THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
A pastor ran an ad in the local paper for a "housekeeper."
The next day, a young man came to the pastor's office asking to see him.
The secretary brought the young man in.
He said, "HI! I came to see about...."
The pastor interrupted, "Young man, can you sweep, mop, make beds, and run errands?"
The young man blushed, then started for the door, as he said,
"Sir, I came to see about getting married. But, if it entails that - I'm no longer interested!"
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________SCRIPTURE_____________________________________________________
Matt 22:11-14
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment ? And he was speechless.
13 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.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
KJV
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_______THOUGHT_________________________________________________________
There is a tradition, even today, that the bridegroom provide his "best man" and other attendants with the clothing to wear for the wedding. That tradition is from the past.
In those days, when Jesus was teaching, a person who came to the wedding, was given a "garment" to wear that would identify them as invited.
Considering salvation, those who come willingly to Christ are given "robes of righteousness."
That righteousness is certainly not ours, but it is the very righteousness of Christ imputed (See 2Corinthians 5:21, and Philippians 3:9, and Revelation 19:8).
NONE shall remain at the "wedding feast" of Christ without the "wedding garment!"
"For many are called, but few are chosen!"
In His "election," God has chosen ANY who willingly come to Christ as Lord.
He meets them at their repentance, where they surrender their will to His will.
He greets them with love because they show due reverence to the SON of the KING.
And, He adorns them with the appropriate "wedding garment."
But don't miss this important part: God's "election" to "whosoever" includes ONLY those who have received a "wedding garment!"
The man in the parable thought he could come on his own goodness!
I'll say it again, WITHOUT SURRENDER THERE IS NO SALVATION!
Love ya,
Bruce