Let’s take a look at this parable in (KJV)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins is one of Jesus Christ’s most powerful teachings on spiritual readiness, watchfulness, and faithfulness. It’s not about fear it is about preparation. It teaches believers the importance of keeping their lamps lit while waiting for the return of the Bridegroom.
The Parable According to Scripture
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.”
— Matthew 25:1 (KJV)
All ten virgins had lamps. All were invited. All were waiting. Yet only half were prepared.
“Five of them were wise, and five were foolish.”
— Matthew 25:2 (KJV)
The difference between the wise and the foolish was not appearance, invitation, or intention — it was oil.
What Does the Oil Represent?
The oil represents a living, active relationship with God obedience, faith, prayer, repentance, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Oil must be maintained daily; it cannot be borrowed or rushed at the last moment.
“They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them.”
— Matthew 25:3 (KJV)
This teaches us that religion without relationship leads to spiritual emptiness.
The Delay of the Bridegroom
“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.”
— Matthew 25:5 (KJV)
The delay represents the passage of time before Christ’s return. All believers grow weary at times, but only those who prepared beforehand were ready when the call came.
The Midnight Cry
“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”
— Matthew 25:6 (KJV)
Midnight symbolizes unexpected timing. Christ will return when many least expect it. At that moment, preparation will matter more than intention.
The Closed Door
“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.”
— Matthew 25:11–12 (KJV)
This is one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture. Knowledge of God is not the same as intimacy with God.
The Lesson Jesus Gives
“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
— Matthew 25:13 (KJV)
To keep your lamp lit means to live faithfully every day not waiting for signs but walking in obedience.
How Believers Keep Their Lamps Lit Today
- Daily prayer and communion with God
- Reading and obeying the Word of God (KJV)
- Repentance and humility
- Living a life of righteousness and faith
Keeping Your Lamp Lit: With oil (KJV) Keeping Your Lamp Lit: A Biblical Call to Faith and Readiness
In Scripture, keeping your lamp lit is a powerful symbol of spiritual readiness, and watchfulness. Jesus repeatedly warned His followers to stay awake, prepared, and filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. For believers today, keeping our lamps lit means living in daily obedience to God, remaining rooted in His Word, and walking in faith until Christ returns.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (KJV)
One of the clearest teachings on keeping your lamp lit is found in Matthew 25.
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” — Matthew 25:1 (KJV)
Five of the virgins were wise and brought oil for their lamps, while five were foolish and unprepared. When the bridegroom delayed, the foolish virgins found their lamps had gone out.
“They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them.” — Matthew 25:3 (KJV)
This parable teaches us that faith cannot be borrowed. Each believer must personally maintain their relationship with God. Keeping your lamp lit requires continual spiritual attention, not last-minute effort.
What Does the Oil Represent?
The oil represents the Holy Spirit, obedience, prayer, faith, and a living relationship with God. Oil does not appear overnight; it is gathered daily through time spent in God’s presence.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Without the Word of God, our lamps grow dim. Bible study, prayer, repentance, and righteous living keep our spiritual light burning bright.
Examples of Lamps Being Kept Lit in Scripture
1. The Faithfulness of the Priests
“And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.” — Exodus 27:20 (KJV)
The lamp in the tabernacle was never allowed to go out. This teaches us that God desires continual devotion, not occasional worship.
2. Watchfulness and Readiness
“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” — Matthew 25:13 (KJV)
Keeping your lamp lit means living with expectation not fear, but readiness. Our daily choices reflect whether we are truly watching for Christ’s return.
How to Keep Your Lamp Lit Today
- Daily prayer — staying connected to God
- Reading the Bible (KJV) — feeding your spirit
- Repentance and humility — keeping your heart clean
- Obedience — walking according to God’s commands
- Faith in action — living out what you believe
“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning.” — Luke 12:35 (KJV)
This verse reminds us that faith is active. A burning lamp reflects a believer who is alert, prepared, and faithful.
Why Keeping Your Lamp Lit Matters
When Christ returns, He will not ask how long we waited, but whether we were faithful. A lit lamp represents perseverance, truth, and endurance.
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” — Matthew 5:14 (KJV)
Believers are called to shine in a dark world. When our lamps are lit, others see God’s light through us.
Final Encouragement
Now is the time to examine your lamp. Is it burning brightly? Or has it grown dim? God is calling His people to rise, remain faithful, and keep their lamps lit until the Bridegroom comes.
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.” — Isaiah 60:1 (KJV)
Stay ready. Stay faithful. Keep your lamp lit.


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