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Matthew 24:43 |
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But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
Note 17 at Mt. 24:43: This is the first parable of four (2nd--the faithful and wise servant--Mt. 24:45-51; 3rd--the ten virgins--Mt. 25:1-13; 4th--the different talents--Mt. 25:14-30) that Jesus uses to emphasize the need to be ready for His return. He then follows all of these parables with an illustration of how the true possessors of Christ would be separated from mere professors (Mt. 25:31-46).
Many doctrines have been developed from the details of these parables. While there is no doubt that there are doctrinal truths to be learned in these passages, we cannot take the liberty to use symbolism and create doctrines that are not well established in other passages of scripture. The overall point that each parable is making is very clear and can be agreed on by all, and that is: Be ready!
