Christ, as our Savior, wants us to have a "New Year's Resolutions" experience on a daily basis. In His own words, the recipe for true new year livin' is: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23 What is that cross? There are certain ingredients in the recipe that together constitute a cross. We will examine Matthew 25 to heighten our thinking about resolutions and the cross-bearing Christ intends for us through them.

The 10 virgins of the parable, 5 wise and 5 foolish, represent 2 classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord. They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith, based on the scriptures. Their lamps represent the Word of God. ("Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light upon my path." Psalm 119:105). The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. (see Zechariah 4:14)

No one call tell the difference between them. That's how it will be with the church just before Christ's second coming. All 10 virgins are confidently expecting His appearance. But, because there is a delay, their faith is tried. And when the cry is heard, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," many will not be ready. They have no oil in their vessels. They are destitute of the Holy Spirit.

Without the Spirit of God, a knowledge of His word is of no avail. The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit, cannot give life to the soul. This new year, 2008, it is a new life we need and want. We must have it. But unless the Spirit of God brings the truth home to settle in our hearts, our characters will not be transformed.

The foolish virgins are not hypocrites. They have a regard for truth, they advocate truth, they are attracted to others who believe the truth, but they have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working. They have not fallen upon the Rock Christ Jesus and had their old nature "broken up." They are content with a superficial work. They do not know God. They are heard crying "peace and safety" in these perilous times. They lull their hearts into security and don't dream of danger.

When they are startled from their lethargy by the stupendous events that are taking place (i.e. 911, etc.), and soon will take place, then they see their spiritual destitution, and ask others to supply their lack of oil. But in spiritual things, no man can make up for another's deficiency.

The grace of God has been freely offered to every soul. "Let him that is athrist, come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17. Character is not transferable. No man can believe for another. No man can receive Christ for another. No man can impart to another the character which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit's work in the heart.

God's Word is a light, a transforming power in the life of the receiver. By implanting in their hearts the principles of God's Word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. In this way, His character shines forth in His followers.

In this work, humanity can originate NOTHING. No one, by his own effort, can make himself be "born again." It is only the oil of the Holy Spirit that generates life. In the hearts of all who are united to God by faith, the golden oil of love flows freely, to shine out in good works, in real, heartfelt service for God.

Christ has made provision, through His sacrifice, that His church will be illumined with light, possessing the glory of Immanuel. From resolution to reality, folks, march on into 2008. The King of glory (self-sacrificing love) leads the way.

Much of this article is taken from my favorite book about the parables Jesus told. The name of the book is Christ's Object Lessons. Those who would like a copy, may contact this columnist.