Waiting for Their Lord

The proclamation “Behold, the bridegroom is coming” led thousands to expect the Lord to come immediately. At the appointed time the Bridegroom came—not to the earth, but to the Ancient of Days in heaven, to the marriage, the reception of His kingdom. “Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding.” They were not to be present in person, since they are on the earth. The followers of Christ are to “wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding” (Luke 12:36). But they are to understand His work and follow Him by faith. In this sense they are said to go in to the marriage.LF 176.4

In the parable, those who had oil in their lamps went in to the marriage. Those 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 Savior's change of priestly service. By faith they followed Him in His work in the sanctuary above. And all who accept the same truths, following Christ by faith as He performs the last work of mediation, go in to the marriage.LF 176.5