Questions by Ellet Joseph Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 27, 1882

Questions.

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

"In the parable of the marriage of the king's son, Matt. 22:2-13, there were a few questions that the Sabbath-school would like to have answered. "1. Who is meant by the king in this parable? "2. When and how does the king come in to see the guests? "3. Is this the same marriage supper as that mentioned in Rev. 19:9? J. M. B."

In the study of every parable we must bear in mind that no single illustration can meet every particular of the thing illustrated. We find many parables illustrative of the kingdom of Heaven; if one parable could cover the whole ground, the others would be unnecessary.

Again, when no explanation of the different points of the parable is given, we should be cautious in regard to our interpretation. In the parable of the tares, Matt. 13, the meaning of every point is given, and there can be no doubt; but in regard to the exact meaning of every particular of the parable under consideration, we should not be too positive.

It seems very evident that the marriage supper in Rev. 19:9 is the same as the one referred to in the parable. That takes place when the saints are taken to the holy city, the New Jerusalem. This is the time to which Christ referred at the last supper, when he said: "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." Matt. 26:29. The parable, however, covers all that period of time which is occupied in bidding the guests, the preparation of the supper, and calling those who had been bidden. It includes not merely the supper itself, but also the privileges of the gospel, which serve to prepare for the supper. This time commenced when the plan of salvation was first made known to man.

We are then shut up to the conclusion that God the Father is represented by the king, and the son is Jesus Christ. Revelation 19:7 states that it is "the marriage of the Lamb."

Without any positive evidence, it would seem that the first call was given by John the Baptist, when he came preaching, "Repent ye; for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand." The bidding had been done previously by the prophets. The second call, then, must have been given by Christ and his associates, the twelve and the seventy. Both these calls were to the Jews. When they rejected these, and "spitefully entreated" the messengers, their doom was pronounced: "Behold your house is left unto you desolate." In Luke 19:41-44 the destruction of Jerusalem is foretold, and the reason is given: "Because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation." The parable says: "They which were bidden were not worthy." The Jews, as a nation, were then rejected, and their city was virtually destroyed.

The last call commenced when the apostles turned to the Gentiles, and is now being given to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." This call brings in many, both "bad and good." Matt. 7:21-23. But there must be at some time a separation, for none can enter in to the marriage save those who have on the wedding garment—righteousness. This is done in the Investigative Judgment. The record of each professor's life is examined to see who is worthy to be taken into the kingdom when Christ comes. Thus the king comes in to see the guests. This part of the parable corresponds to the parable in Matt. 13:47-50.