FOOL’S GOLD and FOOL’S PARADISE
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. (Matthew 25:1,2)
One remembers well the stories of the great gold rush; when young and old alike set out for the West to strike it rich. Some succeeded in their quest for fortune, while others failed. Many failed because of their inability to recognize the true gold from the false gold, thus the term “fool’s gold.” Fool’s gold was in fact iron pyrite which could be mistaken for the real things. Any prospector finding this gold — though thinking himself very rich — found himself to be poor indeed when he presented this gold to the assayer.
“Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” (Matthew 25:11, 12)
This gold could not pass the test. In fact, the miner had been fooled by an imitation of gold. He labored just as hard — if not harder — than the miners who had found the true gold. He might have traveled farther or even endangered his life, and some may have even lost their lives in search of gold.
“They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:3, 4)
“And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” (Matthew 25:8, 9)
So to “fool’s paradise.” Like the prospector, heaven can only be obtained by the true test. It is not man’s prerogative to decide how, when, where or what paradise should be. The chief assayer — God has decided! The test is faith in Christ and in Him alone! One might count on works, good deeds, service, or travel, but all these Abraham did. Yet, Abraham was justified by FAITH.
“For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:2, 3)
“Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is father of us all.” (Romans 4:16)
“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29)
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in they name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7: 21, 22, 23)
True faith does not depend on self, ambitions, abilities, or position in life. There were rich men and poor men seeking gold and both could easily be fooled by “fool’s gold.” With faith the blessings appear to be towards the poor; yet, it is not poverty that determines faith. The Lord Jesus gives a warning to the rich that they might seek true faith and not riches.
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 23 – 26)
It is indeed sad that multitudes are seeking a fool’s paradise. Some discount scripture completely and dream of a state of illusory happiness based on false beliefs and false hopes. Yet God present the standard — FAITH IN CHRIST! The assayer used tools to determine the genuineness of gold. God gives His Word, 66 books, to show forth man’s need, and God’s answer for man’s need, and God’s paradise that man can attain through faith in Jesus Christ.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Fool’s gold looks like gold and it is obtained — mined — in the same manner, and it even brought happiness as the real gold. Yet, this happiness was temporary. There are many today who speak of having faith in mystics, prophets, various religions, and in their good works. There are those who stand and bow before idols and statues, and those who make idols of their sports and entertainment personalities; each individual trying to build a god and a paradise according to their own desires, and their own will. This will not do! Fool’s gold brought temporary happiness, so too, happiness fades with false religions, and false hopes built on false beliefs.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” (2 Corinthians 11:4)
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light, Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11: 13, 14, 15)
God has declared in His Word that a man who is saved or born again will glorify God! If
one is put to the test of scripture than one should be able to possess the evidences of faith. Faith can be proven by God’s test! Like Abraham, one who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ receives the addition of righteousness to his faith. All who are born again receive the indwelling Spirit of God once and for all at the new birth.
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)
“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6
There are times when the Spirit of God has more liberty in the life of a believer because of obedience to the Lord Jesus, but there is never a day or hour when the Spirit of God departs from the child of God. This is the evidence of the constant companionship of Christ. He never leaves nor forsakes those of genuine faith.
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Read Genesis 22:15; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10.
Both ores, fool’s gold and true gold, were the same color. Many today profess faith in God, yet fail God’s tests! Do these tests save? NO! Faith is imparted, then faith is tested! Many times the true believer is tested of God. The believers happiness does not depend on his temporal circumstances; it depends ONLY on Christ and what Christ has accomplished for the believer.
“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)
Make sure of your gold and your paradise. The only place to find the truth is in the Word of God. The only way to achieve heaven is FAITH in Christ. Faith that He died and shed His blood on Calvary’s cross and faith that He rose again for your justification.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
(Romans 5:1)