Matthew 25:2-13  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  (3)  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:  (4)  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  (5)  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.  (6)  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.  (7)  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  ( 8 )  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  (9)  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  (10)  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.  (11)  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  (12)  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  (13)  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

I have always found the history of weddings fascinating, but nothing compares to the beauty of a traditional Jewish Galilean wedding as seen in Scripture and historical records. When you study the parallels between these ancient customs and the relationship between Jesus and His Church, the spiritual insights are truly profound. If you are born again, diving into this study will surely bring you as much joy and reason to rejoice as it has for me!

Through the story of the wedding feast, Jesus gives us a beautiful yet sobering lesson on readiness. As you read these words again, try to picture the scene in your heart. It’s a call to examine our own lamps and ensure we are prepared for that glorious moment when He finally arrives.

I truly believe this story points directly to the Rapture! When we see oil mentioned in the Bible, it almost always refers to the Holy Spirit. It’s a beautiful reminder that just as oil was used to set people apart for God’s work, we are anointed by the Spirit upon salvation. He dwells within us eternally, a constant presence that will never depart. Can I get an amen?

1 John 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Looking at this parable, we see ten virgins, yet only five are ready for the Bridegroom. Why the difference? It all comes down to the oil. The five wise virgins possessed the Holy Spirit (the oil), while the five foolish ones did not. These foolish virgins represent people who may identify as Christians outwardly but have never been truly born again. They carry the ‘lamp’ of religion but lack the ‘oil’ of the Spirit’s indwelling presence. Their lack of salvation is confirmed by the Lord’s own words in verse 12:

Matthew 25:12  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Jesus is clear: He has no relationship with the foolish virgins. He only recognizes those who are born again and sealed with the Holy Spirit. To be ‘known’ by Him is the defining mark of a true follower!

Now, let’s consider the five wise virgins, who represent the Church. They possess both their lamps—symbolizing their role as the light of the world—and their oil, which represents the Holy Spirit. When the Bridegroom arrives for His Church, the contrast becomes clear: the five foolish virgins, lacking the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that comes through true salvation, were caught unprepared. By the time they attempted to find oil and return, they found the door firmly shut, and Jesus issued that staggering response: He did not know them. It is a sobering reminder of the necessity of a genuine spiritual foundation.

Revelation 3:10  Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Can you picture the scene in churches across the world immediately following the Rapture? Imagine the shock of those left behind as they realize their pews are empty and they have missed this glorious event because they weren’t truly born again. They will face the horrific judgments of the Tribulation and the soul-defining choice of whether to take the Mark of the Beast. Even those who find salvation during this time must still endure these global catastrophes, facing martyrdom or a desperate life of survival underground. With so much at stake, why would anyone delay their decision for Christ?

Coming from a Catholic background, I hadn’t heard of the Rapture before finding Christ. But once I was saved, the excitement of being included in that blessed event changed everything for me. It is a heavy thought to realize how many people are choosing the world’s way over the free salvation and personal relationship the Lord offers us today.

If you aren’t sure of your salvation, let this be a turning point for you. It’s no accident that you’ve found this message today. God is reaching out to you in this very moment, providing an opportunity for you to be born again and secure your place with Him eternally. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!