The 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins

[Stewardofthemystery]

In the parable of the 10 virgins we notice 5 are called wise and 5 are called foolish.
 

The foolish took no oil for their lamps, but the wise took oil in their vessels to light their lamp. They were to await the Bridegrooms return, which represents the return of Christ.

The fact that they are all called virgins tells me they are all people of the faith in Christ.

Paul said in 
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.

So these 10 were called to keep themselves pure for the Bridegroom, which is Christ.

Also all 10 had lamps, which tells me all 10 had Gods written words.

In 
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

So the difference between the virgins was 5 wise had “oil in their vessels”and the 5 foolish had none, which then caused their lamps to go out.

The oil in this parable represents the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit which illuminates our eyes of understanding into Gods written words. 

In the law God gave many types and shadows in natural things to symbolize and foreshadow spiritual truths to be revealed later by the Spirit.

In the law golden olive oil was used to light the lamp that burned in the tabernacle of the congregation. This light was meant to stay lit continually in the tabernacle of the congregation .

This light represents the Light of the Lord, which is to burn inside the vessels of the Church.

The golden olive oil was also to be used to anoint the ministers of the Lord, for to sanctify and consecrate them.
Jesus said in 

John 17:17-19
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.”

There are 2 types of wisdom, there is the wisdom that comes from above by God, and there is the wisdom of the world.

It is written that God made “foolish”the wisdom of the world, which partly explains why the 5 without oil were called “foolish.”

It is the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit that illuminates our understanding in Gods words.

Paul said in 

Ephesians 1:17-18
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

So without the Holy Spirit you are left in the dark.

Paul said in 1Th 5:19 - Quench G4570 not the Spirit.

Notice the word Quench is the same as “gone out” in the parable.

Mat 25:8 - And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are “gone out.”G4570

In Revelation 2:5 Jesus said

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent”

These were those who had left their first love and had fallen back into sin. They were in danger of having their lights put out.

So keep the faith and keep those lamps burning bright.

Peace and God bless

[Markie51]

      

     Jesus has been answering his apostles’ questions regarding the sign of his presence and of the conclusion of the system of things.  As he did frequently, he responded with an illustration of which the disciple realized that Jesus is talking about them.-John 14:2.

     The “ten virgins” symbolize all Christians who are in line for or who profess to be in line for the heavenly Kingdom.-Revelation 14:1, 3.

     The “oil” refers to the all Christians shining as illuminators of the inspired Word of God.  The “foolish” ones do not have that same in themselves.

     He was making the point that in connection with the Kingdom, each of his disciples has the capacity to choose to be vigilant or to be distracted.