The Parable of the Ten Virgins:
A Warning for the END TIMES
A Warning for the END TIMES
Understanding the Theological Challenge
One of the most troubling aspects of the parable of the Ten Virgins has generated significant theological anxiety throughout the centuries. Before addressing this issue directly, it is crucial to study parables within their contextual setting. Also, each parable is designed to convey a single, principal teaching point. Errors in interpretation often arise when one attempts to extract too many meanings from a given parable, rather than focusing on its core message.
Context of the Parable
The setting for this parable is JESUS instructing His disciples about the END TIMES. It appears at the conclusion of the Olivet Discourse, where JESUS provides detailed teaching regarding the END TIMES and the timing of His return to bring His bride to His heavenly home. The parable of the Ten Virgins is clearly a reference to the CHURCH in the last days, emphasizing that there will be individuals within the CHURCH who will ultimately be lost!
The implication is clear: once JESUS closes the door of opportunity, those who are unprepared will be left behind, with no second chance available to them.
The Troubling Details of the Parable
What is particularly disturbing about this parable is that all ten women within the parable were virgins, all ten had oil at one time, and all ten had their lamps burning. If the bridegroom had not delayed, all ten would have entered into the celebration. The key issue is that, due to the bridegroom's delay, half of the virgins left their position while waiting for his return.
It is important to note that the text does not suggest the virgins became promiscuous or lost their virginity during their absence. The implication is that they remained virgins, and after obtaining more oil, their lamps were lit and they were at the correct door. Yet, they received the devastating news that they would not be allowed into the celebration, even though it seems they had met all preconditional criteria.
A Challenge to the very popular Doctrine of Eternal Security
This parable directly challenges the doctrine of "eternal security"—the belief that "once saved, always saved." Since salvation is by GRACE through FAITH, the parable raises a troubling question: How could people who were apparently "saved" in the END TIMES lose their salvation and be cast into outer darkness?
The Role of Choice and Endurance
After much reflection, the conclusion that I have reached is that there are ways in which a person can cross lines with GOD, putting their soul at risk regardless of past spiritual experiences. The Scriptures are clear that GOD honors a person's freedom to choose, even after conversion. GOD's GRACE is incredible and is not based on human performance—otherwise, it would not be GRACE. Once someone accepts the LORDSHIP of JESUS CHRIST, they are saved by GRACE through FAITH. They are eternally "secure" unless they deliberately turn away from the holding to the fact that JESUS is LORD. If someone who once believed later decides that JESUS is not the only SON of GOD and is not LORD of lords, GOD respects that change of heart. If that person dies unrepentant, they will then face JESUS as their JUDGE, not as their REDEEMER.
In the case of the five foolish virgins, even though they met all the established criteria after returning to the wedding, they were still turned away as though they had never met the criteria. This serves as a serious warning to the Body of CHRIST in these last days.
The LAST DAYS and the Risk of Falling Away
GOD emphasizes the importance of "enduring until the end" in HIS message to the seven Churches in the book of REVELATION. What sets the end-times CHURCH apart from the CHURCH in previous ages is that a significant portion of the end-times CHURCH will submit to the ANTICHRIST's system and the lordship of the unholy trinity (Satan, Antichrist, and the False Prophet), thereby crossing a line of no return. In these situations, in the words of the Apostle Paul, GOD will turn these former Christians over to their reprobate minds and to eternal damnation.
One of the sure signs that someone in the last days has submitted to the lordship of Satan will be his or her willingness as pertaining to the acceptance of the MARK of the BEAST. Since this act will be disobedience to a clear command of GOD it will carry with it ETERNAL RAMIFICATIONS.
The MARK of the BEAST: Free Will and Spiritual Consequences
The Nature of the MARK
Through careful and intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that the future implementation of the "MARK of the BEAST" will involve much more than just some kind of an embedded PIN or identification chip. Rather, this MARK will likely have a significant element of mind control built into it. This mind control aspect would essentially override one of the most fundamental gifts given to humanity at creation: free will. Mind control, by definition, is the direct opposite of free will.
The Source of the Technology
It is important to consider who is ultimately behind this technology. The answer is clear: Satan himself, the one who has always harbored hatred toward the "seed of woman." By willingly accepting and using the MARK, a person is, in effect, submitting to the lordship of Satan. Even if someone never literally bows their knee to the ANTICHRIST, by choosing to accept his MARK, they are, in practical terms, making that submission.
One of the most troubling aspects of the parable of the Ten Virgins has generated significant theological anxiety throughout the centuries. Before addressing this issue directly, it is crucial to study parables within their contextual setting. Also, each parable is designed to convey a single, principal teaching point. Errors in interpretation often arise when one attempts to extract too many meanings from a given parable, rather than focusing on its core message.
Context of the Parable
The setting for this parable is JESUS instructing His disciples about the END TIMES. It appears at the conclusion of the Olivet Discourse, where JESUS provides detailed teaching regarding the END TIMES and the timing of His return to bring His bride to His heavenly home. The parable of the Ten Virgins is clearly a reference to the CHURCH in the last days, emphasizing that there will be individuals within the CHURCH who will ultimately be lost!
The implication is clear: once JESUS closes the door of opportunity, those who are unprepared will be left behind, with no second chance available to them.
The Troubling Details of the Parable
What is particularly disturbing about this parable is that all ten women within the parable were virgins, all ten had oil at one time, and all ten had their lamps burning. If the bridegroom had not delayed, all ten would have entered into the celebration. The key issue is that, due to the bridegroom's delay, half of the virgins left their position while waiting for his return.
It is important to note that the text does not suggest the virgins became promiscuous or lost their virginity during their absence. The implication is that they remained virgins, and after obtaining more oil, their lamps were lit and they were at the correct door. Yet, they received the devastating news that they would not be allowed into the celebration, even though it seems they had met all preconditional criteria.
A Challenge to the very popular Doctrine of Eternal Security
This parable directly challenges the doctrine of "eternal security"—the belief that "once saved, always saved." Since salvation is by GRACE through FAITH, the parable raises a troubling question: How could people who were apparently "saved" in the END TIMES lose their salvation and be cast into outer darkness?
The Role of Choice and Endurance
After much reflection, the conclusion that I have reached is that there are ways in which a person can cross lines with GOD, putting their soul at risk regardless of past spiritual experiences. The Scriptures are clear that GOD honors a person's freedom to choose, even after conversion. GOD's GRACE is incredible and is not based on human performance—otherwise, it would not be GRACE. Once someone accepts the LORDSHIP of JESUS CHRIST, they are saved by GRACE through FAITH. They are eternally "secure" unless they deliberately turn away from the holding to the fact that JESUS is LORD. If someone who once believed later decides that JESUS is not the only SON of GOD and is not LORD of lords, GOD respects that change of heart. If that person dies unrepentant, they will then face JESUS as their JUDGE, not as their REDEEMER.
In the case of the five foolish virgins, even though they met all the established criteria after returning to the wedding, they were still turned away as though they had never met the criteria. This serves as a serious warning to the Body of CHRIST in these last days.
The LAST DAYS and the Risk of Falling Away
GOD emphasizes the importance of "enduring until the end" in HIS message to the seven Churches in the book of REVELATION. What sets the end-times CHURCH apart from the CHURCH in previous ages is that a significant portion of the end-times CHURCH will submit to the ANTICHRIST's system and the lordship of the unholy trinity (Satan, Antichrist, and the False Prophet), thereby crossing a line of no return. In these situations, in the words of the Apostle Paul, GOD will turn these former Christians over to their reprobate minds and to eternal damnation.
One of the sure signs that someone in the last days has submitted to the lordship of Satan will be his or her willingness as pertaining to the acceptance of the MARK of the BEAST. Since this act will be disobedience to a clear command of GOD it will carry with it ETERNAL RAMIFICATIONS.
The MARK of the BEAST: Free Will and Spiritual Consequences
The Nature of the MARK
Through careful and intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that the future implementation of the "MARK of the BEAST" will involve much more than just some kind of an embedded PIN or identification chip. Rather, this MARK will likely have a significant element of mind control built into it. This mind control aspect would essentially override one of the most fundamental gifts given to humanity at creation: free will. Mind control, by definition, is the direct opposite of free will.
The Source of the Technology
It is important to consider who is ultimately behind this technology. The answer is clear: Satan himself, the one who has always harbored hatred toward the "seed of woman." By willingly accepting and using the MARK, a person is, in effect, submitting to the lordship of Satan. Even if someone never literally bows their knee to the ANTICHRIST, by choosing to accept his MARK, they are, in practical terms, making that submission.
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REVELATION 19 (HCSB)
19 Then I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to wage war against the RIDER on the horse and against HIS army. 20 But the beast was taken prisoner, and along with him the false prophet, who had performed the signs in his presence. He deceived those who accepted the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image with these signs. Both of them were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 The rest were killed with the sword that came from the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.
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Theological Compromise and the Danger of Delayed Repentance
It is deeply troubling to witness the number of my friends and acquaintances who have embraced so-called "woke" theology. A prime example of this is the contentious issue of gay marriage. PAUL made a very clearly stated position as to the practice of homosexuality in the first chapter of ROMANS. It is astonishing that anyone who claims to follow JESUS CHRIST would CONTRADICT such clear biblical teaching.
It is deeply troubling to witness the number of my friends and acquaintances who have embraced so-called "woke" theology. A prime example of this is the contentious issue of gay marriage. PAUL made a very clearly stated position as to the practice of homosexuality in the first chapter of ROMANS. It is astonishing that anyone who claims to follow JESUS CHRIST would CONTRADICT such clear biblical teaching.
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1 Timothy 4:1-2 (HCSB)
Now the SPIRIT explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.
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The situation becomes even more concerning when theologians, Bible teachers, preachers, pastors, and even missionaries use their influence to lead their followers away from clear biblical exegesis. In these circumstances, lines will have been crossed that will carry severe ETERNAL consequences. The image that comes to mind is that of the ocean and millstones—a reference to the severe warning JESUS gave for ANY WHO would lead weaker ones in the FAITH to perdition (LUKE 17:2). There is no doubt that, had JESUS returned earlier, these CHURCH leaders might have been saved. Today, however, they can be likened to the five foolish virgins who eventually realize their error and attempt to follow instructions, only to find that it is TOO LATE. To anyone who has left “SOUND DOCTRINE” and subscribed to “DOCTRINES of DEMONS” I offer the following admonition.
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Hebrews 10:26-38 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)
Now if we sin deliberately after we have known and accepted the truth, there can be no further sacrifice for sin for us but only a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fire of GOD’s indignation, which will one day consume all that sets itself against HIM. The man who showed contempt for Moses’ Law died without hope of appeal on the evidence of two or three of his fellows. How much more dreadful a punishment will he be thought to deserve who has poured scorn on the Son of GOD, treated like dirt the blood of the agreement which had once made him holy, and insulted the very SPIRIT of Grace? For we know the ONE WHO said: ‘Vengeance is MINE: I will repay’. And again: ‘The LORD will judge HIS people’. Truly it is a terrible thing for a man who has done this to fall into the Hands of the LIVING GOD!
You must never forget those past days when you had received the light and went through such a great and painful struggle. It was partly because everyone’s eye was on you as you endured harsh words and hard experiences, partly because you threw in your lot with those who suffered much the same. You sympathized with those who were put in prison and you were cheerful when your own goods were confiscated, for you knew that you had a much more solid and lasting treasure in Heaven. Don’t throw away your trust now—it carries with it a rich reward in the world to come. Patient endurance is what you need if, after doing GOD’s will, you are to receive what HE has promised. ‘For yet a little while, and HE WHO is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, MY soul has no pleasure in him’. |
Parallels with Noah’s Ark and Finality of Judgment
This scenario is reminiscent of those who, during the days of NOAH, tried to repent and enter the ark after the door was closed. They had waited too long to seek safety. In the same way, those who end the END TIMES willingly reject revealed truth also cross a line of no return.
The unique aspect of the Parable of the Ten Virgins is its focus on the end of time. If it were not for this specific timing, the five foolish virgins, having finally met the preconditions, would have been allowed to join the celebration. But in the context of the END TIMES, delayed obedience falls short!
A Call to Repentance
If you are a child of GOD who has started to "flirt" with wokeness, it is crucial to stop immediately, repent, and return to the essentials of the faith.
Encouragement to Reach Out
Many of us have friends or family who have embraced what could be called "hell's end-time theology." It is important to pray for them and consider sharing these truths, asking the Lord to open their spiritually blinded eyes before it is too late and the lines of no return are crossed.
This scenario is reminiscent of those who, during the days of NOAH, tried to repent and enter the ark after the door was closed. They had waited too long to seek safety. In the same way, those who end the END TIMES willingly reject revealed truth also cross a line of no return.
The unique aspect of the Parable of the Ten Virgins is its focus on the end of time. If it were not for this specific timing, the five foolish virgins, having finally met the preconditions, would have been allowed to join the celebration. But in the context of the END TIMES, delayed obedience falls short!
A Call to Repentance
If you are a child of GOD who has started to "flirt" with wokeness, it is crucial to stop immediately, repent, and return to the essentials of the faith.
Encouragement to Reach Out
Many of us have friends or family who have embraced what could be called "hell's end-time theology." It is important to pray for them and consider sharing these truths, asking the Lord to open their spiritually blinded eyes before it is too late and the lines of no return are crossed.
