DO NOT DISTUB / THE CLOSED DOOR

Matthew 25:10–12 KJV (WS)

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

The parable our text is part of what could be called the closed-door parable, for that is the climax of the failure to properly prepare for dwelling with the Lord in glory.

The parable illustrates the tragic situation of having the door closed in regards to being with Christ. Many, unfortunately, will find a closed door in heaven because of their rejection of Christ.

We note three things regarding the closed door.

FIRST—THE PROCRASTINATION FOR THE CLOSED DOOR

“While they went to buy.”

The five foolish virgins were shut out of the wedding feast by the closed door.

The closing of the door against their entry was their own fault.

They had procrastinated about getting enough oil for their lamps and it was when they were our shopping that the door was closed.

The lesson here is that procrastination in spiritual matters will bring tragedy to the soul of man.

You cannot procrastinate in the matters of the soul and be a winner.

Someone has said that those who say they will be saved in the eleventh hour die at ten-thirty.

SECOND—THE PERMANENCY OF THE CLOSED DOOR

“The door was shut.”

The verb tense in this statement means the door was shut permanently.

That is where the tragedy is.

There was no hope for the five foolish virgins for whom the door was shut to keep them out.

Opportunity was gone for their entrance.

It was too late for them.

The door was closed and would not be opened to them.

They were forced to stay outside instead of entering for the blessing of the feast.

So it is with salvation.

If you put off getting saved and die in your sins, you will find the doors of heaven closed to you and permanently.

You will be shut out forever.

There is no hope to those who do not receive Christ in this life.

Once you die, your eternal destiny is sealed.

You will have no more opportunity to enter the portals of heaven.

Your soul is forever doomed.

No hope, all is lost.

Do not put off receiving Christ.

It can leave you a tragic case of a closed door.

FOURTH—THE PREPARATION FOR THE CLOSED DOOR

“They that were ready went in with him to the marriage.”

The five wise virgins who had adequately prepared their lamps with enough oil entered the house for the marriage feast.

Preparation for the great occasion was the key to their experiencing and enjoying the occasion.

One does not gain heaven accidently.

It involves proper preparation, something few people do.

One must receive Jesus Christ as his Savior if you want an open door and beckoning welcome to heaven.

If you have not had time for God in this life, He will not have time for you in the next life.

If you have been ashamed of Jesus Christ in this life, He will be ashamed of you in the next life.

Mark 8:38 KJV (WS)

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

The closed door of heaven is a tragic situation for any soul but it could have been avoided had the person prepared properly for eternity.