Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

Question:

“Who were the five foolish virgins?” (Matthew 25.)

Answer:

They are all those who profess the name of Christ. It is the profession of Christianity, not exactly the Church as such. When all are awakened by the midnight cry, reality was found in the five wise virgins as well as profession. They had the Holy Ghost, of which the oil is the symbol. The others had no oil. It was with the foolish profession, or religiousness without vitality. The door was shut, and they were shut out for ever! Lost, I do not doubt.

It is a grave mistake to apply this parable to the remnant of Jews in the “time of the end.” They have not the Holy Ghost dwelling in them at all, as the believer has; even a babe in Christ has this (1 John 2:20). If they were not professing Christians, they would not be charged with having no “oil.” Nor does the godly Jew go forth to meet the Bridegroom; he flies in terror. It is not with him the Bridegroom in hope, but the abomination of desolation in fear. There will be no time of slumbering and sleeping then, for things will reel to their centre in judgment.

Chapters 24 and 25 have three great subject-divisions ― characteristic of Matthew’s Gospel. 1st. The desolations, and final restoration of the Jews as a nation on the earth (24:1-44). 2nd. Under three parables, instructions as to those who would be attached by profession to Christ during His absence, and till His return (24:45-51; 25:1-30); i.e., all who profess His name as Christians. 3rd. The result to the Gentiles as to their reception or rejection of the testimony then given, as to the Lord’s claims and Kingdom; in other words, the judgment of the quick or living nations at the establishment of the Kingdom. In this scene you find three parties ― Jews ― His “brethren”; Gentiles, who are blessed ― the “sheep”; Gentiles who are condemned ― the “goats.” This is not the judgment of the dead, but of the living (25:31-46), at the beginning of the millennium; the dead are not judged till the close.