Page 16 - How to Be a Victorious Christian - eBook

flasks. An appeal to the other five for oil brought refusal-they had only enough for
themselves.

Greatly worried, the five hastened to find oil. But, when they returned to the house
where the marriage was being held, they found the door closed and locked. Their

urgent call to be let in only brought the chilling response from the bridegroom, "I tell
you, I do not know you."

This parable applies to the Laodiceans who do not heed the warnings and invitations
that come to them to secure the oil, which is "the righteousness of Christ. It
represents character, and character is not transferable." -Testimonies to Ministers, p.
234.

Finally they awake and endeavor to correct their mistake, to remodel their characters.
But, unutterably sadly, it is too late! Probation has closed. 4

Not Hypocrites

But notice:

The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypocrites. They have a
regard for the truth, they have advocated the truth, they are attracted to those who
believe the truth; but they have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's
working. They have not fallen upon the Rock Christ Jesus, and permitted their
old nature to be broken up. -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 411.

Continuing, Ellen White says:

The class represented by the foolish virgins have been content with a
superficial work. They do not know God. They have not studied His character; they
have not held communion with Him; therefore they do not know how to trust,

how to look and live. -Ibid.

The condition of the Laodiceans and the ten virgins is essentially the same, except
that the parable describes their condition when probation closes.

The Laodiceans are not "cold," meaning they are not totally rebellious. It is not that
they never made a profession of Christianity; they are just not "hot," not fully given

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