The Ten Virgins

Like so many in the history of God's people--Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Esau and Jacob, Joseph and his brothers, to name some--the ten virgins all appeared the same at first. All were virgins, all had lamps, all went forth to meet the Bridegroom. The difference was unseen, in the vessels. So it is that the hypocrites appear with the believers until the end. But what of us? Do we believe, or are we like the fools? Every Christian ought to feel pricked in the heart here, for although our faith should be more fervent and zealous, yet we know that it is not what it ought to be. But although fervency is something we should have, we know we are deficient and have need to repent, daily. This is the prick of the harsh law of God. But the Gospel is only comforting, and we pray with the father of the sick son, saying, Lord I believe. Help thou my unbelief! And here for us is the forgiveness of sins for us to believe and embrace, so that we may be confident of being welcomed in at the Last Day. Sermon for Trinity Last. And the video is here.