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And in this passage, [Mat 25:1-13] I believe the oil in the lamp is a metaphor for the indwelling Holy Spirit...

That's an interesting analogy A-G! I've never heard of the oil being equated with the Holy Spirit before. Interesting...

I have a slightly different take on the lamps and oil: I believe they are a metaphor for preparedness. The whole thrust of the 25th chapter of Matthew is one of preparedness.

But why is Jesus telling CHRISTIANS to be prepared, if we are going to be raptured out of here? What's there to prepare for? Well, here's an interpretation of the parable of the ten virgins that's a bit disturbing, but very powerful...

The "virgins" in this parable represent what we would call bridesmaids. They are, by deffinition, friends of the bride.

The bride is always symbolic of the chruch in scriptures. So these "virgins," or "bridesmaids" are Christians. (Not just the five wise ones, but ALL TEN.)

The bridegroom is always symbolic of Jesus.

The lamps and oil represent preparedness, or even steadfastness (perseverance).

The "marriage" represents salvation, and the feast of the wedding supper of the Lamb (Jesus).

With the symbols defined, what is Jesus telling us about the Last Days and salvation? The message is simple: not all Christians will be saved. This is an absolute refutation of the "once saved, always saved" dogma. Of course this is NOT the only time or place where the dogma is refuted in scripture, there are several places throughout the NT where this warning is given, by Jesus and the Apostles.

However, Jesus also communicates to us why not all Christians will be saved: they failed to be prepared. This is not just a parable for the end-times, but for all Christians in all times.

Jesus knows who is really for him, and those who are Christian in name only. We don't even know, for sure, who these people are --though I bet we could make some rather accurate guesses! Ultimately, we are responsible for our own salvation, as the five wise virgins illustrate. When they refused to share their oil with the foolish virgins, it not that they were being stingy with their oil, but rather that they had prepared correctly for the bridegroom, and could not possibly share their preparedness with the foolish. They had taken personal responsibility for their own salvation.

This parable confirms that one thing you learn in life: you are ultimately responsible for only yourself. This does not absolve us from helping others, rather it demonstrates that each person must ultimately make their own choices.

You might be able to fool the people around you by your upright Christian behavior, but Jesus knows those who are really his, and those who are just pretending, or relying on their church affliation, or their "correct" view of doctrine and dogma.

Thank you so much for your reply and the interpretation of the parable of the ten virgins!

However, Jesus also communicates to us why not all Christians will be saved: they failed to be prepared. This is not just a parable for the end-times, but for all Christians in all times.

Indeed. The parable has to do with preparedness, not only for the rapture at the Great Tribulation, but for our own individual rapture of the Spirit in physical death. I maintain that preparedness is being born again, having the indwelling Holy Spirit:

Many will say to me in that day, 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? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. – Matthew 7:22-23

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. – John 1:12-13

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. – John 3:5-6

The theology of whether a person who is born again can be lost is another matter. On the one hand, it is possible to quench the Spirit (1 Th 5:19) and to blaspheme against Him which will not be forgiven (Matthew 12:31-32). On the other hand, Jesus assures us that noone can pluck us out of His hand. (John 10:28-29) One could conclude from all this that no force other than our own self-will (ego/pride/vanity) can separate us from Him.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

I still maintain that the oil is the metaphor for the Holy Spirit because it is consistent throughout the Scriptures. It is used in the earthly depiction of the heavenly Temple and is associated with Light and anointing: And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which [is] before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel. – Exodus 27:20-21

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. – 1 John 1:7

There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. – Psalms 132:17

And thou shalt take of the blood that [is] upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle [it] upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him. – Exodus 29:21

And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that [is] therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy. – Exodus 40:9

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. – 1 Samuel 16:13

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. – Psalms 23:5

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: - James 5:14

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. – Romans 8:11