Waiting for Their Lord

The proclamation “Behold, the bridegroom cometh” led thousands to expect the immediate advent of the Lord. 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. “They that were ready went in with him to the marriage.” They were not to be present in person, for they are on 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 follow Him by faith. In this sense they are said to go in to the marriage.HF 264.3

In the parable, those that 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 Saviour's change of ministration. 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.HF 264.4