Oil for the Lamps & the 144,000
A Discussion on the Parable of the Ten Virgins
as Related to the 144,000
by Joseph Warren Grammer
as Related to the 144,000
by Joseph Warren Grammer
Let us start our discussion of the parable of the ten virgins by quoting the parable itself. For a little more accurate understanding of this parable, the text used will be taken from the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew instead of the Authorized King James Version.
The Parable
“AND then, at that day, before the Son of man comes, the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, who 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, Lest there be not enough for us and you, 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 unto us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, Ye know me not.” [KJV says: I know you not.] “Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (JST, Matthew 25:1-12.)
In the New Testament Greek, a virgin is a “maiden” or “unmarried daughter.” The use of the term virgins means that the virgins were all clean, pure, righteous — the pick of the flowering unwed daughters, so to speak. In this parable, Christ is the Bridegroom, and His pure and righteous followers are, collectively, the bride. And, “collectively” speaking, those who make up the “bride”are not designated by any specific religion or creed, but are those followers of Christ who are found among the many creeds who are clean, whose hearts are pure, whose lives are only motivated by righteous intent, and who are looking forward to, and preparing for, the coming of their Bridegroom, and the Wedding Feast.
As the bride of Christ, we cannot come unto the marriage without our own oil. Of the ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom, five were wise and had oil for their lamps and five were foolish and had none. But when the cry came to arise and meet the bridegroom, the latter five could not trim their lamps because they had no oil. Those who had oil could not share it. While the foolish virgins were out trying to obtain their own oil, the bridegroom came and the wise virgins went into the marriage; the door was shut; it was too late for the foolish virgins who did not have their own personal oil.
As stated, the virgins here represent specific members of the Body of Christ, speaking non-denominationally. They were NOT the general membership of any particular church, or of all churches, but only the good, righteous and pure ones — which are very few. However, even though a virgin might be pure in heart and righteous, it is still possible that they could be unwise and not valiant in their testimony of Christ.
The Oil for Our Lamps
Now, let us get to the basic question: What is the oil mentioned that must be possessed so we are not locked out of the wedding feast when the Bridegroom comes? The Lord gives us the answer and it is no secret: “And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived — verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.” (D&C 45:56-57.)
We find that the parable of the ten virgins is not to be fulfilled until Christ comes in His glory, and the “wise” have not been “deceived” because they have taken the “Holy Spirit” as their guide. The parable concerns the Wedding Feast which comes at the end of the Tribulation period, not at the beginning as some suppose. The oil for the lamps of the wise virgins is the Holy Spirit, not the dictates or whims of some man or ecclesiastic leader, designated elsewhere in scripture as the arm of flesh.
Oil is used for our lamps to lighten our way. The metaphor for oil, as used here in this parable, represents that which is used to spiritually light our way. Thus, oil is the light of the Spirit of God who teaches, directs, testifies and purifies. We find the Lord commanding Israel to use pure oil in their vessels for light at the tabernacle. (Lev. 24:2.) The pure oil is symbolic of the purity of the Spirit of God which lightens the way before us. The oil we are to have in our lamps is the Spirit of God as personal revelation.
In Lehi’s dream of the tree, the river, and the rod of iron, the rod of iron is the word of God. The rod of iron is personal revelation, it is NOT the scriptures nor the words of a living mortal, no matter who that mortal may be. The scriptures and ecclesiastic leaders are only given to help us learn how to obtain the Holy Spirit and receive divine light. They are not to take the place of the Spirit. If we did not have the scriptures nor any religious leaders, we will still have the Spirit as a guide when we are faithful and worthy.
The iron rod is the same as the oil we are to have in our own personal lamps. The iron rod helps those who grope through the mist of darkness. In like manner, our oil is our own personal testimony that lights the path before us so we can see our way through this world of darkness. This can only be done through the Holy Ghost, it is not someone else’s testimony or their spiritual light. Heber C. Kimball once said, “The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?” (Life of Heber C. Kimball, pp. 449-450.)
Obtaining the Holy Spirit
On this subject, I will string together a few quotes. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Search the scriptures — search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to his glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 11.)
On this subject President John Taylor preached: “One thing is clear, the Saints are being tried in a manner never before known among us. The faithful rejoice and are steadfast; the unfaithful fear and tremble. Those who have oil in their lamps and have kept them trimmed and burning now have a light for their feet and they do not stumble or fall; those who have neither light nor oil are in perplexity and doubt; they know not what to do.” (Messages of the First Presidency, 3:36-37.)
President Taylor also said: “Those who have been careful to keep oil in their lamps, now have the needed light to guide them; and those who have been living in borrowed light, or in that furnished by others, may find themselves in perplexity and uncertain as to the path to pursue. For all these circumstances the Saints should be prepared. They have been faithfully taught and warned to not depend upon man or upon his strength to enable them to stand the trying day.” (Ibid, 3:17.)
From Brigham Young we can read: “I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purpose of God in their salvation,... Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.” (Journal of Discourses 9:150.)
Another time Brigham preached:“... you and I must have the testimony of Jesus within us, or it is of but little use for us to pretend to be servants of God. We must have that living witness within us. We need the light of the Holy Spirit continually, day by day, as you have been told hundreds of times. How easy it would be for your leaders to lead you to destruction, unless you actually knew the mind and will of the Spirit yourselves. That is your privilege.” (JD 4:368.)
And again he said: “I cannot be satisfied with myself, neither can I be satisfied with this people, unless they live in the enjoyment of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, having the testimony of Jesus within them. ... This is the only way for you to know that your leaders are leading you in the path that leads to heaven. Without taking this course, A PEOPLE OR A NATION IS LIABLE TO BE LEAD ASTRAY BY THEIR LEADERS, and thereby be prepared to be destroyed; but when the people understand for themselves — when they know and understand the things of God by the Spirit of revelation, they are not only satisfied but safe.” (JD 5:2.)
“I wish to impress upon the minds of the Saints the importance of so living that they will always know the voice of the Good Shepherd,” said Brigham. “... How often has it been taught that if you depend entirely upon the voice, judgment, and sagacity of those appointed to lead you, and NEGLECT to enjoy the Spirit for yourselves, how easily you may be led into error, and finally be cast off to the left hand?” (JD 8:59.)
About the Arm of Flesh
Only by receiving the light of Christ, through the Holy Ghost, can we be sure of not being deceived. It is NOT the following of another person, no matter who that person is or what lofty position that person may hold. Claiming to follow the Spirit, but in reality depending upon man for our guidance, is putting our trust in the arm of flesh which is contrary to the commandment of God: “The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh— (D&C 1:19; 2 Ne. 4:34.)
I want to re-quote here part of Joseph Smith’s statement just read above. He said, “Search the scriptures ... and ask your Heavenly Father ... to manifest the truth unto you, and ... He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” The Prophet Joseph DID NOT say search some publication of any church; he DID NOT say ask some ecclesiastic leader; he said “search the scriptures” and “ask your Heavenly Father.” That is what a true Prophet of God said. And after that he added, “You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” You see? It is only by searching the scriptures and praying to Father that we learn truth by way of the Holy Spirit. There is no other way to obtain a testimony of truth.
Once Jesus asked Peter who Peter thought He was. After Peter responded by saying, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The scriptures then say, “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 16:16-17.) It was not the “arm of flesh” that revealed the answer to Peter, not even Jesus, Himself, it was the Father through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit.
What is it we are promised by Moroni? “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (See Moroni 10:4-5.) It is not by the power or influence of any mortal man that we can know the truth of all things, but ONLY by the Holy Spirit.
Let us read again from the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: “... the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish church — that righteous persons could only deliver their own souls — applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall—that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy.” (TPJS, pp. 237-38.)
The Prophet Joseph said that if the people departed from the Lord and depended upon the Prophet they would become “darkened in their minds.” He said that they should not depend on any man or men, and that no one could deliver his own soul but himself. Now what duties were they neglecting? It was their duty to receive their own personal revelations through the Holy Spirit. Instead, they were depending on their leader which, in this case, was the Prophet Joseph Smith, himself. And from what the Prophet said here, it also seems that those who would not gain their own witnesses were envious of those who could, namely the innocent. Consequently, the innocent are enviously afflicted by those who have no personal witness.
The Wise & Unwise Virgins
The wise virgins remain uncompromising to the light and truth granted to them by God, through the Holy Spirit, no matter what others may think of them. The wise are not those who keep going back to that which is contrary to their belief system, or against the dictates of their conscience, or to the arm of flesh.
Jesus once said of Nathanael, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (John 1:47.) The word “guile” is a word that needs to be understood by the virgins. The New Testament word guile comes from the Greek word, dolos, meaning, “decoy,” “trick,” “delude,” “beguile,” “deceit,” etc.
When a person believes one way and acts in another, they are full of guile, trickery, and deceit. For example, if an individual truly does not believe that the President of the LDS Church is a prophet, seer or revelator, nor holds all the keys of the priesthood, and that same person, at the same time, qualifies for a temple recommend, that person is full of guile and hypocrisy. Let us also consider those who do not truly believe sufficiently to qualify for a recommend, but still pretends to be worthy and qualified so they can attend the temple with family and friends, and appear faithful in the sight of others. Are such people truly serving and glorifying God by such hypocrisy, having only a religion for SOCIAL convenience instead of one built upon faith and personal integrity? Here we will let God be the judge, but the individual knows their own intent.
Now there is nothing wrong with someone truly believing that the President of the LDS Church is a prophet, seer or revelator. But when a person does not, yet acts as though he or she does; that is hypocrisy, and that person is not without guile. When such people fail to raise their hand in opposition to those they know are not worthy of an office, but raise their hand to sustain anyway because of the fear of retaliation, that person is functioning in fear, and is not without guile. Such people are trying to trick the general membership and leaders into believing they are in favor of the action when they are not. Could some of these people be among those who will inherit the terrestrial kingdom because they were NOT valiant in their testimony? (See D&C 76:79.)
When the conscience of a person dictates one thing and they profess and act in another, they may be considered among the unwise virgins. They become untrue to others, to God, and themselves. Can such people truly be trusted by God or man? The Apostle, James. said, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8.)
When Jesus rebuked His disciple, Peter, He said: “... Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” Then, after reproving Peter, He taught: “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (See Mark 8:33-38.)
The wise virgins will NOT feel the need to rely upon family and friends for approval, their religious authorities for spiritual direction, nor their political leaders for moral judgment. The wise virgins will have the faith to cut those umbilical cords that supply artificial sustenance and rely, without exception, upon the Holy Spirit as their guide and lifeline to the Father. That does not mean that wise council should not be sought for among associates. It should. But final spiritual decisions should be based upon the dictates of one’s conscience, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, not solely upon the dictates of another’s opinions, regardless from whom those opinions come.
The unwise virgins, on the other hand, will have not the faith to do so; they will cling unceasingly to artificial intelligence as their means of approval and support. Jesus simply said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:21; 3 Ne. 13:21.) A treasure is simply that which we treasure most. To the extent that we treasure other things, people, or activities more than we treasure our covenants with the Lord and our devotion to Him, to that same degree our hearts will not be upon Him. President Spencer W. Kimball wrote some excellent words regarding this topic: “... we serve whom we love and give first consideration to the object of our affection and desires ... [which] indicates where ... allegiance and loyalty are.” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 41.)
Elder Orson F. Whitney once helped explain the nature of sin, which relates to this subject. Elder Whitney taught: “What is Sin?—Sin is the transgression of divine law. A man sins when he violates his conscience, going contrary to light and knowledge—not the light and knowledge that has come to his neighbor, but that which has come to himself. HE SINS WHEN HE DOES THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT HE KNOWS TO BE RIGHT.” (Saturday Night Thoughts, p. 225; Cowley and Whitney on Doctrine, pp. 435-36; TLDP: 631.)
The 144,000
Basically, there are only two scriptures that speak of the 144,000; they are found in Revelation 7:2-4, and D&C 7:11, that we shall be concerned with at this time. There are other verses that make reference to the 144,000. For instance we know that they will stand with the Lord on Mount Zion (Rev. 14:1; D&C 133: 18), and that they will sing a song before the Throne of God (Rev. 14:3). But these other verses have little bearing upon the subject at hand. And since the information given concerning these special sealed servants is sparse, whatever else we think we know is only conjecture at best. Some things, however, can be surmised by piecing together a few things that are given us in scripture. First, let’s review the relevant scriptures starting with Revelation seven, verses two through four.
2. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3. Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
4. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (See Rev. 7:2-4.)
After presenting what he did, John then points out, in verses five through eight, that there will be twelve thousand sealed-servants chosen from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, which will make up the hundred and forty-four thousand. Next, let’s consider the reference in the Doctrine and Covenants. This particular section is in a question-and-answer format.
11. Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel – twelve thousand out of every tribe?
11. A. We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn. (D&C 77:11.)
From these two sets of scriptures we learn the following things: 1) There are 144,000 servants to be sealed in their foreheads with the seal of the living God, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes, from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; 2) The 144,000 are to be ordained unto the holy order of God as high priests by an angel who has the sealing of the living God; 3) The 144,000 are to administer the everlasting gospel; and 4) The 144,000 are to bring as many as will come to the Church of the Firstborn.
The Ten Virgins and the 144,000
So what does all of this have to do with the parable of the ten virgins?
First off, the number ten, like in the Ten Virgins, represent one-tenth of those who claim to be followers of Christ. This represents a “tithing” of His people (D&C 64:23.). Yes the Lord did refer to the tithing of His people in that they are to pay “one-tenth of all their interest annually,” and that they were to be “tithed of their surplus properties.” (See D&C 119) However, as with many other teachings in scripture, there are metaphorical meanings a well. And it appears that speaking of the tithing of His people is representative by the parable of the Ten Virgins. And regarding those who have been tithed, the Lord said in D&C 64:23, “...he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.”
Now we know that the 144,000 will perform their work of “administering the everlasting gospel” before the Lord’s coming. What was it we read above? The angel from the east told the four angels to “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees,” UNTIL the 144,000 received the seal of the living God in their foreheads. This hurting of the earth and seas will be part of the burning and cleansing process of the dreadful day of the Lord — which may include the burning of those who have not been tithed. The work of the 144,000, therefore, must be completed BEFORE that great and dreadful day of the Lord.
This work of the 144,000 is to “bring as many AS WILL COME to the church of the Firstborn.” In other words, gather all of those of the Ten Virgins who are wise enough and ready, and who “WILL COME,” to the wedding feast of the Lord, when the Bridegroom comes to meet his bride, the Church of the Firstborn. The Ten Virgins are to be prepared for that great day. But only five of the ten will be ready, meaning: only half of those who are tithed will be gathered unto the Church of the Firstborn for the wedding feast. The other half, the unwise virgins, will not be ready and WILL NOT COME unto the Church of the Firstborn when invited by those special sealed servants.
What in the world would cause them Not to come? The answer is in the question — the things of this world. They have a testimony of Jesus, but the cares of the world, such as family cares, work obligations, religious duties, etc., hinder their spiritual progress.
Closing Thoughts
Obtaining the Holy Spirit, and preparing for the wedding feast, is listening to that Still Small Voice. Some try to ascertain the spirit by way of pendulums, crystals, divining rods, and other outward devices such as muscle-testing. Although such things may be useful in arriving at various objectives, they are not to be used for trying to find out the mind and will of God. Seeking to obtain the Spirit by such means is known as “channeling,” a type of sorcery. We must realize that the old devil uses such means to deceive. When we resort to these methods, because we do not trust our own ability to be in tune with the Spirt, then Satan uses these same ways to mislead. As stated above, leaning on others, or on outward devices, for our light and salvation, will not fill our lamps with needed oil. Only being in tune with that Still Small Voice, the Holy Spirit, can do that.
Likewise, many feel that just going to church meetings, paying tithes, attending the temple, or serving a mission is the oil for the lamps spoken of. That is NOT so! The unrighteous do such things as well, and they do so all the time. These are merely worldly, telestial, attempts at righteousness.
And strange as it may seem, there are people who want to believe that food storage, and other emergency items, constitute the oil. This is not true as we read in D&C 45. Food storage CAN be bought, borrowed, shared, and even stolen. No matter how logical one may be trying to justify this doctrine, or how adamant and intimidating they may become in defending it, the Lord’s word on the matter should be sufficient.
Having adequate food storage for the coming crises is good and wise counsel, especially if that counsel comes by way of the Holy Spirit, but food storage, in itself, is NOT the oil. I am sure that such spurious doctrine is allowed to exist so that the virgins can be proven to see who they will follow, the philosophies of man, as do the unwise virgins, or the Holy Spirit, as do the wise. The oil is the Holy Spirit. God provides the temporal necessities for us: manna for wandering Israel, a cruse of oil for the widow, seven loaves and a few fishes for the multitude of thousands, and so forth, but the light of Christ through the Spirit of God we must gather and receive for ourselves.
The wording in verse nine of this parable is confusing to some people. There it reads: “But the wise answered, saying, Lest there be not enough for us and you, go ye rather to them that sell, and BUY for yourselves.” Now the wise virgins had already paid the price for their oil; their oil was bought with the price of faith, obedience, and of proving valiant in their testimony of Christ. But the foolish were not willing to pay the price for their oil when they had the opportunity. So now, at the last hour, the foolish are told to go “buy” it for themselves. They were not to go out and purchase some commodity at a store, for the oil spoken of is simply a metaphor for oil which spiritually lights the way, as mentioned above. At this point, the opportunity for the foolish virgins to buy, or pay the price, is gone. “And while they went to buy [or why they were trying to repent and pay the price], the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut” (v. 10.)
The Spirit of God cannot be bought, borrowed, shared or stolen from another, nor can the recognition and acceptance of truth, which prevents deception. Obtaining the Holy Spirit, and the recognition of truth, are individual matters. We must seek and purchase them ourselves by paying the price, before the Bridegroom comes and shuts the door.
If the virgins are not careful, they could lose all that they had previously received. This could include the understanding of truth and light early granted to them. “For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.” (2 Ne. 28:30.) We also read in the Doctrine and Covenants: “And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have.” (D&C 60:3.)
Although a virgin might be pure in heart, we may not be very surprised when many good and righteous virgins become sorely disappointed because they were unwise and not valiant in their testimony of Christ. As D&C 76:79 points out, they just may become heirs of the terrestrial kingdom instead of the celestial.
We must heed the Lord’s counsel to us when He said, “Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord.” (D&C 133:10.) This preparation must consist of more than what President Benson once called, “casual membership in the Church” (Come Unto Christ, p. 115). We must be guided by the Spirit of God so we will not be deceived. The Savior has indicated who will stand when He appears: it is those who enjoy the Holy Spirit as their personal guide and WILL NOT trust in the arm of flesh and be mislead.
This little study, concerning oil for our lamps, is presented to aid the reader in considering his or her relationship to the Savior. As the reader, take a moment now and ask yourself and consider: Am I one of the wise virgins? Do I take the Holy Spirit, and only the Holy Spirit, for my guide? Am I deceived in believing what man has to say instead of relying on the Spirit of God for truth? Am I a chameleon who adapts my coloration to that of my surroundings, pretending to be one way when with some people and another when with others— being hypocritical in my personal life? Am I valiant in my testimony of Christ and with my understanding of truth? Is my life in harmony with my conscience? What do I lack in becoming one of the wise virgins?
At the day of the Lord’s coming, many virgins might cry, “Lord, have we not done many wonderful things in thy name”? And the Lord might say, “You do not know me; for you can only know me through the spirit of prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus as given by the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 7:21-23; Rev. 19:10; TPJS, p. 119.)
When we come unto Christ, we must come with our own oil in our lamps, staying steadfast to the light and truth granted by the Holy Spirit. May God bless us all to that end.
The Parable
“AND then, at that day, before the Son of man comes, the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, who 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, Lest there be not enough for us and you, 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 unto us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, Ye know me not.” [KJV says: I know you not.] “Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (JST, Matthew 25:1-12.)
In the New Testament Greek, a virgin is a “maiden” or “unmarried daughter.” The use of the term virgins means that the virgins were all clean, pure, righteous — the pick of the flowering unwed daughters, so to speak. In this parable, Christ is the Bridegroom, and His pure and righteous followers are, collectively, the bride. And, “collectively” speaking, those who make up the “bride”are not designated by any specific religion or creed, but are those followers of Christ who are found among the many creeds who are clean, whose hearts are pure, whose lives are only motivated by righteous intent, and who are looking forward to, and preparing for, the coming of their Bridegroom, and the Wedding Feast.
As the bride of Christ, we cannot come unto the marriage without our own oil. Of the ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom, five were wise and had oil for their lamps and five were foolish and had none. But when the cry came to arise and meet the bridegroom, the latter five could not trim their lamps because they had no oil. Those who had oil could not share it. While the foolish virgins were out trying to obtain their own oil, the bridegroom came and the wise virgins went into the marriage; the door was shut; it was too late for the foolish virgins who did not have their own personal oil.
As stated, the virgins here represent specific members of the Body of Christ, speaking non-denominationally. They were NOT the general membership of any particular church, or of all churches, but only the good, righteous and pure ones — which are very few. However, even though a virgin might be pure in heart and righteous, it is still possible that they could be unwise and not valiant in their testimony of Christ.
The Oil for Our Lamps
Now, let us get to the basic question: What is the oil mentioned that must be possessed so we are not locked out of the wedding feast when the Bridegroom comes? The Lord gives us the answer and it is no secret: “And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived — verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.” (D&C 45:56-57.)
We find that the parable of the ten virgins is not to be fulfilled until Christ comes in His glory, and the “wise” have not been “deceived” because they have taken the “Holy Spirit” as their guide. The parable concerns the Wedding Feast which comes at the end of the Tribulation period, not at the beginning as some suppose. The oil for the lamps of the wise virgins is the Holy Spirit, not the dictates or whims of some man or ecclesiastic leader, designated elsewhere in scripture as the arm of flesh.
Oil is used for our lamps to lighten our way. The metaphor for oil, as used here in this parable, represents that which is used to spiritually light our way. Thus, oil is the light of the Spirit of God who teaches, directs, testifies and purifies. We find the Lord commanding Israel to use pure oil in their vessels for light at the tabernacle. (Lev. 24:2.) The pure oil is symbolic of the purity of the Spirit of God which lightens the way before us. The oil we are to have in our lamps is the Spirit of God as personal revelation.
In Lehi’s dream of the tree, the river, and the rod of iron, the rod of iron is the word of God. The rod of iron is personal revelation, it is NOT the scriptures nor the words of a living mortal, no matter who that mortal may be. The scriptures and ecclesiastic leaders are only given to help us learn how to obtain the Holy Spirit and receive divine light. They are not to take the place of the Spirit. If we did not have the scriptures nor any religious leaders, we will still have the Spirit as a guide when we are faithful and worthy.
The iron rod is the same as the oil we are to have in our own personal lamps. The iron rod helps those who grope through the mist of darkness. In like manner, our oil is our own personal testimony that lights the path before us so we can see our way through this world of darkness. This can only be done through the Holy Ghost, it is not someone else’s testimony or their spiritual light. Heber C. Kimball once said, “The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?” (Life of Heber C. Kimball, pp. 449-450.)
Obtaining the Holy Spirit
On this subject, I will string together a few quotes. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Search the scriptures — search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to his glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 11.)
On this subject President John Taylor preached: “One thing is clear, the Saints are being tried in a manner never before known among us. The faithful rejoice and are steadfast; the unfaithful fear and tremble. Those who have oil in their lamps and have kept them trimmed and burning now have a light for their feet and they do not stumble or fall; those who have neither light nor oil are in perplexity and doubt; they know not what to do.” (Messages of the First Presidency, 3:36-37.)
President Taylor also said: “Those who have been careful to keep oil in their lamps, now have the needed light to guide them; and those who have been living in borrowed light, or in that furnished by others, may find themselves in perplexity and uncertain as to the path to pursue. For all these circumstances the Saints should be prepared. They have been faithfully taught and warned to not depend upon man or upon his strength to enable them to stand the trying day.” (Ibid, 3:17.)
From Brigham Young we can read: “I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purpose of God in their salvation,... Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.” (Journal of Discourses 9:150.)
Another time Brigham preached:“... you and I must have the testimony of Jesus within us, or it is of but little use for us to pretend to be servants of God. We must have that living witness within us. We need the light of the Holy Spirit continually, day by day, as you have been told hundreds of times. How easy it would be for your leaders to lead you to destruction, unless you actually knew the mind and will of the Spirit yourselves. That is your privilege.” (JD 4:368.)
And again he said: “I cannot be satisfied with myself, neither can I be satisfied with this people, unless they live in the enjoyment of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, having the testimony of Jesus within them. ... This is the only way for you to know that your leaders are leading you in the path that leads to heaven. Without taking this course, A PEOPLE OR A NATION IS LIABLE TO BE LEAD ASTRAY BY THEIR LEADERS, and thereby be prepared to be destroyed; but when the people understand for themselves — when they know and understand the things of God by the Spirit of revelation, they are not only satisfied but safe.” (JD 5:2.)
“I wish to impress upon the minds of the Saints the importance of so living that they will always know the voice of the Good Shepherd,” said Brigham. “... How often has it been taught that if you depend entirely upon the voice, judgment, and sagacity of those appointed to lead you, and NEGLECT to enjoy the Spirit for yourselves, how easily you may be led into error, and finally be cast off to the left hand?” (JD 8:59.)
About the Arm of Flesh
Only by receiving the light of Christ, through the Holy Ghost, can we be sure of not being deceived. It is NOT the following of another person, no matter who that person is or what lofty position that person may hold. Claiming to follow the Spirit, but in reality depending upon man for our guidance, is putting our trust in the arm of flesh which is contrary to the commandment of God: “The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh— (D&C 1:19; 2 Ne. 4:34.)
I want to re-quote here part of Joseph Smith’s statement just read above. He said, “Search the scriptures ... and ask your Heavenly Father ... to manifest the truth unto you, and ... He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” The Prophet Joseph DID NOT say search some publication of any church; he DID NOT say ask some ecclesiastic leader; he said “search the scriptures” and “ask your Heavenly Father.” That is what a true Prophet of God said. And after that he added, “You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” You see? It is only by searching the scriptures and praying to Father that we learn truth by way of the Holy Spirit. There is no other way to obtain a testimony of truth.
Once Jesus asked Peter who Peter thought He was. After Peter responded by saying, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The scriptures then say, “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 16:16-17.) It was not the “arm of flesh” that revealed the answer to Peter, not even Jesus, Himself, it was the Father through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit.
What is it we are promised by Moroni? “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (See Moroni 10:4-5.) It is not by the power or influence of any mortal man that we can know the truth of all things, but ONLY by the Holy Spirit.
Let us read again from the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: “... the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish church — that righteous persons could only deliver their own souls — applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall—that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy.” (TPJS, pp. 237-38.)
The Prophet Joseph said that if the people departed from the Lord and depended upon the Prophet they would become “darkened in their minds.” He said that they should not depend on any man or men, and that no one could deliver his own soul but himself. Now what duties were they neglecting? It was their duty to receive their own personal revelations through the Holy Spirit. Instead, they were depending on their leader which, in this case, was the Prophet Joseph Smith, himself. And from what the Prophet said here, it also seems that those who would not gain their own witnesses were envious of those who could, namely the innocent. Consequently, the innocent are enviously afflicted by those who have no personal witness.
The Wise & Unwise Virgins
The wise virgins remain uncompromising to the light and truth granted to them by God, through the Holy Spirit, no matter what others may think of them. The wise are not those who keep going back to that which is contrary to their belief system, or against the dictates of their conscience, or to the arm of flesh.
Jesus once said of Nathanael, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (John 1:47.) The word “guile” is a word that needs to be understood by the virgins. The New Testament word guile comes from the Greek word, dolos, meaning, “decoy,” “trick,” “delude,” “beguile,” “deceit,” etc.
When a person believes one way and acts in another, they are full of guile, trickery, and deceit. For example, if an individual truly does not believe that the President of the LDS Church is a prophet, seer or revelator, nor holds all the keys of the priesthood, and that same person, at the same time, qualifies for a temple recommend, that person is full of guile and hypocrisy. Let us also consider those who do not truly believe sufficiently to qualify for a recommend, but still pretends to be worthy and qualified so they can attend the temple with family and friends, and appear faithful in the sight of others. Are such people truly serving and glorifying God by such hypocrisy, having only a religion for SOCIAL convenience instead of one built upon faith and personal integrity? Here we will let God be the judge, but the individual knows their own intent.
Now there is nothing wrong with someone truly believing that the President of the LDS Church is a prophet, seer or revelator. But when a person does not, yet acts as though he or she does; that is hypocrisy, and that person is not without guile. When such people fail to raise their hand in opposition to those they know are not worthy of an office, but raise their hand to sustain anyway because of the fear of retaliation, that person is functioning in fear, and is not without guile. Such people are trying to trick the general membership and leaders into believing they are in favor of the action when they are not. Could some of these people be among those who will inherit the terrestrial kingdom because they were NOT valiant in their testimony? (See D&C 76:79.)
When the conscience of a person dictates one thing and they profess and act in another, they may be considered among the unwise virgins. They become untrue to others, to God, and themselves. Can such people truly be trusted by God or man? The Apostle, James. said, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8.)
When Jesus rebuked His disciple, Peter, He said: “... Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” Then, after reproving Peter, He taught: “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (See Mark 8:33-38.)
The wise virgins will NOT feel the need to rely upon family and friends for approval, their religious authorities for spiritual direction, nor their political leaders for moral judgment. The wise virgins will have the faith to cut those umbilical cords that supply artificial sustenance and rely, without exception, upon the Holy Spirit as their guide and lifeline to the Father. That does not mean that wise council should not be sought for among associates. It should. But final spiritual decisions should be based upon the dictates of one’s conscience, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, not solely upon the dictates of another’s opinions, regardless from whom those opinions come.
The unwise virgins, on the other hand, will have not the faith to do so; they will cling unceasingly to artificial intelligence as their means of approval and support. Jesus simply said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:21; 3 Ne. 13:21.) A treasure is simply that which we treasure most. To the extent that we treasure other things, people, or activities more than we treasure our covenants with the Lord and our devotion to Him, to that same degree our hearts will not be upon Him. President Spencer W. Kimball wrote some excellent words regarding this topic: “... we serve whom we love and give first consideration to the object of our affection and desires ... [which] indicates where ... allegiance and loyalty are.” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 41.)
Elder Orson F. Whitney once helped explain the nature of sin, which relates to this subject. Elder Whitney taught: “What is Sin?—Sin is the transgression of divine law. A man sins when he violates his conscience, going contrary to light and knowledge—not the light and knowledge that has come to his neighbor, but that which has come to himself. HE SINS WHEN HE DOES THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT HE KNOWS TO BE RIGHT.” (Saturday Night Thoughts, p. 225; Cowley and Whitney on Doctrine, pp. 435-36; TLDP: 631.)
The 144,000
Basically, there are only two scriptures that speak of the 144,000; they are found in Revelation 7:2-4, and D&C 7:11, that we shall be concerned with at this time. There are other verses that make reference to the 144,000. For instance we know that they will stand with the Lord on Mount Zion (Rev. 14:1; D&C 133: 18), and that they will sing a song before the Throne of God (Rev. 14:3). But these other verses have little bearing upon the subject at hand. And since the information given concerning these special sealed servants is sparse, whatever else we think we know is only conjecture at best. Some things, however, can be surmised by piecing together a few things that are given us in scripture. First, let’s review the relevant scriptures starting with Revelation seven, verses two through four.
2. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3. Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
4. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (See Rev. 7:2-4.)
After presenting what he did, John then points out, in verses five through eight, that there will be twelve thousand sealed-servants chosen from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, which will make up the hundred and forty-four thousand. Next, let’s consider the reference in the Doctrine and Covenants. This particular section is in a question-and-answer format.
11. Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel – twelve thousand out of every tribe?
11. A. We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn. (D&C 77:11.)
From these two sets of scriptures we learn the following things: 1) There are 144,000 servants to be sealed in their foreheads with the seal of the living God, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes, from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; 2) The 144,000 are to be ordained unto the holy order of God as high priests by an angel who has the sealing of the living God; 3) The 144,000 are to administer the everlasting gospel; and 4) The 144,000 are to bring as many as will come to the Church of the Firstborn.
The Ten Virgins and the 144,000
So what does all of this have to do with the parable of the ten virgins?
First off, the number ten, like in the Ten Virgins, represent one-tenth of those who claim to be followers of Christ. This represents a “tithing” of His people (D&C 64:23.). Yes the Lord did refer to the tithing of His people in that they are to pay “one-tenth of all their interest annually,” and that they were to be “tithed of their surplus properties.” (See D&C 119) However, as with many other teachings in scripture, there are metaphorical meanings a well. And it appears that speaking of the tithing of His people is representative by the parable of the Ten Virgins. And regarding those who have been tithed, the Lord said in D&C 64:23, “...he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.”
Now we know that the 144,000 will perform their work of “administering the everlasting gospel” before the Lord’s coming. What was it we read above? The angel from the east told the four angels to “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees,” UNTIL the 144,000 received the seal of the living God in their foreheads. This hurting of the earth and seas will be part of the burning and cleansing process of the dreadful day of the Lord — which may include the burning of those who have not been tithed. The work of the 144,000, therefore, must be completed BEFORE that great and dreadful day of the Lord.
This work of the 144,000 is to “bring as many AS WILL COME to the church of the Firstborn.” In other words, gather all of those of the Ten Virgins who are wise enough and ready, and who “WILL COME,” to the wedding feast of the Lord, when the Bridegroom comes to meet his bride, the Church of the Firstborn. The Ten Virgins are to be prepared for that great day. But only five of the ten will be ready, meaning: only half of those who are tithed will be gathered unto the Church of the Firstborn for the wedding feast. The other half, the unwise virgins, will not be ready and WILL NOT COME unto the Church of the Firstborn when invited by those special sealed servants.
What in the world would cause them Not to come? The answer is in the question — the things of this world. They have a testimony of Jesus, but the cares of the world, such as family cares, work obligations, religious duties, etc., hinder their spiritual progress.
Closing Thoughts
Obtaining the Holy Spirit, and preparing for the wedding feast, is listening to that Still Small Voice. Some try to ascertain the spirit by way of pendulums, crystals, divining rods, and other outward devices such as muscle-testing. Although such things may be useful in arriving at various objectives, they are not to be used for trying to find out the mind and will of God. Seeking to obtain the Spirit by such means is known as “channeling,” a type of sorcery. We must realize that the old devil uses such means to deceive. When we resort to these methods, because we do not trust our own ability to be in tune with the Spirt, then Satan uses these same ways to mislead. As stated above, leaning on others, or on outward devices, for our light and salvation, will not fill our lamps with needed oil. Only being in tune with that Still Small Voice, the Holy Spirit, can do that.
Likewise, many feel that just going to church meetings, paying tithes, attending the temple, or serving a mission is the oil for the lamps spoken of. That is NOT so! The unrighteous do such things as well, and they do so all the time. These are merely worldly, telestial, attempts at righteousness.
And strange as it may seem, there are people who want to believe that food storage, and other emergency items, constitute the oil. This is not true as we read in D&C 45. Food storage CAN be bought, borrowed, shared, and even stolen. No matter how logical one may be trying to justify this doctrine, or how adamant and intimidating they may become in defending it, the Lord’s word on the matter should be sufficient.
Having adequate food storage for the coming crises is good and wise counsel, especially if that counsel comes by way of the Holy Spirit, but food storage, in itself, is NOT the oil. I am sure that such spurious doctrine is allowed to exist so that the virgins can be proven to see who they will follow, the philosophies of man, as do the unwise virgins, or the Holy Spirit, as do the wise. The oil is the Holy Spirit. God provides the temporal necessities for us: manna for wandering Israel, a cruse of oil for the widow, seven loaves and a few fishes for the multitude of thousands, and so forth, but the light of Christ through the Spirit of God we must gather and receive for ourselves.
The wording in verse nine of this parable is confusing to some people. There it reads: “But the wise answered, saying, Lest there be not enough for us and you, go ye rather to them that sell, and BUY for yourselves.” Now the wise virgins had already paid the price for their oil; their oil was bought with the price of faith, obedience, and of proving valiant in their testimony of Christ. But the foolish were not willing to pay the price for their oil when they had the opportunity. So now, at the last hour, the foolish are told to go “buy” it for themselves. They were not to go out and purchase some commodity at a store, for the oil spoken of is simply a metaphor for oil which spiritually lights the way, as mentioned above. At this point, the opportunity for the foolish virgins to buy, or pay the price, is gone. “And while they went to buy [or why they were trying to repent and pay the price], the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut” (v. 10.)
The Spirit of God cannot be bought, borrowed, shared or stolen from another, nor can the recognition and acceptance of truth, which prevents deception. Obtaining the Holy Spirit, and the recognition of truth, are individual matters. We must seek and purchase them ourselves by paying the price, before the Bridegroom comes and shuts the door.
If the virgins are not careful, they could lose all that they had previously received. This could include the understanding of truth and light early granted to them. “For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.” (2 Ne. 28:30.) We also read in the Doctrine and Covenants: “And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have.” (D&C 60:3.)
Although a virgin might be pure in heart, we may not be very surprised when many good and righteous virgins become sorely disappointed because they were unwise and not valiant in their testimony of Christ. As D&C 76:79 points out, they just may become heirs of the terrestrial kingdom instead of the celestial.
We must heed the Lord’s counsel to us when He said, “Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord.” (D&C 133:10.) This preparation must consist of more than what President Benson once called, “casual membership in the Church” (Come Unto Christ, p. 115). We must be guided by the Spirit of God so we will not be deceived. The Savior has indicated who will stand when He appears: it is those who enjoy the Holy Spirit as their personal guide and WILL NOT trust in the arm of flesh and be mislead.
This little study, concerning oil for our lamps, is presented to aid the reader in considering his or her relationship to the Savior. As the reader, take a moment now and ask yourself and consider: Am I one of the wise virgins? Do I take the Holy Spirit, and only the Holy Spirit, for my guide? Am I deceived in believing what man has to say instead of relying on the Spirit of God for truth? Am I a chameleon who adapts my coloration to that of my surroundings, pretending to be one way when with some people and another when with others— being hypocritical in my personal life? Am I valiant in my testimony of Christ and with my understanding of truth? Is my life in harmony with my conscience? What do I lack in becoming one of the wise virgins?
At the day of the Lord’s coming, many virgins might cry, “Lord, have we not done many wonderful things in thy name”? And the Lord might say, “You do not know me; for you can only know me through the spirit of prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus as given by the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 7:21-23; Rev. 19:10; TPJS, p. 119.)
When we come unto Christ, we must come with our own oil in our lamps, staying steadfast to the light and truth granted by the Holy Spirit. May God bless us all to that end.
