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Theology, in Christianity, the systematic study of the nature of God and God's relationship with humanity and with the world. Although other religions may be said to have theologies, this is a matter of controversy within, for instance, Judaism, which holds that God is unknowable. This forum will therefore confine itself to Christian...more »

Discussions: How Do You Interpret The Parable Of The Ten Virgins?

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How Do You Interpret The Parable Of The Ten Virgins?
Started by dtbrents, Sunday, July 6 2008. Last post Tuesday, July 15 2008.

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.
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.
5 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.
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.
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.
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msomaji - Sunday, July 6 2008
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In parables we are looking for the point that Jesus is trying to make. In this case the point is obvious: watch, be ready for the coming of the Son of man. There is little need to explain the meaning of the lamps or the oil. Jesus is not teaching doctrine here. He is giving a warning! Are yóu ready?
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dtbrents - Monday, July 7 2008
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msomaji, what do you think will happen to 5 virgins who are not ready? What do they represent?
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alvin v - Monday, July 7 2008
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The foolish virgins represent the Christian souls who have prayed and fasted but have not done good works. Note that the three are the ingredients of repentance.

The tarrying of the bridegroom means that the second coming does not occur immediately. To slumber means death.

A cry arises in the middle of the night. . .to show that the Lord comes when least expected, as at midnight when we all have fallen into a deep sleep. He also comes with a cry. . .for there will be a jolting approach of the second coming.

The lamp, light and oil are prayer, fasting and good works.

The foolish virgins were foolish in that they were looking for oil when there was nor more time for it.

The wise virgins answered, "There is not enough for you and us." We only have enough time for ourselves and are answerable for ourselves. Go to the seller, i.e., to the poor who are the occasion for good works.

I know you not. God does not know souls that are different from Him, He who loves and is merciful towards all men.

God, in His goodness, has given us a lighted lamp. It is for us simply to provide it with extra oil to keep it lighted. The wise virgins did exactly that; the foolish did not make provisions for extra oil.
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msomaji - Monday, July 7 2008
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dtbents, the parable explains that the 5 'foolish' virgins are sent away, the door remains closed to them. What that means when our Lord returns is not explained here. But there are other Scriptures that do. It is very tempting to go along with Alvin and explain all the details of the parable. I do not think that we should do that.
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NeighborhoodExpert - Wednesday, July 9 2008
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I often think of this parable when I find myself unprepared for something! There will always be people who don't prepare and then rely on those who did to share. I think that's the significance of the lamps and oil. Be one of the prepared. Otherwise, at the last moment, v10 happens and you miss out. I am prepared!
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Doris T - Tuesday, July 15 2008
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Christ is not coming to seek a bride. His bride has been sought by the Holy Spirit. She knows she is the bride of Christ and is operating under his anointing here and now. She remains prepared because of his indwelling Spirit.
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Karen P - Thursday, July 10 2008
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I believe this parable explains the great day of Jesus coming. Sincere christians are the wise and hypocrites are the foolish. Many people profess to know Christ but do not possess. Works of our own do not save but they are a evidence of salvation. Only Christ's death, burial and resurrection can save. All the virgins were sleeping. This is a wake up summons. Go meet Christ. It is a call to the prepared to be dilligent..2 Peter 3:14 be dilligent and blameless...Is that how He will find us when He comes? As far as the door...it was shut...some did not get in. There will be those who profess but are not true believers. They will want in but will not be able to enter. A side thought...it is easy to give lip service...have a lamp in the easy times but hard times will reveal those who are sincere.
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msomaji - Monday, July 14 2008
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In his book 'Sit, Walk and Stand' Watchman Nee explains the 5 wise virgins as 'firstfruits'. The 5 foolish virgins will come to 'ripeness' (maturity) at a later time. God will finish the good work that he started in them. So the door is NOT the door of salvation, but a door of an early reward. Interesting stuff.
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dtbrents - Monday, July 14 2008
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msomaji, I have read that book. It's very good. I think it's interesting that this parrable is seen in so many different ways. I know in some places in the Bible oil is the Holy Spirit.
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