by Pat Hackney
The Bible has a lot to say about being prepared and being ready for Christ's second coming. One of the clearest teachings on this subject is found in Matthew chapter 25 verses one through thirteen. It is here that our Lord teaches the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins.
In this parable there are ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise and five of them were foolish. The five wise took enough oil for their lamps while the five foolish did not take any oil. So when the bridegroom came at midnight the foolish did not have oil for their lamps. They were not ready for the bridegroom's arrival. They went to buy some oil and were too late to enter the wedding banquet.
The lesson taught in this parable teaches an important truth for all of us. Christ teaches His disciples that we should be watchful, waiting, and prepared to receive Him when He comes. We cannot wait until His coming to make ready.
How does one make himself ready? First, we must be found in Christ. This is done by obeying the gospel. Then we watch by serving the Lord as faithfully as we can all the days of our life. We have to be on guard against every temptation. In short, we must be ready for His coming and our going. Only then will we truly love His appearing.