The Correct Answer

When I was in middle school, we had math textbooks with various problems. Each year these problems became more complex, and they had to be solved without aids. During a test, I could only use my own knowledge. But it was also interesting that in each textbook, on the very last pages, there was a section with correct answers. I could always compare what I got after my calculations with what was at the end of the textbook. I also understood that if I decided not to calculate anything on my own, but simply take the ready answer and write it in without providing the teacher with a scheme of my analysis of the task, he would not accept such a solution and would give me a failing grade. Therefore, I had to rack my brains over each new equation, and it took a lot of my personal time, which I could have spent walking and spending time with street friends. And my parents wouldn't let me go out until I did all my homework correctly, which I always really disliked.

Now I don't worry about spending some time solving these problems and not being able to go for a walk. I don't think about the mistakes I made, getting bad grades. All this formed in me the ability to study, persistence, patience, and diligence, which came in very handy later. And when I believed in Christ, then the peculiarities of my ability to learn and know became a special blessing for me.

If I receive a task from the Lord, I understand that it should be solved independently, without using other people's hints as a ready answer. Although, if I initially know the final result and see the goal I should reach, it's easier for me to navigate in the search for truth and choose the right direction.

Studying the science of love in our School, we have come to the conclusion that the message to Laodicea and the parable of the ten virgins directly concern our topic, and these messages teach and reveal to us that love is something very important. You need to have it. It's worth searching for independently, filling your life with this gift.

But at the end of our textbook is the correct answer. Let's read it. In the book "Christ's Object Lessons," at the very end it is written: "The oil for the lamps symbolizes the Holy Spirit" (p. 406). And then there are references to Scripture and a short explanation. People who have read this book have understood the correct answer, and confidently give it out when I ask: "And what is the oil for my lamp?" I answered like that myself.

And do you know who is the most ardent defender of the theory of evolution in our time? Those who superficially encountered this teaching and believed in what was presented to them. And for them, even the lack of evidence and the fact that this theory has remained a theory for 175 years is not evidence of the doubtfulness of evolutionary assumptions, which can be accepted as truth only on faith. But if you ask a professor of evolution to present evidence, he will say that not everything is as simple and correct as it is presented to the world. There are many missing links that would connect the logical chain of scientific research.

And we study the most faithful Word of God, where we see consistency and harmonious transition and mutual support of one truth with another. Although in the science of God, a lot must be accepted on faith, but this is also the key to subsequent discoveries.

Studying the science of love, we know the correct answer that "God is Love," but this does not calm me down and encourages me to find the right solution to this complex problem, devoting all my free time to it and thinking about it day and night.

Knowing that the oil for the lamp is the Holy Spirit, I cannot simply take this answer and stop until I independently dig down to it. My Heavenly Teacher can give me a failing grade if I start peeking at the suggested answers and taking them without examining ways to solve important problems on my own. And I hear correct answers to any questions around me. But will those answering be able to show me their research and read to me from the Bible consistent proofs of their statements? This is where it will be discovered that the oil was bought for temporary lamp repair, and there were no deep reserves of knowledge and experience.

The enemy of the soul will definitely come to each of us with a request to show him valid proofs of our hope and Biblical confirmations of our teaching. And this will happen in the presence of many people who will listen to us very carefully and try to understand the logical sequence of our truths and my faith. And I will have to give an account. And just a ready template answer will not satisfy anyone. Thinking people will immediately understand that they are dealing with an amateur, and will go to look for another.

Let's also, friends, knowing the correct answer, still try to independently understand in more detail the solution to this question.

If you just read the lessons and don't devote your time to doing homework, you will know the correct answers, but you won't be able to prove them independently and show the Teacher the path of your research and diligent reflection. After all, the main role in the story with oil was played not by the presence of oil, but by its reserve, what the wise virgins managed to accumulate. During the preparation, the lamps were burning for everyone, but at the moment of the most solemn event, they went out for those who had no reserve.

Has it happened to you that you couldn't explain your hope because you simply didn't know what to say, or didn't remember where it was written about? After all, it's important not just to answer, but to understand the meaning of the question and hear the true need of the person.

The Holy Spirit is a very mysterious and enigmatic Person of the Godhead. He is independent of our opinion about Him, and at the same time He warns us not to become His blasphemers. When He clearly reveals something to us, we have no excuse that we didn't understand something. And regarding the very end of history, we are given assurance that a special power of the Holy Spirit will be sent to those believers who will seek and thirst for it. How this will look in reality, I don't know, but I understand that everything will not be as it is now. And that knowledge, and diligence in the desire to get to the truth and receive the deep treasures of God's revelations, will play an important role during the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The study of the science of love will set aside its store of knowledge in my mind and leave an indelible mark on my life experience and in the lives of those on whom the power of love was tested.

Oil for the lamp is available to everyone. It is not hidden behind incomprehensible symbols. The same Holy Spirit is interested in me clearly, in detail, understanding what to do, what these symbols mean, where it is acquired and what it is paid with. And it is He who teaches me this, using my interest, available means and those to whom something has already been revealed more than to me.

Having the correct answer is not always the correct answer for God. He will definitely ask me to show my consistent calculations for this problem. And such a situation will very quickly reveal to everyone my laziness, carelessness and cunning, and although the answer will be correct, it will not be complete.

Questions for reflection on this chapter:

1. Please read John 14:26; Proverbs 16:16; Psalm 90:12; Daniel 12:3-4,10; Psalm 39:30; 49:3; 51:6; 107:1-14; Proverbs 1:1-9; 2:1-9; 3:13; 4:7; 9:9 in light of this chapter.

2. What did you understand from this chapter?

3. Is it good to solve problems knowing the correct answer?

4. What can you come to in solving problems if you don't know the correct answer?

5. What sources of spiritual information can be trusted?

6. Should the peculiarities of the life of a person who thinks differently from you be taken into account?

7. How do you understand the expression "oil reserve"? What is it?

8. How and where is our oil accumulated?

9. What awaits a person who does not know and does not study the Bible, but is preparing for the Second Coming? What would you advise him?

10. What role does the Holy Spirit play in my preparation for the last events?

11. Will our salvation and training be collective or individual?

12. Do I need to be a member of some denomination to prepare for the last events and have confidence in the right path? Or is it better to be alone?

13. What about those who understand that they are in a church where correct answers are rejected and their own are offered?

14. Is it important to correctly understand the message to Laodicea and follow what is offered in it?

15. Why does God have no more rebuking messages for Laodicea and for the foolish virgins?