Sermon The Ten Virgins And Their Lamps

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[2] The title of the sermon: “THE TEN VIRGINS AND THEIR LAMPS.”

The Parable Of The Ten Virgins

• Today, we’re going to look at the parable of the ten virgins and their lamps.
• We see this parable in Matthew Chapter 25.
• We’re going to look at this in detail because there’s much false doctrine taught about this parable.
• We’re going to study today by comparing Scripture with Scripture to find the truth.
• Before we start the study, let’s ready Matthew Chapter 25 verses 1 through 13.

[3] Matthew 25:1-4 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

[4] Matthew 25:5-8 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 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. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

[5] Matthew 25:9-10 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. 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.

[6] Matthew 25:11-13 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.

• So, what do we see in this parable? The kingdom of heaven is likened unto ten virgins.
• All 10 virgins take their lamps and go forth to meet the bridegroom. 5 are wise. 5 are foolish.
• The 5 foolish take their lamps but they take no oil with them.
• The 5 wise take oil with their lamps. The bridegroom tarries or waits around until it’s time to arrive.
• While He is tarrying, all 10 virgins are slumbering and sleeping.
• In the middle of the night, an announcement is made to the 10 virgins that the bridegroom is coming.

The 10 virgins are told to go out and meet him. All 10 virgins arise and trim their lamps or get them ready to burn.

• Trimmed means to put their lamps in good working order. They are getting ready to use them.
• The 5 foolish virgins don’t have any oil for their lamps as they had went out.
• The 5 foolish virgins ask the 5 wise virgins for oil. The 5 wise virgins say, “No.”
• The 5 wise virgins know that they might run out of oil and not find their way.
• If they split up the oil, then no one will make it as all of them will run out of light to find their way.
• The 5 wise virgins tell the foolish virgins to go buy their own oil.

When the 5 foolish virgins went to purchase some oil for their lamps, the bridegroom comes.

• The 5 wise virgins are prepared and go in with the bridegroom to the marriage.
• The bridegroom accepts those 5 virgins into the door and then the door is shut.
• The 5 foolish virgins then show up late and knock on the door.
• They say, “Lord, Lord, open the door for us!!!” The bridegroom says, “I KNOW YOU NOT.”

And then we get a warning: “Watch therefore, because you don’t know when Jesus is coming back.”

• You don’t want to miss the coming of the bridegroom who is Jesus Christ.
• So, that’s a quick summary of the parable of the ten virgins and their lamps.
• We’re going to now go into this parable in great detail so we aren’t fooled by false doctrine.
• There are so many interpretations of this Scripture and so many false statements being made.

For example, some false preachers will say that the 5 foolish virgins were saved but they lost salvation.

• They’ll teach that the oil represents the Holy Spirit and they had oil to begin with but ran out of oil.
• “Since they ran out of oil, they lost the Holy Spirit, and they lost salvation.” That’s their reasoning.
• And it’s wrong, and it’s false. How do we know that? The Bible gives us very clear teaching on salvation.
• Salvation is very simple and easy to understand.

[7] John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

• Believe on the Son of God, who is Jesus Christ, who is the bridegroom, and you HAVE everlasting life.
• And that’s present tense. At the moment you believe, you have everlasting life.
• The Bible teaches this VERY CLEARLY throughout the Bible.

[8] John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

• Hear the Word of God, believe that God is THE SAVIOR, and you have everlasting life. VERY CLEAR.
• You are passed from death unto life. Your soul was dead, but now it is alive and saved from hell.
• Once you have everlasting life, you can’t lose it or God wouldn’t have called it everlasting.
• Losing EVERLASTING life doesn’t make any sense. Losing salvation doesn’t make any sense.

[9] 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

• You cannot twist all of these Scriptures that teach SALVATION is everlasting. Can’t do it.
• Believe “ON” Jesus Christ and you HAVE eternal life. You can know that you have eternal life.
• VERY CLEAR SCRIPTURE. Very easy to understand.
• You cannot twist a parable so that it doesn’t match with this very clear Scripture.
• TRUST JESUS CHRIST and His words, and you will receive everlasting life. Trust that He is THE SAVIOR.

[10] Ephesians 1:12-14 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

• Once you have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, you cannot lose it.
• You hear God’s words telling you that He is THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. You believe those words.
• You trust in Jesus Christ. You believe ON Jesus Christ. You receive the gift of everlasting life.
• God sends His Holy Spirit to indwell you. He lives inside of you. You are given a new heart and a new spirit.
• You are not given a new body at the time you receive everlasting life. You’ll be given a new body later.
• The Holy Spirit seals your soul from sin. The Holy Spirit does not seal your flesh from sin.

The Holy Spirit of promise seals you. God doesn’t have leaks. Nothing is going to get by the seal God has created.

• That Holy Spirit is the down payment or earnest of your inheritance until you get a new body.
• And you get that new body when Jesus Christ returns at His second coming.
• This is when the resurrection or rapture will happen.
• THEN, you get a new body to go along with your already new spirit.

You Cannot Lose Everlasting Life

God promises you eternal life, everlasting life, SALVATION to all those who believe on Jesus Christ.

• He doesn’t break His promise. He’s not a liar.
• YET, false preachers attempt to twist a parable to say that you can lose everlasting life. MAKES NO SENSE.
• We know the truth that you cannot lose salvation. It’s very clear.
• So we know that the 5 foolish virgins didn’t have salvation and then they lost it.
• But some people would ask: “But they were virgins. This means they were saved.” Does it mean that?
• Did you use Scripture to back up that conclusion you’ve already made? No, they did not.
• We’ve already seen clear Scripture today that states CLEALRY you cannot lose salvation.
• Now, let’s go into detail and look very closely at this parable of the ten virgins.
• I want you to see the truth today and NEVER allow someone to deceive you or trick you ever again.

[11] 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.

• Notice the first word in Matthew Chapter 25. We’re going to spend some time there first.
• “THEN” shall the kingdom of heaven. “THEN.”
• Let’s go back to the very end of Matthew Chapter 24 because that’s what the word THEN is implying.
• We need to go back and see what Matthew Chapter 24 was just teaching us.
• We know that Matthew Chapter 24 is talking about end times events.
• We’ve went over that chapter many times. But let’s have a refresher.

[12] Matthew 24:36-37 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

• Matthew Chapter 24 is talking about the second coming of Jesus Christ.
• “But of that day” is talking about the day when Jesus Christ returns at His second coming.
• The parable of the 10 virgins is talking about the second coming of Jesus Christ.
• And what else do we learn about the second coming of Jesus Christ in Matthew Chapter 24?
• Let’s continue there in verse 38.

[13] Matthew 24:38-39 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

• Noah knew the flood was coming because he was listening to God. He was hearing God’s words.
• Why did Noah hear God’s words? BECAUSE HE TRUSTED IN GOD. He was a saved man.
• He was a saved man who was following God and trusting in God. NOAH HAD FAITH IN GOD.
• So, Noah knew the flood was coming because He trusted what God told him.
• The others, though, had no clue. They were going on with their normal life with no care at all.
• The flood was a surprise to them. It wasn’t a surprise to Noah, though. See this today and understand.

[14] Matthew 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

• When Jesus comes back, some are going to be taken and some are going to be left.
• We’ll go into more detail, but 5 of these virgins in Matthew Chapter 5 are left and 5 are taken.
• Same thing that we see right here. One is taken. One is left. Five are taken. Five are left.
• Similar things are happening in Matthew Chapter 24 and the entire Bible.
• God is giving us similar examples of the second coming of Jesus Christ over and over again.

Just a note: false preachers will say that people aren’t taken up at the rapture at the second coming.

• But you have all of these examples in the Bible telling us how the second coming of Jesus Christ will work.
• And all of the examples for the “COMING” of the Son of Man are talking about people being taken and people being left.
• The rapture or resurrection of saved people will occur at the second coming of Jesus Christ.
• God is telling us how the second coming of Jesus Christ will work. It’s very easy to see this. VERY CLEAR.

[15] Matthew 24:41-42 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

• Two women working at the mill. One is taken. One is left.
• You don’t when Jesus is coming back, but you do know what to watch for just like Noah knew to watch.
• He listened to God’s word and knew what was coming.
• If you’re saved and listening to God, you will know what to watch for.

Other people know about God’s word, but they won’t hear His words and won’t listen to Him.

• That’s very obvious in the churches. Talk to pastors. They don’t want to hear God’s words.
• They like to listen to themselves, though. They like to write book and make money from their books.
• They like to direct people to their books versus God’s book because the word of God is not within them.
• God VERY CLEARLY tells us EXACTLY what to look for before the second coming of Jesus Christ.

[16] 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?

• The disciples ask Jesus earlier in the chapter, “And what shall be the sign of thy coming?”
• In other words, “Jesus, what do we look for to know that you’re coming back?”
• Again, so any false preachers listening to this understand, they ask Jesus directly:
• “HOW WILL WE KNOW YOU ARE COMING BACK? WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF YOUR COMING?”

[17] Matthew 24:4-6 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

[18] Matthew 24:7-9 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

• They will be killing the true Christians or true followers of “THE” Jesus Christ. They will hate Christians.

[19] Matthew 24:10-12 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

• Many antichrists will come saying, “I AM CHRIST.” That’s already happening in the churches.
• They create a false Jesus and lies about His second coming. That false Jesus says, “I AM CHRIST.”
• Wars and rumors of war. Kingdom against kingdom. We’re getting there but not yet.
• Famine, pestilence or disease, earthquakes in divers places. We’re getting there but not yet.
• Many will betray each other and hate each other. Already happening but it will get worse.
• What are some other signs?

[20] 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:)

• The antichrist will stand in the holy place or temple and proclaim himself to be God.
• That’s going to happen BEFORE Jesus Christ comes back. Not after. BEFORE.

[21] Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

• There will be tribulation and then great tribulation before Jesus comes back.
• Just a note: THE TRIBULATION IS NOT A 7-YEAR PERIOD.
• Daniel’s 70^th week does not equal 7 years of tribulation. The tribulation lasts about 3.5 years and not 7.

[22] Matthew 24:22-24 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

• The days will be shortened because THE ELECT or the saved will be going through great tribulation.
• Many false Christs or false Savior’s will arise all over the place. But they are not Jesus Christ.
• Jesus doesn’t come before the tribulation. That’s some fairy tale Jesus they made up in churches.
• The rapture is not pre-tribulation. The Bible is very clear about that.
• All of these things are signs for us to watch for so we don’t miss the second coming of Jesus Christ.
• We don’t want to be like the 5 foolish virgins in the parable. What others signs do we look for?

[23] Matthew 24:29-30 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

• After the tribulation or directly AFTER the very troubling and difficult times.
• Not pre-tribulation. After the tribulation and before God’s wrath is poured out.
• The sun will be darkened. The moon shall not giver her light. The stars shall fall from heaven.
• THEN YOU SHALL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.
• But don’t stop reading there.

[24] Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

• And at the second coming of Jesus Christ, the resurrection or rapture will occur. VERY CLEAR.
• The rapture happens at the second coming of Jesus Christ. You get a new and sinless body that day.

[25] Matthew 24:32-33 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

• You can see that summer is near when a fig tree puts forth leaves.
• You’ll know that the second coming of Jesus Christ is near when you see all of those signs.
• And if you’re looking for those signs and watching, you won’t be surprised.
• You’ll hear God’s words, and you’ll be like the 5 wise virgins and not the 5 foolish virgins.

People In Churches Will Not “HEAR” The Word Of God

But the large majority of people in churches today won’t hear the word of God.

• God says to watch for these signs. Matthew Chapter 24 is filled with them.
• Matthew Chapter 24, Mark Chapter 13, and Luke Chapter 21 all match the Book of Revelation.
• But no, they won’t hear God at all. They want to listen to fairy tales like the pre-tribulation rapture.
• They still haven’t put their trust in God Almighty. They do not hear HIS WORDS.
• Keep all of this in mind as we study the parable of the ten virgins with their lamps today.

[26] Matthew 24:43-44 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

• You don’t know when Jesus is coming back so be ready.
• If you don’t listen to God’s words about the signs of the second coming of Jesus Christ, Jesus will come upon you as a thief in the night.
• You didn’t know when that thief was going to break into your house or you would have watched.
• People who hear God’s words know what to watch for and will be ready.
• The people who won’t hear God’s word will not be ready. They won’t know what to look for.
• They won’t have God’s Spirit leading them and teaching them because they aren’t saved.

[27] Matthew 24:45-47 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

• We need to be the faithful AND wise servant just as you see in verse 45 right there.
• We will be watching and know the signs of His second coming. You’ve heard them today.
• And yes, what I’m saying right now is very important to understanding the parable of the ten virgins.
• 5 of the virgins are faithful and wise. The other 5 have no faith and are foolish.
• The 5 faithful and wise virgins are ready for the coming of the bridegroom. The others are not prepared.
• God wants HIS PEOPLE to be prepared so I hope you’re listening today.

[28] Matthew 24:48-49 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

[29] Matthew 24:50-51 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

• In other words, the unsaved will not know when Jesus Christ is coming back.
• They will not hear HIS WORDS. They will not watch for these signs. They don’t care.
• They do what they want. They go on with their life and forget God in all things.
• And then there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
• There’s 5 Scriptures in the Bible between Matthew and Luke with weeping and gnashing of teeth.
• Each time the Bible is referring to hell.
• Hell is the destination for all people who NEVER trust in Jesus Christ.

So, right there is the very end of Matthew Chapter 24. Now, you see what leads up to Matthew Chapter 25.

• This is what the very first word in Matthew Chapter 25 was talking about.
• THEN is that word. Let’s read the first verse again.

[30] 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.

• So this parable of the 10 virgins is another example of what the second coming of Jesus Christ will be like.
• Let’s get into the details here. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins.”
• We’re going to focus on the kingdom of heaven and the 10 virgins. Virgins are pure and undefiled.
• The kingdom of heaven is compared to virgins because it is pure and undefiled.
• Keep in mind that God is using physical things to teach us spiritual things.

[31] 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.

• These actual 10 virgins are not perfect and without sin but a virgin represents purity.
• Since there are 2 groups of virgins in this parable, what 2 groups in the Bible are represented as virgins?
• That’s what we need to find out here. Who are these 2 groups of virgins. We use Scripture to answer this.
• We don’t make up some fairy tale and say: “Oh, the 10 virgins represent this, this, and that.” No.
• SCRIPTURE interprets SCRIPTURE. And it just so happens there are 2 groups in the Bible. Let’s see.

[32] 2 Kings 19: 21 This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

• The first “VIRGIN” group of people we see in the Bible is the children of Israel.
• “The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee. The daughter of Jerusalem.”
• In the Old Testament, we see physical Israel as God’s chosen people. Right?
• Does that mean that all of the physical children of Israel are saved? NO, it doesn’t.
• But they are spoken of as a whole as a virgin. They were God’s chosen people.

[33] Exodus 19:5-6 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

• But, there was a condition to the physical children of Israel being God’s chosen people.
• They are described as a virgin in the Bible, but they must do something to be God’s chosen people.
• God says, “You are a peculiar people and a holy nation IF you will obey my voice and keep my covenant.”

[34] Deuteronomy 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

[35] Deuteronomy 26:18 And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;

• The Bible tells us that they did not keep His covenant. They broke it in every way possible.
• They turned to other gods. FALSE GODS over and over and over again.
• These 5 foolish virgins are just like the physical children of Israel. They will not hear God’s words.
• Today, they HATE Jesus Christ as a whole. Not all of them but the vast majority of them.
• Jesus was preaching to those people throughout the Book of Matthew. He was showing them the truth.
• But they wouldn’t hear HIS WORDS. Who do you think is represented by the 5 wise virgins?

[36] Jeremiah 31:3-4 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. 4 Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

• The second group are also called the children of Israel. These are those who believe.
• They are represented by Abraham. He believed and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
• The first group is the PHYSICAL OR FLESHLY children of Israel. God’s chosen people.
• But they didn’t follow God’s commandments and they were rejected as God’s chosen people.
• The second group is the SPIRITUAL children of Israel. God’s chosen people.

[37] 1 Peter 2:7-8 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

[38] 1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

• All people who BELIEVE are precious to God just like these 5 wise virgins in this parable.
• 5 foolish virgins are just like PHYSICAL ISRAEL. 5 wise virgins are just like SPIRITUAL ISRAEL.
• Now, does that mean all the virgins are going to be saved? NO, IT DOESN’T.
• Physical Israel did not believe on God and broke all of His commandments.
• Spiritual Israel has believed on God and keep His commandments by walking in the Spirit.
• So, the Bible proves that all virgins aren’t going to be saved.

[39] Isaiah 47:1-3 Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate. 2 Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. 3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.

• The virgin daughter of Babylon is going to be ashamed.

[40] Jeremiah 14:17 Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

• The virgin daughter of God’s people is BROKEN. They wouldn’t hear God’s words and follow Him.

[41] Jeremiah 18:13 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing.

[42] Jeremiah 46:11 Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured.

[43] Amos 5:2 The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up.

• False preachers will say, “All 10 are virgins and saved. The foolish 5 lost their salvation.”
• That’s not what the Bible teaches ANYWHERE. Just because they are virgins they aren’t saved.
• Virgins simply represent purity. All virgins are still sinners. One sin takes you to hell.
• The only thing that saves you is faith. The 5 foolish virgins had no faith. The 5 wise virgins had faith.

[44] 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.

• I hope this verse is starting to make more sense now. All 10 virgins took their lamps. They all have lamps.
• What are lamps throughout the Bible? What do they do for you? JESUS is the light of the world.
• The word of God is a light unto our paths. The word of God is that light.

[45] Exodus 27:20 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 Old Testament physical Israel, they had to keep their lamps burning always.
• They had to physically provide oil for those lamps so the light wouldn’t go out.
• For God to stay with them, they had to do what He said. PHYSICAL ISRAEL. Old covenant.

[46] 2 Samuel 22:29 For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.

[47] 1 Kings 15:4-5 Nevertheless for David’s sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem: 5 Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

• God’s light kept burning with those people who heard God’s word and did what He commanded them.

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

[49] Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

• Physical Israel was given the oracles of God. They directly received God’s word.
• All 10 virgins have God’s word. They all have lamps.
• As an example, all the kings of Israel and Judah had God’s word.
• But did they listen to God or seek God or hear His words?
• Again, physical Israel is like the 5 foolish virgins. They believe they are saved by works.
• But see what they’re actually doing for God. NOTHING. They are lazy when it comes to working for God.

Most Churches Are Just Like The 5 Foolish Virgins

MOST of the churches in this country today are just like those 5 foolish virgins.

• They have the word of God. They have their Bibles. They know the Bible is God’s word.
• But they won’t read it. And if they do read it, they won’t hear what He’s actually saying to them.
• They don’t want to hear His words, but they want to use God to their advantage.
• They want to go to the marriage supper for their own benefit and simply use the bridegroom.
• Their light goes out and doesn’t continue to burn. Physical Israel’s lamp went out. It’s not burning today.

[50] Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

• And who is righteous BUT he that believeth on the Lord Jesus Christ? Jesus has righteousness.
• We only gain righteousness by believing on Jesus Christ and then HE provides the righteousness.
• We hear HIS WORDS and our lamps will never go out. We tie His words around our neck.
• We HIDE HIS WORDS deep inside our hearts. Our lamps don’t go out. Jesus keeps them burning.
• We take our lamps. His words light the way. We know what’s coming. We know the signs.
• We take our lamps and our everlasting oil, and we go out to meet the bridegroom.

[51] Matthew 25:2-4 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

• What’s represented by the oil? We know what the two groups of virgins represent.
• We know what the lamps represent. Now we see the oil. Let’s find Scripture.

[52] Leviticus 8:12 And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.

• The oil is a picture of sanctification or purifying. But did this actual physical oil save AARON right here?
• It’s picture of sanctifying Aaron so he can do the Lord’s work.
• So, let’s keep going and find additional SCRIPTURE.

[53] 1 Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?

• This is talking about Saul being anointed as King of Israel. Oil was poured on his head.

[54] 1 Samuel 10:6-7 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. 7 And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.

• The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul. Oil is related to God’s Spirit within the Bible.

[55] 1 Samuel 16:12-13 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. 13 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.

• Once the oil anointed David, the Spirit of the Lord came upon David.
• Now, this is very important to understand.
• Personally, I believe the first 5 virgins had oil in their lamps to begin with but didn’t take any additional oil.
• We could argue about that one all day long.
• The Holy Spirit comes upon people with power in the Old Testament and can leave them any time.
• It doesn’t mean that they are saved or unsaved when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.
• For example, Saul originally had the Holy Spirit with him. It wasn’t the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
• But Saul didn’t obey God and the Spirit of the Lord left Saul.

[56] 1 Samuel 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

[57] 1 Samuel 18:12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.

[58] 2 Chronicles 32:31 Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

• Same thing with King Hezekiah right there. GOD LEFT HIM to try him.

[59] Psalm 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

• That’s King David speaking. TAKE NOT THY HOLY SPIRIT FROM ME.
• There wasn’t an everlasting indwelling of the Holy Spirit before Jesus arose from the dead.
• Now, since Jesus has risen from the dead, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is given.
• It’s not the same thing as the Holy Spirit coming upon you. That can still happen today too.
• And when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, it can also leave any time.
• But the indwelling of the Holy Spirit does not leave you because you are sealed.

[60] John 7:38-39 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

[61] John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

• These disciples were the first to receive the indwelling of the Holy Ghost right there.
• That was after Jesus arose from the dead. He was now in His glorified body.
• In the Old Testament, the Hoy Spirit of God was with the PHYSICAL CHILDREN of Israel.
• Their lamps were burning. The oil or the Holy Spirit was with them.
• But the Holy Spirit is no longer with them. Their lamps are not burning AS A PHYSICAL NATION any more.
• Individuals can be saved from physical Israel, but as a whole, they are not God’s chosen people.
• AND GOD SAYS SO. He says this same thing through many parables.

[62] Matthew 21:33-34 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: 34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.

[63] Matthew 21:35-38 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. 37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. 38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

[64] Matthew 21:39-41 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. 40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? 41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

• God took the vineyard from them. God gave them HIS WORDS to keep and to light their path.
• His Spirit was with them. But they were wicked and wouldn’t hear God. So He took it away from them.

[65] Matthew 21:42-43 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

• God took that oil and gave it to the people who believe what He says. That’s what the oil represents.
• God has given His Spirit to all those who believe on Him and the oil never leaves any more.
• YOU DON’T RUN OUT GOD’S SPIRIT OR OIL ANY MORE. He doesn’t take it away. He keeps it fueled.

[66] Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

• Physical Israel will certainly be destroyed. Spiritual Israel will never be destroyed. It will stand forever.
• The 2 groups of virgins show the differences in the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.
• With the oil, God has now chosen you and anointed you. He’s staying with you He says.
• Let’s keep going in Matthew Chapter 25 verse 5.

[67] Matthew 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

• We’re all in the flesh. We all get tired in our flesh. GOD DOESN’T. We do.

[68] Matthew 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

[69] Matthew 26:43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

• Our flesh is weak. These virgins were simply human. Sleeping and slumbering at night.

[70] Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

• Remember, this parable is about the second coming of Jesus Christ.
• “At midnight there was a cry made.” The bridegroom is coming. GO YE OUT TO MEET HIM.

[71] Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

• At His second coming, you will hear the sound of a great trumpet.

[72] 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

• When you compare Scripture with Scripture, you begin to see the truth in the parables.
• When we rely on the opinions of men and women, we’ll mess up greatly.
• We must continue to get better and better and comparing Scripture with Scripture.

[73] Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

• All the virgins heard the cry. ALL PEOPLE WILL SEE JESUS COMING IN THE CLOUDS.

[74] Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

• EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM. All 10 virgins heard the call that He is coming.
• What did they do? They trimmed their lamps. Let’s read verse 7 again.

[75] Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

• Trimming their lamps means they prepared their lamps.
• They needed more oil, prepared the wick, and got the lamps ready to light the way.
• The Holy Spirit or OIL is required to activate God’s word which is the LAMP.
• Without the Holy Spirit teaching you God’s word, His word won’t be very useful.
• I couldn’t understand God’s word without His Holy Spirit.
• The lamp isn’t going to light your way without the oil. They trim their lamps or prepare the lamps.

[76] Matthew 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

• Now, I believe what the foolish said there is truth. I could be wrong since this is coming from fools.
• They say, “Give us of YOUR OIL for our lamps are gone out.” This would mean that they were lit.
• And they did have oil but now that oil is gone and their lamps won’t burn any longer.
• Again, I believe that’s a picture of PHYSICAL ISRAEL. They had God’s word and His Spirit with them.
• But God left them because they wouldn’t listen to His words. They wouldn’t obey His words.
• They wouldn’t trust in His words AT ALL. So the oil is gone and the light will not shine.

The 5 Foolish Virgins Never had Salvation

This doesn’t mean the 5 foolish virgins had salvation, were once wise, and then turned foolish and lost salvation.

• No, it does not mean that and it CANNOT mean that.
• Physical Israel wasn’t once saved and now they aren’t. It has always been through faith.
• But physical Israel, as a nation, was once God’s chosen people and now they are not.
• Why? Because they would not hear God’s word. He even sent His own Son and they would not hear Him.
• So, now He has departed from them and has moved to the people who believe on Him.
• That’s the truth of this parable. And yes, it’s a warning about His second coming.
• Saved people will hear the truth in this parable, and they will be ready when He comes.
• The foolish say, “GIVE US OIL FOR OUR LAMPS.”

[77] 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.

• The wise tell them, “If we give you our oil, none of us will be ready. Go get it yourself.”
• In other words, “We can’t give out our faith to others. Can you just share some of your faith with me?”
• No, it doesn’t work that way. You can’t take it for yourself from someone else.
• You can’t give someone else the Holy Spirit. They must receive the Holy Spirit through their own faith.
• PERSONAL FAITH. You must believe on God on your own. No one else can do it for you.
• This is a picture of a works based salvation. “We can just go purchase the oil or the Holy Spirit.

[78] Acts 8:17-19 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

• Very similar to the 5 foolish virgins. Simon thought he could purchase the Holy Ghost.
• Some people believe they can save up a lot of money and then give a huge donation at the end of their life.
• They think this huge donation is some great work that’s going to give them credit to get into heaven.
• Yes, we think that’s foolish. But many people believe that to be truth.
• They think they can purchase a ticket to heaven. The 5 foolish virgins were the same way.

[79] Acts 8:20-22 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

• Peter tells Simon that what you’re asking is WICKED. You can’t purchase the gift of God.
• IT’S A GIFT that God gives us through faith alone. We can’t work for it. We can’t earn it.
• Just like the false works based salvation preachers, “You’re going to be surprised to find out that baptism doesn’t save you.”
• All of you 30,000+ Southeast Christian Church members, “You’re going to be in for a surprise.”
• You don’t want to wake up in hell because you’re trying to work your way to heaven.
• If you think you can work your way to heaven, keep trying. Go try to purchase the oil. THAT’S WICKED.
• The 5 foolish virgins go out to purchase the oil and watch what happens.

[80] Matthew 25:10-12 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.

• They go to purchase oil and they miss Jesus Christ.
• They keep working for salvation and they miss it altogether.
• That’s exactly what’s happening with the false religions and the false denominations.
• They’re going to miss Jesus because they’re attempting to purchase the Holy Spirit and salvation.
• But the door is shut. JESUS IS THE DOOR. He is the only door. He is the only way, and it’s thru HIM ALONE.

The 5 wise virgins went right in. No questions to enter. No knocking to enter. They went right in with Him.

• When you’re saved, you’re saved. Jesus already knows you.
• He knows HIS SHEEP and HIS SHEEP hear His voice. For those who won’t hear Jesus, they are not of God.
• The 5 foolish virgins say, “Lord, Lord, open to us.” But Jesus was never their Lord.
• He says to them, “I KNOW YOU NOT.” He never knew them. He wouldn’t lie right there.
• “Well I once knew you, and now I don’t know you.” Jesus doesn’t forget people.
• When He says, “I know you not” this means they never had salvation.

[81] Psalm 5:5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

• God does not love those 5 foolish virgins in this parable. He hates all WORKERS of iniquity.
• If you’re trying to work your way to heaven, change before it’s too late.
• Understand that it’s not about you and your great works.
• Your works are not good works unless you first have faith and do those works in faith.

[82] Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

[83] Luke 13:26-28 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. 28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

• These 5 virgins did not enter into the kingdom of heaven. They were thrust out.
• The bridegroom says, “I KNOW YOU NOT.” Jesus says in Luke Chapter 13, “Depart from me.”
• People who believe they are good due to their physical flesh and works of the flesh, are simply workers of iniquity.
• There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

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

• So, we need to wake up as many people as we can because they are running out of time.
• They need to hear the GOSPEL and believe on Jesus Christ.
• THEN, they receive that oil they need to light their paths and see the truth of God’s word.

We’ve now been through the parable of the ten virgins and their lamps in great detail.

• The 5 foolish virgins are a picture of physical Israel and the Old Covenant.
• God was with them. He gave them the word of God face to face. He lit their way.
• His Spirit guided them. But they broke the covenant in every way possible.
• He took His Spirit away. His words are not heard by them any longer. They are stumbling.
• They are falling because they do not have that lamp.

The 5 Foolish Virgins Are A Picture Of A Works Based Salvation

The 5 wise virgins are a picture of spiritual Israel who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ.

• They hear the word of God. They have the Holy Spirit. The oil never runs out.
• Their path is lit. The light of Jesus Christ is shining. They know the signs of the second coming.
• They are not in darkness.

[85] 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

[86] 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

• That day will not overtake us because we’ll be watching and waiting for the return of Jesus Christ.
• The 5 foolish virgins were not ready and they missed Jesus Christ. He came like a thief in the night to them.

Let’s pray.