The Ten Virgins
1997
Grady R. Henley
INTRODUCTION:
Much has been stated and said over the years concerning the parable of the 10 virgins of Mat. 25. On the whole, and speaking from my personal opinion, probably more false teachings are proposed as truths in this one parable than any of the others spoken by our Lord.
I recall as a lad hearing sermon after sermon on this one parable. Those sermons all went something like this: “Of the ten virgins, the five wise were saved and the five fools were lost.”
For years I believed it this way. I was and still am Baptist. One night I heard a sermon on this parable that caused me to change my way of thinking about the foolish virgins.
After hearing the sermon I was so bold as to question the preacher about his theology concerning the foolish virgins. He informed me that he also had heard all his life of the ten virgins that half were saved and half were lost. After he further expound his position to me, he asked me to go home and pray about it get back with him.
I did and then we did. I cannot recall our exact conversation. I do know that God opened my eyes to the truth about this parable. My prayer is He does the same to you.
In understanding this parable each verse is looked at in context. The quotes are from the God ordained King James Text.
CONTEXT:
Please note first of all that there are 13 verses to this parable. This alone should send up a red warning flag. If the number 13 is involved, more than likely, a misunderstanding is forthcoming or, there is evil lurking.
THE 10 VIRGINS OF MATTHEW 25.
Mat 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
The first thing we note about this parable is it is a parable concerning the Kingdom of Heaven. Eleven times Jesus made references to the Kingdom of Heaven, saying “the kingdom of heaven is liken” or “the Kingdom of Heaven is as...” When He says such, He is drawing us a picture. He is not saying that this is EXACTLY what the Kingdom of Heaven is.
Furthermore, when the Lord says, “A certain man…” He is talking about a real life person. If I told you a certain man had a field for sale, I am talking about a man that has a field and is willing to sale at the right price.
When the Lord tell us that a certain man has…He is talking about real flesh and blood. The rule of first mention bears out this truth:
Gen 28:10 And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. Gen 28:11 And he lighted upon a “certain” place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
Fifty times the word certain appears in the gospels alone. Each time a real person, place, or thing is mentioned. In this parable we find Jesus saying: Mat 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. If the Lord does not state a definite thing concerning this parable, neither should we.
I have listed 15 things about the Kingdom of Heaven. This is in no wise all the points. These are just some that came to my mind. Notice what is said about the Kingdom of Heaven:
1. Repentance is a requirement for entrance, Mat. 3:2, 4:17,
2. The Kingdom was imminent, at hand. Jesus and John said so, Mat. 3:2, 4:17. (If something is at hand, it is within your reach! The Kingdom of Heaven was a hand at the time Jesus made that statement for He is on earth. If the Jewish Nation had reached out, they could have grabbed the Kingdom of Heaven and made Jesus their King. Instead, they grabbed Jesus and crucified him.)
3. Jesus said those that entered were blessed, Mat. 5:2, 5:10.
4. There are positions of authority in the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 5:19, 11:11, 18:1, 18:3, 18:4, 20:1,
5. Instructions given on how to enter, Mat. 5:20, 18:3, 18:4, 19:14,
6. Some professed to own but did not possess, Mat. 7:21, 18:23,
8. Jews and Gentiles are in this kingdom, Mat. 8:11,
9. Preached by the disciples to only the nation of Israel, Mat. 10:5, 6, 7.
10. Signs followed those that preached, Mat. 10:8,
11. Jewish King Jesus was ready to reign after it was preached, Mat. 11:12,
12. National rejection, Kingdom takes on a mysterious form, Watch out for # 13. Mat. 13:11, 13:24, 13:31. 13:33, 13:44, 13:45, 13:47,
13. Understanding the Kingdom of Heaven parables, Mat. 13:52, 25:1, 25:14,
14. The Kingdom of heaven had keys, Mat. 16:19,
15. What keeps people out of the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 19:23, 22:2, 23:13?
What is said about the Kingdom of God? Time will not allow a complete comparison in this particular work. However, the Kingdom of God is referred to 52 times in the four gospels, and fifteen times from Acts to Revelation.
The Kingdom of Heaven is not mentioned outside the gospel of Matthew. Red Flag Warning! Jesus made references to Kingdom of God in parable form only three times. Another red warning flag has been hoisted. Things different are not the same. Do not make the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God the same kingdom.
Mat 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
The virgins were divided. I believe these 10 virgins represent the divided nation of Israel divided over the Messiah. These 10 virgins are a picture of folks divided over the man Jesus. These 10 virgins are a picture of some who think they are something of which they are not. The five foolish picture folks saved yet so as by fire. I do not believe scripture teaches that the five were lost and doomed for hell.
Mat 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
These five foolish virgins had a lamp but they did not have any oil in their lamps at this particular time. What would someone be thinking to take their lamps and not take any oil with them?
Mat 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Please note that the wise virgins had three things: Oil, Vessels, and Lamps. The foolish had one thing: a Lamp. Furthermore, the oil was not in the lamp. It was in a vessel. This is an important point as we shall see.
Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
That the bridegroom represents Jesus is accepted by both sides of the argument. He has gone to earth to get his bride. While He is away all 10 virgins are dozing and sleeping. Please note also that the virgins are in heaven. How do we know that all 10 are in heaven? Because if we allow for the wise virgins to be saved and the foolish to be lost, then we must consider why it is that the five wise were not part of the bride of which the groom went to fetch? Also, why is it that the five wise where not part of the bride?
Mat 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
The bridegroom left the bride's house (earth) and returns to His home (heaven.) Thus the cry is made to the virgins, to go and meet the Bridegroom. The virgins are in heaven awaiting the return of the Bride and Groom, see v. 5.
Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
Each virgin aroused and prepared his lamp. That is, they trimmed the wick so it would put forth a great light. They cleaned the smut and soot from the chimney for greater illumination. Note also that it is MIDNIGHT and they evidently trimmed those lamps in the dark. The wise took oil from their vessels and poured into the lamps.
Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
It is here that the foolish virgins realized they did not have any oil in their lamps. Their lamps burned brightly in the past, for they say their lamps went out. If they were lying, Jesus did not bother to make a correction on this salient point. If their lamps were once burning, then somewhere along the way, are you ready for this, “They lost their salvation, for they said their lamps went out.”
These five foolish virgins are Old Testament Jews that lived during and before the time of Christ’s ministry. They basked on the past glories of the Jewish nation. They thought that was all they needed to be a part of the bride.
Please note also that if the Holy Ghost is the oil, then why did the wise have the Holy Ghost in a vessel? Why was He not in their hearts?
Luke 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
Do you realize that it is possible for you to have a light and that it is possible for you to extinguish your light? “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!” The word let mean ‘permit.’ Permit that light that is in you to shine.
Mat 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.
Now here is where the great division comes in this parable. It is here at verse nine that many shout out long and loud that the five foolish virgins are lost. If you believe the five foolish virgins are lost, then here are some of the things you also believe:
1. That the oil in this parable represents the Holy Spirit in every verse. We cannot selectively allow the oil to represent the Holy Spirit in verses 3 and 7.
There are at least three things wrong with believing the oil represent the Holy Spirit.
a. There is not enough of Him to go around.
b. The wise virgins would not share the Holy Spirit with the foolish, making Him limited in power and scope.
c. The wise were not witnesses as commanded, Act 1:8.
2. The five foolish virgins lost their salvation.
If the oil represent the Holy Spirit, then somewhere in time the foolish virgins lost their salvation, for we are told in context that their lights went out. This is contrary to Baptist doctrine,.
3. Salvation is limited.
The wise virgins, in not sharing their salvation, limited salvation to themselves. If this is the case, it is probably the only place in scripture were born again people refused to share or testify of the saving mercies of God.
4. Salvation is a purchasable commodity.
The wise told the foolish to go to those that sold, that would be the merchants in the immediate area, and buy some salvation. Again, here is the only place in scripture were salvation is referred to as a commodity that can be bought. If the wise had oil, it means they went and purchased their salvation from a merchant at a price as well. In other words: “the wise virgins bought their salvation!”
5. Why didn’t the merchants await the bridegroom?
If the oil in this parable represents the Holy Ghost, and if possessing the oil means salvation, then why is it that the merchants are not awaiting the return of the bride groom? Why are they not waiting with lights brightly burning? Are these merchants of Jewish or Gentile nationality? Are the merchants virgins? If so, what type: foolish or wise? Are they even virgins? Are the merchants saved? Where they invited into the wedding with the wise? The merchants had oil, for the foolish came back and were ready to enter.
If this parable is an earthly picture and takes place on earth, why are the merchants still selling salvation on the open market while the King sets up His kingdom? Why are they selling something that can not be bought? Why are they selling salvation during the 1,000 year reign?
If the parable takes place in heaven, why are they selling salvation in heaven? Who are they selling it to? If the parable is heavenly, how did the lost virgins get there to begin with? Are there other lost folks in heaven running around knocking on doors trying to get in?
Mat 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 five foolish virgins leave their post and go to the merchants to buy salvation, or rather oil. They believed they could get some, else they probably would not have left.
While they are gone, the bridegroom returned. Those that were ready, the five wise virgins, went out to meet Him. All entered into the marriage, and the door was shut.
Mat 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
It is here that some believe the door represents heaven and it has been closed to the five foolish virgins. They are shut out forever. If they are completely shut out, then what we have here is people possessing salvation, but denied entrance to heaven. Where is this door located? Again, how did lost virgins get into heaven?
Mat 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Now please notice that the five foolish virgins were not shut out of heaven, they were shut out of the marriage. The marriage of the Lamb and His bride takes place in heaven not on earth.
If one forces the five foolish virgins to be lost, again I ask, please explain how lost people are in heaven asking to enter? I thought heaven was prepared for the redeemed and hell was prepared for the devil and his angels.
The truth is the marriage between the Lamb and His wife is a personal thing, and will not be a public display. Only those that are prepared will enter. At every wedding I have ever attended the bride and groom stand before witnesses and exchange vows. Even today, it is a dishonor to attend a wedding as an uninvited guest.
Please note in this parable no one is cast out as in some of the other Kingdom of Heaven parables. They are only denied entrance to the marriage ceremony.
Mat 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man
cometh.
This parable has little, if anything at all, to do with 'lost' foolish virgins and saved wise virgins. It has much to do with saved people being prepared for the return of the Lamb. It has much to do with saved people living a Christian life, so that when they die, and are in heaven, that when Bridegroom goes to get His bride, those that are already dead and those that are alive at His returning can be a part of the bride. This parable has much to do with watching and patiently waiting for the Lord’s return.
Do not be mislead into thinking that just because our Lord delays His coming that we can sleep. We must be up and about the Father’s business everyday.
There is more to heaven than walking down streets of gold, living in a mansion, waving palm branches, and strumming on a harp.
In this parable of the virgins, Jesus used an earthly wedding of 30 A. D. or so, to illustrate His heavenly wedding. Parables are usually earthly illustrations representing heavenly pictures. In understanding a parable one must leave things in the context where they are found.
Mark 13:33-37 commands us to watch.
