Posted on 02/02/2021 9:17:32 AM PST by OneVike
To get a proper understanding of the mindset that Jesus was in as He presented the parable of the ten virgins, one must go back to Matthew chapter 23, where he said,
"The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger." Matthew 23:2-4
Jesus was chastising the scribes and the Pharisees for pretty much being false followers of God who did terrible things to His Children. He told them they acted like they were self righteous, when in fact they were no better than whitewashed tombs with dead men's bones inside. He explains that they rejected God by twisting the teachings of Moses. Like the time He accused them of being of their father the devil, He now tells them they are witnesses against themselves, because they are the sons of those who persecuted and murdered the prophets, and will do the same things to those who are and will follow in His name.
Mind you, in Jesus Christ we are all priests. So we can share the Good News and win souls for Christ, baptize them, and thus free them from the condemnation of the Law. Once the Jewish people learned there was no need for an unbelieving High Priest to sacrifice an animal for their salvation, the Religious leaders would lose their power over them. Thus they people would be free to worship God as Jesus leads them to. Like the Jews, we gentiles are free from the shackles of men who claim we need to go through them to reach God.
As an aside, just as Christ confronted the High Priests and the Pharisees for being hypocritical, so too did the reformation free men from the enslavement to the Catholic religious leaders of the dark Ages. Chapter 23, is the last time Jesus would confront the religious leaders until His arrest and crucifixion.
"for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say,
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!"
They had been put on notice that their time was up, and he literally kicked the dust off his sandals, just like He told his disciples to do if a house or city rejected them when He sent them out by twos in Matthew 10:14.
Now in chapter 24, Jesus goes on to explain how bad the last days will be, which He refers to as the “beginning of the sorrows” (vs 8). He then lists the tribulations, which many followers who come after them (the disciples) will suffer for His namesake. He also describes how the last days will be as the days of Noah were, when but only eight people made it through because their hearts were not prepared to meet the Lord. Like a house broken into because the owner was not prepared, so too will men be unprepared for Christ when he returns.
These five virgins with no oil were unprepared. Similar to how a thief of the night can break into a home and steal the valuables if the home owner is unprepared, so too can the evil one steal their chances of salvation if they are not spiritually sound. They did not have the full armor of God, they could not fight the devil and his desires, because without putting one’s trust into Christ, you are no better than the Seven sons of Sceva, who tried in the name of Jesus to cast demons out of a possessed man;
Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. Acts 19:16
If we do not have Christ in our hearts, if we do not have a relationship with the lover of our soul, if we are just faking it to get along like so many false Christian teachers do, or as the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes Jesus confronted in ch 23 were. Well, then we will not be ready, and instead we will be like the chaff that is tossed into the fire.
So now we get to chapter 25 and the Ten Virgins of Jesus parable, and before we continue, it must be stressed that nowhere in this parable, is the word bridesmaid or bridesmaids used. The original Koine Greek is virgins, not bridesmaids.
In chapter 25, Jesus starts by telling the Disciples what the kingdom of heaven will be like. By doing so, he actually describes who will be in the Kingdom, by contrasting them with those who will not be in heaven, and what the difference was between those who would end up in heaven and those who will not. After all, we know that the kingdom of God will be filled with only true believers. So now he is just distinguishing between the true believers and the false ones.
Mind you, we are all virgins until the marriage ceremony. Some went home before us, but others have not made it yet, because we must all first physically die. Those who died and made it to heaven are already married and thus are no longer virgins. As for the rapture, I will not use that in this analogy, because billions of Christians have lived before us who went home without such an experience and billions could live after us without experiencing such a moment.
Just so no one accuses me of being on either side, I am not saying I disagree, or agree with the doctrine of the Rapture. I just refuse to turn this commentary into a discussion over it, because I wish to dwell upon the importance the parable has on one's salvation, should their day for departure from this World happen to come while walking to the store today. Or, if God decides to take you home via a snow plow running you over in the process of dashing across the street in a snow storm, your salvation can depend upon you understanding the message Jesus sharing in this parable.
Now try to divorce from your mind the human idea of what a marriage is supposed to be like. While there is no consummating of a marriage to Christ as we understand it in human terms of this World, there is a consummation that must take place in a spiritual sense. In legal terms, consummation is the signature that binds each party to an agreement. You did so when you signed the mortgage agreement, we also do so when we get with our new bride or groom after we are legally married. In our marriage to Christ, the consumption is the moment our Lord and Savior comes to bring us to His Kingdom, or His home if you will.
We always liken the Church as the bride of Christ, even though there is no direct quote ever stating so in the Scriptures. It has however become an accepted phrase in Christian doctrine. So that makes all Christians, His brides. Until then we are just virgins waiting for Him to accept us. Something He does by seeing the true intentions of our hearts, which only He and the Father can know. Our wedding is the day we leave this World, and enter into a marriage as His bride and an official member His Kingdom. If we are unworthy, then like a harlot who has no loyalty to any one man, we too will be rejected. It is our hearts that decide our destination. A heart that He will know.
Like a benevolent Ruler of a vast Kingdom, who has many wives. Until he approves of them by their loyalty and good characters, they are just concubines. That is why we read that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. 1Kings 11:3 700 women proved to be worthy of being his bride, the rest were just concubines. The 300 concubines were just there for the perks not the relationship. I know, it’s kind of weak, but it is the best example, and like slavery is an example of sin, it is also weak because in slavery so many are forced into it, yet it fits and that’s why the analogy is used.
So, while ten virgins await the arrival of the groom, only five of them looking for a true relationship. All true Christians must have a desire in their hearts to have an honest to God relationship with Christ to be considered one of His. While the other five are only there for the perks. Like the Israelites who committed harlotry by loving other god’s, while pretending they loved the One True God, they never fully committed to just one man. This question Jesus asked comes to mind,
But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?
Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will
show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug
deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose,
the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake
it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing
is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation,
against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.
And the ruin of that house was great. Luke 6:46-49
Now the part that ties it all together, is the Holy Spirit. Which is the oil for the lamps.
Throughout the Scriptures, anointing oil has been likened to an anointing from God, or rather the Spirit of God, which is the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 61:1 & Acts 10:38 The final the stage of us becoming a born again believer. The anointing by the Holy Spirit makes us as complete in Him as is possible until we are taken home to be in His very presence.
As Jesus pointed out in ch 23, the Pharisees claimed to follow the One true God, but refused to truly follow His teachings, because they were all about the power and possessions they could gain in this World, not what God had in store for them in heaven. Then they reject, and ultimately murdered His Son, like they did the prophets before. Finally they rejected the Holy Spirit, because time and time again God warned them by having the Holy Spirit spoken to them through the Scriptures they studied, and through men like Nicodemus who warned them to investigate the matter before condemning Jesus.
“Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” John 7:51
The lamp oil represents the Holy Spirit which each and every true believer of Christ has. If you are a true believer, you will always be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 The five virgins who had no oil, did not have the Holy Spirit in them.
They are the ones the false teachers have led astray, making them believe they are saved, but the truth they shared was laced with just enough poison to lead their souls to hell instead of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Pharisees Jesus confronted in ch 23 had the spirit of Satan, because they denied God's Son. Just as these five virgins had the spirit of satan instead of God. These five virgins were not the anointed ones the Bridegroom was coming for.
"Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world." 1John 4:3
Consider the billions of people Worldwide who truly believe they are following the right Jesus. Just as the Pharisees believed they were following what the Law said. Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, etc. etc. etc. Paul was one. He was a good man. He thought he was doing as Moses told him to. After all, he was blessed. A Pharisee of Pharisees. He was so zealous for God, that he became a serial killer, tracking down evil men telling lies about his God. So he thought. That is until he had a visit by Christ on his way to persecute more Christians in Demascus. Acts 9:1-19
The Five virgins with no oil are the tares in the parable of Matthew 13:24-30. They were false followers of the True God. They are the weeds that grow up amongst the wheat, and will eventually be separated during the harvest. In an roundabout way, Jesus is describing their fate. They will not see salvation, instead they will be separated from the wheat, and tossed into the fire of damnation. Thus the last thing the virgins with no oil will hear is, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.”(vs 12)
This parable is a great example of todays Church throughout the World. Sadly, not since the very early days, after Pentecost, has the church ever been a true representation of Jesus Christ. My heart weeps when I consider how shameful the church has represented Christ through the ages. A close examination of the ecumenical organizations like the World Council of Churches, along with the many questionable television evangelists and what they all do in the name of Christianity is enough to make a one realize that Satan has gotten ahold of a large portion of the Christian churches in the World.
Yet, just as God told Elijah that there was a remnant of true prophets who had not bowed to Baal, so too are there faithful followers of Christ throughout the whole church who are filled with the Holy Spirit. These five virgins, is our example of how we should be prepared by having our hearts, minds, and souls prepared for when the Bridegroom comes. Jesus said to the church of Philadelphia, “thou has kept the word of my patience.” Revelation 3:10 There are those who are keeping true to the Word of God. And within the church itself there is a seperate true body of Christ.
So the Five wise virgins are representative of the true body of Christ. They were ready for Christ, and thus they were found worthy to be His bride as part of His Kingdom. Those who acting like the Pharisees Jesus confronted in ch 23, who are walking the walk only for the World to see, but are not truly living the life are woefully unprepared, because Christ knows the heart of all men, and that's why the five virgins with no oil will be rejected.
Many would rather dwell on the analogy of the parable being of the rapture and the end times. Ok, that is fine for them, but I usually stay away from end times scenarios. Mainly because no one knows the hour He will come. Should I be alive when a rapture happens, then I'll be blessed, but to dwell on it loses the emphasis Christ wants us to dwell upon. Which is spreading the Gospel and teaching the sheep how to live a life that is acceptable to Christ
As for me, instead of getting all tied up in the when, where, and how of the end, I would rather leave that up to others to discuss while I spend my time spreading the Gospel and being prepared for the time a drunk driver may cross the centerline and thus send me to meet Christ a bit earlier than I expected. So unexpected I may leave this World, but when it comes time for me to meet the Bridegroom, I will have plenty of oil.
Rather than try and go through the various ways that this parable has been interpreted, I will just shared with you my understanding of the parable. I’ll let the Holy Spirit guide you in what lesson He wishes you to get from the parable, but this is what the Spirit has led me to see.
Obviously they are not Democrats...................
Any Christian with eyes should KNOW to have your spiritual bags packed, your oil full and be ready to move out.
If anyone (besides Christ) is currently in heaven, why did Christ say a) he’ll come back for us and b) that the Bible says AT HIS RETURN the dead in Christ rise first, then all who are living, after?
No one is in Heaven yet. They all walk the earth or are asleep, waiting on the resurrection of the dead in Christ
Show me where I ever said no one is in heaven. You added something that is not there.
Exactly and importantly. I admonished my niece recently about this trap into which Satan lures believers, and I was gratified she got and agreed with the point.
I am a just-before-the-mid-Tribber myself (leaving aside the arguments here), which means I won't even be surprised if things get much worse before the Rescue. Regardless, I am Ready. Meantime, as you say, keep obeying.
So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.2 Corinthians 5:5-8
Thank you
I don’t have time right now to read the commentary, but look forward to it.
In short, While Paul is the chosen Apostle to the Gentiles, having revealed the mystery hidden through the ages, and given by revelation of the mystery, to the church....
The Old Testament Scriptures, as well as the Gospels, are given for our understanding. With that said, the parabels are also viewed in terms of understanding as types and shadows for the church as well as to give understanding to the Jews.
This interpretation of types and shadows can be applied to many passages of the OT as well as the Gospels on many accounts.
Just my view.
God Bless
The Bible does seem to rather heavily imply that’s the case, though I think it would have to be the general case, but with some particular exceptions. There are at least a couple examples of people who may have been “translated” directly to heaven, and also a number of people who were raised along with Christ when he was resurrected as well. In Revelation also, those who are martyred for their refusal to submit to the Beast seem to already be in heaven before the second coming of Christ and the two resurrections.
worth reading. our next conscious thought after dying is being in the presence of the Lord.
I have read a similar analogy many years ago. While interesting to ponder, I’m not in a agreement with it.
There is just too much Biblical evidence to say otherwise.
However, thanks for sharing. I did find it interesting. As I said I have read the same theory before.
the Scripture that has the most clarity is that Christ comes back for us; why would He do that if we’re already there.
Quote: “No one is in Heaven yet. They all walk the earth or are asleep, waiting on the resurrection of the dead in Christ”-———————
2 Corinthians 5:7-9
King James Version
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
See, now you are trying to get me into a discussion of the end times, and the whole Dispensation/Rapture end times doctrine. Which I Clearly stated in my commentary I refuse to get into.
I will say this though. From your question, you are obviously a not a believer in the Rapture.
Whether you are a Historicist, Preterist, Futurist, or a Spiritualist when it comes to your understanding of the end times, I could care less.
I understand them all, and their arguments, however your query will not reap you any nuggets from me on this topic. At least not on this thread.
At least not from me.
Quote: “the Scripture that has the most clarity is that Christ comes back for us; why would He do that if we’re already there.”
We need to read 1’st Corinthians 15:51-55 for further understanding.
While our Spirit and Soul is united and present with the Lord upon our passing from this current life to the next, our bodies, (our corruptible flesh) awaits the transformation Paul reveals in the following verse.
Our corruptible flesh cannot enter the presence of God. So the transformation takes place at the same time as 1’st Thessalonians 4:13-18. They are the same event and the same time reference.
For full clarity I’ve included the full text:
1’st Corinthians 15:
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.
48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
wow. you got that I don’t believe in A rapture from my comment? I absolutely, positively beleive there is 1 rapture, at the coming of Christ. Not before. Not 2 of them.
As I began to read this I also began to equate the words spoken by Stephen before the religious sect of that day stoned him. Which I think emphasises your point-Matthew 23:2-4:
Acts 7:
51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
These words spoken by Stephen were the last words of warning given to the nation of Israel after Jesus had ascended and stood, before turning to the Gentiles. (Having been rejected by the Jews. Romans 11)
Likewise, I think, to further illustrate your point, just as in those days, the followers of religious traditions, reject the One True Mediator-1’st Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6; 9:15
On the subject of the marriage between Jesus Christ and the bride, I found extremely interesting. It makes me correlate the jezebel spirit of old and the same spiritual adultry promoted today in the gentile religious sects. Adultry is grounds for divorce in the natural sense of the term, and it is my view that spiritual adultry is also grounds for divorce between Jesus and His fiancee. Which is my assertian against unconditional eternal security. There is One Head of the Body of Christ and for those that take on “another head” comitt spiritual adultry.Proverbs chapter 7.
Concerning the Holy Spirit and the Oil correlation I would agree. I liken our Born Again transformation to a Spiritual Creation becoming Spirit, Soul and body. Much like the Trinity being the father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Our new Creation becomes one with the Triune God. Not in a manner of elevating oneself but a requirement of acceptance.
Regarding Pauls former self (Saul) he regarded the things he formerly valued, ie. Self righteousness as dung. In order to gain the excellency of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.
Regarding the present day condition of the Laedecean church, I would whole heartedly agree. And we were warned of this. Because satan has entered the pulpit he has been given authority by means of religious leaders to deceive and to lead astray. The Word of God is no longer given the authority of Truth. But rather has given way for traditions to be the arbitor.
The Holy Spirit convicts and leads the heart into all Truth. He is our Comforter.
I really enjoyed your commentary. Well researched and presented well.
God Bless
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