The Ten Virgins' Parable

THE TEN VIRGINS' PARABLE

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 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. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."

First, let’s define the symbols in the parable by comparing scripture with scripture per Isaiah 28:10; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20.

Virgin means woman, church

Jeremiah 6:2, "I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman."
Jeremiah 3:20, "Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD."
2 Corinthians 11:2, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
Ephesians 5:22-25, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"
Revelation 21:9, “And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.”

Bridegroom = Jesus Christ

Matthew 9:15, "And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast."
Matthew 25:1, "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom."
Matthew 25:6, "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him."
Mark 2:18-19, "And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast."
John 3:28-31, "Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all."

Vessel means believers, chosen person, God's glove, mankind, body

2 Timothy 2:20-21, "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."
Jeremiah 51:34, "Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon hath devoured me, he hath crushed me, he hath made me an empty vessel, he hath swallowed me up like a dragon, he hath filled his belly with my delicates, he hath cast me out."
Acts 9:15, "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"
2 Corinthians 4:6-7, "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
Romans 9:21-23, "Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,"
1 Peter 3:7, "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."
NOTE: This is why the Lord used the term "vessel" when Peter was in vision...
Acts 10:11, "And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:"
The sheet descended three times (Acts 10:16) because "three men" were at his door. (Acts 10:19)
Psalms 2:9, "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
1 Thessalonians 4:4, "That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;"

Lamp means the Lord, Salvation in Christ, the Word, His Law

2 Samuel 22:29, "For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness."
Isaiah 62:1, "For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth."
Psalms 119:105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Proverbs 6:23, "For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:"

Oil means Holy Spirit, holy, annointed, gladness, joy

Zechariah 4:2-6, "And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."
Revelation 4:5, "And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."
NOTE: Lamps are filled with Olive Oil.
Psalms 45:7, "Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows."
Isaiah 61:3, "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified."
Exodus 30:31-32, "And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations. Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you."

Marriage means the divine nature

Matthew 22:1-14, "And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen."
Matthew 25:10, "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut."
Revelation 19:7, "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."

The Ten Virgins represents the professed Christian church

The ten virgins are represented as watching in the evening of this earth's history. They represent the church of professed Christians. This lesson should fill our minds with serious thought, and drive us to our Bibles, the Word of the living God. It should lead us to most earnest supplication that God will lead us into all truth.

In Matthew 25, the story of the ten virgins illustrates the experience of the church that shall live just before Christ’s second coming.

Verse 1: “THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins (woman/church), which took their lamps (the Lord, Salvation in Christ, the Word, His Law), and went forth to meet the bridegroom (Jesus Christ).”

A virgin in the Bible symbolizes a pure woman, and a woman means a church. A church is not a building or cathedral but a people which made up of believers (Romans 16:5). The lamp which these virgins took with them is the Word of God or the Bible; they also follow God’s law. We also know that the bridegroom is Jesus Christ.

Verse 2: “And five of these virgins were wise, and five were foolish.”

The two classes of watchers represent the two classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord – the five wise and five foolish. They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith in Christ. So, it is about two different groups of believers within all Christian churches, some are wise and some are foolish.

The ten virgins all claim to be Christians, but five are true and five are false. All have a name, a call, a lamp, and all claim to be doing God service. All apparently watch for His appearing. All started apparently prepared, but five were wanting. Five were found surprised, dismayed, without oil, outside the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. Christ teaches us that profession is nothing. "He that will come after Me," He says, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" - Luke 9:23.

Verse 3: “They that were foolish took their lamps (Word of God/law), and took NO oil (Holy Spirit) with them.”
Verse 4: “But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”

As the lamp represents the Word of God/law, and the oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, all professing Christian churches have a knowledge of the Scriptures and the law of God and heard the message of Christ’s near coming and confidently expect His appearing.

Sadly, those five foolish churches (foolish believers) although familiar with the commands and promises of the Bible yet they did not take the Holy Spirit with them. The theory of truth, if not accompanied by the Holy Spirit cannot vitalize* the soul or sanctify** the heart.

1. *To make alive: animate, quicken, vivify.
2. To give or impart vitality and energy to (someone or something): energize, exhilarate, invigorate, stimulate.

1. **to make holy
2. to free from sin; purify

Without the Spirit, our character will not be transformed.
(John 16:8 – righteousness refers to character in Strongs #G1343 -
John 16:8 - "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:" )

Without the enlightenment of the Spirit, men will not be able to discern or distinguish truth or error and they will be an easy prey of Satan.
(Joh 16:13 - "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. )

⮞ The foolish virgins also represented by the stony-ground hearers in Mark 4:16-17 which “immediately receive the word with gladness” but when tested and tried they failed because they don’t know how to trust in God. They don’t know God.

⮞ According to Ezekiel 33:31 “they hear thy words, but they will not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.”

⮞ They “hold the truth in unrighteousness*” – Romans 1:18. (From G94; (legal) injustice (properly the quality, by implication the act); moral wrongfulness (of charater, life or act): - iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong)

⮞ They are like the foolish man who built his house upon the sand because “they heareth these saying of Mine, and doeth them not” Matthew 7:26. (Jas_4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.)

⮞ Their service to God is only a form (From G3445; formation, that is, (by implication) appearance (semblance or [concretely] formula): - form.) of godliness as 2 Timothy 3:1-5 says. (2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
(2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. )

⮞ In time of peril, they are found crying “peace and safety then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

⮞ The foolish virgins represent the state of Laodicean church, lukewarm* -
1) tepid, lukewarm
2) metaphorically of the condition of the soul wretchedly fluctuating between a torpor and a fervour of love
1. Moderately warm; lukewarm.
2. Lacking in emotional warmth or enthusiasm; halfhearted:

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: “ - Rev 3:16-17.

6T 408 "The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that He cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual work in any wise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you."

"The state of the Church represented by the foolish virgins, is also spoken of as the Laodicean state." Review and Herald, August 19, 1890 (vol 2, p 420).

"Satan uses those who claim to believe the truth, but whose light has become darkness, as his mediums to utter his falsehood, and transmit his darkness. They are foolish virgins indeed, choosing darkness rather than light, and dishonoring God." Review and Herald, August 19, 1890 (vol 2, p 419).

⮞ So, the condition of the foolish virgins can be connected to what Isaiah prophesied that in the last days all churches who profess to be Christians will follow their own man-made doctrines and (especially those promoted by the Vatican) but insist on being called Christians so as to hide or cover their shame out in the open.
(Isa 4:1- And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.)

On one hand, the other five wise churches (wise believers) did take the Holy Spirit in their vessels with their lamps, their spiritual life was kept alive by the grace of God – Titus 2:11-14, manifesting the fruits of the Spirit in their life - Galatians 5:22-25. They also perfected a Christian character who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb and overcomer. Revelation 7:14;3:3-5. As a result, they are blessed to enter the city of God. Revelation 22:14.

Verse 5: “While the Bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.”

The word “tarried” means there was a delay. So, the coming of Jesus Christ was delayed but “the appointed time”… “though it tarry, wait for it because it will surely come” (Habakkuk 2:2-3) and “the days are at hand”… “that the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged.” Ezekiel 12:21-25, 27, 28.

“In this time of uncertainty, the interest of the superficial and halfhearted soon began to waver, and their efforts to relax; but those whose faith was based on a personal knowledge of the Bible had a rock beneath their feet, which the waves of disappointment could not wash away.”

The words “slumbered” and “slept” symbolically means 1) to yield to sloth and sin, 2) to be indifferent to one’s salvation. This is also the time when “the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak” – Matthew 26:40-41.

"If that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites." Matthew 24:48-51.

While men slept, Satan scattered his falsehood among God’s true believers. – Matthew 13:25.
(Mat 13:25 - "But while men were sleeping, one who had hate for him came and put evil seeds among the grain, and went away.)

He uses the false watchmen or ministers who are blind and ignorant of God’s words to teach fables and commandment of men instead of teaching the truth and sound doctrines. They are sleeping preachers preaching to sleeping people who have itching ears. 2 Timothy 4:3-4.
(2Ti 4:3 - "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. )

These false teachers have violated God’s law by putting no difference between holy and profane and refused to keep the seventh day Sabbath. Ezek 22:26. (Eze 22:26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. )

They are likened to dumb dogs that cannot bark and we have to beware of because they are evil workers - Phil 3:2. (Php 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. )

This is why God is calling us to watch and be sober - 1 Thes 5:6. (1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. )

Romans 13:11 - "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

The apostle Paul, looking down through the ages, had written words of encouragement and warning for the tried, waiting ones at this crisis:

Hebrew 10:37 - "For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (38) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Verse 6: “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”

The word “midnight” symbolically means 1) the time for deeds of sin and shame, 2) the time of moral stupidity and darkness.

”The coming of the bridegroom was at midnight--the darkest hour. So the coming of Christ will take place in the darkest period of this earth's history. The days of Noah and Lot pictured the condition of the world just before the coming of the Son of man.

The Scriptures pointing forward to this time declare that Satan will work with all power and "with all deceivableness of unrighteousness." 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10. His working is plainly revealed by the rapidly increasing darkness, the multitudinous errors, heresies, and delusions of these last days. Not only is Satan leading the world captive, but his deceptions are leavening (influencing subtly) the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. The great apostasy will develop into darkness deep as midnight, impenetrable as sackcloth of hair. To God's people it will be a night of trial, a night of weeping, a night of persecution for the truth's sake. But out of that night of darkness God's light will shine.“ {COL 414.3}

To behold means to see, look.

⮞ We have to see God in the of darkness or trials or apostasy.

Isaiah 40:9 - "O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! (10) Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. (11) He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

⮞ We have to look, turn and fix our eyes to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

Hebrew 12:2 - "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

⮞ We have to look by not only hearer of His word but a doer.

James 1:23 - "For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:"

⮞ As we behold our God we will be changed to perfection as our Father in heaven is perfect.

2Corinthians 3:18 - "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Matthew 5:48 - "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

⮞ We have to patiently wait for and desire earnestly the coming of our God.

2Pe_3:12 - "Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

⮞ We have to keep ourselves from idols but in the love of God. Looking for mercy unto eternal life. To be patient, keeping the command and the faith of Jesus.

1Jn 5:21 - "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Jude 1:21 - "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, (7) Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (8) And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. (9) And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, (10) The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: (11) And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. (12) Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

The word “cry” means a call.

Isaiah 58:1 - "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

“Go ye out” means to come out (From G1537 and G2064; to issue (literally or figuratively): - come-(forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad.)

Revelation 18:1-5 - (1) "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. (2) And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. (3) For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. (4) And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (5) For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities."

Isaiah 52:11 - "Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD."

Jeremiah 51:45 - "My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 - (17) "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

In other words, during this last period of time of darkness where wickedness abound around us, we to give the last call of mercy to others and we have to stive to be perfect thru the grace of God by looking to Jesus to be completely free from any personal sins and completely free from any corruption of a Babylonian churches who teaches false doctrines so we will be ready to meet the Bridegroom “Jesus Christ” our God and Saviour.

Verse 7: “Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.”

The word “arose” means awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-) rise (again, up), stand, take up. figuratively from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence)

Isaiah 60:1-2 - (1) "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. (2) For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The word trimmed means:

G2885 to put in proper order, that is, decorate (literally or figuratively); specifically to snuff (a wick): - adorn, garnish, trim.

1) to put in order, arrange, make ready, prepare
2) to ornament, adore
3) metaphorically to embellish with honour, gain honour

The midnight cry has awaken them (all these churches) from their sleep and see that they became indifferent to their salvation and given to sloth and sin. They started to trim or put in proper order their lives to be in harmony with God’s words and law. To make their heart ready and prepare for Jesus’ coming.

Verse 8: “And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.” Verse 9: “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.”

"In the parable, the foolish virgins are represented as begging for oil and failing to receive it at their request. This is symbolic of those who have not prepared themselves by developing a character to stand in a time of crisis. It is as if they should go to their neighbors and say, Give me your character or I shall be lost. Those that were wise could not impart their oil to the flickering lamps of the foolish virgins. Character is not transferable. It is not to be bought or sold; it is to be acquired. The Lord has given to every individual an opportunity to obtain a righteous character..., but He has not provided a way by which one human agent may impart to another the character which he has developed..." {YI, January 16, 1896 par. 2}

"Let everyone who loves God consider that now while it is day is the time to work, not among the sheep already in the fold, but to go out in search of the lost and perishing ones. These need to have special help to bring them back to the fold. Now is the time for the careless to arouse from their slumber. Now is the time to entreat that souls shall not only hear the word of God, but without delay secure oil in their vessels with their lamps. That oil is the righteousness of Christ. It represents character, and character is not transferable. No man can secure it for another. Each must obtain for himself a character purified from every stain of sin. {TM 233.2}
"The Lord is coming in power and great glory. It will then be His work to make a complete separation between the righteous and the wicked. But the oil cannot then be transferred to the vessels of those who have it not. Then shall be fulfilled the words of Christ: "Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left." The righteous and the wicked are to be associated together in the work of life. But the Lord reads the character; He discerns who are obedient children, who respect and love His commandments." {TM 234.1}

Proverbs 23:23 - "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Isaiah 55:1 - "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

* Matthew 10:8 - "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

* 1 Corinthians 6:19 - "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Revelation 3:18 - "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

John 6:5-6 - " (5) "When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? (6) And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

Please note that the time will soon come when we cannot buy or sell anymore except those who receive the mark. In other words, those who choose to keep Sunday when it’s enforced by law to all people then you receive the mark of the Vatican beast and you will be subject to receive the wrath of God without mixture in the form of the 7 last plagues.

Revelation 13:17 - "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Verse 10: “And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut.”

The shut door represents the close of probation.

There was a shut door in Noah's day. There was at that time a withdrawal of the Spirit of God from the sinful race that perished in the waters of the Flood. God Himself gave the shut-door message to Noah: {1SM 63.3} "My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years" (Genesis 6:3). } There was a shut door in the days of Abraham. Mercy ceased to plead with the inhabitants of Sodom, and all but Lot, with his wife and two daughters, were consumed by the fire sent down from heaven. There was a shut door in Christ's day. The Son of God declared to the unbelieving Jews of that generation, "Your house is left unto you desolate" (Matthew 23:38). Looking down the stream of time to the last days, the same infinite power proclaimed through John: "These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth" (Revelation 3:7). 1SM 63

Verse 11: “Afterward came also the other virgins saying Lord Lord open to us.”

The foolish virgins went out to buy or search for the Holy Spirit but the Bridegroom came and door was shut they could not come in. Apparently, they found another source to light their lamps but it was too late because the door of probation was already closed.

Verse 12: “But He answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”

"The ten virgins are watching in the evening of this earth's history. All claim to be Christians. All have a call, a name, a lamp, and all profess to be doing God's service. All apparently wait for Christ's appearing. But five are unready. Five will be found surprised, dismayed, outside the banquet hall. {COL 412.2}
"At the final day, many will claim admission to Christ's kingdom, saying, "We have eaten and drunk in Thy presence, and Thou hast taught in our streets." "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?" But the answer is, "I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me." Luke 13:26; Matthew 7:22; Luke 13:27. In this life they have not entered into fellowship with Christ; therefore they know not the language of heaven, they are strangers to its joy. "What man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." 1 Corinthians 2:11. {COL 412.3}
"Saddest of all words that ever fell on mortal ear are those words of doom, "I know you not." The fellowship of the Spirit, which you have slighted, could alone make you one with the joyous throng at the marriage feast. In that scene you cannot participate. Its light would fall on blinded eyes, its melody upon deaf ears. Its love and joy could awake no chord of gladness in the world-benumbed heart. You are shut out from heaven by your own unfitness for its companionship. {COL 413.1}

Verse 13: “Watch ye therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

1 John 2:15 - "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Matthew 24:36, 42, 44 - "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (42) Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Luke 21:34 - And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. (35) For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. (36) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Psalm 141:3 - "Set a watch (guard), O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Mark 13:35-36 - "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: (36) Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. (37) And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Romans 13:11 - "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Ephesians 5:14 - "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

1 Corinthians 15:34 - "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

1 Peter 5:8 - "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

"Let every soul be on the alert. The adversary is on your track. Be vigilant, watching diligently lest some carefully concealed and masterly snare shall take you unawares. Let the careless and indifferent beware lest the day of the Lord come upon them as a thief in the night. Many will wander from the path of humility, and, casting aside the yoke of Christ, will walk in strange paths. Blinded and bewildered, they will leave the narrow path that leads to the city of God. {8T 99.5}

"A man cannot be a happy Christian unless he is a watchful Christian. He who overcomes must watch; for, with worldly entanglements, error, and superstition, Satan strives to win Christ's followers from Him. It is not enough that we avoid glaring dangers and perilous, inconsistent moves. We are to keep close to the side of Christ, walking in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. We are in an enemy's country. He who was cast out of heaven has come down with great power. With every conceivable artifice and device he is seeking to take souls captive. Unless we are constantly on guard we shall fall an easy prey to his unnumbered deceptions. {8T 100.1}

"The experience of the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane contains a lesson for the Lord's people today. Taking with Him Peter and James and John, Christ went to Gethsemane to pray. He said to them: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, Abba Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what Thou wilt. And He cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Mark 14:34-38. {8T 100.2}

"Read these words carefully. Many today are asleep, as were the disciples. They are not watching and praying lest they enter into temptation. Let us read and study those portions of God's word that have special reference to these last days, pointing out the dangers that will threaten God's people. {8T 100.3}

"In this hope of a sure inheritance in the earth made new, the early Christians rejoiced, even in times of severe trial and affliction. "Ye greatly rejoice," Peter wrote, "though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not,... ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:3-9 {RH, July 25, 1912 par. 12}

"The apostle's words were written for the instruction of believers in every age, and they have a special significance for those who live at the time when the "end of all things is at hand." His exhortations and warnings, and his words of faith and courage, are needed by every soul who would maintain his faith "steadfast unto the end." {RH, July 25, 1912 par. 13}

"The apostle sought to teach the believers how important it is to keep the mind from wandering to forbidden themes, or from spending its energies on trifling subjects. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan's devices, must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind must not be left to dwell at random upon every subject that the enemy of souls may suggest. The heart must be faithfully sentineled, or evils without will awaken evils within, and the soul will wander in darkness. "Gird up the loins of your mind," Peter wrote, "be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; . . . not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." {RH, July 25, 1912 par. 14}

"For a man to be effectually saved, the truth of the Word must be inwrought in the soul. It is a power that works inwardly to bless the soul of the receiver, and outwardly to bless the souls of others. Take the Word just as it reads, and be a doer of it. The Holy Spirit works with the consecrated soul who searches the Scriptures. {RH, May 1, 1900 par. 4}

"Now, just now, is our great opportunity to study the word of life. The hearts of many in this world are hungering for the bread of life and thirsting for the water of salvation. They desire to know the Scriptures; they desire to know what the word of God says to them. The Holy Spirit is impressing their hearts, drawing them to the bread of life. They see everything around them changing. They come to hear the Word just as it reads. They desire to build upon a firm foundation; and therefore Christians are counseled to be always ready to give a reason of the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear." {RH, May 1, 1900 par. 5}

"A clear, faithful testimony must be borne by every shepherd of the flock of God. The state of the heart is to be our first concern. "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:10. Mere speech is nothing. Preaching the Word, and then working contrary to that Word, makes it of none effect. Lip knowledge, forms and ceremonies, are of little value if Christ does not abide in the soul. We are to watch for souls as they that must give an account. We are to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts. Then we shall be men and women of faith and prayer and power. There is a great work to be done. The heart must be faithfully sentineled, else pride and rebellion will bear rule within. Evils without will awaken evils within, and the soul will wander in its own homemade fog, all the time charging upon some one else the result of its own unchristian course of action." {RH, May 1, 1900 par. 6}

"The living Word must dwell in us richly, else we can never sanctify the Lord God in our hearts. We must live by the Word, and take self in hand, closely examining ourselves to see whether we love God, or are bound up in our own conceit. Every heart that is not subdued by grace is treacherous, and will lead to ruin." {RH, May 1, 1900 par. 7}

"Be not like the foolish virgins, who take for granted that the promises of God are theirs, while they do not follow the injunctions of Christ. Christ teaches us that profession is nothing. "If any man will come after me," he says, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Matthew 16:24 "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:19 {RH, October 31, 1899 par. 18}

Revelation 19:9 - "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

1 Corinthians 1:26 - "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

Matthew 22:14 - "For many are called, but few are chosen.

Proverbs 8:34 - “Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.”

So my precious brethren, let’s not be like the foolish virgins but be numbered with the wise. Keep watching daily, praying and vigilant. Don’t fall asleep by being indifferent to your salvation and by yielding to sin. Don’t allow the cares and things of this world to lead you away from your steadfastness in Christ or weaken your spiritual life for you are blessed and called to be part of the Marriage supper of the Lamb with Jesus.

Gospel Order