Parable of the ten Virgins

[Eleanor]

Here is an idea:
Faith Tested
This envisioned topic is not about testing God as the Jews did at at Massah in Exodus 17: 2 ( Deuteronomy 6:16 ), it's about exploring the depths of one's faith through testing using the tools at hand. The toolbox is enormous using a biblical scaffolding coupled directly to logic and reason, morality, critical thinking, and christian philosophy.

- Psalm 26:2 - "Examine me, O LORD, and test me! Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives!" (NET)
- Psalm 139:23 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:" (KJV)
- Matthew 13:3-9 - The parable of the Sower.
- James 1:12 - "Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (CSB)

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@Carbon
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Job wrote the manual on that one!

While the angels and Adam failed their test.

 

[TibiasDad]

The oil represents spiritual vigilance and preparedness with a living faith. ( Foolish virgins had an amount of oil, but not enough to abide until the end ) "Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:13 )

I have preached from this text (Matthew 25 & 22) this week and their similarities and differences. I said the exact same thing as your fourth example above.

The first parable of chapter 22 is a story of grace rejected and that of 25 is of grace neglected.

Doug

 

[Inertia]

I have preached from this text (Matthew 25 & 22) this week and their similarities and differences. I said the exact same thing as your fourth example above.

The first parable of chapter 22 is a story of grace rejected and that of 25 is of grace neglected.

Doug

Hi @Tibias Dad

Grace rejected / Grace neglected < --- that is nice introductory title indeed Wow!

At the time of writing my response it was the fifth on a list of interpretations that keeps growing. Jesus' summary of the parable anchors the dominant framework regardless of how one interprets the oil metaphor even though it is a critical component of the parable.

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[TibiasDad]

Hi @Tibias Dad

Grace rejected / Grace neglected < --- that is nice introductory title indeed Wow!

At the time of writing my response it was the fifth on a list of interpretations that keeps growing. Jesus' summary of the parable anchors the dominant framework regardless of how one interprets the oil metaphor even though it is a critical component of the parable.

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I would agree. The last line of the Mt 22 parable is "Many are invited but few are chosen." Grace rejected!


Doug

 

[armylngst]

Biblical reference: Matthew 25

1.) What does the purchase of oil mean?

2.) What does "oil" represent?

3.) Does the parable explain Christ's return during the Millennial Kingdom?

or

4.) Does the parable explain the rapture of the Church?

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I think it is symbolic of people who believe Jesus is coming soon, so they do not have to prepare for a possible long wait. Perhaps the oil is symbolic of faith?

 

[Eleanor]

I think it is symbolic of people who believe Jesus is coming soon, so they do not have to prepare for a possible long wait. Perhaps the oil is symbolic of faith?

The oil represents the Holy Spirit and the new birth, which they did not have.

 

[Inertia]

I think it is symbolic of people who believe Jesus is coming soon, so they do not have to prepare for a possible long wait. Perhaps the oil is symbolic of faith?

There are many viewpoints on what "oil" means in the parable. Apparently, the oil can be purchased according to the wise virgins.

Since neither faith nor the Holy Spirit can be purchased, it could symbolize truth or wisdom perhaps.

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[armylngst]

The oil represents the Holy Spirit and the new birth, which they did not have.

Which they did have and ran out of? Both groups had oil in their lamps.