The 10 Virgins, who do they represent, in the bible?
The 10 Virgins, who do they represent, in the Bible? anyone cares to share their thoughts on this ?
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Permalink Reply by sir james on -
I am told, that the 10 Virgins represent the adventist people. I am still doing research on this, help me to better understand this, so get ready to open your bibles, and lets share what you think this is.
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Permalink Reply by sir james on
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mark,
i am doing some research on the 10 virgins, and i will give you more information, on this subject. currently i am puting them together so you could understand this important issue that is happening as we speak. hoping to put them altogether this week.
sir james
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Permalink Reply by sir james on
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alex,
thanks for bringing this up, to be honest with you, i always thought the groomsmen were the 144K. Jesus is the groom and the grooms men were the 144,000 to prepare the way for Jesus to come. i do not have no biblical support on this, but help me alex to figure this out more, i am so much on fire to know the message. sister white speaks nothing about the grooms men, and so i am appealing to my members here on adventist online to coach me, to guide me and help me through this questionable issue, the groomsmen.
the 10 virgins (the bridesmaid) are said to be the adventist people, where in the 5 virgins were ready and the 5 other virgins were not ready, which is liken unto our church. half our members are ready and halve of them are the lukewarm, that is not ready. do you have anything to support the 10 virgins alex? I would be so interested to searching for this answer.
blessings
sir james
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Permalink Reply by Present Truth on
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The 10 Virgins Represent the SDA Church
[Read Christ's Object Lessons, Chapter 29, "To Meet The Bridegroom", pg. 405-421.]
SOP says in Christ's Object Lessons pg. 406,
"As Christ sat looking upon the party that waited for the bridegroom, He told His disciples the story of the ten virgins, by their experience illustrating the experience of the church that shall live just before His second coming. The two classes of watchers represent the two classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord. They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith. {COL 406}"
...So here we see that the 10 Virgins and their experience represent the church and the experience of he church that shall live "just before His (Jesus) second coming." "The two classes of watchers represent the two classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord." The very name "ADVENTIST" means to believe in the soon second ADVENT of Christ. "They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith". That can be none other than the SDA Church. We know that all of the other churches are in Babylon. We are the only church that has a "pure faith". We have the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This parable of the 10 Virgins represents the SDA Church.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Sulton on -
It says THE CHURCH....SMH Please do not add your "perspective" to what is written.
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Yes, but what church has a "pure faith"???
That is none other than the SDA Church.
SOP says,
"The parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25, also illustrates the experience of the Adventist people. In Matthew 24, in answer to the question of his disciples concerning the sign of his coming and of the end of the world, Christ had pointed out some of the most important events in the history of the world and of the church from his first to his second advent; namely, the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the church under the pagan and papal persecutions, the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars. After this he spoke of his coming in his kingdom, and related the parable describing the two classes of servants who look for his appearing. Chapter 25 opens with the words, “Then shall the kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins.” Here is brought to view the church living in the last days, the same that is pointed out in the close of chapter 24. In this parable their experience is illustrated by the incidents of an Eastern marriage. {GC88 393.1}"
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Permalink Reply by Roy Libby on -
The Parable
1. Matthew 25:1-13
2. The “virgins” represent those in the kingdom, or the church
3. The coming of the bridegroom represents the Second Coming of Christ
4. The “lamps” represent the faith of Christians
5. The “extra oil” symbolizes good works that accompany our faith
6. Jesus proclaims this parable to teach us the urgent need to always be prepared for His Second Coming.
B. We MUST BE PREPARED because just having our name on the church role is no guarantee of heaven
1. There are one of two directories that Christians usually put their stock in
a. The church directory
b. The Lamb’s Book of Life
2. Consider some biblical examples of those who were in “church directories,” but not in the Lamb’s Book of Life:
a. The Parable of the Sower … 2/3 were lost
b. The Parable of the Talents … 1/3 were lost
c. The parable of the Ten Virgins … 1/2 were lost
3. The five foolish virgins were not lost because they were evil, mean, or unconcerned – but because they were unprepared and lack foresight
4. It is not just those who are in the church who will be saved, but those who are prepared and in the church
C. We MUST BE PREPARED because no one can do it for us
1. The five foolish virgins sought the “oil” (good works) of the five wise virgins (v. 8)
a. Character and obedience are not transferable
b. The five foolish virgins needed to bring their own oil
c. Romans 14:12
2. Therefore, we must be PREPARED:
a. Outwardly – “by having our lamps”
1) Obedience is an outward form or preparation
2) Romans 6:17-18
3) One example of “outward preparation” is faithfully attending worship services
b. Inwardly – “by having oil in our lamps”
1) To have faith without obedience is like having a lamp without oil
2) 2 Peter 1:5-9
c. It is obvious that many Christians are allowing their lamps to go out
1) Many do little work for the Lord
2) Many do not faithfully attend worship services
3) Many give so little of their self, their time, and their money to the Lord
d. In the day of Judgment we will be without excuse
1) The five foolish virgins could blame no one but themselves
2) There will be no “passing of the buck” in the day of Judgment.
D. We MUST BE PREPARED because of the Second Coming of Christ
1. The fact of Christ’s Second Coming
a. Acts 1:9-11
b.2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
2. The Second Coming will reveal our true character
a. In the parable of the Ten Virgins they all appeared to be alike until the bridegroom came
b. In the church we may all appear to be alike, but when Christ comes again we will see that there are many hypocrites in the church
1) Romans 2:16
2) 1 Corinthians 4:5
c. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
3. There will be no second chance
a. They could not buy oil at midnight
b. They were no allowed in
CONCLUSION:
Surely, it was a lot of trouble for the virgins to dress for the wedding feast, have their lamps with them, and keep oil in their lamps – BUT the celebration was worth it all
Likewise, it takes a lot of effort and time to serve the Lord today, but when He comes again – the eternal celebration of joy in heaven will be well worth it!
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Sulton on
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AMEN and VERY WELL STATED ROY!
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Permalink Reply by Roy Libby on
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Matthew 25:1-13
21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
Matthew 25
"Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,
4but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made: `Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.'
7Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, `Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out.'
9But 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.'
10And 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.
11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us!'
12But he answered and said, `Verily I say unto you, I know you not.'
13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.
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Permalink Reply by Derek Sauter on -
I posted a blog of a Bible study on the 10 virgins on my profile. Check it out if you want. I hope its beneficial.
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Permalink Reply by Roy Libby on
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THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS
The parable of the ten virgins in the 25th chapter of Matthew contains lessons for all of God's elect children regardless of when they are called to salvation. This parable is easily understood as a prophecy for the end of the age because it is set within a group of parables in which the only subject matter discussed is Christ's return and those who will be allowed to enter the Family and Kingdom of God at that time.
MATTHEW 25:1-13 NIV
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep“ (vs.1-5).
“At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 'No, 'they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut“ (vs.6-10).
“Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' But he replied, ' I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.' Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour wherein the Son of man comes“ (vs.11-13).
Because the fulfillment of this prophetic parable will clearly be in the end of the age when the elect of God are anticipating the return of Jesus as King of kings, it seems to be very much a part of the warning message that is given to the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation.
It is important to examine this parable in detail along with other parables concerning the same topic in order to discover an extremely valuable lesson for the elect of God today.
“At that time [the time of the end] the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins [the Father's elect children] who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom“ (v1).
It is very clear that the ten virgins represent a significant part of the entire body of elect. Because of the warning messages in Revelation 2 and 3 to the seven churches of God which will exist just before Christ's return, it appears likely that the ten virgins represent all the elect that exist during the end of the age, except for those of the Philadelphia church: This will be explained further along in this study.
Perhaps the reason that there are ten virgins divided into two groups is the numerical meaning of the numbers 10 and 5 as they apply to biblical symbolism. The number 10 is symbolic of the law of God and the number 5 is symbolic of God's grace. It is also a biblical fact that no one will enter the Family and Kingdom of God who is unwilling to practice the law of God. Even then, entry is only granted to those whom the Father calls to salvation through his grace.
This parable indicates that all of these people knew that the banquet would occur very soon and they were looking forward to the arrival of the bridegroom (Jesus Christ at the first resurrection) and participating in the celebration after his arrival.
The Wise and the Foolish
“Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps“ (vs.2-4).
Jesus immediately separates those who are awaiting his return into two types of individuals: the wise and the foolish. Notice that all of the virgins began their wait with full lamps, which seems to indicate that they all had anticipated that they were going to have to wait in the darkness for some time before the bridegroom came to bring them into the wedding banquet. Moreover, the wise anticipated that they might have to wait far into the night before the bridegroom came, so they brought extra oil in order to keep their lights burning as long as necessary.
Because being wise or foolish is clearly associated with the necessity of keeping the lamps burning, it is important to understand the symbolism of the lamps:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path“ (Psa.119:105 Para.).
A lamp symbolizes the word of God (i.e., the truth of God) which lights one's pathway through life.
“My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching [allegorically referring to God the Father and Jesus Christ]. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life“ (Pro.6:20-23 Para.).
The lamp represents the laws, precepts, and principles of God that are to guide a person in the righteous way of life.
The primary emphasis in verses 2-4 is upon keeping one's lamp lit (i.e., making sure a person has enough of God's truth to light their spiritual pathway), because if a persons lamp runs out of oil, they are left in spiritual darkness and will be unable to find their spiritual way. Jesus considers anyone who lets their light run out of fuel foolish and undeserving of entrance into the Kingdom of God.
“The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep“ (v5).
Each of those who are considered to be one of the ten virgins falls asleep. This is very important because it tells us who is considered one of the ten virgins within the body of Christ. When one reads the warning messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, it is very clear that only one of the seven churches that will exist in the end of the age does not go to sleep—the Philadelphia church.
Nowhere in the message to the elect of Philadelphia do we find them pictured as being asleep. On the contrary, they are shown as being the zealous elect who are commended for faithfully keeping the truth of God and upholding the name of Jesus. Thus, it is clear that the parable of the 10 virgins is talking about the rest of the elect who are all spiritually asleep just before Christ's return and the first resurrection.
What happened during the first age of the church is an example of what we see today among most of the elect of God. As time went on and Christ did not return to establish his Father's Kingdom on earth, many became apathetic and went to sleep spiritually. History shows us that because of spiritual lethargy the early church disappeared as a united, powerful entity. However, throughout the centuries, there have been a few among the elect of God who have kept awake while the great majority have gone to sleep.
Although it is not stated in this parable, it is clear from Revelation 2 and 3 and other prophecies in the Bible that the Father actively calls many people to participate in the first resurrection in preparation for the return of Christ. It is these elect who are spoken of as the ten virgins who fell asleep. They are the ones who once looked for Jesus Christ's return with great excitement, zeal, and anticipation, but have fallen asleep spiritually
The Twentieth Century Christian
If this is truly the end of the age, this parable clearly fits the circumstances today among individuals who have been called to salvation among the various congregations of the true God. Since the middle of the twentieth century, the vast majority of the body of the elect have thought that Christ's return was very near and would happen before the end of the century. Many people thought that he would return no later than 1975. When it became apparent that this was not going to happen, many of the elect, except those of the Philadelphia church, went to sleep. In other words, they believed that “The Lord delays his coming“ (Lk.12:45).
The foolish became apathetic and went back into the ways of the society around them. Many of the elect ceased to associate with an organized congregation, believing that they would worship God by themselves. But, what many were really doing was abandoning their calling. Many of these people stopped observing the Passover, the annual festivals, and the Sabbath and they even began observing pagan holidays again.
Others held on to the basic truth they had learned and continued to be nominal Christians who attended Sabbath services and fellowshiped with one another. But in reality, most had stopped growing in grace and knowledge.
During that same period, the Philadelphia group maintained their faithfulness, diligence, study, and prayer relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. And they continued to be overcomers. The Philadelphians never went to sleep. These individuals based their faith on the Father and their Savior Jesus Christ, not on men or organizations. Today, these individuals are rooted in the calling that comes from the Father and in the salvation that comes through his Son, Jesus Christ. They recognize that their calling transcends human beings and organizations.
Those whom God considers the Philadelphia elect continue to maintain a positive relationship with the Father and his Son. This is why Jesus Christ is going to use them in a major way to proclaim his Father's good news message as a warning and a witness to the world in the end of the age.
The Midnight Cry
“At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him“ (v6).
This midnight cry will happen very close to Christ's return (perhaps only 3½ to 6 years prior to his return). It is a warning message to the elect of God throughout the earth to awake out of their spiritual slumber and repent of their wrong attitudes and behaviors and pursue their calling to salvation with zeal, because Jesus Christ is about to return as Conquering King.
Who Gives the Midnight Cry?
But who will give the alarm to the elect of God? There is a high likelihood that the ones who give this warning are the elect who are of the spiritual church of Philadelphia, because they are the only ones who have not gone to sleep and have been promised an open door to preach the gospel.
This cry of warning follows the pattern of all the warnings given by prophets to God's people throughout history. God never lets his people go into severe trials without a resounding warning and an opportunity to repent. The issue here is a very serious one. It is an issue of salvation or the Lake of Fire. This is not a minor reprimand or chastisement. This is an issue of whether one will respond to the warning, repent, and return to the faith once delivered and return to God the Father and Jesus Christ in a proper attitude. The window of opportunity for true repentance seems very short. It appears likely that there will be little time to get one's spiritual house in order before the door to salvation is shut forever.
All of the Elect Hear the Cry
In verse seven, when the cry went out to warn that the bridegroom is coming, “All the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps“ (v7). Notice that they all woke up; they all truly realize the seriousness of the situation and begin to prepare to meet Jesus Christ. This is encouraging because it shows that Jesus Christ will make sure that all who have been called by God the Father to salvation will get a wake up call.
The Wise and the Foolish
This parable clearly shows that when the midnight cry goes out, there will be a very quick separation made between the wise and the foolish, based on attitude and behavior. This parable also clearly shows that as many as half of the elect who compose six of the churches noted in Revelation 2 and 3 are not going to make it into the Family of God.
The Wise
It appears likely that when the cry rings out, the wise who have hung on to enough of the basic truths of God will see the seriousness of their situation and respond correctly by repenting of their poor attitude and behavior toward God the Father and Jesus Christ. Although they repent, they will still experience severe persecution and trials at the hands of the evil Beast System and Jesus Christ in order to help them revitalize their relationship with the Father and Jesus Christ.
The Foolish
“The foolish ones said to the wise, Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out. No, they replied, there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourself“ (vs.8-9).
These foolish Christians have allowed themselves to become spiritually weak and lethargic. They have not kept the truth of God alive in their hearts through diligent study and meditation on God's word and constant communication with the Father. They have not done the things that are required in order to keep the light of God burning brightly in their lives. They have no reserve of spiritual strength to rely upon in this time of stress. In desperation, they hope that an association with those who are in a better spiritual condition will get them into the Kingdom. These people have forgotten the admonition by the apostle Paul to the Philippians to “Work out your own salvation in fear and trembling“ (Phil.2:12).
The five foolish virgins have allowed their calling and their understanding to erode, and they have gone so far back into the world that they cannot make the transition from unrighteousness to righteousness. They have ignored God's truth and ways too long and have become cold toward God. What they have done is reject an opportunity to repent because they have become so self-willed that they have quenched the spirit of God within them; they have adopted the standards of the world; and they have, in fact, sentenced themselves to the Lake of Fire:
“But while they [the foolish Christians] were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom [Christ] arrived. The virgins who were ready [the wise Christians] went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut“ (v10).
When Jesus Christ arrives at the time of the first resurrection to gather the Father's elect children and returns to heaven with them, the opportunity of salvation will have come to those who have been called during the gospel age. It is too late for anyone who has ignored the Father's call to enter his family and kingdom as a first-born son of his new creation.
Too Little, Too Late
“And the door was shut. Later the others also came. Sir! Sir! they said. Open the door for us! But he replied, I tell you the truth, I don't know you. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour wherein the Son of man comes“ (vs.10-13).
This is clearly speaking of Jesus Christ's return to gather the elect of God at the first resurrection. Those who are wise will heed the midnight warning cry and become overcomers in the faith through trials and persecution. Thereby, they will become worthy to participate in the first resurrection and partake of the heavenly banquet with Jesus Christ.
The door being shut implies that the other virgins are excluded from the Kingdom of God and are no longer considered the elect of God. Once the elect are gathered from the earth, there will no longer be a person alive on earth who has the spirit of God within them. This is why Jesus says to the foolish virgins, “I don't know you.“ They no longer have the spirit of God available to them and they have lost their opportunity for salvation, which means that their fate is the Lake of Fire, because they were called of God but they did not remain faithful.
The sad truth is that, if one allows themselves to get into the condition pictured by the five foolish virgins, there is no hope of salvation. One must take positive action today, because when the midnight cry goes out, it is too late to start over again. Today is the opportunity to repent, return to the truth of God, and to reestablish a relationship with both God the Father and Jesus Christ. Tomorrow may be too late.
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