Page 14 - What Shall I Do - eBook

indeed as filthy rags, and that the blood of Christ alone can cleanse us from the
defilement of sin, and renew our hearts in His own likeness.” SC 28
“The great burden of every soul should be, Is my heart renewed? Is my soul
transformed? Are my sins pardoned through faith in Christ? Have I been born
again?” 2SM 117
Did Jesus tell us about others who had the same misunderstanding? What
were the foolish virgins needing?

Have Oil in Your Vessel
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took
their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise,
and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil
with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight
there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto
the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered,
saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go rather to them that
sell and buy for yourselves.
“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. Afterward came also
the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily
I say unto you, I know you not.” Matt. 25:1-12
What is the meaning of this very important parable?
“The two classes of watchers represent the two classes who profess to be
waiting for their Lord. They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith.

By the lamps is represented the word of God. . . . The oil is a symbol of the
Holy Spirit. . . . In the parable all the ten virgins went out to meet the
bridegroom. All had lamps and vessels for oil. . . . But five have neglected to fill
their flasks with oil. . . .
“For a time there was seen no difference between them. So with the church that
lives just before Christ’s second coming. All have a knowledge of the Scriptures.
All have heard the message of Christ’s near approach, and confidently expect His

appearing. . . . ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.’ many are
unready. They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. They are destitute of
the Holy Spirit.” COL 406, 408
“All had lamps, that is, an outward semblance of religion; but only five of

14