The
proclamation, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh," in the summer of 1844,
led thousands to expect the immediate advent of the Lord. At the appointed time
the Bridegroom came, not to the earth, as the people expected, 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, and the door was
shut." They were not to be present in person at the marriage; for it takes
place in Heaven, while they are upon the earth. The followers of Christ are to
"wait for their Lord, when he will <SI return from <EI the
wedding."[4 LUKE 12:36.] But they are to understand his work, and to
follow him by faith as he goes in before God. It is in this sense that they are
said to go in to the marriage.
In
the parable it was those that had oil in their vessels with their lamps that
went in to the marriage. Those who, with a knowledge of the truth from the
Scriptures, had also the Spirit and grace of God, and 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 ministration, and by faith they followed him in his work in the
sanctuary above. And all who through the testimony of the Scriptures accept the
same truths, following Christ by faith as he enters in before God to perform
the last work of mediation, and at its close to receive his kingdom,--all these
are represented as going in to the marriage.