What Does It Mean to Be Ready?
In Matthew 25:10,13 we read, “And they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast… Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.” This powerful parable of the ten virgins has stirred debate for centuries, especially in light of the doctrine commonly referred to as “once saved, always saved.” But does Jesus’ teaching here—and the sobering commentary from Watchman Nee—support the idea of automatic eternal security? Or does it call for a deeper, ongoing commitment to being always ready?
Watchman Nee Commentary
Watchman Nee writes:
To be “ready” means that there is no unfinished business, and one is therefore ready to be reckoned with daily. To “watch” means to so live as to be always ready for the coming of the Lord. We believers should daily be prepared for reckoning. The Lord may come at any time. The five foolish virgins were ready and watching at the beginning, but alas, they did not continue on.
To be ready and watchful and waiting, we need the fullness of the Holy Spirit. It will not do if we depend on ourselves, for very soon we will be weakened and become foolish. But if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will spontaneously bear fruit to the glory of God. He who is truly watchful often feels he is not yet entirely ready. He does not trust in his own self. This is true humility.
This insight raises a crucial question for all of us: Is it enough to have started well, or must we continually remain among the always ready believers?
Watchfulness Is a Lifestyle, Not a Moment
In a culture that often seeks quick assurances and tidy theology, “once saved, always saved” has provided many with a comforting sense of security. But the parable of the virgins doesn’t end with all ten entering the feast. Half are left outside—shut out—not because they never knew the bridegroom, but because they ceased to be ready.
Watchman Nee warns that “very soon we will be weakened and become foolish” if we rely on ourselves and not on the Spirit. The implication is that salvation is not a one-time prayer but a journey of continued surrender and dependence. Being among the always ready believers means cultivating a life that remains spiritually alert, not just momentarily aflame.
Real World Wake-Up Calls
Consider the story of someone who grew up in church, confessed Christ, served faithfully in youth group, and even led others to the Lord. But somewhere along the way, the fire dimmed. Life got busy. Prayer became rare. Compromise crept in. Years later, though still identifying as a Christian, their life bears little resemblance to a watchful, Spirit-filled disciple.
Contrast that with a believer who daily seeks the Holy Spirit, lives in humble repentance, and holds their own readiness with godly fear. This person isn’t “perfect,” but their posture is prepared. They are walking among the always ready believers—not because of their strength, but because they stay surrendered.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Readiness
Watchman Nee emphasizes that “to be ready and watchful and waiting, we need the fullness of the Holy Spirit.” This readiness isn’t something we manufacture through discipline or religious effort alone. It is a product of our ongoing relationship with God—of being filled daily, moment by moment, with the power that enables watchfulness.
Those who are truly watchful, Nee says, “often feel they are not yet entirely ready.” That kind of humility keeps us pressing in, not coasting on past decisions. It recognizes that to be among the always ready believers is not to assume arrival, but to live with holy anticipation.
So… Is “Once Saved, Always Saved” Biblical?
Here’s the heart of the issue: if salvation were a one-time transaction requiring no ongoing response, why would Jesus tell a parable warning that those who stop being watchful could be shut out? Why would He say “Watch therefore,” if watching wasn’t essential?
Watchman Nee’s interpretation reinforces this warning: readiness is not a static state; it’s a posture we must maintain. The foolish virgins were ready once—but they did not finish ready. This deeply challenges the idea that initial belief guarantees final salvation without perseverance.
A Call to the Church—and to You
The world needs more always ready believers—people who are not asleep spiritually, who are bearing fruit, living in the Spirit, and eagerly awaiting the return of Christ. This doesn’t mean living in fear, but in focus. It means asking not, “Did I once receive Christ?” but, “Am I walking with Him now?”
Are we ready to be reckoned with daily? Are we watching, filled with the Spirit, and producing fruit for the Kingdom? Or are we resting on a prayer from the past, while drifting in the present?
Call to Action: Stay Watchful, Stay Filled
If this blog has stirred something in you—don’t ignore it. Return to the Scriptures. Seek the Holy Spirit. Examine your walk. Ask yourself: Am I among the always ready believers?
Share this post with your small group or church. Talk about what readiness really looks like. Most of all, invite the Lord to search your heart. There is no greater preparation for His coming than a life surrendered fully, daily, and joyfully to His Spirit.
About Raleigh Acupuncture
At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.
Next Steps
BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.
Meet Our Practitioners (Video).
Learn about all the conditions we treat.
Focus Keyphrase: Always Ready
Image generated with https://perchance.org/ai-text-to-image-generator
Leave a Reply