Among the many lessons to be gained through prayerful study there are some that strum the vibrant strings of the human soul more than others. The following gospel look into the parable of the ten virgins gives one superlative example. This story is viewed by many to represent the summit of openness to the call of GOD on the heart through Whose Presence the humble suppliant will one day receive everlasting life.

     Therefore, let us review the simple and perfect boundaries of GOD’S legal right to dwell in every willing heart.

     First, the consequence of unbelief in Christ is death, for the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in any man where sin is seated on the throne of his heart. This fate of death is inevitable because to ignore and overrule the manner through which GOD can legally save men shuts out the Holy Spirit’s power to raise that soul to “rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (Jn.11:24). The prophet Isaiah wrote a simple boundary that gives warning of when GOD’S Spirit leaves a man, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isa.59:2.

     It is the transgression of GOD’S established laws that has brought every woe to life. And if men will not honor GOD'S Holy Law here they would not honor it in heaven or in “the new earth.” It would not be safe to bring them there. One lifetime is the probation given to men; and if one lifetime will not convert the soul, leading to repentance and the renouncing of sin, a thousand lifetimes would avail nothing. They chose sin instead of Him, which the Bible and even common sense teaches is the path of suicide. And because GOD will never take their power of choice away He must allow them the choice they have made. He must allow them to die. A million years of life would never have changed their minds, for there is a simple boundary that men cross where revision is never achieved and repentance can never come. It’s called the unpardonable sin (Matt.23:31).

     There is a trial taking place on the Earth, and every human being is involved. Satan (the prosecuting attorney) accuses every man, woman, and child (of the age of accountability) of violating the same Ten Commandment Law that condemns himself. GOD confirmed this by declaring to him: “By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire” (Eze.28:16). Within this legal battle over the souls of men the Bible declares that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” (Rom.3:23). Therefore, legally the entire human race would stand condemned because “the soul that sinneth it shall die,” and “the wages of sin is death” (Eze.18:4; Rom.6:23). Man in his helpless estate stands to lose life forever—unless a Deliverer comes to turn the tables on the devil!

     Enter, Jesus Christ. The courtroom is hushed as He walks into the room. All eyes are fastened on Him! He approaches The Bench and declares before GOD the Father, “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick;” “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Eze.34:16; Lu.19:10.

     Satan immediately yells: “I object!” The Father responds, “Overruled! Proceed My Son.” The long list of every human being is presented, and one by one their lives are scrutinized by the Sacred Law that is the template for eternal life. Satan proceeds to itemize every sin of every man demanding that they have no right to life when he is forced to perish in “the lake of fire” cleansing of the Earth (II Pet.3:7). And one by one the mouth of the devil condemns every man before GOD.

     Now its time for the defense. Jesus stands in for the repentant sinner. While He acknowledges the hopeless condition of the human race He reminds the court that as the Creator and Father of Adam He alone had the right to take the punishment for every sin committed by His children and die as the Sole Recipient of sin's condemnation for those who believe on His Good Name. And as the Conqueror of both sin and the grave He declares before the Father: “Every precious soul who stood ignorant of My Life and Sacrifice but lived up to their conscience as led by the Holy Spirit, as well as the 'multitudes, and nations, and tongues' who have looked to Me and My sinless life to ‘cover the multitude of sins’ (I Pet.4:8) that their life be reserved for My Kingdom,” I call upon this court to declare My clients' innocence on all charges. Jesus turns to Satan and his "dream team" declaring: “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” Jn.8:46.

     The Father strikes the sounding block with the gavel, declaring, "This court finds every repentant defendant — Not Guilty! "Court's Adjourned!"

“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Rev.12:10; 21:3.

     And they lived happily ever after…