Geri, A couple things folk tend to overlook in this parable. One the 10 virgins are significant of a virtuous life doing deeds of mercy. The difference is the 5 virgins without oil neglected to complete the cycle by taking the salvation offered at the cross of Christ by grace thru faith to receive the oil (sealed with the Holy Spirit). Second, many believers tend to read over this part —- Matthew 25:5 “As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.” Jesus favorite saying for those who died was “fell asleep”. So these Virgins that had oil are those who have died in Christ, when the call came (trumpet sounded, the voice of God) - the dead in Christ rise first .... So salvation is by the cross of Christ through faith, not of works Least anyone boast.... My thoughts via an old study, long, long ago, far, far away... :prayer-hands: Indeed the Lord I believe can still be entreated by men. Whether it be Moses, Abraham or many of the Old Testement saints. That said, God is sovereign and knows when to accommodate and capitulate, and when not to! I agree with Johanan, on a day already appointed by God before the foundations of the world were laid, that this is an immovable time! There may be many virgins, but not all are found engaged to the Lord! TR I agree Yohanan, I was drawn to the RITA board because I sense not only the love for Jesus but the love for His appearing. This is a unique group of believers who are faithful in their watch and are determined to not give up! :popcorn Per J.D. he says the rubber band can only be stretched so far before breaking and, as of this moment, its sooo close to the breaking point of no return. :yes: So the million dollar question is ... will the rapture happen “on a day we think not?” or “while they are saying peace and safety sudden destruction occurs on them” but we will escape ... at the same time all goes down ... we go up?! :flyup: Hmmm ... right now I’m leaning towards the “peace and safety announcement” :whistle: I think we should know by next week if it will happen that way ... if not, I reckon I will switch back over to “on a day we think not”. B-) Excellent point, Tammie, with the foolish 5 hearing the salvation message but procrastinated in making a decision and then fell asleep and weren’t ready and missed the call from the bridegroom. I never heard a sermon on this parable ... now it making more sense. Which brings me then to another question, but I’m going to start a new thread on that question ... Another point is that when the cry at midnight is made Christ is announced as the Bridegroom! At the second coming, that is not the title He will known as. The King of kings and Lord of Lord's, the one they had pierced, the Alpha and Omega! TR
