The Parable of the 10 Virgins

by Tracy
(Canada)

Matthew 25: 1-12 ‘Then’ shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 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. 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. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

This parable has largely been taught as applying to the Church and the Lord has revealed to me how this has been a misinterpretation. This parable speaks of saints in the 70th week of Daniel at the second coming and does NOT in any way apply to the Church (Bride of Christ). Let me explain what God has shown me.

Firstly, the word ‘then’ must be applied correctly by looking back. What ‘then’ refers to is, just prior to the Second Coming spoken of in Matthew 24. The disciples had asked Jesus in Matthew 24: 3 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? Remember that the disciples were Jewish, and Jesus had begun to explain to them that He would not be setting up His Kingdom now, but at a later date. He told them this in Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. This would be the gentiles.

Next...’10 virgins’. The Church is never referred to as any number of virgins anywhere in scripture. Although she will be chaste and pure (by the blood of Jesus), she is always collectively referred to as ‘The Bride’, singular. One Bride. Each of these virgins has a ‘lamp’ which in scripture is often referred to as our spirit within us. But notice now, they also carry a separate ‘vessel’ with their lamps that contains the oil (The Holy Spirit). As the Church or The Bride, we have the Holy Spirit sealed within us. We are the only people group in scripture that is afforded this incredible blessing. All other saints (those outside the Church Age Bride of Christ), have the ‘upon’ or ‘with’ Holy Spirit. Remember also, at this time the virgins are in the 70th week of Daniel and they are back under old covenant principles and dealings. They are responsible for keeping their walk with God intact. The five virgins with oil represent ‘tribulation saints’ who have remained faithful to the end and will be saved. Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Now, note how 5 are taken and 5 are left. This sounds very much like what Jesus just spoke to the disciples about in Matthew 24:37-42 But as the days of Noe (Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 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, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. This certainly sounds like the ‘sheep and goat’ judgement that will take place at the end of the 70th week of Daniel at His second coming that is mentioned in Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

I believe that these ‘wise virgins’ will attend the wedding as ‘guests’. They are believers (sheep, saints), but in no way does scripture indicate that they are “The Bride”. Many saints from all throughout history will attend the wedding feast, but there is only one Bride (The Church) which is complete when, according to Romans 11:25 ‘...the fullness of the gentiles be come in...’

Reply from Watchman Bob: This is an interesting interpretation, but confusing and divisive.

There is no distinction between the "sheep" and the "Bride" in Scripture. Yes, Yahushua's ("Jesus') disciples were Jewish, but they were also the first members of the "Church."

There is also no distinction between the "tribulation Saints," the "wise virgins" and the "Church." These are all descriptive titles of Believers in the Lord Yahushua ("Jesus") in different circumstances, but who are no different in their relation to Him or in their ultimate destiny as His Redeemed.

So, the five wise virgins, whose lamps are full of oil (the Holy Spirit), represent members of the "Church" who will be raptured and taken to the marriage and wedding feast of the Lamb in Heaven. And the five foolish virgins are those of Israel who believe in the coming Messiah but have not yet recognized that he is Yahushua ("Jesus"), will not be ready for His return and will miss out on the Rapture. In the end, they will be saved (Romans 11:26), but not before going through all the terrible events that follow the Rapture (the final plagues of the wrath of Yahuah and Armageddon). Their lives will be protected during that time, but it will still be a terrible time through which to go.