Dwight Fletcher | Faith is non-transferable

13 Oct 2024, 05:06 · The Gleaner

THE PARABLE of the 10 virgins in Matthew 29 is about being prepared for the coming of Christ. It teaches us that we each need our own oil. The wise virgins wouldn’t share with the foolish virgins. On the surface, it may seem selfish, but the oil they’re talking about is faith. Faith can be shared, but it cannot be transferred from one person to another. We must each have our own. The faith of our parents, or someone else, can’t save us. Each of us must personally accept Christ as Saviour, repent, turn from the darkness of the world, be born again into the life of Christ, and demonstrate that life and relationship.

The righteousness that comes by faith in Christ is the only oil that lights the lamp of life, and it’s the only oil that is acceptable to God. If we depend on our own oil (our works), rather than securing the oil of faith in Christ, then we’re as foolish as the foolish virgins, for the bridegroom will come and we won’t make it. Some of us say, “I have heard Jesus is coming soon” all my life. The word for soon also means suddenly, and we won’t be able to borrow the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ.

We know that God wants us to put Him first, live a holy life, study His Word and serve Him faithfully; yet we aren’t prepared for Jesus’ return. It’s not enough to say the Sinner’s Prayer. We each need to make a commitment that we’re willing to live out, and ensure that we bear God’s fruit in our lives. “Look closely at yourselves. Test yourselves to see if you are living in the faith. You know that Jesus Christ is in you – unless you fail the test.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NCV).

The end of all things is near, therefore we must do a lot of honest self-examination and be sure that we are in fellowship with the Lord, and fully committed to and growing in Him. If not, we need to decide to take the steps to change that because there’s a consequence to not being ready.

“… The others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’” Matthew 25:9-11 (NLT).

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The door was locked, and even though they were asking him to open it, it was too late. God is loving and kind, but there are spiritual laws that govern the Kingdom that won’t change. When the Spirit of God convicts, calls, and speaks to us about opening our hearts and making certain our relationship with Jesus, we need to respond. We each need to be sure that if the bridegroom were to come right now, we would be ready.

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” “…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8b (NIV).