First, open your bible and read the parable in Matthew 25: 1-13. Note that all ten virgins both wise and foolish are “virgins” and all have lit lamps and go out to meet the bridegroom when the call is given. Remember that a parable is a depiction of a familiar situation as an analogy to make a specific point. Use of the term virgins here is to describe an unspoiled portion of humanity set aside for the kingdom of God. The apostle Paul speaking to the church at Corinth said this: “…. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I might present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (2Corinthians 11:2). In Revelation 14:4 virgins are described as those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Make no mistake, in this parable virgins wise or foolish represent the church just prior to the coming of Christ’s kingdom. The context is Jesus’s parables about the time just before His second coming.
The obvious problem in the parable is that half of the virgins are foolish! The wise were ready for Jesus coming and the foolish were not even though they were all sleeping. This is the simple essence of the parable.
The extremely important lesson for us (the last-days church) is to not be foolish, but ready. How do we become ready? By determining what watch of the night our Lord is returning so that we can be alert and watching much like we would protect our household if we knew when thieves were coming. We need to read, study, and heed all the scriptures related to this time just prior to our Lord’s return. They are detailed and many. I’ve devoted many previous posts and articles these topics. Peruse this whole site and you’ll find much to prepare you.
In this parable, when the call came, the wise were ready (biblically sound), but the foolish were not (biblically illiterate). Unfortunately, for them, time had run out. A call is coming for the church in these final days. There is a time prophesied when a sure inescapable sign (IMO) will serve as a call to all Christians that the Lord is on His way to arrive at a specific time to gather His church and we need to be ready to meet Him. This is, of course when the “abomination of desolation” is set up on the temple mount in Jerusalem and the antichrist declares he is the one to be worshipped. From that time forward till Jesus comes will be “great tribulation ” for which the biblically illiterate will be ill-prepared. In the parable, the bridegroom came and the wise went into the wedding feast, but the door was shut for the foolish. The Bridegroom said: “Assuredly I say to you, I do not know you.” (Matthew 25:12). In other words, assuming my analogy of the parable is correct, 50% of churchgoers due to their foolishness and ignorance of God’s clear direction will be shut out of the kingdom. This fits well with Jesus’ teaching that the love of most will grow cold because of lawlessness during the great tribulation. (Matthew 24:12)
Jesus’ message to us contained in the parable is clear. Don’t be foolish! Eternal life in the kingdom is a treasure beyond measure. Be ready in every way for the coming of the Bridegroom. He has given us the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit to teach us all things and light our path to Him.
Maranatha, Jim
Very good explanation….We need to watching and READY….