When are we going to be prepared for something great that’s going to happen? If believing in Christ’s return helps confirm our faith, what should we learn from it?

The book “The Resurrection of the Promise” is a three-part series by Thomas Fitzhugh Sheets intending to emphasize what God has promised before He comes back for His people.

Readers can digest the common themes circulating the three books and which point to the clear example of faith. And since it mainly talks about the famous Parable of the Ten Virgins, readers realize that nothing beats being prepared for the things to come, especially when the one they’ve been waiting for will come without warning.

What do the ten virgins teach us about preparedness?

The parable of the ten virgins teaches us about the significance of preparedness, personal responsibility, foresight, timeliness, and above all, the value of being part of a supportive community. The parable of the ten virgins, found in the Bible’s Gospel of Matthew, offers several valuable lessons. Here are a few insights we can glean from it:

Preparedness and readiness. The parable emphasizes the importance of preparing for future events, just as the wise virgins were prepared with enough oil for their lamps. Additionally, it encourages us to be diligent and ready for unexpected opportunities or challenges in life.

Personal responsibility. Each virgin was responsible for her oil supply, highlighting the importance of individual accountability. Similarly, we are accountable for our own spiritual growth and preparedness.

Anticipation of the future. The parable urges us to have a forward-looking mindset, anticipate the future, and make wise decisions accordingly. It teaches us to be aware of the present and its implications for what lies ahead.

The consequences of delay. The parable illustrates the results of procrastination and unpreparedness. The foolish virgins who didn’t bring enough oil missed out on the opportunity to join the wedding feast. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder to prioritize important matters and not delay essential preparations.

The importance of community. The ten virgins were part of a group awaiting the bridegroom. This emphasizes the value of belonging to a community, supporting and encouraging one another in spiritual matters and life’s journey.

What is the cost of being unprepared for Christ’s return?

The cost of being unprepared for Christ’s return, as portrayed in the parable of the ten virgins, is missing out on the opportunity to enter into the joy and blessings of God’s kingdom. In the parable, the foolish virgins who were unprepared and lacked oil for their lamps were shut out from the wedding feast.

In a broader sense, the parable serves as a reminder of the consequences of spiritual unpreparedness. It highlights the importance of cultivating a relationship with God. Moreover, it involves living faith, and actively engaging in spiritual growth and service.

Being unprepared for Christ’s return can result in a loss of fellowship with God, a missed opportunity to experience the fullness of His blessings, and the potential for regret and eternal separation from Him. The parable encourages us to be vigilant, to prioritize our spiritual lives, and moreover, to live in anticipation of Christ’s return so that we may be found ready and enter into the joy of His presence.

Why should we prepare ourselves for Christ’s return?

Eternal Salvation. Christ’s return signifies the culmination of God’s plan for humanity and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. However, being prepared ensures that we are ready to stand before Him and receive the promise of eternal salvation and everlasting life.

Relationship with God. Preparing for Christ’s return involves:

Nurturing our relationship with God through prayer.
Studying His Word.
Living according to His teachings.

Moreover, this deepens our connection with Him and allows us to experience His presence and guidance.

Personal Transformation. Preparing for Christ’s return prompts us to examine our hearts, repent, and strive for personal transformation. It encourages us to cultivate virtues such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility, which align with Christ’s teachings.

Accountability. Christ’s return reminds us that we are accountable for our actions and the stewardship of the gifts and resources entrusted to us. Moreover, it encourages us to live with integrity, use our talents for good, and contribute positively to the world.

Kingdom Work. Christ’s return motivates us to engage in kingdom work, which involves spreading the message of God’s love, serving others, working toward justice, mercy, and reconciliation. Furthermore, it encourages us to be agents of positive change in our communities.

Preparing for Christ’s return is about aligning our lives with His teachings, deepening our relationship with God, and actively participating in His work. Additionally, it brings purpose, meaning, and hope to our lives as we anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises and the eternal glory of His kingdom.