MATTHEW 25:1-13, C. H. Cayce Several parties have asked our views on Matt. 25:1-1, which is the parable of the ten virgins. There is a difference among the brethren concerning the teaching of this parable, and we cannot understand why brethren insist on having differences discussed, when those differences are not vital. One brother has written us rather harshly because we have not replied to his request on this Scripture as he thought we should. We would like for him, and some others, to occupy our position a little while. They might then be in a position to exercise a little more patience.
Now, we will give just a few of our thoughts in connection with this parable. We do not set up our views as standard; neither are we going to allow any discussion of differences in our columns. Controversies tend to widen differences, for a wrong spirit is nearly always manifested.
The word then, the first word in the chapter, is used here in the sense of therefore. It denotes a reason; for this reason “shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins.”
The kingdom of heaven is likened unto ten virgins, not likened unto five virgins. Five of the virgins were wise and five of them were foolish; and the kingdom of heaven was likened unto all of the ten. They all slumbered and slept— both the wise and the foolish. At midnight the cry was made, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh.” Midnight denotes a time of darkness, and all were slumbering. So, at the closing out of the law dispensation, at the time of the coming of Christ into the world, it was a time of darkness— gross darkness— and all were slumbering.
The foolish said, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out”— or, “our lamps are going out.” Their lamps had been burning once; but they are going out now. There was a light in law worship and law service in the law dispensation; but as the law dispensation is going out, the light of that worship and service is also going out. The light was only a borrowed light, it is true; but it was needed then. In the night time, we need the light of the moon, which is a borrowed light; but when the day has come, arid the sun has risen, the light of the moon is not needed, and goes out. The day of gospel worship has now come; the sun of gospel light is shining; the light of law worship is no longer needed, and it has gone out.”
But the wise said, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” We do not presume that the wise virgins would tell the foolish ones to go and buy that which was necessary for them to have in order that they have a home in heaven. The grace of God in the eternal salvation of poor sinners is not for sale. If it is, we cannot imagine who keeps a supply on hand for sale. But there is something for sale without money [pg 285] and without price. See Isa. 55:1-2: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” This language was addressed to Israel, the Lord’s children. There was something they could buy; but they could not buy redemption or regeneration. Again, Rev. 3:18: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”
This language was for the church at Laodicea! They were the people of God. There was something for them to buy; and they could buy it in no other way than in rendering the service to the Lord which He required of them, and in being diligent in the same. The Lord does not require law worship or service; but He requires gospel worship and service. The light of law worship and law service has gone out.
“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.” The readiness here, we think, is the engaging in the gospel worship and service. The door is shut on law worship and law service. That is closed out. It is not admitted in the gospel kingdom or church of Christ. The Lord has closed the door against that, and no man has the power or authority to open the door and admit law worship and law service into the church.
“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.” He does not recognize law service. The light of that service has gone out. He now requires gospel service. Law worship and law service is not acceptable to Him. Those who engage in that kind of service are not recognized by Him. He will not receive them or their service. If the church engages in it, the candlestick will be removed.
“Watch therefore.” For the reason that all this is true, we should watch. How necessary it is that we watch, and not engage in law worship and law service. If we do engage in such, we may be assured of the fact that the Lord will not recognize it, and that He will not receive us into the manifestation of His presence here. “For ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” He comes in the manifestation of His Spirit often; we know not when He will thus come. We should be diligent in rendering the service He requires, so we may be ready for Him when He does thus come. “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”— Rev. 22:12. He comes quickly, or often.
The final and great lesson taught in the parable is that we should watch. It teaches the necessity of doing this. The reason for doing this is that the law dispensation is at an end, and the light of the law worship and law service was going out. Hence, the great lesson taught is the closing out of the law dispensation, law worship and service, and the ushering in of the gospel dispensation, gospel worship and service. The Primitive Baptist, November 10, 1914.