Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins offers a warning about spiritual preparedness in the last days. Outward appearance was not what separated the wise from the foolish. All had lamps. All expected the Bridegroom. But only five carried oil that sustained their burning until He came.
Scripture shows that readiness for Christ is not situational but continual, rooted in the Spirit, and expressed through a life that shines in darkness.
1. Oil: The Inner Life That Cannot Be Borrowed
“But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”
Matthew 25:4 KJV
Biblically, oil represents the inner work and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Hebrew shemen signifies anointing, consecration, and divine empowerment. The foolish had lamps but no oil, mirroring those who possess outward religion but lack inward transformation.
Oil symbolizes:
- The presence of the Holy Spirit
“Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Romans 8:9 KJV) - A sanctified life
“Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV)
Oil cannot be transferred at the last moment. Spiritual maturity, obedience, repentance, and intimacy with God are personal commitments. You cannot borrow another person’s devotion or spiritual preparedness. The wise remain filled because they maintain fellowship with God, walking in continual surrender and renewal through the Spirit.
2. Burning: The Visible Flame of an Inner Reality
“John was a burning and a shining light.”
John 5:35 KJV
Greek and Hebrew terms for burning (kaio, ba’ar) signify active fire, purification, and holy zeal. Burning is not emotional excitement; it is the visible manifestation of a Spirit-filled life. Without burning, the lamp is useless. Without the Spirit’s flame, a believer’s witness grows dim.
Burning represents:
- Purification
“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” (Malachi 3:3 KJV) - Illumination and discernment
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105 KJV) - Fervency and devotion
“Fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11 KJV)
The foolish virgins once had burning lamps, but their flame died because their oil was neglected. Complacency extinguishes spiritual passion. Readiness for Christ requires tending the fire through prayer, obedience, Scripture, and continual repentance.
3. The Lamp: Your Life as a Vessel for God’s Glory
“The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord.”
Proverbs 20:27 KJV
A lamp (ner) in Scripture is a vessel designed to hold oil and reveal light. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world.” The lamp represents your life, character, and witness. The Spirit fills the vessel; the fire reveals Him through your life.
Key truths about the lamp:
- A lamp with no oil is empty
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” (2 Timothy 3:5 KJV) - A lamp without fire is fruitless
“Let your light so shine before men.” (Matthew 5:16 KJV)
Only a burning lamp reveals true readiness. #Christ returns for a #Church that is awake, sanctified, and shining with holy devotion. The parable warns that last-minute preparation will not save those who neglected their spiritual lives.
Today is the day to fill your vessel and tend your flame.
“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:13 KJV)
