Parable of the ten virgins

Ray Leger Dec 22, 2024
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The parable of the ten virgins, found in Matthew 25:1–13, is a teaching of Jesus about readiness for His second coming. This parable emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation, the necessity of genuine faith, and the perseverance of the saints.

Summary of the Parable

The parable describes ten virgins who take their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five are described as wise because they bring extra oil, while the other five are foolish because they do not. When the bridegroom is delayed, all ten fall asleep. At midnight, a cry announces the bridegroom's arrival. The wise virgins are prepared and light their lamps, but the foolish ones have no oil and must leave to buy more. While they are gone, the bridegroom arrives, and the door to the wedding feast is shut. When the foolish virgins return and ask for entry, the bridegroom replies, "Truly, I say to you, I do not know you." Jesus concludes with a warning: "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

  1. The Sovereignty of God in Salvation:
    This emphasizes that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, and not by human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9). The wise virgins represent those chosen by God who have received the oil of grace through the work of the Holy Spirit. The foolish virgins, despite their outward appearance of readiness (having lamps), lack the inward reality of true faith and the regenerating work of the Spirit.

  2. The Necessity of Genuine Faith:
    The parable illustrates that outward association with the church or religious activity is insufficient for salvation. The foolish virgins appear similar to the wise—both have lamps and wait for the bridegroom—but only the wise have oil. This underscores the importance of a living faith that is evidenced by preparedness and reliance on Christ alone.

  3. The Perseverance of the Saints:
    The delay of the bridegroom tests the endurance of the virgins. The wise persevere because they are sustained by God's grace, while the foolish fail because they lack genuine faith. This aligns with the doctrine that those whom God has truly saved will persevere to the end (Philippians 1:6).

  4. The Bridegroom’s Judgment:
    The bridegroom’s refusal to open the door to the foolish virgins highlights the finality of God’s judgment. This reflects the emphasis on God's justice and the reality of eternal separation for those outside of Christ (Matthew 7:21-23). The statement, "I do not know you," indicates that salvation is not based on external actions but on a personal relationship with Christ.

  5. Eschatological Urgency:
    The parable calls believers to live with an awareness of Christ’s imminent return. The view holds that this readiness is not achieved through human effort but through God’s sanctifying work in believers’ lives. Watching and waiting involve a life of faith, obedience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Application

The parable serves as a sobering reminder that not all who profess to be Christians are truly saved. It calls for self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) and reliance on the gospel. Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant, trusting in God’s promises, and to live in light of eternity. The wise virgins’ preparedness reflects the believer’s response to God’s grace, while the foolish virgins warn against complacency and presumption in the Christian life.

In conclusion, the parable underscores God’s sovereignty in salvation, the necessity of genuine faith, and the urgency of living in readiness for Christ’s return.