will be regenerate, will not have the proper attire when they appear before Christ at the judgment seat. Paul speaks of this - being found naked before Him - in his letter to the Corinthians. Revelation also speaks of the white linen of the saints as the proper and required attire for reigning with Christ.
"And she was permitted to array herself in fine linen, shining and spotless; the fine linen being the righteous actions of God's people" (Rev. 19:8)."Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection. In these the second death hath no power. But they shall be priests of God and of Christ: and shall reign with him a thousand years" (Rev. 20:6).
The fact that there is more than one garment for Christians is spoken of in numerous ways in Scripture. Even OT typology, favors this concept. The priests had two garments: One for work, and another for glory and beauty. These facts could be interpreted as lending support to the concept that all the virgins are Christians. The difference being, that while they all met the first qualification, some did not have the added - or additional - requirement.Your brother,
Sentinel Kulp