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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

One could conclude from all this that no force other than our own self-will (ego/pride/vanity) can separate us from Him.

And that is the point Alamo-Girl. We are our own worst enemies.

It's not that Jesus is errecting barriers to our ultimate salvation, the point is WE are are errecting barriers to our own salvation! These barriers are varied, but as you say, they involve pride, ego, and vanity.

Going through the initation rights of Christianity; water baptism, Spirit baptism, confessing Jesus is Lord; is all good and proper, but it ultimately does not mean anything unless our lives reflect that which we profess.

Just today I had a conversation with a friend where the topic was "Just what MAKES a person a Christian, anyway?" We both know of people who go to a good church, who say all the right things, who know the "lingo" of Christianity, and claim they actually believe it; but who's lives don't relfect anything but that of a selfish, egotistical, vain person who is ultimately out for only themselves and what they can get away with. Christianity is just a means to an end for them, not a lifestyle.

But it's not always easy to discern who's just playing the game and who is truly a bondslave to Jesus. Christianity is a little too easy here in the USA, it really doesn't cost a person much to be a Christian, if it costs anything at all! As long as you say the right things, and demonstrate some of the right habbits (like going to church every Sunday) no one will question your sincerity.

I can see why Ronzo talks about preparedness. The foolish virgins probably weren't thinking ahead, that they might all fall asleep and be wakened at the last moment, see that their lamps had gone out, and have to run and get the oil they did not bring with them.

Matthew 25:10-13
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.

Our duty as Christians is also compared to a watchman upon the tower. Those who are not watchful, prayerful, and vigilant become slothful, sloppy, lazy, and neglect their duty, and the enemy comes upon them when they are unaware and does great harm.

Similarly, the Bridegroom comes, those who are ready go in, and the door is shut.

Of course, how can we consider ourselves well-prepared to meet the Bridegroom if we have not learned to recognize the still, small voice and live by the Spirit? (which I think goes to your point)