It’s common for wedding invitations to include an “RSVP” to determine whether or not an invited guest is planning to attend. This allows the bride and groom to adequately prepare for the number who will attend their wedding and banquet.

In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus discusses the parable of the ten bridesmaids. He speaks of the five wise and the five foolish ones. The wise ones were ready for the bridegroom’s coming and went in with him to the wedding. Whereas the foolish ones were not prepared. Instead, they were out buying oil. When they returned, they stood outside, pleading for the bridegroom to open the door. But, he responded, “Believe me, I do not know you” (Matthew 25:12 NLT).

How do you remain ready for Christ’s second coming? First, you must answer “yes” to the Lord’s invitation to accept Jesus as your Savior. Second, stay alert, obeying God’s Word, serving Him, and remaining pure and devoted to the Lord. With God’s Holy Spirit living inside of you, you’ll be ready to enter into the marriage feast that the Bridegroom, Christ Jesus, is preparing for His bride—the church.