"Virgin Oil"

[Gracejj]

Mathew 25:1-9.

The scripture talks about some virgins had enough oil and some virgins missed the groom bcos of lack of enough oil and by the time they came back the door was shut. It was too late. 

-What does the "OIL" represent here in this specific scripture and -how we can make sure that we have enough oil so that we don't have to get outside to get more oil and by the time we returned the door is wide shut and we can't enter anymore. Any thoughts? 

[Michael37]

21 minutes ago, Grace j said:

Mathew 25:1-9.

The scripture talks about some virgins had enough oil and some virgins missed the groom bcos of lack of enough oil and by the time they came back the door was shut. It was too late. 

-What does the "OIL" represent here in this specific scripture and -how we can make sure that we have enough oil so that we don't have to get outside to get more oil and by the time we returned the door is wide shut and we can't enter anymore. Any thoughts? 

There has been a lot of discussion on Worthy about the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, and not surprisingly, some disagreements, but mostly it is agreed the oil in the lamps is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, which can be grieved, quenched, and exhausted by those foolish enough not to furnish themselves adequately with it. 

Example: Gal 3:3  Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
 

Quote: What was olive oil a symbol of in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Olive oil can also be seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (or possibly of faith) in Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13). The five wise virgins in the wedding party had made sure they had olive oil for their lamps as they waited for the bridegroom to come. The five foolish virgins did not think ahead and had brought no oil. As the bridegroom drew near, the five foolish virgins begged the wise ones for some of their oil. But the wise virgins could not spare any. While the foolish virgins were out buying more oil, the bridegroom came, and their chance to join the wedding celebration was gone forever.

Jesus gave the point of the parable: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13). At the end of the age, when Jesus comes back, some will be ready for His arrival (illustrated by the wise virgins who had olive oil); others will not be ready (symbolized by the foolish virgins who had no oil). Considering the olive oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (or of faith), we could say that only those who have the Spirit (or faith in Christ) are truly ready for Jesus’ second coming.

Not every reference to olive oil in the Bible is symbolic, of course. But there are passages in which olive oil can be a picture of the Holy Spirit, the One who sanctifies us, fills us, readies us to see Christ, and brings us light, joy, and spiritual health.

[enoob57]

I am apprehensive of got questions on this one due to this event
Acts 8:20 (KJV)

[20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

 

[Michael37]

7 minutes ago, enoob57 said:

I am apprehensive of got questions on this one due to this event
Acts 8:20 (KJV)

[20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

My thought is that the oil the Wise Virgins came with would have cost some amount of wages.

Metaphors typically have their limitations, which is why I don't go beyond their intended application.

[Dennis1209]

6 hours ago, Grace j said:

Mathew 25:1-9.

The scripture talks about some virgins had enough oil and some virgins missed the groom bcos of lack of enough oil and by the time they came back the door was shut. It was too late. 

-What does the "OIL" represent here in this specific scripture and -how we can make sure that we have enough oil so that we don't have to get outside to get more oil and by the time we returned the door is wide shut and we can't enter anymore. Any thoughts? 

Excellent question, Grace. As Michael said, this topic has been discussed in detail several times on Worthy.

Got questions dot org is an excellent Christian website that I occasionally consult. I agree with their theology and answers probably 95% of the time. However, on this particular topic of the Ten Virgins and their meaning, I have departed from their view. As always, I do not contend I hold the correct view. Let’s take a deep dive and a detailed look.

First, let’s define what a parable is: Parable (מָשָׁ֑ל, mashal; παραβολή, parabolē). A story or saying that illustrates a truth using comparison, hyperbole, or simile. Can be a model, analogy, or example.

In Greek rhetoric, parables were used in argumentation to clarify, prove, or cause something to appear livelier (Rhet. Her. 4.45.58–4.48.61). Rabbinic parables explain Scripture passages or illustrate an interpretation of a passage already provided.^[1]

I have grappled with this for a long time myself and studied this parable. I always assumed it had to do with Salvation or the Rapture. Thinking that way, the Ten Virgins parable made no sense to me. One either has the entire Holy Spirit indwelling them or not. True, at times, oil and light represent the Holy Spirit.

If the oil in this parable represents the Holy Spirit, how does one ask for some of it from someone else because they ran out? How do you go to a seller and purchase more of the Holy Spirit?

From my notes on the subject, let’s look at the context of who these virgins represent, especially who and when. The following makes the most sense to me:

There are many opinions and interpretations of the Ten Virgins parable. The key points are preparedness and expectation of the Lord's coming. The following opinion was gleaned from Michael Pearl and his book, "Eight Kingdoms." Also, at: Video deleted, TOS. I have taken the liberty of modifying his work and adding to it, and explaining further:

If time is limited, please read my summation at the end.

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

When does the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of Jesus, commence? At the word "Then," and the location is on Earth. This is not the Rapture. Who is Jesus talking to: the Jews, Gentiles, or both? I propose the Jews only, the original heirs to the kingdom that rejected the Lord and kingdom on Palm Sunday.

Then: When is then? At the appointed time. As we shall see, this appointed time will be at the end of the Great Tribulation, at the start of the millennial reign of Christ.

Kingdom of heaven: This is not the kingdom of God. John the Baptist came preaching the kingdom of heaven. Jesus offered it to the Jews first, and they rejected it. The children of the kingdom were to be the Jews.

Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The kingdom of heaven is defined as the kingdom that God intends for this earth and is physical. When it comes to power, it will replace all other kingdoms, i.e., the kingdom of Satan, Antichrist's kingdom, and Gentile kingdoms. It is not heaven ruling heaven; it is heaven ruling the earth through men.

The kingdom of God is the timeless spiritual rule of God over all beings wherever they may be – in paradise, in hell, on earth, in any of the three heavens, everything seen and unseen.

Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? [Jesus replies as to when]

Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16, Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17. Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

Then, is when it starts until the conclusion of the Great Tribulation. The reason for the Tribulation:

Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

At midnight, when Christ comes (2^nd coming), the lamp and wick cannot be the Holy Spirit; how do you trim the Holy Spirit or go and buy it?

Matthew 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Who sells the Holy Spirit, and how does one buy it?

Matthew 25:10 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.

The marriage of Christ to His bride, the church, at the beginning of the millennium, the kingdom of heaven,

Matthew 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

Afterward: Probably after the Rapture. To me, thus far, this is starting to sound like Messianic Jews vs. Orthodox Jewry.

Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The Lord exhorts, watch, therefore. To be attentive and ready for the coming bridegroom, half will be let in, and half will be rejected. There is no application to the kingdom of God here; that makes no sense.

Who are these ten virgins? These virgins are not the bride (the church); they are coming to view and assist the bride; they are attendants (guests). They are bridesmaids, and five (or half) are not allowed into the wedding, as a judgment on the yet living soon after the Lord's return in glory.

Psalm 45:13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. 14. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. 15. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.

The church age, the age of Grace, ended at the Rapture (harpazo). These groups of people from all over the world survived the Tribulation. Half of them who survived the Tribulation and accepted the Lord will be invited into the kingdom of heaven (millennial reign of Christ), and will be attendants, assistants, and guests at the marriage of the Lamb. The other half survived the Tribulation and rejected the gospel of the kingdom preached by John the Baptist, the Two Witnesses, and the flying angel. Will be killed off and cast into outer darkness.

Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Note the five critical words in this parable: 1. Wise. 2. Foolish. 3. Lamp. 4. Light. 5. Oil. Many agree that this parable talks about the house of Israel (ten tribes), not the Christians or the church. The following videos are a broad mix of interpretations of this parable: TOS deletion.

Numerous other notes were deleted for brevity.

Summary: I now believe that the parable of the Ten Virgins is directed to God’s chosen people, initially offered the kingdom that John the Baptist preached, and Israel rejected. The kingdom was then expanded to include us Gentiles, and we were grafted into the branch (the bride of Christ – the Church).

The Messianic Jews will be allowed into the kingdom and be guests and attendants at the Marriage of the Lamb and the wedding feast. The orthodox Jews, those who rely on the Ten Commandments and Judaism, will be cast into our darkness, Hell.

2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

 

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^[1] David Seal, “Parable,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

[Stewardofthemystery]

6 hours ago, Grace j said:

Mathew 25:1-9.

The scripture talks about some virgins had enough oil and some virgins missed the groom bcos of lack of enough oil and by the time they came back the door was shut. It was too late. 

-What does the "OIL" represent here in this specific scripture and -how we can make sure that we have enough oil so that we don't have to get outside to get more oil and by the time we returned the door is wide shut and we can't enter anymore. Any thoughts? 

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 so to speak.

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 ourlamps 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

[AnOrangeCat]

6 hours ago, Grace j said:

-What does the "OIL" represent here in this specific scripture and -how we can make sure that we have enough oil so that we don't have to get outside to get more oil and by the time we returned the door is wide shut and we can't enter anymore. Any thoughts? 

My own take is that the oil isn't intended to represent something specific. Rather, it means a general state of readiness. There are other parables following it that deal with judgment and being prepared. The one immediately after deals with servants. Two of them did their master's work, the third was lazy and honestly a bit snarky and rude when explaining himself. Imagine telling your boss that they're harsh and imply that they make their livelihood dishonestly ("you reap where you haven't sown"). In the third we have the sheep and the goats.

In all three parables we see people who were ready, the virgins by having oil, the servants who did their master's will, and the sheep who were charitable. Then there those who weren't. Just as the parables showed people who were doing different activities there's also a variety of ways in which we can demonstrate our readiness. It meshes with Paul's analogy of calling believers the body of Christ and saying we all have different purposes. So in essence live by the two great commandments and be ready by busying yourself with whatever things seem to be your role as part of the body of Christ so you'll be found doing His will when He returns rather than being found lazy and unprofitable.

[Jayne]

11 hours ago, Grace j said:

Mathew 25:1-9.

The scripture talks about some virgins had enough oil and some virgins missed the groom bcos of lack of enough oil and by the time they came back the door was shut. It was too late. 

-What does the "OIL" represent here in this specific scripture and -how we can make sure that we have enough oil so that we don't have to get outside to get more oil and by the time we returned the door is wide shut and we can't enter anymore. Any thoughts? 

Just my understanding after years of Bible study.

The Bridegroom is Jesus Christ.  He is coming back for his church.  Jesus used this idea as a parable as people understood the man getting married, a bridegroom, coming in the night for his bride.  

The 5 wise virgins with the oil are true believers.  They have their lamps AND enough oil to keep them lit in anticipation for the Bridegroom.  It took the Bridegroom in the parable a LONG TIME to get there and they fell asleep.

True Christians waiting on Christ's return may find it a long time coming.  BUT, they must keep the faith going.  Obeying the Holy Spirit, reading the Bible, praying, congregating with other Christians, finding private time to be alone with God, doing his will, and so much more.

The 5 foolish virgins are either non-believers or fake Christians - who think they are saved but are not.  They have their lamps.  But NO oil and it takes them by surprise when the bridegroom finally comes.

So many people sit on a church pew or help old ladies across the street or put money in the offering plate or take communion or help build a school or hospital or pay for a friend's groceries.

And they truly believe that his makes them heaven-bound.  Good works.  Good deeds.  These come AFTER salvation.  They do not save.

How many people believe themselves going to heaven because they are "good people", but they do not KNOW Christ.

And as the parable ends, the Bridegroom says to them as they are begging to get into the wedding - "I don't know you."

[Dennis1209]

I am not trying to convince anyone my view is correct, but when I studied this parable in the context I briefly described above, a light bulb went off. I have heard it said from some of the best and brightest biblical scholars: if you want to interpret the Bible better and understand Jewish thought and culture, put yourself in their minds. Shed your western way of thinking, think as an easterner of that period.

We Christian Westerners traditionally think of a marriage as between one man and one woman, as God ordained. Is it expected the bride be undefiled, pure, and a virgin? Are there any gender differences in the marriage to the Lamb? In Western culture and tradition, when have there ever been ten brides’ maids, or any, awaiting the groom?

As I mentioned, I used to view this parable the same way. The bridegroom, a man, a husband, suddenly arrives unannounced for his bride. Ten female sexually virgin unmarried brides’ maids watching for the coming of the bridegroom.

In shedding my western way of thinking for a moment. Where does it say or allude that these brides’ maids are female? It says they are virgins; could that mean something else the Western mind loses its concept of, other than they are unmarried and sexually pure? Whatever it is, all ten start identical.

I liken all ten of these brides’ maids to pure, such as extra virgin olive oil (refined), in that nothing else is mixed in with their genealogy. In other words, Jews. If they were not virgins, they might be called Samaritans, unpure, bred out, or gentiles.  

Even after the diaspora of almost two millennia, they have maintained their virginity of pure Jewry for the most part.

As I mentioned, how does one purchase oil if it represents the Holy Spirit, and who sells it?

[Stewardofthemystery]

1 hour ago, Dennis1209 said:

As I mentioned, how does one purchase oil if it represents the Holy Spirit, and who sells it?

I think the wise virgins are mocking the foolish virgins for thinking the gifts of the Spirit can be purchased from men by money.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of “Truth,” notice what the Lord says

Proverbs 23:23

“Buy the truth,” and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

 

Revelation 3:18

I counsel thee to “buy of me”gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

 

Is Jesus talking about buying the gifts of the Spirit with money?  
 

Isaiah 55:1

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath “no money;”come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk “without money”and without price.

 

Peter confirmed the gifts of the Spirit cannot be purchased from men by paying for them with money.  
 

Acts 8:20

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perishwith thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

 

So I believe the wise were mocking the “foolish” for seeking the “truth”and understanding from men who “buy and sell”their wisdom as the “truth” for money.

 

Keep in mind God made “foolish” the “wisdom”of this world.