EGW WritingsMatthew 25

Christ Triumphant

There Are Two Classes Among Christ’s Followers, November 10

CTr 321.1

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. Matthew 25:1, 2.

Maranatha

Wise or Foolish? February 15

Mar 54.1

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. Matthew 25:1, 2.

Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)

The Volney Conference

1BIO 140.5

Friday p.m. the brethren came in to our meeting in Volney. There were thirty or forty who met with us. Brother Bates preached the Sabbath to them with strong argument, much boldness and power. My principal message was on Matthew 25:1-11 [the parable of the ten virgins]. The brethren are strong on the Sabbath and the shut door. Almost all confessed that they had gained much strength from the meeting. Ellen had two visions at that meeting. She spoke to them with power to their comfort.—JW to Leonard and Elvira Hastings, August 26, 1848.

From the Heart

Have You Oil in Your Lamps? April 13

FH 115.1

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Matthew 25:1. (Read Matthew 25:13.)

Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White

Hope Renewed

CET 50.4

Our hopes now centered on the coming of the Lord in 1844. This was also the time for the message of the second angel, who, flying through the midst of heaven, cried, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city.” Revelation 14:8. That message was first proclaimed by the servants of God in the summer of 1844. As a result, many left the fallen churches. In connection with this message the “midnight cry”1See Matthew 25:1-13. was given: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.” In every part of the land light was given concerning this message, and the cry aroused thousands. It went from city to city, from village to village, and into the remote country regions. It reached the learned and talented, as well as the obscure and humble.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 29—“To Meet the Bridegroom”

COL 405.1

Christ with His disciples is seated upon the Mount of Olives. The sun has set behind the mountains, and the heavens are curtained with the shades of evening. In full view is a dwelling house lighted up brilliantly as if for some festive scene. The light streams from the openings, and an expectant company wait around, indicating that a marriage procession is soon to appear. In many parts of the East, wedding festivities are held in the evening. The bridegroom goes forth to meet his bride and bring her to his home. By torchlight the bridal party proceed from her father’s house to his own, where a feast is provided for the invited guests. In the scene upon which Christ looks, a company are awaiting the appearance of the bridal party, intending to join the procession.

COL 405.2

Lingering near the bride’s house are ten young women robed in white. Each carries a lighted lamp and a small flagon for oil. All are anxiously watching for the appearance of the bridegroom. But there is a delay. Hour after hour passes; the watchers become weary and fall asleep. At midnight the cry is heard, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” The sleepers, suddenly awaking, spring to their feet. They see the procession moving on, bright with torches and glad with music. They hear the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. The ten maidens seize their lamps and begin to trim them, in haste to go forth. But five have neglected to fill their flasks with oil. They did not anticipate so long a delay, and they have not prepared for the emergency. In distress they appeal to their wiser companions saying, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.” (Margin.) But the waiting five, with their freshly trimmed lamps, have emptied their flagons. They have no oil to spare, and they answer, “Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.”

COL 406.1

While they went to buy, the procession moved on, and left them behind. The five with lighted lamps joined the throng and entered the house with the bridal train, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banqueting hall, they received an unexpected denial. The master of the feast declared, “I know you not.” They were left standing without, in the empty street, in the blackness of the night.

COL 406.2

As Christ sat looking upon the party that waited for the bridegroom, He told His disciples the story of the ten virgins, by their experience illustrating the experience of the church that shall live just before His second coming.

COL 406.3

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 psalmist says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105. The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Thus the Spirit is represented in the prophecy of Zechariah. “The angel that talked with me came again,” he says, “and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof; and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? ... Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.... And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? ... Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:1-14.

COL 408.1

From the two olive trees the golden oil was emptied through the golden pipes into the bowl of the candlestick, and thence into the golden lamps that gave light to the sanctuary. So from the holy ones that stand in God’s presence His Spirit is imparted to the human instrumentalities who are consecrated to His service. The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate to God’s people that heavenly grace which alone can make His word a lamp to the feet and a light to the path. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6.

COL 408.2

In the parable, all the ten virgins went out to meet the bridegroom. All had lamps and vessels for 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. But as in the parable, so it is now. A time of waiting intervenes, faith is tried; and when the cry is heard, “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 408.3

Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word is of no avail. The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart. One may be familiar with the commands and promises of the Bible; but unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will not be transformed. Without the enlightenment of the Spirit, men will not be able to distinguish truth from error, and they will fall under the masterful temptations of Satan.

COL 411.1

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. This class are represented also by the stony-ground hearers. They receive the word with readiness, but they fail of assimilating its principles. Its influence is not abiding. The Spirit works upon man’s heart, according to his desire and consent implanting in him a new nature; but 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. Their service to God degenerates into a form. “They come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as My people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.” Ezekiel 33:31. The apostle Paul points out that this will be the special characteristic of those who live just before Christ’s second coming. He says, “In the last days perilous times shall come: for men shall be lovers of their own selves; ... lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

COL 411.2

This is the class that in time of peril are found crying, Peace and safety. They lull their hearts into security, and dream not of danger. When startled from their lethargy, they discern their destitution, and entreat others to supply their lack; but in spiritual things no man can make up another’s deficiency. The grace of God has been freely offered to every soul. The message of the gospel has been heralded, “Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17. But character is not transferable. No man can believe for another. No man can receive the Spirit for another. No man can impart to another the character which is the fruit of the Spirit’s working. “Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it [the land], as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.” Ezekiel 14:20.

COL 412.1

It is in a crisis that character is revealed. When the earnest voice proclaimed at midnight, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,” and the sleeping virgins were roused from their slumbers, it was seen who had made preparation for the event. Both parties were taken unawares; but one was prepared for the emergency, and the other was found without preparation. So now, a sudden and unlooked-for calamity, something that brings the soul face to face with death, will show whether there is any real faith in the promises of God. It will show whether the soul is sustained by grace. The great final test comes at the close of human probation, when it will be too late for the soul’s need to be supplied.

COL 412.2

The ten virgins are watching in the evening of this earth’s history. All claim to be Christians. All have a call, a name, a lamp, and all profess to be doing God’s service. All apparently wait for Christ’s appearing. But five are unready. Five will be found surprised, dismayed, outside the banquet hall.

COL 412.3

At the final day, many will claim admission to Christ’s kingdom, saying, “We have eaten and drunk in Thy presence, and Thou hast taught in our streets.” “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?” But the answer is, “I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me.” Luke 13:26; Matthew 7:22; Luke 13:27. In this life they have not entered into fellowship with Christ; therefore they know not the language of heaven, they are strangers to its joy. “What man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:11.

COL 413.1

Saddest of all words that ever fell on mortal ear are those words of doom, “I know you not.” The fellowship of the Spirit, which you have slighted, could alone make you one with the joyous throng at the marriage feast. In that scene you cannot participate. Its light would fall on blinded eyes, its melody upon deaf ears. Its love and joy could awake no chord of gladness in the world-benumbed heart. You are shut out from heaven by your own unfitness for its companionship.

COL 413.2

We cannot be ready to meet the Lord by waking when the cry is heard, “Behold, the Bridegroom!” and then gathering up our empty lamps to have them replenished. We cannot keep Christ apart from our lives here, and yet be fitted for His companionship in heaven.

COL 414.1

In the parable the wise virgins had oil in their vessels with their lamps. Their light burned with undimmed flame through the night of watching. It helped to swell the illumination for the bridegroom’s honor. Shining out in the darkness, it helped to illuminate the way to the home of the bridegroom, to the marriage feast.

COL 414.2

So the followers of Christ are to shed light into the darkness of the world. Through the Holy Spirit, God’s word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver. By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory—His character—is to shine forth in His followers. Thus they are to glorify God, to lighten the path to the Bridegroom’s home, to the city of God, to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

COL 414.3

The coming of the bridegroom was at midnight—the darkest hour. So the coming of Christ will take place in the darkest period of this earth’s history. The days of Noah and Lot pictured the condition of the world just before the coming of the Son of man. The Scriptures pointing forward to this time declare that Satan will work with all power and “with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10. His working is plainly revealed by the rapidly increasing darkness, the multitudinous errors, heresies, and delusions of these last days. Not only is Satan leading the world captive, but his deceptions are leavening the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. The great apostasy will develop into darkness deep as midnight, impenetrable as sackcloth of hair. To God’s people it will be a night of trial, a night of weeping, a night of persecution for the truth’s sake. But out of that night of darkness God’s light will shine.

COL 415.1

He causes “the light to shine out of darkness.” 2 Corinthians 4:6. When “the earth was without form, and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep,” “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light; and there was light.” Genesis 1:2, 3. So in the night of spiritual darkness, God’s word goes forth, “Let there be light.” To His people He says, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1.

COL 415.2

“Behold,” says the Scripture, “the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:2.

COL 415.3

It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth.

COL 415.4

This is the work outlined by the prophet Isaiah in the words, “O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.” Isaiah 40:9, 10.

COL 415.5

Those who wait for the Bridegroom’s coming are to say to the people, “Behold your God.” The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.

COL 416.1

The light of the Sun of Righteousness is to shine forth in good works—in words of truth and deeds of holiness.

COL 416.2

Christ, the outshining of the Father’s glory, came to the world as its light. He came to represent God to men, and of Him it is written that He was anointed “with the Holy Ghost and with power,” and “went about doing good.” Acts 10:38. In the synagogue at Nazareth He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18, 19. This was the work He commissioned His disciples to do. “Ye are the light of the world,” He said. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16.

COL 417.1

This is the work which the prophet Isaiah describes when he says, “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.” Isaiah 58:7, 8.

COL 417.2

Thus in the night of spiritual darkness God’s glory is to shine forth through His church in lifting up the bowed down and comforting those that mourn.

COL 417.3

All around us are heard the wails of a world’s sorrow. On every hand are the needy and distressed. It is ours to aid in relieving and softening life’s hardships and misery.

COL 417.4

Practical work will have far more effect than mere sermonizing. We are to give food to the hungry, clothing to the naked, and shelter to the homeless. And we are called to do more than this. The wants of the soul, only the love of Christ can satisfy. If Christ is abiding in us, our hearts will be full of divine sympathy. The sealed fountains of earnest, Christlike love will be unsealed.

COL 418.1

God calls not only for our gifts for the needy, but for our cheerful countenance, our hopeful words, our kindly handclasp. When Christ healed the sick, He laid His hands upon them. So should we come in close touch with those whom we seek to benefit.

COL 418.2

There are many from whom hope has departed. Bring back the sunshine to them. Many have lost their courage. Speak to them words of cheer. Pray for them. There are those who need the bread of life. Read to them from the word of God. Upon many is a soul sickness which no earthly balm can reach nor physician heal. Pray for these souls, bring them to Jesus. Tell them that there is a balm in Gilead and a Physician there.

COL 418.3

Light is a blessing, a universal blessing, pouring forth its treasures on a world unthankful, unholy, demoralized. So it is with the light of the Sun of Righteousness. The whole earth, wrapped as it is in the darkness of sin, and sorrow, and pain, is to be lighted with the knowledge of God’s love. From no sect, rank, or class of people is the light shining from heaven’s throne to be excluded.

COL 418.4

The message of hope and mercy is to be carried to the ends of the earth. Whosoever will, may reach forth and take hold of God’s strength and make peace with Him, and he shall make peace. No longer are the heathen to be wrapped in midnight darkness. The gloom is to disappear before the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The power of hell has been overcome.

COL 418.5

But no man can impart that which he himself has not received. In the work of God, humanity can originate nothing. No man can by his own effort make himself a light bearer for God. It was the golden oil emptied by the heavenly messengers into the golden tubes, to be conducted from the golden bowl into the lamps of the sanctuary, that produced a continuous bright and shining light. It is the love of God continually transferred to man that enables him to impart light. Into the hearts of all who are united to God by faith the golden oil of love flows freely, to shine out again in good works, in real, heartfelt service for God.

COL 419.1

In the great and measureless gift of the Holy Spirit are contained all of heaven’s resources. It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men. If all were willing to receive, all would become filled with His Spirit.

COL 419.2

It is the privilege of every soul to be a living channel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that Christ desires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity of the Saviour’s love. All heaven is waiting for channels through which can be poured the holy oil to be a joy and blessing to human hearts.

COL 419.3

Christ has made every provision that His church shall be a transformed body, illumined with the Light of the world, possessing the glory of Emmanuel. It is His purpose that every Christian shall be surrounded with a spiritual atmosphere of light and peace. He desires that we shall reveal His own joy in our lives.

COL 419.4

The indwelling of the Spirit will be shown by the outflowing of heavenly love. The divine fullness will flow through the consecrated human agent, to be given forth to others.

COL 419.5

The Sun of Righteousness has “healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2. So from every true disciple is to be diffused an influence for life, courage, helpfulness, and true healing.

COL 419.6

The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sin; it means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with the graces of the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It means a heart emptied of self, and blessed with the abiding presence of Christ. When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness, the completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the life. The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace, perfect love, perfect assurance. The beauty and fragrance of the character of Christ revealed in the life testifies that God has indeed sent His Son into the world to be its Saviour.

COL 420.1

Christ does not bid His followers strive to shine. He says, Let your light shine. If you have received the grace of God, the light is in you. Remove the obstructions, and the Lord’s glory will be revealed. The light will shine forth to penetrate and dispel the darkness. You cannot help shining within the range of your influence.

COL 420.2

The revelation of His own glory in the form of humanity will bring heaven so near to men that the beauty adorning the inner temple will be seen in every soul in whom the Saviour dwells. Men will be captivated by the glory of an abiding Christ. And in currents of praise and thanksgiving from the many souls thus won to God, glory will flow back to the great Giver.

COL 420.3

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1. To those who go out to meet the Bridegroom is this message given. Christ is coming with power and great glory. He is coming with His own glory and with the glory of the Father. He is coming with all the holy angels with Him. While all the world is plunged in darkness, there will be light in every dwelling of the saints. They will catch the first light of His second appearing. The unsullied light will shine from His splendor, and Christ the Redeemer will be admired by all who have served Him. While the wicked flee from His presence, Christ’s followers will rejoice. The patriarch Job, looking down to the time of Christ’s second advent, said, “Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not a stranger.” Job 19:27, margin. To His faithful followers Christ has been a daily companion and familiar friend. They have lived in close contact, in constant communion with God. Upon them the glory of the Lord has risen. In them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ has been reflected. Now they rejoice in the undimmed rays of the brightness and glory of the King in His majesty. They are prepared for the communion of heaven; for they have heaven in their hearts.

COL 421.1

With uplifted heads, with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining upon them, with rejoicing that their redemption draweth nigh, they go forth to meet the Bridegroom, saying, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us.” Isaiah 25:9.

COL 421.2

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia; for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.... And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” “He is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 19:6-9; 17:14.

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Hope Renewed

LS 59.1

Our hopes now centered on the coming of the Lord in 1844. This was also the time for the message of the second angel, who, flying through the midst of heaven, cried, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city.” Revelation 14:8. That message was first proclaimed by the servants of God in the summer of 1844. As a result, many left the fallen churches. In connection with this message the “midnight cry” [See Matthew 25:1-13.] was given: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.” In every part of the land light was given concerning this message, and the cry aroused thousands. It went from city to city, from village to village, and into the remote country regions. It reached the learned and talented, as well as the obscure and humble.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]

MR No. 1223—The Parable of the Ten Virgins

16MR 267.1

A special message has come to our world in the messages of the first and second angels. [Revelation 14:6-8, quoted.]

16MR 267.2

Under the proclamation of these messages, the midnight cry was made, and the believers in the messages were compelled to go out from the churches because they preached the second appearing of Christ in the clouds of heaven. The whole world was to hear that message, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.” Here is the parable of the ten virgins.

16MR 267.3

When the ten virgins went forth to meet the bridegroom, their lamps were trimmed and burning. Five of these virgins were wise. They anticipated delay, and filled their flagons with oil, prepared for any emergency. From those flagons their lamps were supplied, and not left to go out. But five of their number had not this foresight. They made no provision for disappointment or delay.

16MR 267.4

The second call is made, and the ten virgins are still watching for the bridegroom. Hour after hour passes. Their eyes are anxiously looking for the appearance of the bridegroom. But there is a delay, and the weary, watching ones fall asleep. But at midnight, at the very darkest hour, when their lamps are most needed, the cry is heard, “Behold the bridegroom cometh.” The sleeping eyes are opened. Everyone is astir. They see the procession they are to join moving on, bright with torches and with music. They hear the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. The five wise virgins trim their lamps from the oil in their flagons, and their lamps burn brightly.

16MR 268.1

“But five of them were foolish.” These had made no provision wherewith to replenish their lamps, and when aroused from their slumbers they found their lights going out. Their flagons were empty.

16MR 268.2

Their first thought was to borrow of their neighbors, and they said to the wise virgins, “Give us of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the answer comes back, “Not so; lest there be not enough for yourselves and for us. Go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” And while they went to buy, the procession moved on and left them behind. The bridal train entered within the house, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banqueting hall, an unexpected denial was given them. They were left outside in the blackness of the night. The door was shut.

16MR 268.3

All the Christian world is represented in this parable. The bride constitutes the church that is waiting for the second appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Some who have a nominal faith are not prepared for His coming. The oil of grace is not feeding their lamps, and they are not prepared to enter in to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The representation is such as to call forth our earnest study, that we may know what preparation we who are living in the last days are to make, that we may enter in and partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb. We are to accept the last message of mercy given to a fallen world: “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

16MR 269.1

There is a delay in the coming of the Bridegroom in order that all may have an opportunity to hear the last message of mercy to a fallen world. The first and second angels’ messages are all united and complete in the third: “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.”

16MR 269.2

John was shown these things in holy vision. He saw the company represented by the five wise virgins, with their lamps trimmed and burning, and he exclaimed in rapture, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.”

16MR 269.3

Many who heard the first and second angels’ messages thought they would live to see Christ coming in the clouds of heaven. Had all who claimed to believe the truth acted their part as wise virgins, the message would ere this have been proclaimed to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. But five were wise and five were foolish. The truth should have been proclaimed by the ten virgins, but only five had made the provision essential to join that company who walked in the light that had come to them. The third angel’s message was needed. This proclamation was to be made. Many who went forth to meet the Bridegroom under the messages of the first and second angels, refused the third angel’s message, the last testing message to be given to the world.

16MR 270.1

A similar work will be accomplished when that other angel, represented in Revelation 18, gives his message. The first, second, and third angels’ messages will need to be repeated. The call will be given to the church, “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins.” “Babylon, the great, is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.... Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues: for her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities” [Revelation 18:2-5].

16MR 270.2

Take each verse of this chapter, and read it carefully, especially the last two: “And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.”

16MR 270.3

The parable of the ten virgins was given by Christ Himself, and every specification should be carefully studied. A time will come when the door will be shut. We are represented either by the wise or the foolish virgins. We cannot now distinguish, nor have we authority to say, who are wise and who foolish. There are those who hold the truth in unrighteousness, and these appear outwardly like the wise.

16MR 271.1

Said Christ, “Every plant, which My heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.... Those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: these are the things which defile a man” [Matthew 15:13, 18-20].

16MR 271.2

It is impossible for men to read the human heart, for the tares so closely resemble the wheat. It is not given to human beings to try to separate them. But the angels of God know them, for their fruits declare their character. Have they not been commissioned to counterwork the work of those who fight against the truth of God’s word? These angels will never make a mistake in gathering the wheat from among the tares.

[Matthew 7:15-23, quoted.]

16MR 271.3

This is the test. Those who are counted among the wise virgins will let their light burn in good works. There are many who will not remain at the feet of Jesus, and learn of Him. They have not a knowledge of His ways. Let none rest in the idea that baptism has saved them, while they give no evidence that they are conformed to the image of Christ, while they cling to their old habits, while they exert their influence on the side of the world, and weave their fabric with the threads of worldly ideas and customs. These have not kept the oil in the vessels with their lamps. They are not ready for the Bridegroom. The oil is the holy grace that is sent from heaven, and there must be an inward adorning with that grace, that they may be enabled to stand when He appeareth.

16MR 271.4

The parable of the talents is given to represent the kingdom of heaven, and to show the necessity of an accurate use of the endowments that God has entrusted to us. It is of the highest importance that we understand these parables and know wherein they have any bearing upon us individually. The ten virgins are represented as watching in the evening of this earth’s history. They represent the church of professed Christians. This lesson should fill our minds with serious thought, and drive us to our Bibles, the Word of the living God. It should lead us to most earnest supplication that God will lead us into all truth.

Said Christ: [Matthew 7:24-27, quoted].

The apostle says: [Jude 1:20-25, quoted].

16MR 272.1

We must not stand in a neutral position. Our position must be one of strong and living faith. We are to rear our houses for eternity, as is represented in the parable of the hearers and the doers of the Word. Those who are superficial in their piety may be willing to take the name of Christians, but they will not comply with the conditions laid down in the Word of God. They do not conform their characters to the Word of God and to the pattern He has given. All are hearers of the word. They comment upon that which they hear, but some, while they assent to the message sent by God to them, do not have the faith that will enable them to place the word of God in their hearts. God knows full well that if self does not die, it will become a controlling power in the soul. When the transforming power of God works upon the hearts of men, then they are represented by the wise virgins.

16MR 272.2

There are many who profess to be the sons and daughters of God who have no connection with Him. But God sees every spot and stain that is upon the characters of those who profess to follow Him, and He will prove every soul. He says: [Malachi 3:1-3, quoted].

16MR 273.1

God has commanded His people: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, and keep His charge, and His statutes, and His judgments, and His commandments, alway” [Deuteronomy 11:1]. [Verses 13-15, 19-23; 27:1-10, quoted.]

16MR 273.2

The five wise virgins represent those who have perfected a Christian character, who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. God’s message to His people is: [Revelation 3:3-5, quoted].

16MR 273.3

A great price has been paid for the redemption of man, and none who are untruthful, impure, or unrighteous can enter the kingdom of heaven. If men do not make Christ their personal Saviour, and become true and pure and holy, there is only one course for the Lord to pursue. He must destroy the sinner, for evil natures cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Thus it is that sin, if not destroyed, will destroy the sinner, just as Satan designed it should.

16MR 273.4

As God made man, he was perfect, reflecting the moral image of God. He was left free to choose good or evil. If he should decide to choose the evil, he must have the evil. And man abused the high prerogative of his nature. Christ gave His life to make it possible for all to be wise virgins, partakers of the divine nature, that they might become complete in Jesus Christ, perfect, without spot, and blameless. Thus through Jesus Christ human nature was placed on vantage ground with God, before the heavenly universe and the fallen world.

16MR 273.5

But the Lord does not release men from responsibility. “Work out your own salvation,” He says, “with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Here is a cooperation of God with man and man with God. Here is encouragement for the most earnest, noble strivings. Christ declares that the life is more than meat, and the body than raiment. “What shall it profit a man,” He says, “if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” [Mark 8:36, 37].

16MR 274.1

Christ has made it possible for man to rise in moral value with God. By resisting all wrong, by subduing the evil temper, selfishness, and pride, he may attain to the righteousness of Christ. Man is to become one with Christ in God. Sin is degrading, and there is no place for it in heaven. It is our privilege to have the power of self-control, and if we do not have it we reveal that sin still reigns in our mortal bodies. In Christ is all sufficiency for a self-directed life. “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me,” He says, “and he shall make peace with Me” [Isaiah 27:5].

16MR 274.2

The ten virgins all claim to be Christians, but five are true and five are false. All have a name, a call, a lamp, and all claim to be doing God service. All apparently watch for His appearing. All started apparently prepared, but five were wanting. Five were found surprised, dismayed, without oil, outside the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. There are many who cry peace, peace, when there is no peace. This is the most perilous belief for the human soul to entertain. Christ speaks to all who bear His name, who claim to be His followers, to eat His flesh and drink His blood, else they can have no part with Him. Be not like the foolish virgins, who take for granted that the promises of God are theirs, while they do not live as Christ has enjoined upon them. Christ teaches us that profession is nothing. “He that will come after Me,” He says, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” [Luke 9:23].

16MR 275.1

Let no one take for granted that he is saved. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. Said Christ, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” [Matthew 5:19, 20].

16MR 275.2

When we stand the test of God, in the refining, purifying process, when the furnace fires consume the dross, and the true gold of a purified character appears, then we may say as did Paul, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after.... This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” [Philippians 3:12-14].

16MR 275.3

These parables were spoken after the solemn lessons given in the twenty-third and twenty-fourth chapters of Matthew, when Christ dwelt particularly upon His second coming, and revealed things which would transpire before His second appearing in the clouds of heaven. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” Christ said, “thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not” [Matthew 23:37].

16MR 275.4

In this lamentation over Jerusalem is given the assurance of protection to all who will come unto Christ. He will accept and protect them, poor, defenseless, dependent, even as the hen spreads her protecting wings over her brood. If her chickens wander from her, the hen has a peculiar call by which she warns them of peril or storm. If they will heed the danger signal, and can reach their mother’s protecting wings, they find warmth and safety, for she will defend them while she has any life. She forgets herself, and will give her life in defending her helpless little flock.

16MR 276.1

What a touching figure is this! What an idea it gives us of the watchful care of Christ for all who trust in Him. Christ longed to gather Israel under His mediatorial wings. He longed to hear their voice calling upon Him, and saying: “Hold up my going in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. I have called upon Thee, for Thou wilt hear me, O God: incline Thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Show Thy marvelous loving kindness, O Thou that savest by Thy right hand them which put their trust in Thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings” [Psalm 17:5-8].

[Psalm 36:5-11, quoted.]

16MR 276.2

“I will abide in Thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of Thy wings” [Psalm 61:4].

16MR 276.3

But Christ could not do for Israel all that He desired to do, because they would not respond to His invitations. “Ye would not,” He said. Their will was stubborn and unyielding. His last words to the impenitent nation were, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord” [Matthew 23:38, 39].—Manuscript 92a, 1898.

Ellen G. White Estate

Entire Manuscript.

October 30, 1986.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1

Chapter 6—Advent Experience

1T 53.3

Our hopes now centered on the coming of the Lord in 1844. This was also the time for the message of the second angel, who, flying through the midst of heaven, cried: “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city.” That message was first proclaimed by the servants of God in the summer of 1844. As a result, many left the fallen churches. In connection with this message the midnight cry [See Matthew 25:1-13.] was given: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.” In every part of the land, light was given concerning this message, and the cry aroused thousands. It went from city to city, from village to village, and into the remote country regions. It reached the learned and talented, as well as the obscure and humble.

Ellen White: Woman of Vision

1844—And Following

WV 20.6

Early in August 1844, at a camp meeting at Exeter, New Hampshire, this view was presented and accepted as the date for the fulfillment of the prophecy of the 2300 days. The parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 took on particular significance—the tarrying of the bridegroom, the waiting and slumbering of those who awaited the marriage, the cry at midnight, the shutting of the door, etc. The message that Christ was coming on October 22 came to be known as the “midnight cry.” “The ‘midnight cry,’” wrote Ellen White, “was heralded by thousands of believers” (The Great Controversy, 400).

Life Sketches Manuscript

Hope Renewed

LSMS 75.1

Our hopes now centered the coming of the Lord in 1844. This was also the time for the message of the second angel, who, flying through the midst of heaven, cried, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city.” That message was first proclaimed by the servants of God in the summer of 1844. As a result, many left the familiar churches. In connection with this message the midnight cry was given: “Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him!” *See Matthew 25:1-13 In every part of the land light was given concerning this message, and the cry aroused thousands. It went from city to city, from village to village, and into remote country regions. It reached the learned and talented, as well as the obscure and humble.

Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)

October 22, 1844, The Day of Expectation

1BIO 50.6

A careful study of types and antitypes led to the observation that the crucifixion of Christ took place on the very day in the yearly round of ceremonies given to Israel when the Passover lamb was slain. Would not the cleansing of the sanctuary typified in the Day of Atonement—falling on the tenth day of the seventh month—likewise take place on the very day in the year celebrated in the type? (see The Great Controversy, 399). This, according to the true Mosaic reckoning of time, would be October 22. Early in August, 1844, at a camp meeting at Exeter, New Hampshire, this view was introduced and it was accepted as the date for the fulfillment of the prophecy of the 2300 days. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 took on particular significance—the tarrying of the bridegroom, the waiting and slumbering of those who awaited the marriage, the cry at midnight, the shutting of the door, et cetera. The message that Christ was coming on October 22 came to be known as the “midnight cry.” “The ‘midnight cry,’” wrote Ellen White, “was heralded by thousands of believers.” She added:

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 92a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 92a, 1898, par. 1

“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 ye 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. Watch therefore; for ye know not the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 25:1-13.]

13LtMs, Ms 92a, 1898, par. 3

Under the proclamation of these messages, the midnight cry was made, and the believers in the messages were compelled to go out from the churches because they preached the second appearing of Christ in the clouds of heaven. The whole world was to hear that message, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh: go ye out to meet him.” [Matthew 25:6.] Here is the parable of the ten virgins.

13LtMs, Ms 92a, 1898, par. 5

The second call is made, and the ten virgins are still watching for the bridegroom. Hour after hour passes. Their eyes are anxiously looking for the appearance of the bridegroom. But there is a delay, and the weary watching ones fall asleep. But at midnight, at the very darkest hour, when their lamps were most needed, the cry is heard, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh.” [Verse 6.] The sleeping eyes are opened. Every one is astir. They see the procession they are to join moving on, bright with torches and with music. They hear the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. The five wise virgins trim their lamps from the oil in their flagons, and their lamps burn brightly.

13LtMs, Ms 92a, 1898, par. 6

“But five of them were foolish.” [Verse 1.] These had made no provision wherewith to replenish their lamps, and when aroused from their slumbers they found their lights going out. Their flagons were empty. Their first thought was to borrow of their neighbors, and they said to the wise virgins, “Give us of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the answer come back, “Not so; least we have not enough for yourselves and for us. Go ye to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” [Verses 8, 9.] And while they went to buy, the procession moved on and left them behind. The bridal train entered within the house, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banquetting hall, an unexpected denial was given them. They were left outside in the blackness of the night. The door was shut.

The Signs of the Times

November 20, 1884

ST November 20, 1884, par. 1

A short time before Jesus entered Gethsemane to bear the sins of the world, he gave the memorable discourse recorded in the Matthew 24:1 and Matthew 25:1, including the parable of the talents, given in chap. 25: 14-30. He was a partaker of our human nature, and was wearied with the work of the day. The Pharisees had pressed him into speaking on various subjects, while they watched his words, hoping to seize upon something whereby they might condemn him and vindicate themselves in their cruel purpose toward him; and he had exhausted his strength by prolonging his words of prediction and warning. His own words were, “I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.”

Early Writings

The “Shut Door” and the “Open Door”

EW xxvii.2

In the special efforts which were made to proclaim the Advent message in the summer of 1844, the leaders in the movement had seen their own experience in the parable of the ten virgins recorded in Matthew 25. There had been a “tarrying time” followed by the cry, “Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” This was commonly referred to as “the midnight cry.” In her first vision, this was shown to Mrs. White as a bright light set up behind the Adventists at the beginning of the path. In the parable, they read that those who were ready went in with the bridegroom to the marriage, “and the door was shut.” (See Matthew 25:10.) They therefore concluded that on October 22, 1844, the door of mercy was closed to those who failed to accept the message which had been so widely proclaimed. Some years later Ellen White wrote of this:

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 16—The Tarrying Time

4SP 242.3

In the parable of the ten virgins, Matthew 25, the experience of Adventists is illustrated by the incidents of an Eastern marriage. “Then shall the kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.” The wide-spread movement under the proclamation of the first message, answered to the going forth of the virgins, while the passing of the time of expectation, the disappointment, and the delay, were represented by the tarrying of the bridegroom. After the definite time had passed, the true believers were still united in the belief that the end of all things was at hand; but it soon became evident that they were losing, to some extent, their zeal and devotion, and were falling into the state denoted in the parable by the slumbering of the virgins during the tarrying time.

The Story of Redemption

The Tarrying Time

SR 367.2

In the parable of the ten virgins, Matthew 25, the experience of Adventists is illustrated by the incidents of an Eastern marriage. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.”

Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)

Testimony for the Church No. 5

1BIO 408.4

The Lord visited me again in great mercy. I am preparing a tract which will probably be ready as soon as orders can reach me. The subjects of the tract are: Testimony to the Laodiceans—Systematic Benevolence—The Talents, Matthew 25—The Unjust Steward, Luke 16—Copartnership With Unbelievers, and Slack Management of Worldly Matters—Idle Words—Oath-taking—Meetinghouse Buildings, et cetera.

From Here to Forever

Chapter 22—Prophecies Fulfilled

HF 244.1

The parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25 also illustrates the experience of the Adventist people. Here is brought to view the church in the last days. Their experience is illustrated by the incidents of an Eastern marriage:

HF 244.2

“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.” Matthew 25:1-6.

From Here to Forever

“Behold, the Bridegroom Cometh”

HF 263.3

The coming of Christ as High Priest to the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary (Daniel 8:14), the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13), and the coming of the Lord to His temple (Malachi 3:1) are the same event. This is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage in the parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25.

Christ in His Sanctuary

Scriptural Foundations

CIHS 154.2

The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

The “Shut Door” and Ellen White’s Visions

1EGWLM 41.2

The term shut door is a biblical expression taken from Matthew 25:10 and Revelation 3:7. It was used by Millerite Adventists to describe the end of human probation during a brief period just prior to the second coming of Jesus. It is important to remember that Ellen White’s early experience is inseparably linked to the Millerite movement. Her first vision came in December 1844 as Millerite Adventists were divided over how to interpret the October 1844 disappointment. The majority, under Joshua V. Himes, concluded that the October date was incorrect. They looked for a future date to fulfill the time prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. A minority of disappointed Millerites remained committed to the October 1844 date, concluding that the prophetic time period had been fulfilled.

1EGWLM 41.3

All of the principal founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, including Ellen White, eventually adopted the minority view. The minority group came to be known as shut-door Adventists because they based their initial explanation for the disappointment on the Matthew 25:1-13 parable of the Bridegroom, which they interpreted as a heavenly wedding. Consequently, they may be referred to as Bridegroom Adventists because their initial interpretation of Matthew 25 involved more than just the idea of a shut door.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

I. Shut-Door Views From 1844 to 1852

1EGWLM 42.2

The longstanding Millerite pre-1844-disappointment belief on the shut door originated with William Miller. He first published his view in the seventh lecture of his 1836 Evidence From Scripture. He referenced the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 and the close of probation language in Revelation 22:11.2William Miller, Evidence From Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ About the Year 1843 (Troy, N.Y.: Kemble & Hooper, 1836), pp. 97, 98. Millerites generally believed that probation would close for the world just before the second coming of Jesus. In October, soon after Miller accepted the autumn 1844 date for the fulfillment of the 2300 days, he concluded that probation had already closed.3William Miller, “Brother Miller’s Letter, on the Seventh Month,” Midnight Cry, Oct. 12, 1844, p. 122; idem, “Letter From William Miller,” Advent Herald, Nov. 27, 1844, p. 127. Until early in 1845 he continued to believe that “God in His providence has shut the door; we can only stir one another up to be patient. … We are living in the time specified by Malachi 3:18, also Daniel 12:10, and Revelation 22:10-13.”4William Miller, “Letter From Bro. Miller,” Advent Herald, Dec. 11, 1844, p. 142; see also idem, “Letter From Mr. Miller,” Advent Herald, Feb. 12, 1845, pp. 2, 3. The last text, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still” (verse 11), is a clear reference to the close of probation. Miller held to this view much longer than his closest associate and publicist, Joshua V. Himes. Miller’s position undoubtedly gave strength to the shut-door movement and contributed to the schism that developed among Millerites.

1EGWLM 43.1

Though Bridegroom Adventists inherited William Miller’s original position on the shut door, they significantly modified it. By adding post-1844 details to the Matthew 25 parable of the Bridegroom and ten virgins, they explained why Jesus had not come in 1844. Many argued that though their general work for the world was finished, probation was not closed for everyone.

1EGWLM 43.3

For Bridegroom Adventists the basic theological argument was drawn from the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25. They made the parable allegorical of their 1844 experience, and believed that on or about October 22, 1844, Jesus had gone into a heavenly wedding. The Advent Mirror divided the marriage into two steps: the actual marriage and the marriage supper. The marriage, it was argued, occurred in heaven and preceded the literal Second Coming. Turner and Hale presented the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14, as describing events connected with a heavenly marriage. The Ancient of Days—God the Father—sat in judgment and gave to the Son of man—Jesus—“dominion, glory and a kingdom.” Christ was made king as He received the New Jerusalem at the marriage. Then, as king, Jesus went from the wedding to the “marriage supper,” which occurred when He gathered His saints at the Second Coming. Thus they linked the autumn 1844 date to the marriage that they believed confirmed the soon return of Jesus. The Advent Mirror placed post-Disappointment Advent believers in the “guest chamber” waiting for the marriage supper. The guest-chamber concept came from another parable found in Matthew 22:1-14. The “guests,” or the faithful ones on earth, were waiting for Jesus to come literally to the earth from the heavenly wedding. They further argued that the “guests,” or virgins, had responded to the call leading up to the tenth day of the seventh month on October 22, 1844, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh.” They had trimmed their lamps and had gone figuratively to meet the Bridegroom.11A. Hale and J. Turner, “Has Not the Savior Come as the Bridegroom?” Advent Mirror, January 1845, pp. 1, 2.

1EGWLM 44.1

The foolish virgins, who were not ready, were shut out. “While they [the foolish virgins] went to buy [oil], the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut” (Matt. 25:10). The guests, or Advent believers, were waiting only for the “final examination of the King.” Their work was to keep their garments and wait. With emphasis the Advent Mirror concluded: “The judgment is here!” Interestingly, the paper drew no specific conclusions about just what the judgment was or how it pertained to Advent believers who were waiting in the “guest chamber.”12Ibid., pp. 1, 3.

1EGWLM 45.3

During 1847 the shut door began to be defined in terms of the heavenly sanctuary, and specifically regarding the door between the holy place and Most Holy Place. The Bridegroom view, based on an allegorical interpretation of the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25, became a secondary argument, thus allowing for the developing sanctuary understanding to take the fore. This necessarily gave new emphasis to Jesus’ continued work as a high priest, resulting in an increasing discontinuity between the earlier idea of a shut door for “sinners” and the growing realization of the need for an evangelistic proclamation of the Sabbath.

Maranatha

Cleansing of the Sanctuary, August 28

Mar 248.4

The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Lt 1, 1846

My vision which you published in the Day-Star2

Jan. 24, 1846, issue. See Lt 1, 1845 (Dec. 20).

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Lt 3, 1847

While in Exeter, Maine, in meeting with Israel Damman,12

Identity: Israel Damman [sometimes Damon or Dammon] (c. 1811-1886). A Millerite preacher and subsequent Advent Christian minister, who received notoriety for his arrest and trial reported in several New England newspapers following a meeting in Atkinson, Maine, on February 15, 1845.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Ms 1, 1849

Then Jesus rose up and shut the door in the outer apartment and opened the holy; and the faith of Israel now reaches within the second veil where Jesus now stands by the ark. I saw that Jesus had shut the door in the Holy Place, and no man can open it. And that He had opened the door in the Most Holy place, and no man can shut it. And that since Jesus has opened the door in the Most Holy place, the commandments have been shining out and God has been testing His people on the holy Sabbath.4

A link between the Sabbath and the sanctuary had been proposed by Joseph Bates as early as 1846 and shown to Ellen White in her April 3, 1847, vision. This vision of March 1849, however, in addition to confirming earlier study and revelation, is of interest since for the first time the imagery of Revelation 3:7 (“he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; … behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it”) is used to describe Christ’s transition in 1844 from the holy place to the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary. Thus the concept of a shut door is not used in the context of the Bridegroom parable of Matthew 25, as it had been used earlier, but in the context of the division between the holy place and Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

B

1EGWLM 952.37

Bridegroom, coming of/return of (Matt. 25, Luke 12), 85-86 and n4

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

M

1EGWLM 964.47

“Midnight Cry” of Matt. 25 (proclamation of Second Advent on Oct. 22, 1844 by Millerites), 86 n6

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

W

1EGWLM 977.9

coming of Bridegroom (Matt. 25, Luke 12), 98 n8, 125 n6, 128 n17

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 11, 1865

1LtMs, Lt 11, 1865, par. 2

Please read the parable of the talents, in Matthew 25. Those who had improved the talents given them, and doubled them, received the commendation from their Lord: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Verse 21.] He that did not improve upon the one talent given him, but hid his talent in the earth, came complaining—as an excuse for his slothfulness,—“I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.” [Verses 24, 25.] He carried the idea that God was such a severe and unjust master that he was afraid to make any use of the talent. Again, he would not himself be benefited with the improvement, for God would gather the improvements Himself. Therefore he did nothing with his talent.

1LtMs, Lt 11, 1865, par. 3

“His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed; thou oughtest therefore to put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. ... And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verses 26-30.]

1LtMs, Lt 11, 1865, par. 4

You have had light graciously imparted to you of God in regard to your duty. If you choose to hide your talent you are without excuse, for your duty has been made known. You know your duty but are too slothful to perform it. “Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers.” [Verse 27.] The light given you, you are to exchange with others, impart to others, benefit them by your experience. If you are the means of gaining a soul from the ranks of Satan you have gained other talents to your Lord. That soul you have been the instrument of saving, in his or her turn can improve the talent given, and the work moves onward.

1LtMs, Lt 11, 1865, par. 7

You can invest little or much, as you please, in this great work. Remember the words spoken to him who hid his talent. “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” [Matthew 25:29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 4, 1874

2LtMs, Ms 4, 1874, par. 10

Brother Butler spoke in the afternoon. Before preaching there was a short season of prayer. Then Brother Haskell spoke from (Matthew 25) upon the words of Christ, “Inasmuch as ye have not done,” etc. [Verse 45.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 97, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 97, 1892, par. 23

Yesterday I spoke to an attentive audience from (Matthew 25), upon the talents. I was not well, but the Lord strengthened me. Today I spoke from Matthew 6:19-29. We are seeking to arouse the church here to give our hundred pounds for the school. We believe we shall succeed. I gave our experience in the leading out of this work, and Elder Daniells thinks quite an impression was made upon the people. He speaks tonight, and is seeing what can be raised. Willie has sent to America for money, but it has not yet reached here.

The Faith I Live By

Christ Before the Ancient of Days, July 20

FLB 207.4

The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25.53The Great Controversy, 420, 421, 426.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 12, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 12, 1893, par. 3

“Again when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.” Ezekiel 3:17-21. See also Matthew 25:30. “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

8LtMs, Lt 12, 1893, par. 5

Looking to Jesus, by studying the life of Christ, and by beholding Him he is changed into His likeness, and he works in Christ’s lines and obtains a deeper and still deeper knowledge of God, and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. The whole 25th chapter contains lessons of great importance, developing the principles of eternal justice which will be revealed in the decisions of that great day when the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened.

8LtMs, Lt 12, 1893, par. 9

“Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His Lord answered and said unto him, thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: thou oughtest therefore to put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.” [Matthew 25:24-27.] This is the return the Lord expects from every one of His servants, to use the ability, influence and means given them of God to do good through doing the words of Christ. By practicing the lessons Christ has given them, bringing them and keeping them in constant exercise, they increase their powers to do, the ability is through constant use, strengthening and increasing.

8LtMs, Lt 12, 1893, par. 10

But if the talent is not improved, he proves himself an unprofitable, slothful servant. “Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” [Verses 28, 29.] The Lord puts no confidence in him. He has, when on test and trial, developed the principle which controlled his action, and he has not stood the proving of God.

8LtMs, Lt 12, 1893, par. 23

He becomes himself alienated from God through selfishly hoarding His goods. He becomes the dishonest steward in the place of having a heart of gratitude and thankfulness, showing forth the praises of Him who called him out of darkness into His marvelous light. He is complaining by precept and example, testifying to the world, “I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.” [Matthew 25:24, 25.]

8LtMs, Lt 12, 1893, par. 24

This poor, deceived, dishonest soul, in dealing with his Lord’s goods, claims “I knew thee to be an hard man.” Then he expressly told a lie. He evidences that he was ignorant of God, that he knew not His way, but judged God to be altogether such an one as himself. If he had gone diligently to work to make the most of his entrusted talents, if he had been thankful for the confidence the Lord reposed in him, and expressed his gratitude, then used every means to qualify himself to make a right disposition of the Lord’s talents, he never would have uttered the words, “Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed.” [Verse 24.]

8LtMs, Lt 12, 1893, par. 30

The inspired Word is to be studied. It is to be our meat and drink. The labors, the anxieties, the mortifications, the sufferings because of the indulgence in sin make the bitterness of life. But there is pardon now if sought diligently. Conscious of our own demerits we will be, and the justice of chastisement we must have, humiliating [though] it may be. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, [and] repent.” [Verse 19.] Let not your mind and heart falsify God and His ministers as the unprofitable servant is represented as doing. “I knew thee that thou art a hard man.” [Matthew 25:24.] The reproof must come; plain, close dealing will be given if the ministers are faithful to their charge.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 137, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 137, 1897, par. 1

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations, and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats; and he will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” [Matthew 25:31-33.]

12LtMs, Ms 137, 1897, par. 9

Let us read (Matthew 25) carefully. Does not this parabolical representation engage the attention and subdue the heart? Have we marked the partition made between the sheep and the goats? Listen to His words to each party, specifying the reward each are to have:

12LtMs, Ms 137, 1897, par. 10

“Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink: or when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? or when saw we thee sick or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily, I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these by brethren, ye have done it unto me.” [Verses 34-40.]

12LtMs, Ms 137, 1897, par. 11

“Then shall he say also to them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, When saw we thee an hungered, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.” [Verses 41-46.]

12LtMs, Ms 137, 1897, par. 13

Then the virtue of character we have received from Christ’s righteousness will ally us to true greatness of the highest order. Every action of ours in befriending God’s people will be awarded as done unto Himself. Whatever influences have opposed the truth, which He has made it their duty to proclaim in His name, it has dishonored His name in turning from truth to accept and advocate falsehood. This is a violence offered to the laws of His kingdom, which He will not suffer to go unpunished. “Ye did it unto me,” He says, or “Ye did it not to me.” [Matthew 25:40, 45.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 79, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 79, 1897, par. 1

In the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth chapters of Matthew is described the second coming of Christ to our world: “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the one end of heaven to the other.” “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:30, 31, 36-39.]

12LtMs, Ms 79, 1897, par. 4

“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 have gone out. But the wise answered saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and for you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went into the marriage; and the door was shut. Afterward also came the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 25:1-13.] And we may all ask, Can it be that I shall be among the wise virgins?

12LtMs, Ms 79, 1897, par. 5

Here also is given the parable of the talents. The man who hid his Lord’s money in the earth was pronounced an unprofitable servant of his Lord’s goods, and the sentence was issued, “Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verse 30.] And this is an illustration of the last general judgment, when each shall be dealt with according to the use he has made of his talents. The righteous alone will shine forth in the kingdom of God in that great decisive day when every character shall appear just as it is. They that have done good will have a part in the resurrection of life; they that have done evil will be awarded according to their works. The obedient and the disobedient decide the whole matter.

12LtMs, Ms 79, 1897, par. 6

The Word declares, “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.” [Verse 31.] Then the triumph of Christ will have come. What a scene will this be upon which the whole universe will gaze. How the love of God is here displayed through His Son to all who have proved true and faithful. In that day Christ does not present before men the great work He has done for them in giving His life for their redemption. He presents before them the faithful work they have done for Him. What surpassing love is this! He even mentions the work of the heathen world who have had no intelligent knowledge of the law of the Lord but who have done some of the very things the law required, because they had heeded the voice speaking to them in the things of nature around them. The grace of God, working upon their darkened minds, softened their savage nature untaught by the wisdom of men.

12LtMs, Ms 79, 1897, par. 10

Behold that crowd collected about some of God’s servants to murder them! But the Lord is working upon the heart and mind of perhaps only one man to plead in behalf of these servants who love and fear God. When the war council has been carried on to determine the destruction of some Christian’s life, on several occasions the intercession of one savage has turned the decision, and his life has been spared. Oh, the love that goes forth to the savage for this one act. To such in the judgment Christ is represented as saying, “I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came unto me.” “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matthew 25:35, 36, 34.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 131, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 131, 1899, par. 24

Let all study the character which God accepts, as represented in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew. If this representation does not educate men and women, what can do the work which must be done for the soul? Mark the division made between those represented by the sheep and the goats, and mark the words which decide forever the destiny of the two classes. Listen, you who have ears to hear and intellect to comprehend. Listen to the words of the Master:

14LtMs, Ms 131, 1899, par. 27

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.” [Verses 31-46.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 25, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 25, 1908, par. 16

Read and study diligently the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, and remember that the present is your trading time, in which you are to use your God-given capabilities for the Master. The fact that your name is in the church book will not secure you an entrance into the kingdom of heaven. How have you used your opportunities? Have you given yourself a close, critical examination? Have you asked yourself, How am I trading on my Lord’s talents? Am I putting them out to the exchangers? God rewards every servant who works with self-denying, self-sacrificing zeal for the salvation of souls. What are you as church members doing for the One who gave His life for the world? Each one who has denied himself and purified his soul through a belief of the truth will begin at once to do missionary work for those perishing in their sins.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, November 12

JNN 333.1

“Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!”—Matthew 25:6

JNN 333.2

The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 22—Prophecies Fulfilled

GC 393.2

The parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25 also illustrates the experience of the Adventist people. In Matthew 24, in answer to the question of His disciples concerning the sign of His coming and of the end of the world, Christ had pointed out some of the most important events in the history of the world and of the church from His first to His second advent; namely, the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the church under the pagan and papal persecutions, the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars. After this He spoke of His coming in His kingdom, and related the parable describing the two classes of servants who look for His appearing. Chapter 25 opens with the words: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins.” Here is brought to view the church living in the last days, the same that is pointed out in the close of chapter 24. In this parable their experience is illustrated by the incidents of an Eastern marriage.

GC 398.3

“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.” Matthew 25:5-7. In the summer of 1844, midway between the time when it had been first thought that the 2300 days would end, and the autumn of the same year, to which it was afterward found that they extended, the message was proclaimed in the very words of Scripture: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!”

GC 400.1

In the parable of Matthew 25 the time of waiting and slumber is followed by the coming of the bridegroom. This was in accordance with the arguments just presented, both from prophecy and from the types. They carried strong conviction of their truthfulness; and the “midnight cry” was heralded by thousands of believers.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 24—In the Holy of Holies

GC 426.1

The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of Days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to His temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 22—Prophecies Fulfilled

GC88 393.1

The parable of the ten virgins of Matthew 25, also illustrates the experience of the Adventist people. In Matthew 24, in answer to the question of his disciples concerning the sign of his coming and of the end of the world, Christ had pointed out some of the most important events in the history of the world and of the church from his first to his second advent; namely, the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the church under the pagan and papal persecutions, the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars. After this he spoke of his coming in his kingdom, and related the parable describing the two classes of servants who look for his appearing. Chapter 25 opens with the words, “Then shall the kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins.” Here is brought to view the church living in the last days, the same that is pointed out in the close of chapter 24. In this parable their experience is illustrated by the incidents of an Eastern marriage.

GC88 398.2

“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.” [Matthew 25:5-7.] In the summer of 1844, midway between the time when it had been first thought that the 2300 days would end, and the autumn of the same year, to which it was afterward found that they extended, the message was proclaimed, in the very words of Scripture, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!”

GC88 400.1

In the parable of Matthew 25 the time of waiting and slumber is followed by the coming of the bridegroom. This was in accordance with the arguments just presented, both from prophecy and from the types. They carried strong conviction of their truthfulness; and the “midnight cry” was heralded by thousands of believers.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 24—In the Holy of Holies

GC88 426.1

The coming of Christ as our high priest to the most holy place, for the cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the Son of man to the Ancient of days, as presented in Daniel 7:13; and the coming of the Lord to his temple, foretold by Malachi, are descriptions of the same event; and this is also represented by the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage, described by Christ in the parable of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 121, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 121, 1896, par. 10

I see and sense more than I ever have, the parable of the ten virgins. “And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” [Matthew 25:2.] Yes, foolish indeed. Their God-given capabilities—the rich treasures of character which should be gaining influence and power on the side of truth and righteousness—are mingled with the scent of selfishness and self-indulgence. The strange fire is mixed with the sacred fire, and its purity, holiness, and divine origin eclipsed. There is plenty of animal machinery at work; Christ in truth is advocated, but is not represented; for this reason the truth is dishonored by the very ones who advocate it. Many of those who have their Bibles to which they can turn at any time, and distinguish the true from the false influence, are carried away with the corrupting, deceiving, false characters, who present a very nice appearance, as if wise in Bible lore, but do not the words of Christ.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Oil in Your Vessels, January 8

YRP 16.1

They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Matthew 25:3, 4.

God’s Amazing Grace

Oil for Our Lamps, July 25

AG 214.1

The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Matthew 25:4.

Reflecting Christ

The Wise Virgins Let Their Light Shine, July 16

RC 211.1

The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Matthew 25:4.

Sons and Daughters of God

Changes Our Empty Lamps Into Full Lamps, April 21

SD 118.1

The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Matthew 25:4.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 847—Counsels Concerning the Second Coming

10MR 387.2

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept” (Matthew 25:5). Who have oil in their vessels with their lamps? Should the Saviour come at this time, would not many of us be afraid to meet Him? Could we hail Him with joy, saying, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us” (Isaiah 25:9)? Are we ready for His appearing? Is the soul temple cleansed of its defilement? Would we want Christ to come and find us in disunion, in strife with one another? Would we want Christ to come and find us in frivolous amusements, in concerts which some patronize? We want to be found waiting and watching, with our garments made white and clean in the blood of the Lamb.—Letter 29, 1882, pp. 5, 6. (To W. H. Edwards, June 14, 1882.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 29, 1882

3LtMs, Lt 29, 1882, par. 16

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.” Matthew 25:5. Who have oil in their vessels with their lamps? Should the Saviour come at this time would not many of us be afraid to meet Him? Could we hail Him with joy, saying, “Lo, this is our God: we have waited for him, and he will save us”? [Isaiah 25:9.] Are we ready for His appearing? Is the soul temple cleansed of its defilement? Would we want Christ to come and find us in disunion, in strife with one another? Would we want Christ to come and find us in frivolous amusements, in concerts which some patronize? We want to be found waiting and watching with our garments made white and clean in the blood of the Lamb.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 17—The Midnight Cry

4SP 248.1

“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.” [Matthew 25:5-7.]

The Story of Redemption

Chapter 52—The Midnight Cry

SR 369.1

“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.” Matthew 25:5-7.

Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White

Chapter 6—My First Vision

CET 57.2

I seemed to be surrounded with light, and to be rising higher and higher from the earth. I turned to look for the advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, “Look again, and look a little higher.” At this, I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the advent people were traveling to the city which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the path, which an angel told me was the “midnight cry.” [See Matthew 25:6.] This light shone all along the path, and gave light for their feet, so that they might not stumble.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

EDSON, Hiram (1806-1882) and (first wife) Effa (1810-1839) and (second wife) Esther Marier (1816-1893)

1EGWLM 823.4

Hiram Edson is best known for his reminiscences of the occasion, soon after the Great Disappointment of October 22, 1844, when he “saw distinctly” that the “cleansing” of the sanctuary (Dan. 8:14) and the “coming” of the bridegroom (Matt. 25:6) did not indicate the Second Advent as the Millerites had proclaimed, but referred to pre-Advent events in the heavenly sanctuary. He further related how his insight provided the impetus for intensive study by O.R.L. Crosier, F. B. Hahn, and him, resulting in the seminal article by Crosier some months later in March 1845, “to all who are waiting for redemption … ,” published in the Day-Dawn. Edson’s account (the “Edson manuscript”) is undated and probably dates to late in his life, but if reliable, it indicates that key elements of Seventh-day Adventist sanctuary theology owe Edson a large intellectual debt.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 38, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 38, 1893, par. 11

Many, many profess to be Christians, but a profession does not constitute them Christians. They are destitute of the vital principles of the truth of God. Like the foolish virgins they have on the outward garment; they have the lamp, but they have not the oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps. The message came to the virgins, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh! Go ye out to meet him.” [Matthew 25:6.] But the foolish virgins were not prepared to go out, for their lamps were burning dimly.

8LtMs, Lt 38, 1893, par. 14

In the parable of the ten virgins, five were found to be wise, and five foolish. They that were wise trimmed their lamps when the cry was given, “Behold the bridegroom cometh! Go ye out to meet him.” [Matthew 25:6.] The foolish had no oil in their vessels with their lamps, and while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were wise went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. My brother, we do not want you to run the risk of delaying necessary preparation, that your lamp may be trimmed and burning, and that you may be ready to go in to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 12, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 12, 1893, par. 19

In the early days the first angel’s message, one poor <man> that was foolish was impressed with the truth, and he went to a learned Elder and repeated the following words, “Elder G., Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him.” <[Elder G. said,] “Give us your reasons, Brother,” but he presented no reasons> and kept on repeating these words instead of trying to give proof for the soon coming of the Lord, for he of himself was unable to give any reason. But he repeated the words, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” [Matthew 25:6.] And the Spirit of God rested upon them, and Elder G. fell on his knees and confessed his pomp and pride before the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 25, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 25, 1895, par. 4

The parable of the ten virgins is given to us that we may understand that there is an hour when the gates are closed. What then will be the condition of those who have neglected this great salvation. The parable declares the situation. They did not obtain oil in their vessels (the grace of God in their hearts) to replenish their lamps, that their light might shine forth to the world in good works. They did not suppose they would have any waiting and did not provide themselves with oil to renew their lamps, so that they should burn brightly until the call should come, “Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him.” [Matthew 25:6.] They neglected to form characters after the divine similitude, and when the call came, it was too late to secure that fitness to join the procession—probation was past. There was no open door for them to enter. Now is our time to be hearers and doers of the Word of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 64a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 64a, 1895, par. 9

Every true follower of Christ has a work to do. God has given to every man his work. A few are now pointing to the roll of fast fulfilling prophecy, and proclaiming, Get ready, show your obedience to God by keeping His commandments. This is no time for the messengers of God to stop to prop up those who know the truth, and who have every advantage. Let them go on to lift the standard and give the warning, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh! go ye out to meet him.” [Matthew 25:6.] Many who hear the message—by far the greatest number—will not credit the solemn warning. Many will be found disloyal to the commandments of God, which are a test of character. The Lord’s servants will be called enthusiasts. Ministers will warn the people not to listen to them. Noah received the same treatment while the Spirit of God was urging him to give the message, whether men would hear, or whether they would forbear.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 27, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 27, 1895, par. 6

There is a world lying in wickedness, in deception and delusion, in the very shadow of death, asleep, asleep. Who are feeling travail of soul to awaken them? What voice can reach them? My mind was carried to the future when the signal will be given, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh! go ye out to meet him.” [Matthew 25:6.] But some will have delayed to obtain the oil for replenishing their lamps, and too late they will find that character, which is represented by the oil, is not transferable.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 84, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 84, 1895, par. 17

Those who are waiting for the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ cannot mingle with those who are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, who are seeking amusement in games and pleasure parties. As faithful watchmen they must proclaim the warning, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” [Isaiah 21:12.] Christ has left His Holy Spirit to be His representative in the world, to give celestial aid to every hungering, thirsting soul. Heavenly inspiration is still imparted to men, and it is the work of those who have had light, to let light shine forth to those who are in darkness. Let no one feel inclined to hide his light. Those who hide their light so that the world may not distinguish between them and those who walk in darkness will soon lose all power to diffuse light. They are the ones who are represented by the five foolish virgins, and when the crisis comes, when the call is heard, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” [Matthew 25:6], they will arouse at last to find that their lamps have gone out, that they have mixed with the elements of the world and have not provided themselves with the oil of grace. They were lulled to sleep by the cry of peace and safety, and did not keep lamps trimmed and burning. Aroused to their darkness they plead for oil, but it is impossible for one Christian to impart character to another soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 61b, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 61b, 1895, par. 11

Here is a world lying in wickedness and deception and delusion in the very shadow of death—asleep, and who have the burden and travail of soul to awaken them? What voice can reach them? I know that there must be an awakening from their spiritual slumber. I seemed to have my mind carried to the future when the signal will be given announcing, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” [Matthew 25:6.] But some had delayed to obtain the oil to replenish their lamps and too late they find that character, which is represented by the oil, is not transferable. I felt that it was the precious opportunity to call for those who would come forward and seek the Lord with us. At the very commencement of the meeting, we would unite in seeking the Lord, confessing our sins and transgressions to God, and exercising faith that He would pardon our transgressions.

Counsels on Health

Strength Through Obedience

CH 128.3

Pride and weakness of faith are depriving many of the rich blessings of God. There are many who, unless they humble their hearts before the Lord, will be surprised and disappointed when the cry is heard, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh.” Matthew 25:6. They have the theory of the truth, but they have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Our faith at this time must not stop with an assent to, or belief in, the theory of the third angel’s message. We must have the oil of the grace of Christ that will feed the lamp and cause the light of life to shine forth, showing the way to those who are in darkness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 160, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 160, 1903, par. 21

I am instructed to tell you to prepare to meet your Lord in peace; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. And in saying this to you, I say it, also, to the whole of the Battle Creek church. Be ye always ready. Go to your rest at night with every sin confessed. Thus we did when we expected to meet our Lord. And now this great event is nearer than when we first believed. Be ye also ready, in the evening, at morning, and at noon, that when the cry comes, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh! go ye out to meet Him” [Matthew 25:6], you may, even though awakened out of sleep, go forth to meet Him with your lamps trimmed and burning.

18LtMs, Lt 160, 1903, par. 23

Study the scenes connected with the departure of the Israelites from the land of bondage. Prepare for the call, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh! go ye out to meet Him.” [Verse 6.] Not only are you to be aroused; you are to arouse others. The time will soon come when it will be impossible to do the work that ought to have been done years ago. “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end.” [1 Peter 1:13.] If you would move in the Lord’s order, turn your attention wholly to yourselves for a while, until you have no disposition to criticize others. Prepare to meet thy God. You have no time to bind yourselves up with worldly interests.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 83, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 83, 1903, par. 36

“Behold, the Bridegroom cometh! Go ye out to meet Him!” [Matthew 25:6.] Lose no time now in rising and trimming your lamps. Lose no time in seeking perfect unity with one another. Christian unity never means the submerging of the identity of one individual into that of another; nor does it mean that the mind of one is to be led and balanced by the mind of another.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 126, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 126, 1903, par. 3

A most interesting part of the ceremony took place in the evening when the bridegroom went to meet his bride and bring her to his home. At the house of the bride a company of invited guests awaited the appearance of the bridegroom. As he approached the cry went forth, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” [Matthew 25:6.] The bride, clothed in pure white, her head encircled with flowers, received the bridegroom, and, accompanied by the guests, they went from her father’s house. By torchlight, with impressive display, with sounds of singing and instruments of music, the procession slowly proceeded to the house of the bridegroom, where a feast was provided for the guests.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 255, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 255, 1903, par. 28

“Behold the Bridegroom cometh! Go ye out to meet Him!” [Matthew 25:6.] Lose no time now in rising and trimming your lamps. Lose no time in seeking perfect unity with one another. We must expect difficulties. Trials will come. Christ, the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering. His followers will encounter the enemy many times and will be severely tried; but they need not despair. Christ says to them, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 77, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 77, 1908, par. 9

Unless there is a connection with heavenly agencies, the strong, pure influence which should be exerted by every worker in the field will be lacking. They will be no more prepared to do the work which the Lord expects them to do than were the foolish virgins prepared to answer the call, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.” [Matthew 25:6.] The Holy Spirit will not be represented in their labors. They have the form of the truth; they have the lamp, but they have no oil in their vessels. The power of a godly example is lacking. There is no living experience to give power to the truth presented.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 15, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 15, 1910, par. 9

I appeal to those who for many years have known the truth. It is time to wake up the watchmen. I have expended my strength in giving the messages that the Lord has given me. The burden of our cities has rested so heavily upon me that it has sometimes seemed that I should die. The work in the cities is the essential work for this time and is now to be taken hold of in faith. When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movement such as we have not yet witnessed. May the Lord give wisdom to our brethren, that they may know how to carry forward the work in harmony with His will. With mighty power the cry is to be sounded in our large centers of population, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.” [Matthew 25:6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 13, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 13, 1910, par. 15

Our cities are to be worked. To devote our efforts to other worthy enterprises, and leave unworked our cities, in which are large numbers of all nationalities, is not wise. A beginning is now to be made, and means must be raised that the work may go forward. With mighty power the cry is again to be sounded in our large centers of population, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.” [Matthew 25:6.]

Reflecting Christ

The Ten Virgins Represent the Church, July 14

RC 209.1

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Matthew 25:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 91, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 91, 1910, par. 10

“Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” [Matthew 25:6.] Many are in this class; they have a knowledge of the truth but have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. It is not merely an assent to, or a professed belief in, the third angel’s message while not coming into harmony with the truth. We must have the oil of grace in the vessel with their lamps. Our faith must not stop at this period of this earth’s history. For those who know the truth, all their works must correspond with their faith. Then, through sanctified lives, their works will testify decidedly to their faith. Sensible of the work to be done to sanctify their lives, they will sense the fact that indulgence of the appetite is a snare.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

A Firm Stand for the Right

8T 212.3

“Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.” Matthew 25:6. Lose no time now in rising and trimming your lamps. Lose no time in seeking perfect unity with one another. We must expect difficulties. Trials will come. Christ, the Captain of our salvation, was made perfect through suffering. His followers will encounter the enemy many times and will be severely tried, but they need not despair. Christ says to them: “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

Strength Through Obedience

9T 155.1

Pride and weakness of faith are depriving many of the rich blessings of God. There are many who, unless they humble their hearts before the Lord, will be surprised and disappointed when the cry is heard: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh.” Matthew 25:6. They have the theory of the truth, but they have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Our faith at this time must not stop with an assent to, or belief in, the theory of the third angel’s message. We must have the oil of the grace of Christ that will feed the lamp and cause the light of life to shine forth, showing the way to those who are in darkness.

That I May Know Him

Noncommittal Christians, July 28

TMK 215.2

Let no one feel inclined to hide his light. Those who hide their light so that the world may not distinguish between them and those who walk in darkness will soon lose all power to diffuse light. They are the ones who are represented by the five foolish virgins, and when the crisis comes, when the call is heard “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” (Matthew 25:6), they will arouse at last to find that their lamps have gone out, that they have mixed with the elements of the world and have not provided themselves with the oil of grace. They were lulled to sleep by the cry of peace and safety, and did not keep their lamps trimmed and burning. Aroused to their darkness they plead for oil, but it is impossible for one Christian to impart character to another soul. Character is not transferable. Those who are ease-loving, world-loving, fashion-loving professors of Christianity will not go in to the marriage supper of the Lamb with those who are represented by the five wise virgins. When they solicit entrance they are told that the door is shut. Now is the time to impart light....

A Word to the Little Flock

To the Remnant Scattered Abroad

WLF 14.2

While praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell on me, and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them—when a voice said to me, “Look again, and look a little higher.” At this I raised my eyes and saw a straight and narrow path, [Matthew 7:14.] cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were travelling to the City, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the first end of the path, which an angel told me was the Midnight Cry. [Matthew 25:6.] This light shone all along the path, and gave light for their feet so they might not stumble. And if they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the City, they were safe. But soon some grew weary, and they said the City was a great way off, and they expected to have entered it before. Then Jesus would encourage them by raising his glorious right arm, and from his arm came a glorious light which waved over the Advent band, and they shouted Hallelujah! Others rashly denied the light behind them, and said that it was not God that had led them out so far. The light behind them went out leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and they stumbled and got their eyes off the mark and lost sight of Jesus, and fell off the path down in the dark and wicked world below. It was just as impossible for them to get on the path again and go to the City, as all the wicked world which God had rejected. They fell all the way along the path one after another, until we heard the voice of God like many waters, [Ezekiel 43:2. Joel 3:16. Revelation 16:17.] which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. [Ezekiel 12:25. Mark 13:32.] The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. [John 12:29.] When God spake the time, he poured on us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God as Moses’ did when he came down from Mount Sinai. [Isaiah 10:27.]

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Strength Through Obedience

3TT 355.3

Pride and weakness of faith are depriving many of the rich blessings of God. There are many who, unless they humble their hearts before the Lord, will be surprised and disappointed when the cry is heard: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh.” Matthew 25:6. They have the theory of the truth, but they have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Our faith at this time must not stop with an assent to, or belief in, the theory of the third angel’s message. We must have the oil of the grace of Christ that will feed the lamp and cause the light of life to shine forth, showing the way to those who are in darkness.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Lt 1, 1845

As God has shown me in holy vision the travels of the Advent people to the Holy City, and the rich reward to be given those who wait the return of their Lord from the wedding,4

Although the important concept of “the return of their Lord from the wedding” is inserted here, it does not actually form part of the December 1844 vision, but is part of Ellen Harmon’s introductory remarks to Enoch Jacobs, written one year later, reflecting theological insights gained after the December vision. The wedding imagery is first introduced about two months after the first vision, in the vision of February 1845. See notes under Lt 1, 1846 (Feb. 15).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 173, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 173, 1898, par. 7

The new costly lamps that many prefer give an uncertain, sickly light, and these lights have been preferred to the old-fashioned lamps. The old Book, the living oracles of God, have had little restraint upon men in these last days—men who have trusted in human power, human devising, rather than in the living God. By and by, when the night cometh and the voice is heard, “Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him,” it will be revealed that the new lamps were destitute of oil. [Matthew 25:6-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 47a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 47a, 1898, par. 6

So will it be in the end of the world. The period in which we are now living is one of peculiar and momentous importance. The students of God’s Word, in these last days, will work away from the customs and appointments of the world’s great counsellors. They will not say, “My Lord delayeth his coming,” but like the wise virgins will be prepared, with oil in their vessels with their lamps, to go forth to meet the Bridegroom. [Matthew 24:48; 25:6-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 161, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 161, 1903, par. 8

The signs of the times are fulfilling in our world, yet the churches generally are represented as slumbering. Shall we not take warning from the experience of the foolish virgins, who when the call came, “Behold the bridegroom cometh! go ye out to meet him,” found that they had no oil in their lamps. And while they went to buy oil, the bridegroom went in to the marriage supper, with the wise virgins, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banqueting hall, they received an unexpected denial. The master of the feast declared, “I know you not.” [Matthew 25:6-12.] They were left standing without, in the empty street, in the blackness of the night.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 136, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 136, 1903, par. 5

The signs of the times are fulfilling in our world, yet the churches generally are represented as slumbering. Shall we not take warning from the experiences of the foolish virgins, who when the call came, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh! go ye out to meet Him,” found that they had no oil in their lamps. And while they went to buy oil, the Bridegroom went in to the marriage supper with the wise virgins, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banqueting hall, they received an unexpected denial. The master of the feast declared, “I know you not.” [Matthew 25:6-12.] They were left standing without, in the empty street, in the blackness of the night.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 144, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 144, 1898, par. 2

All the ten virgins are apparently happy, full of joyous hope and anticipation. Apparently there is no difference between the five who are wise and the five who are foolish. To outward appearance all are prepared, robed in white, and carrying their lighted lamps, which represent the oil of truth. But the virgins did not expect to have to wait so long, and while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. They all made efforts to keep awake, but they ceased to speak often to each other, and when the call came, “Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,” it was unexpected. [Matthew 25:6.]

13LtMs, Ms 144, 1898, par. 4

But five of them were standing surprised and alarmed. They had become aware of the fact that they had no oil in their vessels with which to replenish their lamps. They had no light, and stood in the darkness desolate and despairing. Then they sent forth the cry, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.” [Verse 8.] This terrible situation they now see to be the consequence of their own carelessness, and they plead with the five wise virgins for a supply of oil. But the waiting five with their freshly trimmed lamps have emptied their vessels. They have none to spare. “And the wise answered saying, Not so, lest there be not enough for us and for you; but go ye 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.” [Verses 9, 10.]

13LtMs, Ms 144, 1898, par. 10

Those who have oil in their vessels with their lamps will let their light so shine before men that they may see their good works and glorify their Father which is in heaven. Unconverted men who profess to be Christians and do not shine in good works, only encourage the sinner to continue in his sin; and Christ says to them, “I know you not, depart from me ye that work iniquity.” [Matthew 25:12; 7:23.] The only safety for any soul is in living in constant communion with God. This is represented by Zechariah in the symbol of the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. That which is good in our world should be stronger for our words and our presence, and the evil should be made to appear as it is. There is no virtue in calling good evil, and evil good. Every one should feel that there should flow forth from him an influence for life, courage, hopefulness, and true healing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 4, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 4, 1898, par. 5

Those who hide their light will soon lose all power to shine. They are represented by the foolish virgins, and when the crisis, comes, and the last call is made, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him,” they will find that while they have been mingling with the world, their light has gone out. [Matthew 25:6-8.] They did not continue to provide themselves with the oil of grace. The peace and safety cry hushed them to slumber and made them careless in regard to their light. Character is not transferable; therefore ease-loving, world-loving professed Christians cannot go in with the wise virgins to the marriage feast. When they solicit entrance, saying, “Lord, Lord open unto us,” the reply is made, “Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” [Verses 11, 12.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Heavenly Bridegroom, September 16

JNN 274.1

“Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.”—Matthew 25:8

That I May Know Him

The Revelation of Character, December 10

TMK 350.1

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. Matthew 25:10.

Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)

Another Important Vision

1BIO 160.1

The first Sabbath we spent in Topsham was a sweet, interesting time. It seemed that Jesus Himself passed through our midst and shed His light and glory upon us. We all had a rich draught from the well of Bethlehem. The Spirit came upon me and I was taken off in vision. I saw many important things, some of which I will write you before I close this letter. [See Early Writings, 42-45.] I saw Brother Stowell of Paris was wavering upon the shut door. [The term shut door finds its origin in Revelation 3:7 and 8 as related to the sanctuary in heaven, and in Matthew 25:10 as used in the parable of the ten virgins. In the critical years 1844 to 1851, the term was employed by the pioneers of the SDA Church at first in referring to the close of probation but soon in the broader sense as signifying the integrity of the Advent awakening that reached its climax on October 22, 1844, as “a move of God.” (See JW Letter, July 21, 1850, on page 179 of this book, and chapter 16, “The Shut and the Open Doors.”)] I felt that I must visit them, although it was fifty miles off and very bad going; I believed God would strengthen me to perform the journey.—Letter 5, 1849.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

S

1EGWLM 970.59

“Shut door” of Matt. 25:10 as representing events of Oct. 22, 1844

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 17, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 17, 1885, par. 2

“They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” Matthew 25:10. I have been reflecting some upon this text. While obliged to occupy my berth because of the rough waves and the violent motion of the vessel, I have time to meditate and pray. Cannot write much of the time; cannot read and have no appetite. My berth gives me a good sight through the portholes. We see the white-capped waves and watch the motion as far as the eye can extend. Out of sight of land, a mere speck upon the ocean, a few peeks between us and eternity, and I think how many have felt as secure as the passengers on this boat who have, while full of merriment in the midst of feasting or of dancing, closed their probation. The noble bark may strike some hidden rock. We were obliged to move very slowly at times because of the fog, and for hours the fog’s mournful whistle like a voice warning was saying, Beware. At these times I could not sleep, only pray. The boat delayed some hours, fearing driving in collision with the vessels or schooners that sail upon these broad waters.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 2, 1883

4LtMs, Ms 2, 1883, par. 7

I am pained, brethren, as the weak, sickly condition of our churches is opened before me. “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?” [Jeremiah 8:22.] Must we decide that the presidents of our conferences have done the best? I would be loath to do this. We know that the heavenly universe is disappointed in them, because they do not co-operate with God. There are many churches in our conferences which are ready to die, testifying to a lack of the grace of Christ in the hearts of the men appointed to act as ministers. God does not accept the work done in these churches. He cannot say to those ministers, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:23.] Brethren, I have been shown that the presidents of our conferences are not as efficient as God would have them. He has made every provision that they might have His grace and power to do the work the churches are suffering for.

4LtMs, Ms 2, 1883, par. 11

Every church needs to hear the plain, earnest testimony from the Word of God. The parable of the ten virgins presents a picture which should cause us to tremble. Five of these virgins were wise, and five were foolish. The wise had oil in their vessels with their lamps, but the foolish had no oil in their vessels, and their lamps went out. The record says, “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 also came the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily, I say unto you, I know you not.” [Matthew 25:10-12.] This comes as a solemn warning to every church, showing the danger of those whose works do not correspond to their profession of faith.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 7, 1869

2LtMs, Lt 7, 1869, par. 3

I just took up a book and these words my eye fell upon. “And they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” Matthew 25:10. What preparation are you both making for the marriage here referred to? Are you seeking with such earnestness the white raiment, which is the righteousness of Christ and which will insure you a position within the doors, a right to the marriage feast? Will you closely investigate and see if you are ready, if you have on the wedding garment, pure and white?

2LtMs, Lt 7, 1869, par. 5

Will you either or both of you insult your Lord by making excuses? I have bought a yoke of oxen and must needs prove them. I have bought a piece of land and must needs go and see it. The third excuse, I have married me a wife and therefore I cannot come. These excuses all seem weak, showing a deficiency of good judgment. The first should have proved his oxen before buying; the second should have seen his land before making a bargain; the third should have not been hindered by the wife but both should have come immediately. It is just such flimsy, foolish excuses we frame for not being in earnest to secure the wedding raiment. A time is coming when the door is to close upon all probationers. If unready, their cry, “Lord, Lord, open unto us,” will not be regarded. The fearful words will fall upon the ear with terrible weight, “Depart, I know ye not.” [Matthew 25:11, 12.] I want to arouse you both to seek first the kingdom of heaven and the righteousness of God, and all things shall be added.

2LtMs, Lt 7, 1869, par. 7

A slothful man is one who doeth his work by halves, just so is the slothful man in the enterprise of everlasting life. He is slothful in doing his work for heaven. He may by odd spells work at the point, but if anything arises to divert the attention, the work is neglected. A spirit of self-justification in a wrong course is fostered and the conscience is eased by resolves at some future time to be diligent in seeking a preparation needful for the trying day before us. Self-righteousness will be found insufficient to form the wedding garment which is the righteousness of Christ. A thorough preparation is the only recommendation we will find available in the great judgment before us. Your souls, my children, your souls are of more consequence than every other consideration. What preparation have you made for your souls. The slothful fail to bear fruit and in the day of God, out of their own mouth will they be condemned. “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 103, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 103, 1894, par. 12

As we proclaim the binding claims of the law of God upon every human being, those who will not be convinced, who turn away their ears from hearing the truth, and are turned unto fables, choosing to feed upon a dish of maxims, customs, and commandments of men, will use the best weapons they have in warring against the truth. They will bear false witness, manufacture lies to blacken the reputation of those who have proclaimed the message of truth for half a century. All who come out from the world and are separated must count on meeting ridicule, sneers, and reviling. They must expect that their life and mission will be misrepresented. This was what our Saviour bore for us; shall we complain of the suffering we must endure for His sake? God forbid! Men that are in harmony with the great lawbreaker may laugh now; they may clothe in blackest garments those who present the Bible and the Bible alone as the authority for their faith. We will bear in mind that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” and all who sneer at truth and ridicule those who are proclaiming truth will weep and pray, “Lord open unto us.” He will answer, “I know you not.” [2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 25:11, 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 20a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 20a, 1893, par. 24

Many are blundering along, clinging to their burden of selfishness, as if it were a precious treasure, keeping diligently their own way. When they knock at the gate of heaven, saying, “Lord, Lord, open unto us” [Matthew 25:11], many a man will hear the words, “No one enters here but those who can receive the heavenly benediction, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’ [Verse 21.] But thou hast faithfully served thyself, worked for thine own selfish interest, been good to thyself. Thou hast not laid up a treasure in heaven.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 108, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 108, 1901, par. 9

God’s servants are to remember that they are in this world on test and trial. Day by day they are to learn in the school of Christ the lessons of the present, in preparation for translation to the higher grade. Perfection in the work God gives to be done in this life constitutes fitness for entrance into the higher courts. The perfect man in Christ Jesus is the one God will honor. To those in our institutions who unite with God in their efforts, bringing His principles into all their work, He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:23.] But He separates from those who misrepresent Him by following sharp, underhand plans, lowering His work in the estimation of those with whom they deal. They may think themselves talented, but their practices create and strengthen an appetite for greed and selfishness. Their talents are defiled by worldly practices. Their work is dishonoring to God. At the last great day He will say to them, “I know you not.” [Verse 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 19, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 19, 1905, par. 6

Young men, be sure to bring the strictest fidelity into all that you do. “Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, and walketh in His ways.” [Psalm 128:1.] Remember that every word you speak, every deed you do is passing sentence for or against you. Those who suppose that by deception they can obtain advantages for themselves are incurring fearful loss. Unless this sin is repented of and pardoned, they can never enter heaven. The Lord will declare to them, “I know you not.” [Matthew 25:12.] They may urge the good things they have done, but Christ says, “Depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” [Matthew 7:23.]

20LtMs, Lt 19, 1905, par. 8

Let the beauty and holiness of the Lord our God be upon the workings of our institutions, which, in their various departments, must be managed by men who serve the Lord with full purpose of heart. Let every man in a position of trust live so honesty and truly that God can say of him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:23.]

Maranatha

Now—Always Now, February 16

Mar 55.1

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:13.

Homeward Bound

Behold, the Bridegroom Cometh, October 14

HB 315.1

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.—Matthew 25:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 93, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 93, 1892, par. 22

The Lord is coming. “Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 25:13.] The warning has been given, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord” [Isaiah 40:3], and it is to be given until every one who professes to be a follower of Christ shall be called upon to sound the note of warning and invitation. The half-hearted Christian needs to awake, and put the armor on. But while we are to let our light shine before men, we are not to erect false lights to mislead the soul.

7LtMs, Lt 93, 1892, par. 25

It is time to put your money out to the exchangers, time to place every dollar you can spare into the treasury of the Lord, that institutions may be erected for the education of workers who shall be instructed as were those who attended the school of the prophets. If the Lord comes and finds you doing this kind of work, He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:23.] The spell that enthralls minds, and makes them bond-servants of Satan, must be broken. Christ’s lessons must be enforced, they must be impressed upon the mind and heart. On young and old should come a realization of the great love wherewith He has loved us.