| by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) |
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| A Parable Misunderstood The parable of the ten Virgins consists of only 13 verses, but those 13 verses may be the most important and valuable verses in the entire Bible concerning the church and our being ready for our Lord’s return. I am sure we are all familiar with the parable of the ten Virgins found in Mathew 25. This parable speaks Much about the return of our Lord and Savior, and what is about to befall the church. This parable also, not only warns us that we better be prepared for what is coming, but also tells us exactly how to prepare. This is an important Bible Study because many of us in God’s church (even many long-time members) have misunderstood and misinterpreted this parable and fail to prepare as it says. Remember, it is the ones with the “Oil” that will be ready at His soon coming. But those without the “Oil” (Those who have not been stocking up on this precious “Oil” will fail. (We all know, if we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail.) (And there is Nothing more important for us [the church] to be preparing for, than for the return of our Lord, and the Coming Kingdom of God.) This parable tells us His coming will be a Happy day for those who are prepared. (Because they will hear Him say “Well Done”!) But for those who have not prepared, those who are not ready, it will be a sad day, because He tells the unprepared, the foolish “I never knew you.” So, let us take this study seriously, because this parable tells us a Lot, including a lot about the current condition of the church, and what is soon coming upon God’s church, and also upon the whole world! Brethren, we are not living in the time when Christ began to build His church that was 2,000 years ago. We are living at the time He is about too “complete” His church. This world is about to be shaken, and in an “Unprecedented” way. The last time our Heavenly Father disciplined or corrected the entire world, He shook it. But this time He is not only going to shake the earth, this time He’s going to be shaking both the heavens and the earth. This parable tells ushow, yes how to prepare. It tells us what we need to be doing now to be prepared. But many are failing to prepare because we have allowed men to lead us astray. You see, most men teach that the “Oil” spoken of in this parable, that we need to be stocking up on, represents God’s Spirit. But it doesn’t! The oil represents something that takes time and effort on our part to collect, and store. It is important for us to understand this parable correctly, because if we fail to collect this “Oil” we will not be ready for what is coming, and our Lord’s return. We are at the end of the AGE. Many signs are here now that tell us our Lord is Soon to return. For most of us we have been hearing our entire life that our Lord is soon to return. But things are different now. We can clearly see the worldly conditions deteriorating, the pestilence, the plagues, all the signs increasing all around the entire world show us that our Lord’s return is near. In the book of Matthew, our Lord speaks about His soon coming, and He tells us to be ready for Him. (Matthew 24:44.) (Read it) The book of Luke has some verses that show us we are at the end of the age. And it also tells us this generation will witness our Lord’s return. Luke 21:31-32 (Read it) This short parable speaks of a “Midnight Cry” that will be heard by ALL members of the Church of God around the entire world. The “Midnight Cry” will be the alarm, the whistle announcing the beginning of “The Great Tribulation” and the return of our Savior. The Great Tribulation that is soon coming is a time when the entire world will be in great trouble and suffering. The Scripture says it will be the biggest and worst time of trouble ever. Yes, the Scripture says this coming Tribulation will be the worst time of trouble and suffering for the whole world, worse than ever before and worse than it will ever be again. Let us see that, let’s go to the book of Matthew, because there is a Great Tribulation coming. (Matthew 24:21) (Read it) This Great Tribulation, this time of Great Trouble that is coming upon the Kenyans, the Americans, the Chinese, the Entire World, is going to be very bad, so bad that the next verse tells us that God will have to cut it short, or stop it, before every man, woman and child on the face of the earth is dead. (Matthew 24:22) (Read it) Yes, God says for the Elect’s sake, that time of trouble will be shortened before all humanity dies. (We will see who the “Elect” are, as we move on.) The parable of the 10 virgins speaks of two groups in God’s church. There are many different churches out there. But God speaks of only two, two groups. This parable is very simple. Some are called “wise”, and some are called “foolish” (Which group we are in, is our choice. But make no mistake about it, each of us are either amongst the “wise” or the “foolish.” The “wise” are preparing for our Lord’s return and will be ready for Him. But the “foolish” are not preparing and will not be ready. (We need to check our “Oil” level. Because what this “Oil” does represent, is something that we can observe and measure.) Let us read this parable now, and see what this “Oil” represents, and if we have been filling up on it, or neglecting to do so. Mathew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. (The Bridegroom of course is Christ; He’s coming back to marry His church.) · 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. · 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: · 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. · 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. This is where we are today in God’s church slumbering and sleeping. Busy with our daily lives. Not even realizing that our Lord is already at the doors, about to return. (Matthew 24:32-34.) We need to know what this “Oil” represents, so we can be fetching it, and filling up on it, because God is about to sound a very sobering wake up call. · 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. (This cry is the Midnight cry that will begin the “Great Tribulation”, and the return of our Lord.) · 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. · 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. · 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Brethren, you cannot buy the Holy Spirit. Simon Magus proved that. (Acts 8:14-20) You cannot buy the Holy Spirit; it is a free gift from God. The “Oil “does not represent God’s Spirit. The “Oil” represents “Truth”. (Proverbs 23:23.) (Psalm 119:105.) “Truth” is what we need to be filling up on Brethren, God’s “Word” is “Truth” (John 17:17.) Truth can and must be bought; we buy it with our “time.” We need to be Studying the Scriptures, rightly dividing them, and that takes time, and effort. And don’t be fooled by men. We are living at the time when “The way of Truth is evil spoken of.” Many fables (even in the church) are still being taught (and believed) as Truth but are not Truth. (2 Peter 2:1-2.) We have to study more than we might realize. Our Lord warned us (Also Peter and Jude and others warned us) “take heed that no man deceive you.” (Matthew 24:4-5.) Many, if not most of the pulpits in the cog today, still preach and teach the same doctrines, and have the same beliefs, the same knowledge they have had for the past 50 years or more, with little or no growth. We are to be growing in grace and knowledge. Some in God’s church have raised red flags over the years, questioning some doctrines, knowing they are incorrect (not Truth). But they get discredited, shunned and even disfellowshipped as heretics, as if heresy is a bad thing. We need to understand something about heresy. “Heresy” itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Heresy is just a teaching or belief that is contrary (or at odds) to what is generally taught or believed. Even Paul was said to teach heresy, and he was proud of it. (Acts 24:14.) It is “Damnable Heresy” that we have to be on guard against. Especially now when the way of truth is evil spoken of, and the many are following “pernicious” ways. “False Teachings that lead to death.” (2 Peter 2:1-2 again.) Many false teachings and damnable heresies have been around and taught for so long, they are now being believed as ‘truth” when the real “Truth” is evil spoken of. (We need to be very careful here NOT to get our heresies mixed up.) Because some of our beliefs (strongly held beliefs) might be contrary to the Scriptures. That is why we have to “study” “prove all things” “Hold fast to that which is good” That’s why the Scripture is for “Proof” and “Reproof” and “Correction in Righteousness”. That is why our persuasion (concerning what we believe) needs to come from the Bible, not from the mouth of men.” Brethren, “Truth” is what this “Oil” represents, and Truth is what we need to be filling up on before it is too late. Let us also see who the “Elect” are. Remember Matthew 24:22 said: “For the “Elect’s” sake, those days (of Great Tribulation) shall be shortened.” Elect = Strong’s 1588 Favorite, Chosen. It is the same Greek word used in Matthew 24:14 where it says: “Many are called, but few chosen.” “Chosen” Strong’s 1588 Favorite, Chosen (same word.) The “Elect” are the Chosen of God. All of us in God’s church have been called, but not everyone will be chosen. The chosen are the ones who take God’s Word seriously, (search and follow Truth not fables.) walk in His ways. Keep His Commandments, do things that are pleasing in His site. Continuing in Matthew 25:10: “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. · 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, (The Foolish) saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. · 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Let us take our High Calling seriously, let us prove all things. Hold fast what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21.) Let us study (work) to show ourselves approved. Rightly divide the Word of Truth. (2 Timothy 2:15.) Let us always be careful when men preach and teach. It is okay to listen to men, but we must ALWAYS search the Scriptures, to see if what they say is Truth. Acts 17:10-11.) This “Oil” that we need to be filling up on is “Truth” God’s Word. Let us not fail to find it, so our vessels will be full of this precious “Oil” and we will be fully prepared and ready for our Lord’s soon coming. Let me add one thing. Some believe our Lord is still a long way from coming, with a lot of prophesy that has to be fulfilled. Hogwash! Our Lord comes quickly. Prophesy is already being fulfilled right before our eyes! And if we cannot see it, it’s because we are Laodicean Blind and desperately in need of that “Eye Salve”. Wake up Church of God. Our God Comes Quickly. Didn’t we see how quickly He can move, and how powerful He is, after seeing the latest unprecedented “Arctic Outbreak” or “Blast” that passed though Texas, taking many by surprise? (How many wake-up calls will it take?) Well, we know the answer to that. The Midnight Cry is coming, and it will be the last call, and heard by all. The “Midnight Cry” of Matthew 25, comes out of the “Cried” of (Revelation 10:3) (They are the same Cry.) Sounded by the mighty angel saying: “Time NO Longer!” (Revelation 10:3 & 6.) Let us not be taken by surprise. Let us be ready. And understand something very important. Qualifications must be met. In order for any of us to fulfill our High Calling, we have to be “overcomers.” To be ready, we must conquer our sinful lives and walk upright! (1 John 3:3.) How Pure does He want us? As Pure as He is Pure. And He is no respecter of Persons. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Parable of the Ten Virgins (What is that Oil?) Article by William P. Goff Comments by Darwin Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) |
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| What is the lesson or lessons to be gleaned from the parable of the “Ten Virgins” Mathew 25? Is it that we know and understand what the oil represents? Does it represent God’s Holy Spirit or perhaps “truth”? A list of some things that the “five who were (are) wise” could be: having a good measure of God’s Holy Spirit; having a good measure of Biblical truth; seeking God’s righteousness, not your own; doing God’s righteousness; overcoming (and just what is it, we are to overcome)? Do you know? I am sure there are many more things one can add to this list. How about the five virgins who were (are) foolish? For starters, the list above, except that just the opposite of each item on the list, e.g., your own brand of “truth”; your own righteousness? Maybe you have this attitude because of “your truth”: Isa.65:5 “Which say, stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day”. (Could this be where we got the six-foot social distancing from?) Maybe this could be the foolish virgin’s problem: Gal. 5:15: But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. Maybe they could be guilty of this; 2Ti 2:14 ¶ Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. As to what the oil represents in Mathew 25, from my studies, I believe that it does represent by analogy God’s holy spirit. An analogy is not intended to be literal but analogous to-a literal object, in this case, something you can buy, whereas to make a point that indeed you cannot in the foolish virgin’s case, cannot buy this “oil” (literally). After all they said to the foolish, “not so, for there may be not enough for us also”. The analogy of oil and the wise virgin’s response makes it clear; one cannot buy God’s spirit. They are also aware they can neither sell His Spirit nor even give It to someone else. So, they said, “not so”. If one interprets the idea that the oil represents “truth”, then if I were to go and “buy” truth at the local hardware store, I will have a hard time to find and buy a quart full of truth, whereas I could easily find and buy a quart of oil to burn in my lamp, even today, as 2,000 years ago when this parable was recorded. In this analogy the lamp is the virgin’s minds to be filled with oil. Yet one does not literally put real oil in one’s mind. One cannot buy truth and put it in a lamp and burn it, but oil you can. In the analogy in this parable, one must stay with what the words mean to imply as in buy, just as in oil to burn, as something that one can literally do or buy. One cannot go to a store and buy truth. At least I have not found any of that on any store shelf, let alone put it in a lamp, lite and burn it. The ultimate reality is, one cannot study God’s Word and search out the truths that Christ said He would lead us into all truth, without God’s Holy Spirit. Let us not strive “about words to no profit”! let your lamps (your mind) be filled with oil (God’s Spirt) and He will lead your mind into all truth. First in order you need God’s Spirit, then comes understanding truth as one studies. Truth cannot come before God’s Spirit or without His Spirit. One should be careful to not be caught up with “new truth” every time you read an article but “search the scriptures whether these things be so”. Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Not saying anyone is trying to deceive every time you hear a different twist on a given subject, but a different twist could take away the importance in staying true to the intent of what God wants us to understand more fully. Disputing over words takes away and ends up, brethren “biting and devouring one another”, all to no profit. If one wants to believe that “truth” is the appropriate object instead of oil, then brothers and sisters by all means believe, but let me believe what I have found to be “the truth”. I have no intentions of demanding of anyone what they should believe, but I am also with God on this one, I too cannot stand the ones with “the holier than thou attitude”. The Worldwide Church of God had many truths corrected from mainstream churches false teachings for almost two millennia. There were errors, but we also need to be careful not to fall for “every wind of doctrine”. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Parable of the Ten Virgins Article by William P. Goff Comments by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) |
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| Tell Darwin I can agree with his thoughts in his article in the last mailing. (Issue #13, Page 11) |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Parable of the Ten Virgins Article by William P. Goff Comments by Nathaniel Burson (Big Sandy, Texas) |
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| I was surprised to find Bill Goff’s articles took a new look on the symbolism of oil and the parable of the ten virgins and the meaning of leaven. I have never seen anyone but myself break with the traditional interpretations of these things. I also found his statements on the fallible nature of Christ very encouraging; antichrist is, simply, a spirit that believes Jesus was “special”, in some way different from us, incapable of sinning. Anyone who believes otherwise is, quite simply, not a Christian but an Anti-Christian (which is, sadly, most everyone). So, kudos, Bill. And while I mildly disagree with Bill’s final conclusion that oil = truth (he is in fact precisely 1/3 correct, it was far better than the party line. Darwin’s defense of the status quo on the other hand I found deeply flawed; he said you cannot buy truth; yet are we not commanded to do just that? Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. And even more so in today’s age? (Revelation 3:18). No, you cannot buy this from a hardware store, but it is for sale everywhere if you use the correct currency. 1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Indeed, it is the holy spirit which cannot be bought with money, for it is a gift; need I cite the scriptures? So, if the oil does indeed, in the slightest way, symbolize the holy spirit, and if “one must stay with what the words mean to imply as in buy, just as in oil to burn”, then it would be a Biblical approval of simony. Ergo, oil most definitely does not picture the holy spirit. |
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