Ten Virgins; Matthew 25:1-13

Church History: 1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' 7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
9" '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.' 10"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. 11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' 12 "But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' 13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

The circumstances of the parable of the ten virgins were taken from the marriage customs among the Jews, and explain the great day of Christ's coming. As Christians we profess to be attentive toward Christ, to honor him, also to be waiting for his coming. Sincere Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites the foolish ones. Some are the truly wise and others are foolish, and so it is in the affairs of our souls. Many have a lamp of profession in their hands, but do not have it in their hearts, sound knowledge and settled resolution, which are needed to carry them through the services and trials of the present state. Their hearts are not stored with holy dispositions, by the new-creating Spirit of God. Our light must shine before men in good works; but this is not likely to be done for very long, unless there is a fixed, active principle in the heart, of faith in Christ, and love to God and our brethren.
They all slumbered and slept. The delay represents the space between the real or apparent conversion of these professors, and the coming of Christ, to take them away by death, or to judge the world. But though Christ’s coming is past our time, he will not delay his coming past the due time. The wise virgins kept their lamps burning, but they did not keep themselves awake. Too many real Christians grow remiss, and one degree of carelessness makes way for another. Those that allow themselves to slumber, will scarcely keep from sleeping; This can become the beginning of spiritual decays. A startling summons was given. Go forth to meet Him, is a call to those prepared. The notice of Christ's approach, and the call to meet him, will awaken.
Even those best prepared for death have work to do to get actually ready, (2Peter 3:14). It will be a day of search and inquiry; and we should be concerned about how we will be found. Some wanted oil to supply their lamps when they were going out. Those that fall short of true grace, will certainly find the need for it at one time or another. An outward profession may light a man’s path along the way in this world, but the dampness of the valley of the shadow of death will put out such a light. These are the ones who don’t want to live the Christian life, yet expect to die the death of the righteous. Those who will be saved, have grace of their own; and those that have the most grace, have none to spare. The best need more from Christ. And while the poor alarmed soul addresses the need for repentance, upon a sick-bed, in awful confusion, death comes, judgment comes, the work is undone, and the poor sinner is undone forever. The unexpected summons of death may alarm the Christian; but, proceeding without delay to trim his lamp, his graces often shine more bright; while the mere professor's conduct shows that his lamp is going out. Watch therefore; attend to the business of your souls.