TEXT: Matthew 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.
"A special message has come to our world in the messages of the first and second angels.
Under the proclamation of these messages, the midnight cry was made, and the believers in the messages were compelled to go out from the churches because they preached the second appearing of Christ in the clouds of heaven. The whole world was to hear that
message, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.” Here is the parable of the ten virgins.
When the ten virgins went forth to meet the bridegroom, their lamps were trimmed and burning. Five of these virgins were wise. They anticipated delay, and filled their flagons with oil, prepared for any emergency. From those flagons their lamps were supplied, and not left to go out. But five of their number had not this foresight. They made no provision for disappointment or delay.
The second call is made, and the ten virgins are still watching for the bridegroom. Hour after hour passes. Their eyes are anxiously looking for the appearance of the bridegroom. But there is a delay, and the weary, watching ones fall asleep. But at midnight, at the very darkest hour, when their lamps are most needed, the cry is heard, “Behold the bridegroom cometh.” The sleeping eyes are opened. Everyone is astir. They see the procession they are to join moving on, bright with torches and with music.
They hear the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. The five wise virgins trim their lamps from the oil in their flagons, and their lamps burn brightly.
“But five of them were foolish.” These had made no provision wherewith to replenish their lamps, and when aroused from their slumbers they found their lights going out. Their flagons were empty.
Their first thought was to borrow of their neighbors, and they said to the wise virgins, “Give us of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the answer comes back, “Not so; lest there be not enough for yourselves and for us. Go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” And while they went to buy, the procession moved on and left them behind. The bridal train entered within the house, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banqueting hall, an unexpected denial was given them. They were left outside in the blackness of the night. The door was shut.
All the Christian world is represented in this parable. The bride constitutes the church that is waiting for the second appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Some who have a nominal faith are not prepared for His coming. The oil of grace is not feeding their lamps, and they are not prepared to enter in to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The representation is such as to call forth our earnest study, that we may know what preparation we who are living in the last days are to make, that we may enter in and partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb. We are to accept the last message of mercy given to a fallen world: “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
Manuscript Releases vol.16 E.G.W.