The Last Few Seconds

[LilyM]

Remember the story of the foolish women who didn’t bring enough oil for their lamps and so were refused entry to the wedding? Does it matter whether their oil ran out two minutes before the bridegroom arrived or two days? The point is they weren’t where they were supposed to be when he came. That’s why we are meant to be vigilant both in prayers and good works, and in guarding against sin.

Minor nit, but I think bridegrooms are men

Jeremy

Ummm … parable of the foolish virgins? Matthew Chapter 25? Of course the bridegroom was a man, the attendants were women, half of them (the women) were locked out of the wedding feast because they weren’t there when he arrived - having gone to get oil for their lamps, having run out while waiting. Everything I said is correct.

I think you might need to reread that passage.

 

[jemfinch]

Ummm … parable of the foolish virgins? Matthew Chapter 25? Of course the bridegroom was a man, the attendants were women, half of them (the women) were locked out of the wedding feast because they weren’t there when he arrived - having gone to get oil for their lamps, having run out while waiting. Everything I said is correct.

I think you might need to reread that passage.

Indeed. And, having checked the Greek, you’re even right about the virgins being women–for some reason, I’d always read them as male virgins, not female virgins.

I’m not sure what my wife would think if there 10 female virgins waiting for me the night before our wedding

Jeremy

 

[LilyM]

Indeed. And, having checked the Greek, you’re even right about the virgins being women–for some reason, I’d always read them as male virgins, not female virgins.

I’m not sure what my wife would think if there 10 female virgins waiting for me the night before our wedding

Jeremy

Well, if you’re smart you’d make sure she had 10 male virgins to attend on her in her turn, and thus no cause to complain

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

Not to drift too far OT, but I should probably clarify something: I thought long about whether to say that it appeared to me that Dante was inspired by God in writing the Commedia, because that is quite a loaded statement, and I didn’t want to hijack the thread with that discussion. Apparently, the statement I settled on did not hint at my meaning sufficiently…hehe…

EDIT: …and yes, the name “Sayers” rings a bell…
Peace,
Dante

ISTM meaningless to deny that he was inspired - whatever that may mean ​

Works of literature of that quality can hardly be described by any other term. I think even Dante may have to yield to Homer - he is the very greatest of all poets, bar none.

But it’s probably best not to pursue the matter on this thread, as you say

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

Much better. You replies have really helped. I need to somehow copy/paste this thread somewhere for safekeeping.

And to answer the question laid before me by several people. Yes, my hypothetical wonderful Christian who suddenly sinned unto death right before he died was lame example, at best. More realistically, what about this person?

Does well for a long time, and by does well I mean really tried the best to seek and serve God with all their heart and then sort of drifts away. And by drifts away I mean becomes lukewarm and blah, but possibly not committing any mortal sins. And then died.

I realize that question may be just as tricky to answer, as we can not presume to really, REALLY know the state of someone’s soul when they die.

I’m pretty sure there’s a better way to ask this question but it eludes me. But your answers make all kinds of sense.

And yes, actually, after I lay down to sleep (I made this thread just before going to bed) I said to myself “What a minute! I’ve always accepted the possibility of the hideous person who suddenly repents right before he dies being forgive…why not the reverse?” I had no answer for myself.

ISTM that some questions cannot be asked except as strictly practical ones - such as, questions about people’s standing before God.​

I think this question, if it is not to be come unreal, has to start with the self - because the self is the only self of whom one has anything like inside knowledge; & even that, is very imperfect. But to ask this about others, is like a lapse in good taste; because one does not known about their state before God, & there is a sort of irreverence in trying to do so, unless they spontaneously unburden themselves. The soul of a man is like the ground near the burning bush - it’s sacred, God’s property; & so, out of bounds unless one is invited onto it. IMHO anyway.

 

[mike3334]

In addition to the excellent responses you’ve already got, keep in mind that God is the God of all history, including when and how we die.

God wills our salvation and will give us the opportunity to come to him but he won’t do violence to our free will. Since God is merciful, he is not interested in playing a game of “gotcha”. He alone knows our the truest disposition of our hearts in the light of his grace and He will allow that disposition to translate to our eternal lives.

Thank you for your post, DeFide. This is a comforting thought.