Understanding
The "Oil" Of The Ten Virgins

In explaining the Kingdom of God, Christ (Yahshua) uses a parable about ten "virgins", some of whom suffer a self-inflicted "oil" crisis and miss out on a wedding, to which they have been invited. Some have taught that the "oil" here symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Is that true? Or does it symbolize something else? Whatever the "oil" symbolizes, the lack of "it" can prevent you from entering the kingdom. Isn't it time that you understand what that "oil" symbolizes.?

Chapter 24 of Matthew discusses the Second Coming of the Messiah. In that context, verse 1, of chapter 25, introduces a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven. (The purpose of parables is explained in Mat. 13:10-11.)

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom."(Mat. 25:1). The term, "bride" is not mentioned here, but only a specific number of "virgins" who are "called" or "invited" to the wedding. A "virgin" was one who was ideally qualified to be a bride (2 Cor. 11:2). While the Greek word for "virgin" here is parthenos, meaning "maiden", in Hebrew the word bethuwlah is used meaning "to separate" [also "virgin", (from her privacy)].

The parable is about those individuals who are separately invited to a wedding, but because of the lack of some "thing" (symbolic of some attribute) find themselves locked out of the wedding. The parable involves the actions, or lack of proper actions, on the part of certain individuals among those invited and not the collective actions of the entire group. ["...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling..."(Phil. 2:12), "Salvation is an individual activity, usually performed in a group setting."]

"Behold, the bridegroom is coming!"

The Jewish wedding customs, referred to in this parable, involved the groom's party coming to the bride's location at some unknown time, but by custom, about midnight. Those in the groom's party would cry out, in the street, "Behold, the bridegroom is coming!". Upon hearing this, the bride's attendants, or "virgins" would go out with lamps to meet the groom and then accompany him back to the bride.(3)

Notice that, at the Second Coming, "the dead in Christ shall rise first" and then we who are alive shall be "changed" and "caught up into the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: . . ." (I Ths. 4:16-17, and I Cor. 15:51-52). So we have a group which "goes out" to meet the Messiah and to accompany Him back to earth (Rev. 14:1, Zech. 14:1,4). This group is also called "virgins" (v.4-7). The events of the Second Coming also include several references to "loud voices" and "trumpets" announcing these events. We are told to "watch" because we don't know the exact time of His Coming (Mat. 24:42), but it is "as a thief in the
night" (1 Ths. 5:2).

The parable says in verse 1 that they all took "lamps". The lamp is symbolic of God's Word, "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psa. 119:105). So they all have God's word and are all looking for the coming of the "bridegroom".

According to Jewish custom, the "virgins" were to be with, or at least near, the "bride", waiting for the groom to come. So they all had made preparations for this wedding. They are all part of the "bride's" entourage awaiting the one, true bridegroom.

Verse 1 says that they all "went forth to meet the bridegroom". This is prior to the announcement that "he is coming". This can only apply to those who have left their families, their homes and their friends in order to be a part of this wedding. This cannot apply to those who have not made some change in their lives or in their normal routine (Mat. 22:2-5). This group has suspended their
normal lives, at least temporarily, to be a part of this wedding. This group has separated themselves from everyone else who is not directly involved in the wedding. One is not considered a member of a wedding party without having been invited. These are the ones who are "called" (Rom. 1:6-7).

They were congregated together, in calling and purpose, if not literally together in location. Verse 5 says "they all slumbered and slept". They would not necessarily have all been sleeping in the same room, or even in the same house. They could have been in adjoining houses, close enough to hear the "cry". When the"cry"was made, in the street, at midnight, they "all.. arose"(verse 7), so they were all physically close enough together to hear the "cry" made by the groom's attendants, in the street.

Today, even if we do not all assemble together, we can still all hear the same things eventually, and if it's something of great significance, we all seem to hear of it within a brief period of time. If we fellowship at all, we are all linked together by publications, by organizations, by the internet and by telephones as well as by friends and relatives.

Only One Distinction

In verse 2 of Matthew 25, Christ says half were "foolish". There is no distinction made between the officials of the wedding and the guests or the participants. There is no distinction made according to rank or position. Rank and position are not factors in separating the "wise" from the "foolish". Some have taught that, in general, most people called today are "the foolish of the
world" (1 Cor. 1:27) while the administrators and ministers are among the "(few) wise men" called (1 Cor. 1:26). Some seem to feel that ordination by men, distinguishes between the "wise" and those without wisdom. Here we see only one distinction being made among members of the group meeting the bridegroom. All those in this group are "virgins". Half are wise and half are foolish. There is no other distinction made here, aside from being either "wise" or "foolish".

In Matthew 25, in verses 3-4, we see the difference between "wisdom" and "foolishness" is the presence or absence of something symbolized by the "oil". Whatever the "oil" is, it is available to all the virgins. If someone lacks "it", it is due to a personal decision on the part of the individual, not to a limitation imposed by others. We may feel justified in blaming our "teachers" for some
"lack" on our part but we will still suffer the consequences ourselves. Blaming "leaders" or others will not help us escape those consequences because everyone makes a choice to follow men or to follow the Eternal, and to understand the difference (Eze. 18:20, the whole verse). There is no third group here, who lack "oil", but are excused by the bridegroom because of having been misled by their teachers.

Continuing in verse 5 of the parable, the bridegroom "tarried". From the time we are converted, we look forward to the Kingdom and to eternal life. In our human impatience, and in our desire for the blessings of the Kingdom, we impatiently view the waiting as "tarrying" or "delaying" on the part of the Messiah (Psa. 89:46).

Also in verse 5, we see that they "all slumbered and slept". The Greek words here, nustazo and katheudo indicate that they all "nodded off" and "lay down to sleep". We remember that the twelve disciples also had trouble staying awake at the most crucial time in the Messiah's life. This was in spite of Christ's personally telling them to stay awake and watch (Mat. 26:40-43).

In Mat. 25:13, we are also told to "watch" for the coming of the "Son of man".

The Cry

Verse 6 says, "at midnight the cry was made". In Egypt, on the night of the first Passover, the Israelites were aware of "a great cry in Egypt" (Ex. 12:11-12, 30-34). If the Israelites had fallen asleep, they were surely awake now.

After the death angel passed over Egypt at midnight, the Israelites went out of Egypt by night to meet the Lord (the bridegroom) in the wilderness (Ex. 5:1-3). Due to their lack of belief, a lack of faith (Num.14:11) all adult males over the age of 20 were "shut out" of the promised land, to wander in a physical wilderness (a symbolic darkness, Job 12:24-25) until they died (Num. 14:1-3, 23-35).

We are told that there were 603,550 men age 20 and older (Num. 1:46), so the total number of Israelites leaving Egypt is estimated as being between two and three million. The information given would indicate that perhaps 1.2 million adults died in the wilderness while about 1.8 million, those under age 20, who came out of Egypt, survived to go into the promised land. In other words
perhaps half of all those who "went out" of Egypt, never made it into the promised land but were "shut out", rejected because of a lack of faith. (If it was half, it would correspond to the parable in Mat. 25.)

Understanding is dependent upon faith (Heb. 11:3) and "without faith it is impossible to please (God)" (verse 6). Lacking faith, the Israelites also lacked understanding. A lack of the Holy Spirit is never mentioned as the problem here, but God's Spirit was present since He was present. God's Spirit was given to at least 72 people other than Moses (Num. 11:17, 25-29). In spite of having the Holy Spirit, none of these "elders" entered into the promised land (Num. 14:29, Acts 7:51). Perhaps we should consider the lesson here, that merely having the Holy Spirit doesn't guarantee one's future. Neither does having the Holy Spirit guarantee that one has a good understanding (Rev.3:14-19).

We are referring to a divinely-given understanding of God's truth (Job 32:8), not the understanding of man's own ability to reason (Pro.3:5).

Those under age 20 (as of Num. 14) were later allowed to go into the promised land, partly because of Moses' request for mercy for the people. We note that Christ explained, "Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."(Mat. 18:3).

Also, in Mat. 24:40-41, the parable speaks of two in the field and two in the mill. In both cases, one is taken while the other is left. Whether there is any significance or not, the number is one half of the total mentioned. Perhaps the point is that there are only two choices, "life and death, blessing and cursing" (Deu. 30:19).

In verse 6 of Matthew 25, we see that a "cry" is made before the bridegroom comes, announcing His arrival. "Surely the Lord will do nothing, but he reveals his secret unto his servants the prophets."(Amos 3:7). Although Matt. 25:13 says that we do not "know" (present tense) "the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man is coming.", verse 7 reveals that a "cry" is made to "go you out to meet him". The "cry" is not the arrival of the bridegroom, but the announcement of his imminent arrival. There is time for the "wise" to trim their lamps, for an attempt by the "foolish" to obtain "oil" from the "wise", and failing that, the ''foolish"
disappear in search of the "oil merchants".

It can be unprofitable to strain a parable beyond a certain point. Some may say "It is only a parable." But the same One who gave us the parable also inspired
2 Tim. 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." If we learn something, it is not an unprofitable exercise.

No Borrowing Allowed

In verse 8, of Mat. 25, "...the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out." (Some margins have "are going out".) They are now aware that they have a problem. They are lacking "something". They recognize not only that they are the ones with the problem, and what the problem is, but also that the "wise" do not have the problem. Their first reaction is to attempt to correct their "lack" by getting "oil" from the "wise" virgins. Instead of having made adequate preparations, when the crisis comes, they try to rely on others.

We discussed above that the separation between the "wise" and "foolish" does not follow lines of authority or rank.

In the KJV, verse 9 of Mat. 25 includes the words "not so". These words are not in the original, "where the reply is very elliptical...", i.e. "defective".

The "wise" diplomatically, or perhaps sarcastically (1 K.18:27) suggest that the "foolish" go back to their regular "source" of supply, to "them that sell". "Spiritual preparedness is not something which can be distributed round in a crisis, and the wise are not being selfish, but realistic when they point this out." (6)One commentary suggests that the instruction is for them to "Go, get it in the only legitimate way." Their answer can be taken two ways, and perhaps has a dual meaning.

If we take the answer as being sincere, we see in Pro. 23:23, "Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.". It also reminds us of the parable in Mat. 13:44 about the treasure hidden in a field, for which a man sells all he has, in order to purchase the field. (See also Isa. 55:1-3, 6). The price of purchase from the true source is to give up everything (see Lk. 14:26, Mat. 19:21, 27).

If we take the answer as being sarcastic, then we are reminded of 1 Kings 18:27, in which Elijah sarcastically taunts the false prophets of Baal. Having two possible ways of interpreting the response corresponds to the instructions for answering a "fool", given in Pro. 26:4-5.

"Examine Yourselves"

Rather than comment as a third party about others who may be "foolish", we would do well to "examine ourselves" in light of this parable, to see if we are lacking the "oil". This problem of the "foolish" serves as instruction for those who read it and take heed prior to the Messiah's return. It is also a warning and a prophecy for those who will not heed but who are described in Rev. 3:14-19 as being Laodicean. Verse 18 of Rev. 3, refers to "buying" gold tried in the fire (of persecution during the Tribulation)." Buying and Selling
Another application of "sellers" and buyers, would be a reference to those who make "merchandise" of God's people (2 Pet. 2:3). If an organization expects or demands tithes in exchange for membership or for "teaching" by literature or tapes, or for "pastoring", then money is being exchanged for goods or services. In other words, "selling" is taking place. The "service" organization is "selling" the truth or at least its version of it. Since the ones doing the "selling" in Mat. 25:9, are referred to as "them" (plural) perhaps this last explanation is significant. Christ always deferred in all things to the Father, who is singular, while "false prophets", "false ministers" and "false brethren" are always referred to in the plural form.

While the "foolish" had gone elsewhere ("went to buy", verse 10), the "bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage; and the door was shut. Afterwards came also the other virgins, saying Lord, open to us" (verse 11).

So the "sellers" are not the Lord. They're not even in the same location. The "foolish" are seeking "oil" from someone other than the Lord. Who are the "sellers" and what does the "oil" symbolize?

The foolish virgins are already members of the wedding party. They were among those asleep at, or near the bride's location. They were close enough to the bride to hear the "cry" announcing the groom's coming and they understood what the "cry" meant. They understood that they were now in trouble and they understood the difference between themselves and the "wise" virgins.

We know that, in general, the Holy Spirit works with those who are called, until baptism and the laying on of hands, at which time we receive it "into" ourselves (Jn. 14:17) so that it now works "in" us (Rom. 8:9). We know that the Father gives the Holy Spirit without measure [Jn. 3:34, Note: If Christ had more of the Holy Spirit than what we have access to, then He could not have been tempted "like as we are" (Heb. 4:15), because He would have had an advantage over us.). So the difference is not that some have access to a lesser quantity of the Spirit than others.(7)

Since the foolish virgins are members of the wedding party and have some understanding they apparently already have the Holy Spirit. So the "oil" is not an absence or a shortage of the Holy Spirit. It is something else.

"By their fruits, you shall know them."

The actions of the foolish show us what their lack of "oil" represents. At the point when the "foolish" fully understand they are lacking "oil," they had the opportunity to ask for it from the Father. Instead they first ask for it from the "wise". They also have "an" understanding what the "wise" mean when they advise them to go "buy" it from those who "sell" it. This is what they decide to do, to remedy the situation. They go out from among those who have light, to seek "oil" from "merchants". They have no question about who those merchants are, or where to find them. They go to "sellers" in an attempt to purchase something which they recognize the wise as already possessing. The "foolish" are lacking in understanding.

Business as Usual

We notice that the buying and selling of oil is accomplished while the bridegroom is admitting the "wise" virgins "in with him to the marriage". A few scriptures earlier in chapter 24, the "days of Noah" are mentioned,"But as the days of Noe(Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe (Noah) entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Mat. 24:37-39)

So it's business as usual, with people "buying and selling", while the "wise" are entering into the marriage supper. They enter through a door (the "straight and narrow" way of Mat. 7:14).

We notice that "the Lord" shut the door to the ark seven days prior to the start of the flood. During that time, people were still buying and selling. After it became obvious that there really was going to be a flood, the "foolish" of that time would have been trying to get in at the door to the ark, but it was then too late. Neither Noah, nor the wise virgins have control over who gets through the door. In both cases, the foolish attempt it.

In Mat. 7:13, it says, "Enter you in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat;"

" Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it." (verse 14).

Notice that verse 15 talks about "false prophets" in "sheep's clothing" whom you shall know "by their fruits" (verses 16 and 20).

Verses 17-19 speak of "corrupt trees" being "cast into the fire". To the "called out ones", the prophets of mainstream religion are "wolves" but they are not disguised and they are not among the true flock. Jude 4 says those among the flock "crept in unawares". In Act 20:29-30,"grievous wolves (shall) enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your ownselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things..."

The false prophets "of the world" will have their chance at salvation later. But these "false prophets" who are"disguised as sheep" are likened to "corrupt trees" which are cast into the fire (of the tribulation or eternal death).

The "sellers" of oil are not feared or shunned by the "foolish" virgins as "the called out ones" would avoid mainstream preachers. They have no reservations in returning to them for oil. They trust them to furnish oil they need to go out to meet the groom. But even after buying this oil from the sellers and returning to the bridegroom, they are rejected. They now have some kind of "oil" but it's insufficient in some way to get them admission at the door.

"No Sale" on the Holy Spirit

No one goes to a ministry or to "sellers" to "buy" the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17-20); they go to be taught, to receive knowledge and understanding, through them, if one correctly remembers that there is only one original source of true spiritual knowledge and understanding. The corporate organizations and some individual ministries have not allowed that any true understanding can come from any source other than their own headquarters. Each organization establishes it's own (more or less) unique doctrinal statement and credentials it's salaried employees to preach only in conformity to it's own doctrinal statements. Members have, sometimes unthinkingly, trusted the men in these organizations to provide them the correct understanding and by tithing, pay their salaries to do this. In effect they "buy" their understanding from those who "sell" it. They would not consider supporting one corporation and seeking understanding from another, nor is that tolerated by some who represent corporate churches. Some corporate ministers feel that there is an exclusive contract between members and the clergy/corporation and violation is punishable by disfellowshipment. Some members have trusted God to provide men who can be trusted, but every scripture concerning trust, either emphasizes trusting God or not putting trust in men, two ways of saying the same thing.

It's interesting that when one asks a local pastor a question which he cannot answer, he often seeks the answer not from God, but from his employers, the men at his corporate headquarters, other human beings. But understanding doesn't come from men. "For the Lord gives wisdom; out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding." (Pro. 2:6, also verses 1-11).

Foolishness

The "foolish", by definition, lack wisdom but the parable shows that the ones who "lack wisdom" are at a disadvantage by lacking "oil". The problem at the moment, is not that they are foolish, but that because of their foolishness, they lack "oil". They did not lack knowledge. They knew about the wedding and the imminent arrival of the groom. They were "virgins", who were "called" for the wedding. They had made preparations to attend the marriage supper. They were close enough to the bride to actually hear the cry,"behold the bridegroom is coming". They realized they were lacking something. It wasn't knowledge, since they knew what was happening. They knew that they were lacking something. It wasn't the Holy Spirit or they would not have been invited to the marriage. They would not have been part of the wedding entourage (Mat. 22:1-6). Without the Holy Spirit, they would not have had any understanding, so it was not a total lack of understanding.

What they lacked, they demonstrated by leaving the wedding party and wandering out into the darkness to return to those whom they trusted to sell them "oil". The wise had oil but they were not the source of it. They didn't manufacture or distribute it. All they could do is let their lamps (lights) shine. They could display it but even so, they could not even give it away to others. Those who need it, must go to the true source, "out of the Lord's mouth" (Pro. 2:6).

No Admittance With "Purchased Oil"

Verse 7 of Mat. 25 says they "all" arose and "trimmed" their lamps, cutting off the burned, wick ends and relighting them, and so there was light. The foolish, rather than staying in this light, leave. They go into the darkness, not to seek the bridegroom (the Lord), or the Father, but to seek "sellers" of oil. They find them because they know where to find them. But when they return, they are now refused admittance to the wedding by the bridegroom, not for the lack of oil, not for being foolish, and not for being late. The bridegroom refuses admittance, saying, "I know you not" (verse 12). Why would the groom not know half of those whom He had invited to be part of the wedding?

If they hadn't been invited, they wouldn't have been part of the entourage. If they hadn't had the Holy Spirit, they wouldn't have had any understanding about preparing for the wedding, going out with the others to wait for the cry, and waiting with the other virgins. Without knowledge, they wouldn't have known about any of this.

There is no distinction made between the virgins until midnight when the foolish realize they don't have enough "oil" to go meet the groom. The foolish think that they are equal with the wise until it's too late to successfully correct the situation before the groom comes. However they do attempt to do so.

They all took lamps with oil in them (verse 7). But the wise also had "vessels" (verse 4), or oil containers used to refill the lamps. They had more "oil".

As long as the foolish were close to their suppliers, they functioned as well as the wise virgins. However, when they were apart from their suppliers, and running out of oil, it was a different matter. The wise were better prepared by having accumulated sufficient and acceptable "oil" to wait on the bridegroom.

At the time when the bridegroom actually arrived, the foolish were somewhere else, in the darkness, with their "oil merchants."

The Difference

The foolish had some understanding. They had some oil in their lamps. They had knowledge of the wedding. They had been invited and were part of the wedding entourage. They were waiting with the other virgins. They had the spirit of a wedding feast and anticipated being included. They were not "harlots", but virgins,qualified to become brides.

However, they were dependent upon "sellers" or "merchants" for their "oil".

They demonstrated a lack of understanding by not preparing adequately for the wedding. In Mat.22:11-14, we see that a wedding guest who comes without a proper garment, (inadequately prepared) is cast out of the wedding. The verses here also say,"many are called, but few are chosen".

The foolish showed a lack of understanding by leaving the wedding party, which was with the other virgins, and by going off into the darkness to seek their "oil merchants".

They had demonstrated some understanding in partially preparing for the wedding, in going out with the other virgins, in waiting with the others for the "cry". They demonstrated some knowledge and some understanding in realizing their need for more "oil".

It was not a total lack of oil that caused the problem. They had some oil. It was the difference in quantity that prevented them from being present when the groom came. Later, after they "buy" oil, it was a difference in quality that resulted in their being unrecognized by the bridegroom.

It wasn't a lack of the Holy Spirit that prevented them from being admitted at the door. It was a lack of true understanding. At first, they did not have as much understanding as the wise virgins and when they went to obtain more, it was from a wrong source. They never demonstrated a lack of the Holy Spirit, just a partial lack of acceptable understanding. Those lacking the Holy Spirit, never responded to the invitations and some even killed the messengers (see Mat. 22:1-14).

If the problem were a lack of the Holy Spirit, then after the "foolish" did obtain it, they should have been granted admittance. One cannot have "a little" of the Holy Spirit and expect to obtain "additional Holy Spirit" from some source that "sells" it (Lk. 11:13).
There are some who expect to "obtain" understanding from or through the organizations they "support". If we are crediting an organization or a man for our spiritual understanding, even if it did come through an organization or a man, then perhaps our spiritual understanding is lacking. If we recognize a lack of understanding in ourselves, shall we seek to obtain it from men, or organizations, or from the one true source? Our answer will reflect our degree of belief in Christ's message and our faith. It also determines for us whether this parable is a warning, to which we may give heed and repent, or a prophecy of our fate, if we choose to ignore it.

The Significance For Us

The significance of this parable is that one can have the Holy Spirit and some knowledge and some understanding but if one looks to men as the source of true understanding, then he will not know, or be known by the Lord. The Father makes the Spirit available, without measure (Eph. 5:18, Tit. 1:5-6) to all those whom He calls and who respond (Eph.3:16). But it's up to
each of us to work out our own salvation. Our part includes seeking knowledge, understanding and wisdom. It takes more faith to seek it from the Father than from men.

At the marriage supper, those whose faith is in men, as the source of understanding, will not be recognized by the bridegroom. The door will be shut, just as the door to the ark was shut to those who would not listen while there was time to repent and change.

Proverbs 2:1-13 explains how and why we should pursue knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Having teachers can and should be helpful, but we must realize that understanding is a gift from the Father, whether it comes to us through reading, prayer, meditation, divine inspiration or human communication.

Not everyone has the same amount of understanding. At some point the "foolish" recognize that the "wise" have more. Those "selling oil" are "servicing" the foolish but not serving them. The foolish seek understanding from men, searching for them in "darkness", rather than going to "the Lord". The understanding they receive, does not help them to gain admittance to the marriage supper. The bridegroom does not come to those who are "selling" oil. They are also outside of the marriage supper, in the darkness. Lest we find ourselves numbered among the "foolish virgins" let us all heed Isaiah's warning, "Seek you the Lord while he may be found, call you upon him while he is near;" (Isa. 55:6).

Conclusions

Why would some teach that the "oil" of the ten virgins is the Holy Spirit? Perhaps because of its use in consecrating priests, the High Priest, Kings of Israel, and prophets (Ex. 28:41, 29:5-7, 1 Sam. 16:13, 1 K.19:16), some of whom received the Holy Spirit (e.g. David 1 Sam. 16:13). But not all did, for example Hazael, who, after his anointing by the Prophet Elisha, became King of Syria by murdering King Benhadad and later attacked Israel, literally butchering pregnant women (1 K. 19:15, and 2 K. 8:7-15). While Hazael was used for God's purposes in punishing Israel, his actions are not the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

While the Holy Spirit is compared to water (Isa. 44:3-4), it is nowhere compared to oil. 1 John 2:27 speaks of the "anointing" which "abides" in us and "teaches" us, obviously a reference to the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:14), yet we receive the Holy Spirit by repentance, baptism of water and the laying on of hands (Acts 2:38, 8:14-17), and not by an anointing with oil. Oil is never used at baptism or the subsequent laying on of hands, the primary events with which we associate receiving the Holy Spirit.

To teach that the "oil" represents the Holy Spirit requires that we believe one of two concepts. The first being that the division between the "wise" and the "foolish" represents the division between the "called out ones" and the rest of "the world", those "not yet called". Yet, as we have seen above, all the details within the parable, contradict this. The alternate choice would involve a misunderstanding of limitations upon the availability of the Holy Spirit to those who are "called".

For those already having the Holy Spirit, this parable illustrates a number of lessons, none of which are necessarily new, but in the context of this parable, may have new applications for some or all of us. Some of these lessons are expressed in other scriptures:

"Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." (1 Cor. 10:12). A lesson which would apply, regardless of the meaning of the "oil". In view of the parable of the virgins, having "some" correct understanding is not a guarantee that what one has, is sufficient in God's sight. If that statement frightens us then we should remember that both "confidence" and "fear" are elements in our working out our individual salvation (Phil. 1:6, 2:12). "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding... She shall give to your head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to you." (Pro. 4:7-9).

Regarding the signs of the "end of the world" (Mat. 24:3), "Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left." (Mat.24:40-41). Our choice of fellowship will not strictly determine our acceptability to God. The parable of the "virgins" shows that "association" with, or "membership" in an organization, even if it considers itself to be the "one true church", the spiritual "body" of Christ, (i.e. the wedding party) is not a guarantee of being acceptable to God. Having the Holy Spirit, alone, is not a guarantee of salvation. Neither is it a guarantee of having an acceptable "understanding", particularly if our understanding is acquired from the wrong source.

"For the Lord gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding." (Pro. 2:6). He (singular) gives it as a gift. Understanding which "purchased" from "those that sell" is inadequate to obtain admission to "the marriage supper."

All scripture indicates only two choices: "life and death, blessing and cursing" (Deu. 30:19). In the parable we see two choices of the free gift of wisdom or understanding from God (Job 32:8) and the "purchased oil" (understanding) of the "foolish" virgins.

Those who believe the gospel want to share it with others. However, regardless of how much we desire to share our "understanding" with others, we are limited to demonstrating it (the illumination of our "light" by our example, our fruits) or to attempting to explain it to others. Others may "see" our "light" but must seek it not from us, but from the true source. Even if others obtain understanding through us, it still originates in the one true source. In attempting to obtain it from us, it may be unobtainable to them (Acts 8:18-23). Our first responsibility in teaching is to direct everyone to the Father, through Christ.

All those who "buy" and "sell" understanding are shut out of the marriage supper.

A Problem For Some

This concept, that the "oil" is "understanding" and not the "Holy Spirit", creates problems for ministries and religious organizations that emphasize a hierarchical structure. It challenges their presumed "authority" over religious teaching, by pointing out that the Holy Spirit is what "guides" us into all truth (Jn. 16:13) in lieu of men who may, or may not, have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them.
Even when a teacher is inspired by the Holy Spirit, understanding comes to the student from God (Job 32:8, Pro. 2:6) through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:15-18), not from the teacher (man). Even Christ said, "I can of my own self, do nothing;..."(Jn. 5:19,30).

It threatens their control over the membership by destroying the illusion of dependency upon them (men) to maintain an approved relationship with the Father. Christ died so that there would be no man between you and your Father. He lives as your Intercessor and High Priest at the throne of God. He sent disciples (his students) out to proclaim His gospel, part of which is that the Holy Spirit shall guide you into all truth. Some "teachers" emphasize their opinion of a need for a human "teacher" while neglecting to teach dependence upon the Holy Spirit for a direct relationship with the Father, through Christ's death and resurrection.

It creates a tremendous problem for their claim to having authority to "bind and loosen" the traditions of men upon the membership, making their decisions for them, including the determination of a schedule of Holy Days.

It raises questions about the alleged "unity" of beliefs within any group of ministers, as well as among their congregants. If the Holy Spirit is teaching two or more, which shall say that his understanding is more correct than the others?

Finally, to teach that the "oil" is the Holy Spirit, limits the parable to a simplistic proverb with little room for discussion of, and growth in, learning and understanding. To recognize that the "oil" is "understanding", is to realize that not only are we offered greater opportunities in learning than we may have been told, but also that we are accountable for our own understanding to a far greater
degree than we may have previously understood. It helps one understand why there is so much diversity of understanding among the "called and chosen". It emphasizes the importance of having sufficient and acceptable understanding.

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Footnotes:

1. All scriptures are from the KJV unless otherwise noted.

2. Some sources have it, "accompany the bride to the groom's house and go in with
him to the marriage". Since the bride is not mentioned here, the former explanation is
more appropriate.)

3. Article, "One" is the Number of Salvation.

4. At the time Jacob entered Egypt, his family totaled 75 people (Acts 7:14). From
Jacob to Moses is four generations and covered a space of perhaps 160-200 years.
Population of 2-3 million is based on the birth rates required to produce 600,000 males
over the age of 20 within that period of time. Males would have had to have married
between ages 16-19 and produced an average of 12 children. Jewish history confirms
that males did marry starting at age 16 and produced large families. At these rates, the
next two generations of Israelites would have consecutively produced 21.8 million
children and 261.6 million children. Scripture confirms the Israelites were "abundantly
...multiplied" (Ex.1:7-9, 12).

5. Commentary, Practical and Explanatory, on the Whole Bible, Jamieson, Fausset,
Brown, p.943.

6. The New Bible Commentary: Revised,Guthrie, Motyer, Stibbs, Wiseman, p. 846.

7. See Changes Topic Guide: Holy Spirit.

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For comments on the Ten Virgins article

Additional responses to the "virgins" article

Response to a traditional view of the "virgins" parable

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