mat 22v01 14 The Parable of The Marriage Feast
THE PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE FEAST
Matthew 22:1-14
In this parable
our Savior plainly teaches us six things about the gospel of the grace
of God.
(1) THE SALVATION PROCLAIMED IN THE GOSPEL IS
COMPARED TO A MARRIAGE
FEAST (v. 2). At a marriage feast everything is provided for the guests. Even so, in the gospel of Christ there
is complete provision for all the needs of a man's soul.
(2) THE INVITATIONS OF TEE GOSPEL ARE FULL, FREE, AND UNLIMITED. "All things are ready: come unto the
marriage" (V. 4). The gospel of Christ places an open door before all mankind, and says, "Come". No one is excluded from the range of its invitation. Though only few enter in by the straight gate, all are invited.
(3) THE GOSPEL
OF THE GRACE OF GOD IS FLATLY REJECTED BY MANY WHO HEAR IT (v. 5). Though
many bitterly oppose the gospel, most
simply love and prefer other things to Christ. Their hearts are so full of the
pleasures and cares of the world that there is no room for the gospel. Multitudes will find themselves in
hell, not because they were grossly immoral, but because they loved this world.
(4) MANY WHO PROFESS TO BELIEVE THE GOSPEL ARE YET UNDER THE WRATH OF GOD (vv. 10-13). Many, like the man without a wedding garment profess faith, but do not possess Christ. The vast majority of those who take up
a profession of
religion are walking in the broad road of free-will and good works which leads
to destruction.
(5) IN THE LAST
DAY ALL FALSE PROFESSORS WILL BE DETECTED, EXPOSED, AND ETERNALLY CONDEMNED
(w. 12-13). In this life a profession of
faith and a fairly moral life is enough to secure for you a reputation as a
Christian. But when you stand before God, he will look for true faith in the heart and the garment of Christ’s
righteousness upon you. If that is not found, you will be lost forever.
(6) THE SOURCE
AND CAUSE OF TRUE FAITH IN THE HEART IS GOD'S SOVEREIGN, ELECTING LOVE.
"For many are called, but few are
chosen.” If you and I truly believe the gospel, if we truly rest our souls upon
Christ alone, it is because God from old eternity chose us as the objects of his special
love and grace (Jer. 31:3).