WHICH SIDE OF THE DOOR ARE YOU

HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

“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. ¹¹ Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. ¹² But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” Matthew 25:10-12

Some were outside the gate. I scarcely venture to think what the exclusion involved for them. I cannot portray it. This is one of those cases in which speech is not expressive enough. It meant banishment from the life and light and love within — poor outcasts they are, and exiles from God. It meant misery and defilement and despair — are they not in the fetters and dungeons of eternal sin? It meant a fathomless and measureless sorrow! There is a ring of finality, of hopelessness, in the sound of the door as it is closed and fastened and barred.

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THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT IS LOVE

But some were inside the gate. Here again, I am unable to describe such delight, such pleasure! For those within, it was as blessed, as for the others it was dreadful, that the gate was shut.

• It meant safety — within the walls and towers of the New Jerusalem, the enemy does not hurt or annoy.
• It meant holiness — when the key is turned in the door, my besetting sins will be left outside forever.
• It meant the incorruptible inheritance and the crown of glory — they shall never leave the Celestial City!
• It meant the noblest and completest consecration — God is better served by the lowest in Heaven, than by the highest on earth.

And the door was shut! For me, the one crucial and momentous question is, “On which side of the door shall I stand?” Surely not in the desolation without. Surely — through the overflowing and triumphant grace of my Lord — in the gladness within!