wedding

Q&A -Should a Christian wear a Wedding Ring

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In Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 180, 181, we are shown how unnecessary it is to wear a wedding ring and how much it draws us to conforming to custom and fashion.

“Some have had a burden in regard to the wearing of a marriage ring, feeling that the wives of our ministers should conform to this custom. All this is unnecessary. Let the ministers’ wives have the golden link which binds their souls to Jesus Christ, a pure and holy character, the true love and meekness and godliness that are the fruit borne upon the Christian tree, and their influence will be secure anywhere. The fact that a disregard of the custom occasions remark is no good reason for adopting it. Americans can make their position understood by plainly stating that the custom is not regarded as obligatory in our country. We need not wear the sign, for we are not untrue to our marriage vow, and the wearing of the ring would be no evidence that we were true. I [Ellen White] feel deeply over this leavening process which seems to be going on among us, in the conformity to custom and fashion. Not one penny should be spent for a circlet of gold to testify that we are married. In countries where the custom is imperative, we have no burden to condemn those who have their marriage ring; let them wear it if they can do so conscientiously; but let not our missionaries feel that the wearing of the ring will increase their influence one jot or tittle. If they are Christians, it will be manifest in their Christlikeness of character, in their words, in their works, in the home, in association with others; it will be evinced by their patience and long-suffering and kindliness. They will manifest the spirit of the Master, they will possess His beauty of character, His loveliness of disposition, His sympathetic heart.”

The Bible tells us, in Genesis 35:4, “And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.”

In Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, 137, we are told: “Jacob was humbled, and required his family to humble themselves, and to lay off all their ornaments. … God accepted the efforts of Jacob to remove the wrong from his family, and appeared unto him, and blessed him, and renewed the promise made to him, because his fear was before him. ‘And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone’ [Genesis 35:14].” [Emphasis supplied.]

Exodus 33:6 states, “And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.”

In Isaiah 3:16–21 we read this: “Moreover the Lord saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will discover their secret parts. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, the chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, the bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, the rings, and nose jewels.”

We can find, by example, in the word of God, what His will is for our lives. It is that new heart experience that leads us to hear and obey what God’s will is for each of us. We can always find an excuse to follow our own ways over and above God’s will.

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.

Customs of Bible Times – Betrothal and Wedding

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Ancient Marriage

Difference Between a Promise and a Betrothal

Among the Jews of Bible times a couple could be engaged with a promise of marriage that may not be definite, as these could be broken off or set aside. However, if there was a betrothal entered into, it was consid­ered as final.

The betrothal was not the same as the wedding, and these two events must not be confused. At least a whole year elapsed between the betrothal and the actual wedding. The law said, “What man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her?” Deuteronomy 20:7. Here the two events are differentiated: betrothing a wife and taking a wife, i.e., in actual marriage. It was during this period of about a year, between the betrothal and the wedding, that Mary was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 7:18).

The Apparel of the Groom and Bride

When the night arrived for the wedding festivities to begin, and it was time to go for his bride, the groom was dressed as much as pos­sible like a king. If he were rich enough to afford it, he wore a gold crown. Otherwise it would be a garland of fresh flowers. His garments would be scented with frankincense and myrrh; his girdle would be of silk and brilliantly colored; his sandals would be figured and carefully laced. … This preparation of the groom for the wedding has been aptly described in the prophecy of Isaiah, “He hath clothed me with the garments of sal­vation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments.” Isaiah 61:10.

The adorning of the bride was a very costly and elaborate affair. Much time was given to the preparation of her person. Every effort was put forth to make her complexion glossy and shining with a luster like unto marble. The words of David must have been their ideal for her: “that our daugh­ters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace.” Psalm 33 144:12. Her dark locks of hair were often braided with gold and pearls. She was decked with all the precious stones and jewels that the family had inherited from previous generations. Those who were too poor to afford much would borrow what they could from their friends.

The wedding festivities, and especial­ly the bride’s adornment, would always be remembered by her. The prophet Jer­emiah made reference to this thought, “Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire?” Jeremiah 2:32. The apostle John saw the New Jerusalem “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:2.

The Groom Leaves His Father’s Home to Get His Bride

Sometimes the bride’s relations would conduct her from her father’s house to the house of her fiancé, where her new home was to be. But more often, as was the case of the ten virgins in Christ’s parable, the bridegroom himself went in person to bring her to his home for the wedding festivities to take place there. Before leaving the house that had been her home, she would receive the blessing of her relatives. Thus Rebekah’s relatives sent her away with a typical Eastern marriage blessing, “Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.” Genesis 24:60. The bride left her father’s house adorned and perfumed with a crown on her head. Ezekiel’s description of the bride is very appropriate, “I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck. And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head.” Ezekiel 16:11, 12.

The Wedding Procession

The bridegroom set out with his bride from the house of her parents, and there followed a grand procession all the way to his house. The streets of Asiatic cities were dark, and it was necessary that anybody venturing forth at night should carry a lamp or torch. Those invited guests, who did not go to the bride’s home, were allowed to join the procession along the way, and go with the whole group to the marriage feast. Without a torch or lamp, they could not join the procession or enter the bridegroom’s house.

The ten virgins waited for the procession to arrive. The five wise virgins were able to proceed because they had a reserve supply of oil for their lamps, but the foolish virgins lacked oil, so not being ready, they were barred from the wedding feast. Matthew 25:1–13.

With her face veiled, the bride allowed her hair to be loose and flowing while on the journey to the groom’s house. Her own relations preceded her in the procession, scattering ears of parched grain to the children along the way.

Arrival at the House of the Bridegroom

After arriving at the bridegroom’s house, some of the older women had the task of arranging the bride’s hair. Her flowing locks were hidden beneath a thick veil. From this time on, the custom would dictate that her face was not to be unveiled in public. She was led to her place under a canopy, which was located either inside the house or, if the weather permitted, in the open air. Her place was beside her husband, where both would hear new words of benediction given by one of the fathers or by some important person who might be present.

The Wedding Feast

Every guest that attended the feast was required to wear a wedding garment (Matthew 22:12). The wedding banquet was presided over by the ruler of the feast. John 2:8, 9. It was his duty to take care of all the preparations, and during the feast, he would mingle among the guests and see to it that they lacked nothing, instructing servants to carry out all the necessary details. The expression “children of the bride chamber” (Matthew 9:15), used by Jesus, simply means the guests at the wedding. The governor or ruler of the feast returned thanks at the dinner and pronounced benedictions at appointed times. He also blessed the wine. It was customary to tell riddles at these feasts like Samson did at his wedding (Judges 14:12–18). During the meal, mirthfulness prevailed and the guests were expected to exalt the bride.

There was no religious ceremony at the feast. In place of this were the benedictions of relatives and friends. The benediction of those who witnessed the wedding arrangements for Ruth and Boaz is a good example of what would be included in such a benediction (Ruth 4:11). It corresponds to the well wishing of Western wedding guests. After the wedding feast was over, the husband was escorted by his friends into the apartment where his wife had previously been conducted. These wedding festivities with relatives and friends lasted for a whole week (Judges 14:17), but the entire number of what was called “the days of the marriage” was thirty.

Fred H. Wight, Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 1953, 129–134.

Parables of the Investigative Judgment

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There is a need for God’s people to understand the relationship of the investigative judgment and the wedding banquet. Many people are aware of the warning given in Malachi 3:1–3 regarding the work of the purification of God’s people and the removal of sin, but there is a deeper meaning, which needs to be understood.

“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:1–3, KJV.

Another important reference in the Bible about the investigative judgment that is very informative of this important event and the wedding banquet is recorded in Matthew 22:1–14:

“Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.’

“Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’

“But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.” Verses 1–7.

This much of the parable refers to the Jewish nation prior to the first advent and up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

“Thus the Jewish people sealed their rejection of God’s mercy. The result was foretold by Christ in the parable. The king ‘sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.’ The judgment pronounced came upon the Jews in the destruction of Jerusalem and the scattering of the nation.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 308, 309.

“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.” Matthew 22:8–10.

With this information we see that verses 8–10 represent the Christian church from the first advent to the close of probation.

In verse 11 the king comes in to begin the investigative judgment. The remainder of the parable (verses 12–14) is a description of what happens to those who do not make the appropriate preparation to attend the wedding banquet.

The Spirit of Prophecy provides an interesting introduction to this parable. It is found in Christ’s Object Lessons, on page 307.

“In this parable, as in that of the great supper, are illustrated the gospel invitation, its rejection by the Jewish people, and the call of mercy to the Gentiles. But on the part of those who reject the invitation, this parable brings to view a deeper insult and a more dreadful punishment. The call to the feast is a king’s invitation. It proceeds from one who is vested with power to command. It confers high honor.”

In the book, The Great Controversy, we are given the following explanation of this parable:

“In the parable of Matthew 22 the same figure of the marriage is introduced, and the investigative judgment is clearly represented as taking place before the marriage. Previous to the wedding the king comes in to see the guests, to see if all are attired in the wedding garment, the spotless robe of character washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Matthew 22:11; Revelation 7:14. [Emphasis supplied.] He who is found wanting is cast out, but all who upon examination are seen to have the wedding garment on are accepted of God and accounted worthy of a share in His kingdom and a seat upon His throne. This work of examination of character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative judgment, the closing of work in the sanctuary above.” The Great Controversy, 428.

Many do not realize their spiritual need. This is why we need to understand these parables because they refer to each one of us in these last days. The following is a statement about the man who came in without a wedding garment:

“The man who came to the feast without a wedding garment represents the condition of many in our world today. They profess to be Christians, and lay claim to the blessings and privileges of the gospel; yet they feel no need of a transformation of character. They have never felt true repentance for sin. They do not realize their need of Christ or exercise faith in Him. They have not overcome their hereditary or cultivated tendencies to wrongdoing. Yet they think that they are good enough in themselves, and they rest upon their own merits instead of trusting in Christ. Hearers of the word, they come to the banquet, but they have not put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 315.

There will be many who will be speechless because they never overcame their hereditary or cultivated tendencies to wrongdoing. We may wonder why the man was speechless. Here is a brief statement about his condition:

“In the parable, when the king inquired, ‘How camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment’ [Matthew 22:12]? the man was speechless. So it will be in the great judgment day. Men may now excuse their defects of character, but in that day they will offer no excuse.” Ibid., 317.

The judgment day in this statement refers to the execution phase of the judgment following the millennium.

Solemn will be the day of final decision. In prophetic vision, the apostle John describes it: “I saw a great white throne, and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Revelation 20:11, 12, KJV.

“Sad will be the retrospect in that day when men stand face to face with eternity. The whole life will present itself just as it has been. The world’s pleasures, riches, and honors will not then seem so important. Men will then see that the righteousness they despised is alone of value. They will see that they have fashioned their characters under the deceptive allurements of Satan. The garments they have chosen are the badge of their allegiance to the first great apostate. Then they will see the results of their choice. They will have a knowledge of what it means to transgress the commandments of God.” Ibid., 318, 319.

The Spirit of Prophecy is very clear that this work of purification of God’s people is to be completed during the time of the investigative judgment.

“Christ had come, not to the earth, as they expected, but, as foreshadowed in the type, to the most holy place of the temple of God in heaven. He is represented by the prophet Daniel as coming at this time to the Ancient of Days: ‘I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came’—not to the earth, but—‘to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him.’ Daniel 7:13.

“This coming is foretold also by the prophet Malachi: ‘The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.’ Malachi 3:1. The coming of the Lord to His temple was sudden, unexpected, to His people. They were not looking for Him there. They expected Him to come to earth, ‘in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel.’ II Thessalonians 1:8.

“But the people were not yet ready to meet their Lord. There was still a work of preparation to be accomplished for them.” The Great Controversy, 424.

There is an interesting explanation about this preparation in The Great Controversy, 425.

“Another message of warning and instruction was to be given to the church.

“Says the prophet: ‘Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.’ Malachi 3:2, 3.” Ibid., 423.

Let us consider a second parable about the investigative judgment. It is the parable describing the two classes of servants in Matthew 24:45–51.

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.” Verses 45–47.

Revelation 3:21 says: “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

“But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.” Matthew 24:48, 49. Not literally drunk, but drunk with false teachings, with ecumenical compromise of truth, such as teaching that the atonement was completed at the cross.

“The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Verses 50, 51.

A description of these unfaithful servants is found in the following statements.

“The Lord has a controversy with His professed people in these last days. In this controversy men in responsible positions will take a course directly opposite to that pursued by Nehemiah. They will not only ignore and despise the Sabbath themselves, but they will try to keep it from others by burying it beneath the rubbish of custom and tradition. In churches and in large gatherings in the open air, ministers will urge upon the people the necessity of keeping the first day of the week.” The Review and Herald, March 18, 1884.

The rejection of the seventh day Sabbath is a sign that these people have also rejected the ministry of Christ and His blood of atonement in the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary of the new covenant in heaven.

“As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them.” The Great Controversy, 608.

Then the Spirit of Prophecy says that this church represented by these two classes of servants is the same church that is represented by the ten virgins.

“Here is brought to view the church living in the last days, the same that is pointed out in the close of chapter 24. In this parable their experience is illustrated by the incidents of an Eastern marriage.” Ibid., 393.

“The parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25 also illustrates the experience of the Adventist people. In Matthew 24, in answer to the question of His disciples concerning the sign of His coming and of the end of the world, Christ had pointed out some of the most important events in the history of the world and of the church from His first to His second advent; namely, the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the church under the pagan and papal persecutions, the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars. After this He spoke of His coming in His kingdom, and related the parable describing the two classes of servants who look for His appearing.” Ibid.

The Spirit of Prophecy has a considerable amount of information on this parable. This parable, Matthew 25:1–13, is a description of the church during the time the investigative judgment is in session. Matthew 25:1–7 is as follows:

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.” Verses 1–5.

The phrase “they all became drowsy and fell asleep” refers to the churches’ experience before October 22, 1844. Also, “to sleep” in this context is a symbol meaning that the individual or church is not awake to the truth. During the period just before 1844 the whole church was asleep on the knowledge of the new covenant sanctuary in heaven and the ministry of Jesus in that sanctuary. No one on earth knew about the Bible truth concerning this sanctuary. They all were asleep.

“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ ” Verse 6.

“The coming of Christ, as announced by the first angel’s message, was understood to be represented by the coming of the bridegroom. The widespread reformation under the proclamation of His soon coming, answered to the going forth of the virgins [Matthew 25:1]. In this parable, as in that of Matthew 24, two classes are represented. All had taken their lamps, the Bible, and by its light had gone forth to meet the Bridegroom. But while ‘they that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them,’ ‘the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps’ [verses 3, 4]. The latter class [the wise virgins] had received the grace of God, the regenerating, enlightening power of the Holy Spirit, which renders His word a lamp to the feet and a light to the path [Psalm 119:105]. In the fear of God they had studied the Scriptures to learn the truth, and had earnestly sought for purity of heart and life. These had a personal experience, a faith in God and in His word, which could not be overthrown by disappointment and delay. Others ‘took their lamps, and took no oil with them.’ They had moved from impulse. Their fears had been excited by the solemn message, but they had depended upon the faith of their brethren, satisfied with the flickering light of good emotions, without a thorough understanding of the truth or a genuine work of grace in the heart. These had gone forth to meet the Lord, full of hope in the prospect of immediate reward; but they were not prepared for delay and disappointment. When trials came, their faith failed, and their lights burned dim.” The Great Controversy, 393, 394.

The passing of time referred to in this statement was the time they expected the Lord to come in the spring of 1844. The believers were disappointed when the Lord did not come at that time and there resulted a seeming delay.

“In this time of uncertainty, the interest of the superficial and halfhearted soon began to waver, and their efforts to relax; but those whose faith was based on a personal knowledge of the Bible had a rock beneath their feet, which the waves of disappointment could not wash away. ‘They all slumbered and slept’ [Matthew 25:5], one class in unconcern and abandonment of their faith, the other class patiently waiting till clearer light should be given.” Ibid., 394.

A further explanation of this event is found as follows:

“ ‘While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.’ Matthew 25:5–7. In the summer of 1844, midway between the time when it had been first thought that the 2300 days would end, and the autumn of the same year, to which it was afterward found that they extended, the message was proclaimed in the very words of Scripture: ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!’ ” Ibid., 398.

Ellen White has more to say of this event as follows:

“In the parable of Matthew 25 the time of waiting and slumber is followed by the coming of the bridegroom. This was in accordance with the arguments just presented, both from prophecy and from the types. They carried strong conviction of their truthfulness; and the ‘midnight cry’ [Matthew 25:6] was heralded by thousands of believers.

“Like a tidal wave the movement swept over the land.” Ibid., 400. This message sparked a renewed interest in the study of the Word.

“At the call, ‘The Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him,’ the waiting ones ‘arose and trimmed their lamps’ [Matthew 25:6, 7]; they studied the word of God with an intensity of interest before unknown.” Ibid., 402.

“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.” Verse 7.

The following describes three separate texts as talking about the same event: “The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi [Malachi 3:1–3], are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25.

“In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,’ was given. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed—one class who looked with joy to the Lord’s appearing, and who had been diligently preparing to meet Him; another class that, influenced by fear and acting from impulse, had been satisfied with a theory of the truth, but were destitute of the grace of God. In the parable, when the bridegroom came, ‘they that were ready went in with him to the marriage’ [Matthew 25:10].” The Great Controversy, 426.

Notice the order of events in the following statement:

“The coming of the bridegroom, here brought to view, takes place before the marriage. The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called ‘the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ Said the angel to John: ‘Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ ‘He carried me away in the spirit,’ says the prophet, ‘and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.’ Revelation 21:9, 10. … Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, ‘dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;’ He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, ‘prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.’ ” Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2. “Having received the kingdom, He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people, who are to ‘sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,’ at His table in His kingdom (Matthew 8:11; Luke 22:30), to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb … .”

“The proclamation, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,’ in the summer of 1844, led thousands to expect the immediate advent of the Lord. At the appointed time the Bridegroom came, not to the earth, as the people expected, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven, to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom. ‘They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut’ [Matthew 25:10]. They were not to be present in person at the marriage; for it takes place in heaven, while they are upon the earth. The followers of Christ are to ‘wait for their Lord, when He will return from the wedding.’ Luke 12:36. But they are to understand His work, and to follow Him by faith as He goes in before God. It is in this sense that they are said to go in to the marriage.” Ibid., 426, 427.

This next statement makes very clear what knowledge it was that separated the wise virgins from the foolish virgins.

“In the parable it was those that had oil in their vessels with their lamps that went in to the marriage. Those who, with a knowledge of the truth from the Scriptures, had also the Spirit and grace of God, and who, in the night of their bitter trial, had patiently waited, searching the Bible for clearer light—these saw the truth concerning the sanctuary in heaven and the Saviour’s change in ministration, and by faith they followed Him in His work in the sanctuary above. And all who through the testimony of the Scriptures accept the same truths, following Christ by faith as He enters in before God to perform the last work of mediation, and at its close to receive His kingdom—all these are represented as going in to the marriage.” Ibid., 427, 428.

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New International Version.)

Maurice Hoppe is Director of the Steps to Life Training Programs and a member of the Steps to Life Board. The Training Program for Ministers and Church Leaders is a correspondence course that prepares individuals to serve as a pastor or Bible worker. Preparing for the Final Conflict is a correspondence course for the laity. Both of these courses teach present truth that will be an anchor for the soul during the storm of opposition and persecution just ahead. He and his wife also have a correspondence course offered through Revelation Ministry. He can be contacted at: mauricehoppe@stepstolife.org.

Who Shall Enter the Pearly Gates?

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In the parable of the marriage feast in Matthew 22:14, Jesus makes the statement, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” I was thinking of that and a quote came to my mind from Ellen G. White where she said over a hundred years ago, that if Jesus was to return today, not one in twenty would be ready to meet their Lord. That means 100 are called, but not even five of 100, are chosen. It almost sounds like this is kind of unfair, but is God unfair or unjust? No! What is the reason that so many are invited and only a few are finally selected? God is the one who is sending out the invitation and He is the One who makes the decision as to who shall enter the pearly gates.

I first want to ask the question, what kind of God do we serve? Is He merciful? Is He long-suffering? Is He kind? Is He just? Is He fair? In Acts 10:34, it says, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, ‘Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.’” God is not looking at my position; He is not looking at my profession; He is not looking at my good looks or bad looks; He is not looking at my wealth or lack of wealth; He is not looking at my status or worldly accomplishments; at my intelligence or church office. The next verse makes it a little clearer, “But in every nation he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” These are exactly the same qualifications of the same message which is preached in the First Angel’s message in Revelation 14:7. It says there, “Fear God, and give glory to him.”

What Is God Like

Moses wanted to know what God was like. Moses said, “I beseech thee, show me thy glory.” Exodus 33:18. Was that a good request? He wanted to know what God was like. We read in Exodus 34:5-7, “And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.’” It is good to know that He is a God who is merciful. However, in the next verse it says, “That will by no means clear the guilty.” Even though He is merciful, long-suffering and kind, yet, He is also just.

In Micah 7:18 it says, “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever because he delighteth in mercy.” He loves to do it. Should not we also delight in mercy? “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3, 4. God wants everyone to be saved. He wants everyone to learn truth and to accept Him and to have salvation. This shows us His desires and what He is like.

God Wants You Eternally Saved

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11. Again, God does not want anyone to be lost, rather He wants every single person to have salvation. That is why He sends the invitation to all.

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9. Over and over again the Bible tells us that the Lord wants every single person to be saved. He has this desire because He wants us to live with Him. One of the greatest truths is that God is merciful and gracious, and one proof is that you and I are still here today so that we can receive a message of invitation. God is merciful, He is still waiting, He is still pleading. He does not want us to be lost.

The Wedding Feast

In Matthew 22:1-14 we read a parable about a wedding feast. “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants [that was the first time] to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.” A king’s invitation is refused. “Again, [a second time] he sent forth other servants, saying, ‘Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.’ But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But saith he to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.’” Now comes the third call. “’Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.’ So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, ‘Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.’”

Why Will So Many People Refuse a Free Gift?

If the Lord called so many people and sent out all the invitations, what is the reason that only a few are responding? “The Word of God plainly tells us that few will be saved, and that the greater number of those, even, who are called will prove themselves unworthy of everlasting life. They will have no part in heaven, but will have their portion with Satan, and experience the second death.” Testimonies to the Church, vol. 2, 293, 294

In Testimonies to the Church, vol. 5, 50, it says, “Many hear the invitation of mercy, are tested and proved; but few are sealed with the seal of the living God. Few will humble themselves as a little child, that they may enter the kingdom of heaven.” Pride makes it difficult to humble ourselves. The reason it is so difficult is because of self. Self is not dead, and it must be crucified.

Make Your Calling and Election Sure

“Probationary time is granted us, opportunities and privileges are given us to make our calling and election sure.” Review and Herald, November 22, 1898. We need to feed upon Jesus. We need to look beyond like Abraham. He looked at the city whose builder was God.

In Psalm 90:12 it says, “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” When you realize that everything you have here is only for a short time, you start thinking about things which are eternal. Review and Herald, May 8, 1900, says, “’Many are called, but few are chosen.’ This is a true statement of the final outcome. Man is very dear to the heart of God, and all are invited to this feast. But many come not having on the wedding garment. They do not accept Christ’s righteousness. They have not repented and made peace with God. They have not received his free gift.” Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:20, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

True or Artificial Righteousness?

The Pharisees had righteousness, but what kind of righteousness did they have? “The rabbis counted their righteousness a passport to heaven, but Jesus declared it to be insufficient and unworthy. External ceremonies and a theoretical knowledge of truth constituted Pharisaical righteousness. While they were punctilious in ritual observances, their lives were immoral and debased. Their so-called righteousness could never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Desire of Ages, 309

“The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness.” Desire of Ages, 309. Many today believe this, but it is not true. Jesus says it is unacceptable. “Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors and through their influence it is a curse to the world.” Desire of Ages, 310

“’Many are called,’ Christ said, ‘But few are chosen.’ If we would remember that we are on test and trial before the heavenly universe, that God is proving us to see what spirit we are, there would be more serious contemplation, more earnest prayer.” Signs of the Times, August 9, 1899. We are living in the day of the investigative judgment. We are living in the time of probation. We are living in the time when God is testing us to reveal what character we have developed.

The Bible simply states in Matthew 22:3, that after the invited guests received the first invitation, they would not come. They were not interested, is what they were saying. Do you think people know what they missed? No, they did not. They had no idea what they missed, and that is why they refused.

Excuses

In Luke 14:18-20, talking about the same parable, we are told, “They all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it.’” That is kind of foolish, because he had already bought it. He should have looked at it before he bought it. But he said he had bought a piece of ground and wanted to look at it. “And another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them.’” Today we probably would say, “We bought a car and we have to try it out.” “And another said, ‘I have married a wife.’” He should have brought her with him. Why are people making excuses? They are simply not interested. There is actually nothing wrong with all these things that the people did. What is wrong is their priorities. Jesus said to seek heaven first. After they were invited the second time, they went further and became more bold. Now they start making fun of the whole thing. They even went so far as to start persecuting the ones who preached the message killing some as they become more bold and hard.

Jesus said, “Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” Matthew 19:30. “Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8:11, 12. What a sad situation. The nation of Israel, chosen by God to be missionaries to the world, and He said that they would be in outer darkness.

The Wedding Garment

“When the wedding was furnished with guests, the king came in to see the guests, he saw there was a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, ‘Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?’” Matthew 22:10, 11. What was his answer? Nothing. He had nothing to say. He was invited, and he knew what he was doing, because he was invited and accepted the invitation, but he refused the wedding garment. “By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless character which Christ’s true followers will possess.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 310. That is a requirement; the pure, spotless character of Jesus Christ.

“Are you ready? Have you the wedding garment on? That garment will never cover deceit, impurity, corruption, or hypocrisy.” Testimonies to the Church, vol. 5, 220. “It is character that decides destiny.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 74. “It is not money or land or position, but the possession of a Christlike character that will open to us the gates of paradise.” Christian Service, 247

What are True Christians Like?

What is a Christlike character? A Christlike character is “purity, refinement, peace, and love.” Counsels on Stewardship, 113. “Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, and charity are the elements of a Christlike character.” Reflecting Christ, 173. “When the Holy Spirit is abiding in the heart, it will lead the human agent to see his own defects of character, to pity the weakness of others, to forgive as he wishes to be forgiven. He will be pitiful, courteous, Christlike.” The Faith I Live By, 53. “No rebuffs, no harsh, stinging, condemnatory words will come from our lips.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, 204. “Those who profess to be followers of Christ, and are at the same time rough, unkind, and uncourteous, in words or deportment, have not learned of Jesus. A blustering, overbearing, faultfinding man is not a Christian; for to be a Christian is to be Christlike.” Reflecting Christ, 305

A holy temper, and Christlike life is not only accessible, it is attainable; and my friends, it is also mandatory. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” The decision is ours. Let us accept the wedding garment on God’s simple condition of obedience. “The white garment is purity of character, the righteousness of Christ imparted to the sinner. This is indeed a garment of heavenly texture, that can be bought only of Christ for a life of willing obedience.” Testimonies to the Church, vol. 4, 88. Many are called, many are invited, but few are chosen. The outcome is based solely on a personally acquired Christlike character, and this is the only condition. If we are like Christ, we will be chosen. God has given us the power, He has given us the promise, He has given the help. May God help us as we do this with a humble heart, is my prayer.

The End