22:4Matthew 22:4

Again a king sends other servants to those already invited, giving them a personal final call to come because the wedding dinner is now fully ready.COL 307.2–308.1+4 The ready dinner of slain oxen and fatlings is the gospel feast, the marriage supper of the Lamb, with full provision made by atoning death, justification by faith and the treasures of the Word for abundant life.Ms 185, 1903, par. 1–3+4 Those first bidden are the Jewish nation and its leaders, who with one consent make excuse for farm and merchandise and then despitefully persecute and kill the messengers, and so show themselves unworthy and bring upon themselves destruction of their city.Ms 46, 1896, par. 1–2+4 Only those who put on the wedding garment provided for every believing guest are received, for the garment is the spotless robe of Christ's righteousness and a transformed obedient character, and to come in one's own self-righteousness is to dishonor the king and be cast out.14MR 122.2–123.1+4 The king's examination of the guests is the investigative judgment before probation closes, so this life is the time to repent, receive forgiveness and be ready for Christ's soon coming, and the church must carry this last urgent invitation to all in the highways until the house is full.GC 428.1–2+4

The invitation is a king's invitation, proceeding from one vested with power to command and conferring high honor, so that refusal carries greater guilt than refusal of a householder's supper.COL 307.2–308.1+1 While the householder's invitation was regarded with indifference, the king's is met with insult and scorn, his servants treated despitefully and slain, and with deeper insult comes more dreadful punishment.COL 307.2–308.1 The king's feast involved much, yet the guests excused themselves on circumstances and supposed duties and rejected the king's request, and their lightly esteeming it despised his authority.COL 307.2–308.1+1

It is a second sending to those already bidden.Ms 46, 1896, par. 1–2+2 First a general invitation goes to those who think themselves worthy to be bidden, then other servants are sent to invite them personally so the king may assure himself that his guests understand the invitation.Ms 46, 1896, par. 1–2 This renewed sending gives another opportunity and final call, assuring them that all things are now ready and urging them to come to the marriage feast, yet with one consent they begin to make excuse and will not come.Ms 46, 1896, par. 1–2+2 The call can be heard in thought and its truth accepted in thought, yet still be refused through disobedience, and those who heeded it could have joined the messengers in extending it.RH May 8, 1900+1

The prepared dinner with oxen and fatlings killed means the meal is prepared and everything is ready for the wedding feast, the gospel feast, the marriage supper of the Lamb.Ms 185, 1903, par. 1–3+4 The hall is lit and the table spread, with angels spreading the table and laying sacred bread upon it while the King calls His own to the feast.COL 423.3 The invitation is still being extended, calling people to make ready to enter the wedding and to be gathered in so the house may be filled.Ms 185, 1903, par. 1–3+2

The dinner made ready is the rich repast of redemption prepared by atoning death, the richest blessings from heaven in the full cup of the wine of truth.Lt 61, 1893, par. 2–3+2 It is the message of justification by faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ brought to show the true state, to be drunk fully with the trumpet giving a certain sound while walking and working in the light in close relation to the messengers God is using.Lt 61, 1893, par. 2–3 It is the treasures of God's Word, His word full of marrow and fatness, set as a banquet able to satisfy every want and giving comfort, safety, health, light and abundant life to those who receive Him.Ms 70, 1901, par. 6–8+2 Coming proves His confidence that a large number will respond to His unequaled love and that every yearning heart searching with all the heart may respond and find Him, for He waits for response and cannot work for the soul that does not respond to offered grace; holding aloof with only partial harmony and clinging to the old citizen's dress instead of the dress prepared by the Lord Jesus Christ is refusing to come.Lt 61, 1893, par. 2–3+1

The marriage represents the union of humanity with divinity, for which all who would be counted fit guests must possess the character represented by the wedding garment.COL 307.1 In the parable Christ is the Bridegroom, and the invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb is God's call sent through His servants for many centuries and to be carried to all nations, though the world disregards it for worldly pursuits and pleasures.Ms 185, 1903, par. 1–3+1 The destruction of the murderers and their city is linked to Daniel 9:26, which foretells the destruction of the city by the people of the coming Prince.Ms 8, 1874, par. 4–5

The first invitation was the work of the twelve and afterward the seventy proclaiming that the kingdom of God was at hand and calling men to repent and believe, which was not heeded.COL 308.2–3 The other servants are apostles and other messengers sent after the crucifixion to those claiming to be God's peculiar people, to the Jewish nation, with the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit declaring the provision complete and salvation ready and urging them to accept pardon for rejecting the Lord of glory.Ms 29, 1898, par. 14–15+1 The nation rejected the offer, many scornfully and others with exasperation turning upon the bearers with great persecution, thrusting men and women into prison and putting messengers such as Stephen and James to death, though even persecutors could have been forgiven had they repented, and by this the people sealed rejection of mercy bringing the foretold judgment fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem and scattering of the nation.Ms 29, 1898, par. 14–15+1

The parable distinguishes the wedding guests from the bride, raising the question who is invited if the church is the bride.LS 120.4–121.3 Those who put off the common citizen's dress and put on the robe of Christ's righteousness show belonging to His church as those married to Christ as His bride, with changed speech and conversation in altogether another line and faith standing not in human wisdom but in the power of God.Ms 143, 1898, par. 5+1 Some accept hoping only to benefit themselves, wanting the provisions while refusing to put on the garment, and only those who accept with the distinguishing dress of truth as it is in Jesus, the white linen of a clean pure character, honor Christ.Ms 143, 1898, par. 6–8

Those first bidden are the chosen people, the Jewish nation, first approached through the higher classes, the princes of the land.Ms 18, 1899, par. 1–4+2 The renewed call is also directed to the great men of the earth, the great and worldly-wise men for whom the ransom of precious blood was paid.Ms 46, 1896, par. 14–16 As Sin-bearer a way has been opened whereby all who desire eternal life above every earthly consideration may come, with all things ready.Ms 46, 1896, par. 14–16

They refuse with one consent, beginning to make excuse and refusing to come even when personally assured that all things are now ready for the marriage feast.Ms 46, 1896, par. 1–2+1 They are wholly intent on securing worldly gain, going to their farm and to merchandise, absorbed in buying and selling, planting and building, leaving eternity out of the reckoning.Ms 18, 1899, par. 1–4+1 They pride themselves in buying and selling and getting gain, thinking they cannot afford to lose any worldly advantage to enjoy the heavenly feast.Ms 18, 1899, par. 1–4+1 Thinking their own wisdom sufficient and speaking as though oracles of wisdom, they have not sought the Lord nor inquired for Him, and they do not feel sufficient respect for the master of the feast to respond, saying to be excused.Ms 18, 1899, par. 1–4+1

The king’s invitation is met not only with indifference but with insult, for while the householder’s supper was disregarded, the king’s authority is despised and his servants are treated with scorn, despitefully used and slain.COL 307.2–308.1 Many reject scornfully or violently, turning upon the bearers with persecution, thrusting men and women into prison and putting messengers such as Stephen and James to death.Ms 29, 1898, par. 14–15+1 Even Christ’s persecutors could have been forgiven if they had repented.Ms 29, 1898, par. 14–15

By this refusal those first called show themselves unworthy and seal their rejection of God’s mercy, rejecting the offer of salvation and pardon for rejecting the Lord of glory.Ms 18, 1899, par. 1–4+1 The foretold judgment is brought upon themselves, linked to Daniel 9:26, fulfilled in the destruction of the murderers and their city in the destruction of Jerusalem and the scattering of the nation.Ms 8, 1874, par. 4–5+1 Because they were not worthy, the king then sends his messengers into the highways to bid as many as they find.Ms 18, 1899, par. 1–4

The marriage feast is a heavenly invitation prepared for the invited guests’ benefit, with everything ready and a renewed call to come.Lt 7, 1869, par. 6–7 Turning aside for slight personal interests is to reject that invitation.Lt 7, 1869, par. 6–7 The repeated call offers pardon and salvation only while opportunity remains, and must be answered before probation closes, because there will be no second bidding or later opportunity to accept it.Ms 59, 1895, par. 34–39 Those who remain unready may seek admission too late after the door is shut, and their unreadiness can also discourage others from accepting.Ms 59, 1895, par. 34–39+1

The king receives and counts fit only those guests who meet his requirement by putting on the wedding garment he has provided for every guest, and none can share the feast without it.COL 312.1–3+3 That provision reaches even the lowliest who believes in Christ as personal Saviour, and no one gains a place of honor there by superior intellect, refinement of ideas, or any garment of his own, for all stand lost and hopeless in garments of self-righteousness.8MR 309.1–310.1+2 A man's own defiled righteousness is not fit for that presence, and the guest who refuses the provided garment is cast out as treating grace with contempt.Lt 49, 1887, par. 5+1

The garment is the robe of Christ's righteousness, spotless as the pure white lily, the richest gift that can be bestowed on mortal man, woven in the loom of heaven.14MR 122.2–123.1+3 It is the white linen of a clean, pure character, truth as it is in Jesus, the righteousness of Christ as set forth in the sixth chapter of John.14MR 122.2–123.1+2 It is a sanctified character representing Christ, shown in lives made Christlike and obedient to God's commandments, and without accepting it no one has on the wedding garment.Ms 13, 1899, par. 1–2+2

Taking the invitation means taking the marriage contract and partaking of the supper, declaring acceptance of Christ as personal Saviour.Ms 143, 1898, par. 6–8+1 It means surrendering to God what is already His own and ceasing from continued sin, associating with Him who gives real value to character.Ms 13, 1899, par. 1–2+2 He brings back to allegiance to God and His commandments, places His image and superscription, and changes men into obedient loyal children.Ms 143, 1898, par. 6–8+1

God has prepared the heavenly banquet for all, not for a few, by sending His Son to die for the world so that through faith in Him people become one with God.8MR 309.1–310.1+1 No walls are built to keep any living soul from salvation, and wonderful possibilities are provided for everyone who has faith in Christ.8MR 309.1–310.1+1 All who are willing to be saved are the elect, predestinated from the foundation of the world, and their effectual salvation as a peculiar people chosen from among men brings praise and glory to His grace, power, and wisdom.6MR 388.2

Outward acceptance and profession of truth is not enough, for merely hearing and talking the Word all over the world does not put on the garment.RH Feb 26, 1901+3 The truth must be brought from the outer court into the heart, with self laid aside and Christ abiding within, receiving Christ personally and being transformed by putting on His righteousness in daily life.RH Feb 26, 1901+2 That change requires reformation of heart and doing the Word, repentance and confession, humble dependence on God in the humility, meekness and lowliness of Christ, vital connection with Him, anointed eyes to discern truth, changed speech and conversation in altogether another line, and faith standing not in human wisdom or human standards and ideas but in the power of God.RH Feb 26, 1901+4 Those who profess to believe yet carry self with them and do not practice the truth remain unsanctified hearers only and will meet judgment for coming without the garment.RH Feb 26, 1901+3

Coming without the garment is having a form of godliness without the inward working of the Holy Spirit in life and practice, clinging to the old citizen's dress and to one's own defiled self-righteousness.Lt 61, 1893, par. 2–3+3 Those who refuse the decided change cherish traits of character that unfit them to see and understand the working of the Spirit and leave them led by another spirit.Lt 61, 1893, par. 2–3+1 To venture in in citizen's garments does the greatest dishonor to Him who invited and prepared the robe, treats His grace with contempt, and leaves one among unsanctified hearers only, as foolish virgins without oil and the man without the wedding garment, to be cast out, unready and judged.Lt 94, 1898, par. 10–15+4

Some accept hoping only to benefit themselves, wanting the provisions while refusing to put on the garment.Ms 143, 1898, par. 6–8+1 They refuse the same implicit obedience and high-principled service required of all invited, and in refusing Christ's righteousness they do not honor Him.6T 295.2+2 Their neglect of faithful service to seek and save the lost and their misuse of opportunities, talents, and abilities show their acceptance is only nominal and leave them accountable to God.STMW10 4.2–5.1+2

The wedding itself takes place only after the king comes in to examine the guests, and that examination is the investigative judgment.GC 428.1–2 It is the closing work in the heavenly sanctuary, in which every professed follower is examined to see whether the wedding garment is possessed.GC 428.1–2 That garment is spotless character made white in the blood of the Lamb.GC 428.1–2 Those found with it are accepted as worthy to share in the kingdom of God, while those found without it are cast out.GC 428.1–2

This judgment work ends before probation closes and the door of mercy is shut.GC 428.1–2 The invitation to the feast therefore makes readiness necessary now, for this present life is the time given to prepare before Christ comes.GC 428.1–2+1

The invitation is the last call to the marriage supper, the gospel feast identified as the marriage supper of the Lamb.6T 412.2+2 It belongs with the final proclamation of Christ's soon coming and must still reach people and places that have not yet heard it, so more messengers are needed to proclaim it.6T 412.2+1 It is an urgent call to be prepared because time is short.Lt 86, 1889, par. 4 Answering that call requires being clothed in the white robe of Christ's righteousness.Lt 86, 1889, par. 4+1

Being ready means accepting that robe so as not to be found without the wedding garment, and receiving the peace of Christ.Lt 86, 1889, par. 4 It requires repentance and confession in order to receive forgiveness, for those who refuse may remain in darkness until it is too late to put wrongs right.Lt 86, 1889, par. 4+1 Staying ready requires resisting the devil and his agents who seek to destroy the soul.Lt 86, 1889, par. 4

The renewed bidding is itself a commission to the church to take up the invitation and carry it onward, declaring that all things are ready and urging people to come, going out into the highways and hedges so that the house may be filled.STMW10 4.2–5.1+2 That carrying work belongs especially in cities, towns, and neglected places, and from family to family, as determined, prayerful labor to bring souls to the marriage supper of the Lamb without lowering the standard of the law.Ms 10a, 1895, par. 101–102+2 True acceptance in this work is more than profession, for guests must put on Christ's righteousness and practice the truth, and those who misuse opportunity and talents while refusing that righteousness are held accountable.STMW10 4.2–5.1+1

Those sent with the invitation work as Christ worked, not living to please themselves nor absorbing means for vanity, bearing the message of the rich repast of redemption prepared by atoning death and wearing the wedding garment of Christ's righteousness that testifies to that death.Ms 139, 1898, par. 83+1 The call to the supper is answered by faith working by love for other souls, and as servants seek to draw others they themselves are fitted for service and trial, purify their souls by obeying the truth, and learn to bear the cross in unselfish, devoted service.Ms 139, 1898, par. 83+2

The call reaches every class and is to be carried earnestly to people in every position, including rulers, the wealthy, and men of wealth and influence who may be spiritually hungry for the fully prepared feast.Ms 185, 1903, par. 19–20+3 Those in the highways include the higher classes, hard to reach because few believers gain personal association with them, yet many will come if invited, and when they accept they can sustain the work with means and influence and reach others whom ordinary ministers cannot reach.Ms 185, 1903, par. 19–20+2 The renewed invitation is first to be given to those in the higher walks of life, a class too much neglected, including shepherds and divinely appointed teachers, men in business and positions of trust, men of inventive faculties, scientific insight, genius, organization, and entrusted talents.Lt 11, 1895, par. 18–21+2 They are to hear the truth in a new manner and be given a fair chance to weigh the evidence, and they are needed not all as preachers but as managers of industrial institutions, leaders, captains, educators, far-seeing planners, faithful financiers, and conference presidents who will stand solid as a rock to principle in present crisis and future perils.Lt 11, 1895, par. 18–21+1

The manner of the work is with Christ in the heart, speaking truth in love to perishing souls, with travail of soul, becoming acquainted wisely with the wisdom of the serpent and the harmlessness of the dove, and asking plainly about readiness for immortal life.CEv 32.1+2 God will move even upon worldly men and idolaters to help His people and give of abundance for the support of the work if given opportunity, though some invited will refuse while not all will refuse.CEv 32.1+1 The feast able to satisfy every need, His Word full of marrow and fatness, is set before definite places, including the Southern field where freed Black people should have been invited, the colored people of the South, Cooranbong and nearby bush settlements where inviting work must continue, and Battle Creek where the response rests wholly with themselves.7T 222.1+4 The invitation goes ultimately to all without restriction who have not heard repeated appeals, as a lifelong call extending into eternity, and entering in requires seeking with all the heart with decision and effort beginning in every family, bringing an outpouring of the Spirit.21MR 370.5+1