25:6Matthew 25:6

At midnight after a delay a sudden cry announces that the bridegroom is approaching and calls the waiting virgins to go out to meet him with their lamps and join the procession to the feast.COL 405.1+2 It portrays the church of professed Christians living just before the second coming, divided into wise and foolish though all appear to watch with lamps of Scripture knowledge and profession.Ms 79, 1897, par. 3–4+4 The oil that distinguishes them is the Holy Spirit, the grace and righteousness of Christ that alone keeps the lamp of the Word burning, purifies the soul and forms a character that cannot be borrowed or transferred.Lt 25, 1895, par. 4+4 In its special fulfillment the midnight cry was proclaimed in the summer of 1844, midway between the spring expectation and the autumn understanding of the end of the 2300 days, announcing the Bridegroom's coming on the tenth day of the seventh month and awakening believers to repentance, consecration and separation.LS 97.2–100.2+4 That coming was Christ's coming as High Priest to the Most Holy Place to be brought before the Ancient of Days and receive His kingdom, distinct from His later second advent to earth in glory, and it calls all to watch, pray, work and keep lamps trimmed and burning lest the door be shut and they be left outside unknown.GC 425.3–426.1+4

The arrival takes place at midnight, after a delay, when a sudden cry announces that the bridegroom is coming and calls the waiting virgins to go out to meet him.COL 405.1+3 The cry awakens those who have fallen asleep while waiting and prompts them to prepare their lamps to join the approaching torchlight procession with music.Ms 144, 1898, par. 2–4+4 It comes at the darkest hour, when lamps are most needed, and wakes both the prepared and the unprepared to readiness for entering the wedding.COL 405.1+3

It reflects an evening Jewish wedding custom in which the bridegroom goes to meet the bride and bring her from her father's house to his own house, where supper is prepared for the guests.Ms 126, 1903, par. 1–4+1 A company of invited guests waits at the bride's house for his appearance, and as he approaches the cry goes forth to go out to meet him.Ms 126, 1903, par. 1–4+1 The bride, clothed in pure white with her head encircled with flowers, receives the bridegroom, and then all go with him by torchlight with singing and instruments of music in procession to his house where the feast is provided.Ms 126, 1903, par. 1–4 The whole action conveys truths about Christ's second coming.ST Aug 6, 1894

The story belongs to the discourse in Matthew 24 and 25, in the parable of the ten virgins, told to the disciples while looking upon a party waiting for the bridegroom.ST Nov 20, 1884+2 Its midnight announcement and call to go out to meet him portray the condition and experience of the church that shall live just before Christ's second coming.Ms 79, 1897, par. 3–4+1 In that setting it presents the duty of being ready, waiting, and watching for Jesus' second coming.ST Nov 20, 1884

Midnight, the darkest hour, means Christ will come in the darkest period of earth's history.COL 414.3–415.2+1 That darkness is the rapidly increasing darkness of multitudinous errors, heresies, and delusions of the last days, when Satan works with all power and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, leading the world captive and leavening the professed churches, until the great apostasy develops into darkness deep as midnight, impenetrable as sackcloth of hair.COL 414.3–415.2 The condition of the world at that time is pictured by the days of Noah and Lot just before the coming of the Son of man.COL 414.3–415.2+1 To God's people it will be a night of trial, a night of weeping, a night of persecution and sorrow for the truth's sake, but out of that night of darkness God's light will shine as His word goes forth, Let there be light, and His glory is seen upon His people.COL 414.3–415.2+1

The midnight announcement is of the bridegroom coming with angels marching through the air singing of the great day of wrath.Lt 14, 1850, par. 6–9 The sleeping virgins are those who profess to be with believers who heard that His coming and the day of wrath was very soon, but because time went on a little longer than expected they lost interest, stupidity crept over them, and they slumber never to awake again.Lt 14, 1850, par. 6–9 So they miss the angels and the changing of the saints' garments to meet in the air, showing the need now to watch with doubled diligence to make calling and election sure in order to stand and meet Him.Lt 14, 1850, par. 6–9

Going out to meet the bridegroom is the Advent movement under the first angel's message proclaiming Christ's soon coming in the clouds, preached to the whole world, with believers compelled to leave the churches because of that preaching, while the tarrying is the passing of the expected time with disappointment and delay.GC88 393.1–394.1+4 The same cry after the delay, when lamps are most needed, is the proclamation of the second coming under the first and second angels' messages to be heard throughout the world.16MR 267.3

The midnight cry was proclaimed in the summer of 1844, midway between the spring date first expected for the end of the 2300 days and the autumn date later understood as correct.GC 398.3–4+3 The correction followed discovery that the 2300 years reckoned from autumn 457 B.C., when Artaxerxes' decree to restore Jerusalem took effect, ended in autumn 1844 rather than 1843 or spring 1844.GC 398.3–4+2 The sequence of waiting and sleep followed by the cry accorded with the prophetic and sanctuary-type arguments pointing to autumn 1844 as the cleansing of the sanctuary, and thousands heralded the cry.GC88 398.4–400.1

In its 1844 application the cry was the true final alarm distinct from the earlier preliminary warning, announcing Christ's expected personal return on the tenth day of the seventh month in October, supported by types and signs of the times.LS 97.2–100.2+2 It called sleeping professed believers, wise and foolish alike, to wake and act on definite time, renewing the call to readiness, rekindling hope, and testing faith lest they be lost.LS 97.2–100.2+1 Proclaimed with great power in autumn 1844 as definite time, it united believers in hope and faith and did not produce fanaticism, but fanaticism, extreme holiness claims, and divisions arising in summer when there was no definite time subsided before it.LS 93.1–94.2

The delay illustrates the interval after the expected time passed when believers remained persuaded Christ was near but lost zeal and devotion and slumbered like the virgins while waiting.LS 83.3–84.1 When the expected time passed and they remained on earth they were disappointed, yet the disappointment and apparent delay tested and strengthened the sincere, who then earnestly studied the prophetic periods and discovered their error.LS 186.3–187.1+1

The seventh-month awakening fulfilled the virgins rising to trim lamps, awakening those comparatively asleep about Christ's coming to embrace definite time.LS 104.1–105.1 It stirred the waiting people to prepare to meet the Lord through heart-searching, repentance, confession, prayer, love, obedience, separation from worldly concerns, consecration, and joyful expectation.LS 104.1–105.1+3 It also produced pity and anxiety for those in discouragement with no hope, and united believers in earnest prayer for true inward experience and unmistakable evidence of acceptance with God, amid scorn and opposition from formal churches that shut out hope of His soon coming.ST Mar 30, 1876+1

The cry was proclaimed widely with light from heaven and with light in every part of the land, from cities and villages to remote country regions, to learned and talented as well as obscure and humble alike, arousing thousands to glad expectation and happiness.CET 50.4+3 It moved hearers deeply so many requested prayer, and it swept fanaticism from eastern Maine.LS 106.1 Earlier summer fanaticism, extreme holiness claims, and divisions subsided before the autumn message of definite time.LS 93.1–94.2

Given near the close of the second angel's message that Babylon is fallen, the cry gave power to that message, awakening discouraged believers and preparing them for their work.EW 200.3–201.1+2 Angels aroused discouraged believers, and humble devoted people moved by angels carried it through the power of the Holy Spirit rather than human learning or status, with the most spiritual receiving it first while some former leaders were last.EW 200.3–201.1+1 Those aroused arose and trimmed lamps by studying Scripture with new intensity and going out to warn others, with a power moving hearts beyond argument, even moving skeptical comers, and its proclamation was accompanied by many leaving the churches and a large departure from fallen churches.4SP 250.2+2

Its power lay not in reasons, proofs, or learning but in the Spirit of God attending its bare words.Ms 12, 1893, par. 19–21+1 Even when repeated by a poor foolish man unable to give any reason, it convicted the learned, bringing pomp and pride to confession on the knees, showing God sends the simple to humble the wise and transform character by God alone, not human wisdom.Ms 12, 1893, par. 19–21+1

The message revived disappointed believers, gave light amid spiritual darkness, turned despair toward heaven with gratitude and holy joy and longing for Jesus' appearing, and prepared them to understand the second angel's message and an important move in heaven.EW 210.1–2+1 Those rejecting the first message lost light of the second and could not share its glory, while those cherishing it kept eyes on Jesus, waited, watched, prayed, separated from rejecters, gave up worldly interests, searched out error and Scripture to cast off inherited errors, kept the commandments, and Satan could not deprive them of it.SG1 155.2+3

The midnight cry is a bright light set behind the Advent people at the beginning of their path to the City after 1844, shining along the path to guide feet so they do not stumble, to be held fast by faith while waiting patiently with eyes on Jesus who leads.WLF 14.2+4 Denying God's leading by it leaves people in darkness, losing sight of Jesus and the goal, stumbling and falling from the path.WLF 14.2+3

Its proclamation together with the first angel's message directly restrained fanaticism and division.GC 397.1–398.2+2 Those joining it were united in love for one another and for Jesus, with shared faith and hope of soon seeing Him, shielding them from human influence and Satan's attacks.GC 397.1–398.2+2

The 1844 midnight cry provides the pattern for the later call to come out of Babylon, which joins the third angel's message as an added warning before Babylon's judgment, just as the midnight cry joined the second angel's message.SG1 194.1+1 That final proclamation with the third message will be given with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry, to call sincere people out of fallen religious bodies to join those looking for the Lord and keeping God's commandments.SG1 195.1+1

The cry was finished at the seventh month of 1844, when Jesus completed mediation in the Holy Place and passed within the second veil into the Most Holy Place.ExVEGW 25.2+1 It belongs to the closing events of the shut door, the soon ending of work between God and humanity, and the sealing.LS 121.4–6+1 Christians dying before that change without keeping the true Sabbath had not received its light or faced its test, and rest in hope, which does not show the Sabbath is not a test now.ExVEGW 25.2+1 Before understanding Christ's continuing ministry, those holding fast took the shut door to mean probation closed for sinners, but later light showed He closed one ministration and opened another and still pleads His blood for sinners.LS 121.4–6

Portland believers had given up the midnight cry and regarded the seventh-month experience as past, but the vision showed abandonment to be error, whereupon about sixty acknowledged it as God's work.WLF 22.3–6 Those going forth in 1844 could afterward be deceived by false shepherds until not knowing where they were or what they believed, including believers expecting Christ in the seventh month in 1845 who were disappointed, while some deceived ones are now coming out upon truth together with others who never heard Advent doctrine.Lt 4, 1850, par. 4+2

The midnight cry came suddenly, and the latter rain will come as suddenly with ten times its power, showing the Lord's coming is not far off.Ms 4, 1852, par. 1

The coming of the bridegroom to the marriage is the coming of Christ as High Priest into the most holy place to cleanse the sanctuary, His coming before the Ancient of Days and to His temple to receive His kingdom, and it is distinct from His second advent to earth to execute judgment and deliver His people.GC 425.3–426.1+3

The cry announcing that coming was proclaimed in the summer and autumn of 1844 and led thousands to expect an immediate advent to earth, but at the appointed time the Bridegroom came not to earth but to the Ancient of Days in heaven to receive His kingdom, and that coming to the marriage takes place before the marriage itself, which represents the reception of the kingdom.GC 426.2–427.2+2 Those who go out to meet Him symbolize the church following Christ by faith as He enters before God to begin His final work of mediation in the heavenly sanctuary, and those who accept the scriptural truths about that ministry and follow Him by faith are represented as going in to the marriage, while the unprepared are shut out.GC 426.2–427.2+2 The bride represents the New Jerusalem while God's people are guests at the marriage supper, the wise are those prepared with God's Spirit and grace who patiently searched the Scriptures through trial and joyfully waited, and the foolish are those who had only a theory of truth and lacked grace.GC 426.2–427.2+1

The announcement depicts Jesus rising from His mediatorial throne and leaving to go to the Father to receive the kingdom, including on the tenth day of the seventh month, marking a change in His position and work as the great High Priest in heaven in relation to the marriage of the Lamb, which takes place in heaven before His return because He returns from the wedding.EW 46.1+3 This heavenly coming is connected with the shut-door teaching, and those waiting are told to keep their garments spotless because He will return from the wedding to receive them while He ministers before the Father.EW 46.1+3

Going out to meet the Bridegroom will also take place at Christ's second coming with power and great glory, with His own glory and His Father's glory and with all the holy angels, when to those who go out is given the call to arise and shine because light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon them.COL 421.1+3 While the world is plunged in darkness there will be light in every dwelling of the saints, and they will catch the first light of His appearing, rejoicing that redemption is near and welcoming Him as the God for whom they waited.COL 421.1+3 They will rejoice in the undimmed rays of the brightness and glory of the King in His majesty while the wicked flee from His presence, and Christ the Redeemer will be admired by all who served Him, because to His faithful followers He has been a daily companion and familiar friend in close contact and constant communion with God, with heaven in their hearts preparing them for the communion of heaven.COL 420.3+1

The delay after the announcement gives the world time to hear the final message of mercy, and readiness required receiving the further light of the third angel's message as the last testing message to the world.16MR 269.3+1 Many who went out to meet the Bridegroom under the first and second angels' messages refused that further light, and like the foolish virgins they were not prepared to join the company ready for His coming, for nominal faith without the oil of grace is not enough to enter the marriage supper of the Lamb.16MR 269.3+1

The verse points to the coming of Christ in power and glory with the final separation of the righteous and the wicked, when the oil of grace and a formed character cannot be transferred from another or acquired in time.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 12–16 The wise are identified by obedience to God's commandments, while those who heard the warning but refused obedience are excluded from His kingdom, so readiness must be secured before the judgment when each receives a permanent place.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 12–16 The cry announcing the Bridegroom is the second message given to prepare people to enter by faith with Jesus into the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary, which those rejecting the earlier messages could not benefit from.SG1 171.1

The ten are the professed church watching in the evening of earth's history for the Lord's appearing, earnestly seeking to be acknowledged as the Lamb's wife, roused by the midnight call to go out to meet the bridegroom after his tarrying when all have slept.Ms 72, 1895, par. 1–2+4 They are all professed believers, a watching party divided between real Christians who have life in themselves and spurious professors who lack the oil of grace.Ms 72, 1895, par. 1–2 The oil in the vessels of the wise is an unseen principle, open communion with God, and that character alone which gives entrance to the marriage supper and marks those whom the Lord knows.Ms 72, 1895, par. 1–2 Possession of the Word is a personal privilege and personal invitation to the gospel feast creating personal responsibility for personal faith, and neither birth nor descent nor church membership saves, but only visible connection with God through faith working by love, showing true preference, firm reliance, entire willing obedience and consecration, securing complete identification and oneness of life, feelings, desires and interests with Christ.Ms 72, 1895, par. 1–2

All claim a name, a call, a lamp and profession of doing God's service, and all appear watching and prepared, having lamps and vessels meaning knowledge of Scripture and having heard the message of Christ's soon approach and confidently expecting His appearing, so that for a time no difference is seen.16MR 270.3–271.2+2 Outwardly they may look alike, so people cannot reliably tell wise from foolish, for appearances can hide an unrighteous heart, but fruits reveal character and angels distinguish without error, while the wise are known by the light of good works and readiness.16MR 270.3–271.2+1 The waiting tries faith, and when the announcement comes many are found unready because destitute of the Holy Spirit, for readiness is genuine Christianity blending working, waiting, watching and praying, with the soul constantly supplied with grace and increasing in power, not idle expectancy nor bustle to the neglect of piety.RH Jan 21, 1902 Their coexistence does not mean God has no church, though some have lamps but no oil.ST Oct 23, 1879

They are divided five wise and five foolish, showing about half ready and half unready, and only a small number have more than theory.Lt 86, 1895, par. 2+2 Many with great light, opportunities and privileges think theoretical knowledge is all that is required and are not doers of the Word, but such knowledge is not enough.Lt 86, 1895, par. 2+1 Mere assent that the Bible is true is not enough; readiness requires eating Christ's flesh and drinking His blood, receiving His words as spirit and life, practicing the truth, diffusing every ray to others, and digging deeper instead of burying it like the buried talent.Ms 9, 1891, par. 10–12+1 Being wise means not trusting theory but having grace so the lamp shines and the world takes knowledge of fellowship with Jesus, while the midnight division comes as Satan watches for an unguarded moment to possess the mind, hiding his intelligence as a former angel of light to lead the self-trusting to correct Scripture and bring high-place infidelity, so believers must neither be ignorant of his devices nor be overpowered.Ms 11, 1893, par. 9 The contrast warns against mere profession, for readiness requires what the foolish lack.21MR 61.6

The parable concerns not open sinners making no profession, but those claiming to be God's children, church members and Christians, without practicing it.Ms 144, 1898, par. 7 It exposes a class with no burden for souls, who do not deny self nor lift Christ's cross, who seek enjoyment with the world, wear a mask, refuse authority, and by worldly principles do great harm and seduce many, against whom stand Christians in deed and truth who live and work to restore God's moral image and convince all classes that consecrated life is power for good while sin ends only in weakness and ruin.Ms 144, 1898, par. 7 The foolish are religionists suiting worldly men who want no light, one in spirit with those never letting light shine in truthful words and holy deeds, while the wise truly serve God by steady heavenward progress and by helping fellow servants serve with whole mind, heart, soul and strength, their vessels well filled.Ms 144, 1898, par. 8 Their empty vessels mean unconverted members claiming truth yet unchanged, living for self instead of saving the perishing, unable to keep lamps replenished because they have not taken Christ as Counselor, nor walked in His Word's light, nor come under His yoke, but worked their own way and made light darkness by walking in sparks of their own kindling instead of sacred fire, and therefore hear I know you not.Ms 144, 1898, par. 9 They are half with Christ and half with the world, and indolence, carelessness, frivolity and indifference deaden truth's force, let Satan enter with specious temptations to work his will and lead them from their Leader, classing them with the foolish.Ms 7, 1898, par. 32

The sleeping and foolish are cold, spiritually senseless, dead and waning in piety, with lamps but no oil, though having received great light and knowledge, and are unprepared for the coming crisis and final conflict.ST2 22.5+4 In contrast God's people who are spiritually alive receive new life, light, life and power from above as the conflict approaches, and must recognize and receive the Holy Spirit and work for others' salvation rather than rely on human inventions.STA 77.3–4+2 Some who have not resisted heaven's light will accept truth even at the eleventh hour, while those given great light and opportunity who fail to live by it will lose their light and their lamps go out for lack of grace.RCOC 123.3+1 Having lamps is not enough; professors must awake and be spiritually ready.Lt 36, 1890, par. 23–24

The wise are those in whom God's transforming power works, their hearts filled with grace and increasing desire for peace and joy.Lt 117, 1901, par. 4+2 Christ gave His life to make it possible for all to be wise, partakers of the divine nature, complete in Him, perfect, without spot and blameless, placing humanity on vantage ground before heaven and the fallen world, yet becoming wise requires personal responsibility, cooperation and earnest striving.Ms 92a, 1898, par. 29–32 It requires living faith taking the Word into the heart rather than merely hearing and agreeing.16MR 272.1 It means perfected character by washing robes white in the Lamb's blood, remembering how they received and heard, holding fast, repenting and watching so as not to be overtaken as by a thief, and those undefiled walking with Christ in white as worthy overcomers clothed in white, never blotted from the book of life but confessed before the Father and angels.Ms 92a, 1898, par. 28

In the evening of history all profess to serve God and await His appearing, but five are unready and will be surprised and dismayed outside the banquet with the door shut.16MR 274.2+2 Outward profession and apparent readiness do not ensure preparation, and assuming promises belong to them without living as Christ enjoins is most perilous; mere profession is nothing.16MR 274.2+1 At the final day they claim admission by eating and drinking in His presence, prophesying, casting out devils and wonderful works, but are answered I know you not, because in this life they never entered fellowship with Christ, do not know heaven's language, are strangers to its joy, and are shut out by unfitness for its companionship.COL 412.2–413.1 Readiness means eating His flesh and drinking His blood to have part with Him, denying self daily and taking the cross, doing and teaching even the least commandments with righteousness exceeding scribes and Pharisees, in the lifetime work of sanctification.Ms 92a, 1898, par. 33–35

There is a present division in these last days into five wise and five foolish, warning those claiming truth not to weave in false theories nor praise those whose work tramples the seventh day, exalts Sunday, voids Jehovah's law and oppresses commandment-keepers.Lt 60, 1898, par. 8–13 The unwise warn the church in Battle Creek of a like future if it fails to awake to its responsibilities.Lt 237, 1899, par. 21–22 Knowing Bible truth or holding a teaching position does not make one ready, for the foolish are unfit to enter the marriage supper, and readiness requires transformed character.Ms 92a, 1898, par. 33–35+1 The foolish with lamps but no oil are professed believers who knew God but did not worship Him as God, with self in perverted attributes hardening the heart and shutting Jesus out so He cannot enter and abide, leaving them to die greater sinners than before belief, many unconverted, hard-hearted, unappreciative and blinded by self-indulgence.5T 104.4+2 Outward profession without readiness leaves them unprepared and calls for mercy and rescue before perishing with the wicked.5T 104.4

The oil is the Holy Spirit and the grace of Christ, His righteousness and holy grace from heaven that sustains the lamp to show the way in darkness, working by love, purifying the soul, and nourishing daily faith, love and patience.Lt 94, 1898, par. 10–15+4 All who profess to wait have lamps and vessels meaning knowledge of Scripture and the message of His near coming, but without the Spirit that knowledge cannot quicken, sanctify or distinguish truth from error.Ms 77, 1908, par. 8–10+4 Knowing theory of truth, even theory of the third angel's message, is not enough, for readiness requires grace in the heart sustaining living faith and making the light of life shine to those in darkness.CH 128.3+4 The midnight announcement surprises the unready and exposes that preparation cannot be obtained then, for it is too late to form character fit to join the procession when probation has ended and the door is closed.Lt 25, 1895, par. 4+4

Lamps are the word of God as light to the path, and the oil is the holy oil of Zechariah emptied from the two olive trees and branches, the two anointed ones standing by the Lord, through golden pipes into prepared vessels.Lt 94, 1898, par. 10–15+4 From holy ones in God's presence the Spirit is imparted through the two anointed ones to consecrated workers and churches to make the word a lamp and a light, for it is not by might nor power but by God's Spirit.Lt 94, 1898, par. 10–15+4 That oil cannot be communicated from one person to another, and each must prepare by humbleness of mind, by taking Christ's yoke and learning of Him, by being placed in right relation to God and trusting Him for success.Lt 94, 1898, par. 10–15+4 It is the strength of every child of God and of the church in every age, the only power that can heal, received into clean, pure, sanctified souls prepared to receive it.Lt 94, 1898, par. 10–15+4

The wise have bright burning lamps showing living connection with Christ, keeping shining through the night to honor the bridegroom and light his way home to the feast.Lt 25, 1895, par. 4+4 Likewise followers transformed by the Word through the Spirit form God's character, glorify God, sustain witness to seek the lost, and point the way to the city of God and marriage supper of the Lamb.Lt 25, 1895, par. 4+4 Those who ask receive needed grace, while those without the Spirit's influence are not ready to answer the call and their work lacks the power of a godly example.CH 128.3+4

The foolish have the lamp, outward form of truth, Bibles and profession appearing like the wise, but lack oil so lamps burn dimly or go out showing faith, love and knowledge have left.Lt 84, 1895, par. 17–18+4 A lamp without oil is outward profession without grace that makes it burn, meaning shallowness, heart without moral restoration, destitution of faith and love, and inability to discern clear light, borrow character, or join the procession.Lt 84, 1895, par. 17–18+4 They have outward garment and lamp but are destitute of vital principles of truth, having hidden light and mingled with the world, and one Christian cannot give another the character needed to meet the bridegroom.Lt 84, 1895, par. 17–18+4

The foolish picture ministers spiritually unprepared who though having many opportunities lack oil, do not take truth into life and cannot impart it, exert no powerful influence by works as well as theories, and if persisting should be removed.STBk 9.1+4 Ministers and all awaiting Christ must have living faith working by love purifying the soul, giving up wrong ideas and faults of character, receiving Christ's righteousness, feeling the Spirit's acceptance a positive necessity, practicing life-giving truth that makes wise unto salvation.STBk 9.1+4 Obeying the teaching of the Bible with God's commandments in the heart and in daily conduct makes men pure and keeps them pure.STBk 9.1+4

The foolish are busy and active in God's work yet show false religion because they do not practice teachings daily or display meekness, lowliness, gentleness, tenderness, sympathy and love.STBk 9.1+4 Oil is grace practiced daily manifest in those traits and divine purpose, Bible religion means far more than activity, and failure to realize accountability for talents to bless others by opening truth is their foolishness.STBk 9.1+4 Everyone is entrusted with talents and has sacred responsibility with a day of trust and day of reckoning, for knowledge of truth unsanctified through truth leaves many among the foolish.Lt 94, 1898, par. 10–15+4

A coming night will expose costly new lamps preferred to the old-fashioned lamp as destitute of oil, where people weary of the old Book trust human power, mingle human with sacred and kindle common fire.Lt 173, 1898, par. 5–10+4 The honest will discern pure golden oil from olive branches versus spurious article and cry to return to the old Lamp, for the Bible alone is pure truth outshining inventions and showing things to come to those walking humbly in obedience.Lt 173, 1898, par. 5–10+4 Speculative beliefs without its spiritual light leave a lamp without oil.Lt 173, 1898, par. 5–10+4

Oil is faith kept alive by ordinances of grace and Christ's mediation illuminating understanding and warming the heart through instrumentalities God employs.Lt 94, 1898, par. 10–15+4 To have no oil is to deem ordinances not vital, feel no need of mediation, make much of science and inherent human powers, fail to exalt God, wander in skepticism, walk in sparks of own kindling, and let the spark of faith die.Ms 77, 1908, par. 8–10+4

Character is not transferable, so the wise could not give experience to the foolish seeking from others what they neglected; each must form character through the Spirit and faith, with grace personally possessed and grown by prayer nourished into knowledge.Lt 114, 1895, par. 5–6+4 That grace cannot be borrowed in test and trial nor supplied in the moment but must be gathered beforehand by faithfulness in little things, restraining thoughts, regulating words by God's law and training affections.Lt 114, 1895, par. 5–6+4 One cannot act in crisis on principles never practiced and an undisciplined nature will fail when habit crosses inclination, leaving scarred life, no delight in heart service, and danger of a blotted name.Lt 114, 1895, par. 5–6+4 Church membership, prayers, exhortation and good advice cannot make up for lack of personal commitment, and without oil of grace there is no power to discern clear light or join the procession into the marriage supper.Lt 114, 1895, par. 5–6+4

Lamps represent God's remnant people and oil represents truth and heavenly love constantly needed, while those supplying lamps represent God's servants laboring in the harvest.1T 598.1+4 Oil in vessels with lamps is grace needed before the decisive moment, experience gained by developing Christlike traits with daily conduct forming character fit to join overcomers through the Lamb's blood.Lt 114, 1895, par. 5–6+4 Readiness requires resisting temptation, overcoming sin, cultivating strength, and when truth is enthroned awakening thought, arousing conscience, adorning character and renewing nature.Lt 114, 1895, par. 5–6+4

The bride represents the New Jerusalem while God's people are guests, and readiness includes the white robe of Christ's righteousness and wedding garment.14MR 122.2–123.1+4 Those letting worldly pleasures or over-engagement in business distract from the Lamb's supper may be left unfit when sickness or death comes, and the foolish without oil are the same class as the man without the garment expecting to share while unprepared.14MR 122.2–123.1+4 Many expect to share the marriage supper while unprepared, but people must discern danger and be ready for the King.14MR 122.2–123.1+4

Luther exemplifies the lamp imagery, who while hidden filled his lamp with truth so he could shine more brightly at the proper time.Lt 173, 1898, par. 5–10+4 Oil is grace held in conscious and unconscious influence received by open heart through sanctification by truth, shown by words and positive testimony revealing light to shine to others and draw souls to examine truth.Lt 94, 1898, par. 10–15+4 It is received by adorning doctrine with changed life, being doers not hearers, hiding self in Christ, refusing unbelief, and moving in unity with Christ's mind whereupon darkness melts and work advances.Lt 94, 1898, par. 10–15+4

Having oil marks readiness described as not condemning God's works or rejecting warnings and reproofs but bringing religion to the Bible standard, standing separate from the world in mind and judgment, choosing the Lord's way, contending for faith, keeping Christ's character before the soul and striving for perfection in warfare against passion.Ms 38, 1893, par. 13–15+4 It prevents friction and keeps unity, enables discovery of wonders in the Word through humble searching overcoming defects, and in the home circle drawn from God's full love through communion makes the heart a reservoir strengthening and purifying affection and bringing thoughts captive to Christ.Ms 38, 1893, par. 13–15+4 The lamp must be kept constantly replenished so light does not go out in family life as well as individually, with hope, sympathy and brotherly love flowing in words and actions.Ms 38, 1893, par. 13–15+4 Sabbath school teachers are to have the oil of grace in vessels with lamps.Ms 38, 1893, par. 13–15+4

The cry exposes who is prepared and gives the foolish no time to make up neglect, for waking then to fill an empty lamp is too late.Lt 25, 1895, par. 4+4 Fitness to meet Christ and share heaven's companionship requires keeping Christ in the life now through fellowship with Him and the Spirit, since the oil is God's grace in the heart and the Spirit and grace of Christ sustaining the lamp in living faith and good works to shine to those in darkness.Lt 25, 1895, par. 4+4 Knowing the theory of truth, even the theory of the third angel's message, is not enough, for many have the outward garment and lamp, the form of truth and profession, yet are destitute of vital principles, without the oil of grace in vessels with lamps, so their lamps burn dimly or go out and their work lacks the power of godly example.CH 128.3+4 The wise trim their lamps when the cry is given, but the foolish who hid light and mingled with the world wake too late, and one Christian cannot give another the character needed, so preparation must not be delayed but the lamp kept trimmed and burning now in order to go in to the marriage supper before the door is shut.Lt 25, 1895, par. 4+4

The earnest midnight announcement wakes both sleeping groups unawares but reveals character by showing who made preparation and who is without it.COL 412.1+1 Crisis reveals character, for a sudden unlooked-for calamity bringing the soul face to face with death shows whether there is real faith in God's promises and whether the soul is sustained by grace, and only those prepared beforehand can meet the emergency.COL 412.1+1 In its final sense this points to the great final test at the close of human probation, when it will be too late for the soul's need to be supplied by another.COL 412.1+1 While the foolish go to buy oil the Bridegroom enters with the wise and the door is shut, and when the unready reach the hall they are denied as unknown and left outside in midnight blackness in the empty street.Ms 4, 1898, par. 5+4 This is the last call made when the crisis comes, exposing those who hid light while mingling with the world till light went out for not continuing the oil supply, hushed by the peace and safety cry into careless slumber, so ease-loving world-loving professors summoned by it cannot enter with the wise but solicit entrance rejected as unknown since character, which is the oil, is not transferable.Ms 4, 1898, par. 5+4 The same applies to death, which may find the self-pleasing too late, and to a life spent pleasing self leaving one unready.Ms 4, 1898, par. 5+1

After long delay the foolish slumbered till lamps went out with no provision for need, then sought too late to replenish, for the door was shut to outer darkness and despair.ASCOP 28.1+2 The oil is now almost consumed and unreplenished, yet that desperate shut-door position has not yet been reached, and there is still opportunity to obtain the gold and white raiment before it is too late.Ms 143, 1901, par. 5–10 No finite man can know the very period of the Lord's coming by reckoning figures, symbols, types, or devices, but the signs showing He is at the door are to be studied.Ms 9, 1891, par. 21–22+1 The long wait tempts thinking the Master delays and will not come because He has not yet come, and God takes time to test and prove who has real genuine righteousness of Christ, whether waiting and watching can be borne with patience and with working rather than idle expectancy refusing to plant a tree or build a meetinghouse, for nearness calls for more diligent work to uphold and gather the sheep into the fold.Ms 9, 1891, par. 21–22+1

The parable reveals principles of eternal justice to be seen in the final judgment, where condemnation falls not only for revolting crimes and open sins but for neglecting what might and ought to have been done for lack of moral qualifications placed within reach when divinity clothed humanity to bring moral power to fallen man.Lt 12, 1893, par. 4–7 The offense of the five foolish was taking no oil, meaning they received not God's grace; their lamps mean knowledge of truth, but they had no living connection with God, were not vitalized by the Holy Spirit, supposed themselves wise and were wise only in own sight without saving faith, with Christ not a personal Saviour.Lt 12, 1893, par. 4–7 They had not grown in grace and knowledge because they had not been doers of Christ's words, unlike those who look to Jesus, study His life, behold Him and are changed into His likeness, work in His lines, obtain deeper knowledge of God and Christ, and become laborers together with God.Lt 12, 1893, par. 4–7 Preparation cannot be postponed until the final trouble, for those meeting that crisis unprepared will confess sins in despair too late to obtain preparation, the opportunity to prepare and enter does not remain open indefinitely, and some will still be unready when the plagues fall when it is too late to prepare.4SP 437.3+2

The midnight cry belongs to the parable of the ten virgins in the discourse of Matthew 24 and 25, and it lays the duty to be ready, waiting, watching and praying for the second coming without saying the coming is delayed.ST Nov 20, 1884+1 Readiness is lamps trimmed and filled with holy oil, hearts stirred with sacred zeal, lives loosed from worldly interests, sins confessed, so that even one awakened from sleep can go out at once without delay.Lt 160, 1903, par. 22–23+2 That readiness holds at every hour, evening, morning or noon, and the expectation of meeting the Lord in 1844 is recalled to press it with greater urgency now that the coming is nearer.9T 48.2+1
At the end of the world the Bridegroom's coming is announced and the wise are ready to go out to meet him, and the lesson is preparation with oil in vessels with lamps, not living as if delayed.Ms 47a, 1898, par. 6+1 The call is to rise, trim the lamps and go promptly without delay, seeking perfect unity with one another, yet unity never means surrendering personal identity or letting another mind direct and balance it.8T 212.3+2 The approaching voice is cause to rejoice because the time is far spent, the wise must now be distinguished from the foolish, and the goal is to share the marriage supper of the Lamb.ST Aug 6, 1894
The urgent warning, Behold the Bridegroom cometh, concerns his coming to judgment and must be proclaimed as prophecy fulfills, though many will reject it and faithful messengers will be called enthusiasts as Noah was.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 8–11 To meet him is to prepare without delay by obtaining Christ's righteousness represented by the oil and forming a purified character that cannot be transferred, while warning the lost rather than spending effort only on those who already know truth.Lt 64a, 1895, par. 8–11
Readiness demands constant watching, praying and working while waiting, avoiding being surfeited and drunken with cares of this life lest the day come as a thief and find one unready like the foolish.Ms 9, 1891, par. 45–46 It means having grace today and a living complete daily connection with God, kept by putting talents out to the exchangers to bring souls to the Master.Ms 9, 1891, par. 45–46 The twenty-fifth of Matthew is to be diligently studied because the present is trading time for God-given capabilities, a name on the church book will not secure heaven, each must critically examine use of opportunities and talents, and God rewards self-denying zeal that at once begins missionary work for the perishing.Ms 25, 1908, par. 16
Hearing the Bridegroom's coming will bring surprise and disappointment to many deprived by pride and weak faith because unhumbled hearts hold theory of truth, even theory of the third angel's message, but have no oil to feed the lamp and shine life to those in darkness.9T 155.1 Merely agreeing with or professing that message is not enough; faith must continue into this time, be shown by works and a sanctified life, and effort to sanctify reveals indulgence of appetite as a snare.Ms 91, 1910, par. 10+1 Outward profession, even teaching truth, does not prove the heart surrendered and transformed by the Spirit.AAP 3.4
Knowing the standard of righteousness and having gospel interest are not enough, for the foolish treated life-giving truth as unessential, trusted theory or feeling without vital connection, neglected Scripture and cleansing holiness through carelessness and hidden sin, and were left in darkness with unstable experience.ST Feb 17, 1890+1 They had lamps and appeared like the wise but lacked grace and genuine conversion; those ready entered and the door was shut, showing profession without transformed life does not prepare to meet Christ.ST Feb 17, 1890+1 Inward heart work and doing the Word and keeping commandments, not religious service alone, make ready.Ms 144, 1898, par. 5+1
The cry tests workers, finding them prepared or unprepared, for preparation is connection with heavenly agencies and abundant supply of holy oil which is the Spirit and grace of Christ.Ms 77, 1908, par. 8–10+1 The foolish have the lamp, the form of truth, but no oil, no living experience, no godly example, no Spirit in labors, so even zealous presentation is ineffective, superficial and weak.Ms 77, 1908, par. 8–10+1
The close of waiting just before the second coming is solemn warning to every church; all then have lamps and vessels meaning knowledge of Scripture, all have heard of the soon approach and confidently expect it, so for a time no difference is seen.RH Jan 21, 1902 Waiting tries faith, and at the announcement many are unready, destitute of the Spirit, while readiness is genuine Christianity blending working, waiting, watching and praying, the soul constantly supplied with grace and increasing in power, neither idle expectancy nor mere bustle neglecting personal piety.RH Jan 21, 1902+2 Keeping lamps burning means humble contrite hearts cherishing God's love, fearing a contrary walk, fervent service, sincere prayer, improving gifts and representing Christ, with heed to self and doctrine and a holy root bearing holy fruit.17MR 202.3–4+1
Those who prayerfully study and obey the Word have oil of grace and keep lamps burning ready to respond, the wise being watchful and careful in conduct and the foolish being careless.Ms 74, 1899, par. 7+1 That vital connection produces experience unfolding with advancement, knowledge, power, and holy love brightening unto the perfect day, while without oil light dims and unless decisively changed goes out into despair beyond warnings.5T 413.1
Waiting must be joined with watching and faithful work, not worldly busyness nor inactive devotion, the soul's lamp kept trimmed and supplied, spiritual decline guarded against because the day is near and may overtake unexpectedly.5T 276.2+1 The end will come as thief in the night, so continual watching is required lest lamps go out unready to meet the Bridegroom.Lt 208, 1906, par. 10+1 To act as if the coming is delayed risks the fate of hypocrites, haphazard work brings declension, the wise stay connected to heaven nourished by faith, love and patience through daily renewal and active service rather than impulse or profession, guarding even the first dimming.5T 276.2+2
The sudden call makes readiness urgent because the Lord will not wait; the unprepared must seek forgiveness and turn to Jesus whose love brings light.Lt 19, 1904, par. 7–8 It is the final call before eternity when signs fulfill, with no time for careless self-serving or soul-risking choices, and it presses work and prayer for saving souls with all done for God's glory in trust of his cooperation.7MR 148.1–2+2
The church must be like the wise, lamps trimmed with oil of grace, shown in pure sanctified example and faithful service, each bearing personal responsibilities that cannot be transferred to a minister.EDFCP 25.2+1 That means preparing self and family and preparing the way, for nearness of the end makes waking from peril urgent.Lt 29, 1897, par. 28–29+1
Many expect to share the marriage supper unprepared, blind to danger, but readiness includes the wedding garment, personal consecration, sanctification, striving for perfection and following Christ's example, with vigilance to meet the King.RH Feb 25, 1909+2 Hearing Bible truth is not enough; it must be practiced, and the Spirit must be received as positive necessity, making wise unto salvation and pure.ASCOP 23.1 The message of his coming must be proclaimed so people may prepare.RH Nov 17, 1910
The parable pictures the church before he comes and warns to stay watchful because the time is unknown; the wise enter, and true condition is shown by conduct and conversation.ST Aug 6, 1894 Relaxing watchfulness or neglecting vessels filled with grace leaves one unable to enter when the midnight cry sounds.ST Aug 6, 1894
The lamps must not be going out when the Master comes, for the repeated command to watch is the lesson for believers awaiting him.LS 113.3–115.3 The midnight cry calls the waiting to wake and prepare and ensure oil, because lamps may be going out and faith in the third angel's message may be lost.Ms 80, 1905, par. 1–2
The cry sounds to slumbering people amid last-day perils, calling to awake now because everything shakable will soon be shaken.Lt 234, 1906, par. 13–16 Many like the foolish are ignorant yet count themselves wise and do not realize lamps going out, and when they awake to true condition it will be too late for fresh oil.Lt 234, 1906, par. 13–16+2 Believers like sleeping virgins with unprecedented trouble approaching must turn to Jesus for help to endure.3MR 305.2–3
Sleeping watchmen must awake and trim lamps, for the foolish are strong men precious to God yet under Satan's spell through scientific spiritualistic philosophy, drawn from the present message into criticism, association with the deceiver, and unbelief.3MR 361.2–4 Those asleep at post must awake, be clothed against darkness, entertain no doubt about present truth, warn the world, and press toward Canaan not back to Egypt.3MR 361.2–4
The wise are those with precious experience in truth who must now awaken, trim lamps and remain ready rather than be caught in sophistry or skepticism.Ms 80, 1905, par. 10 The call to meet the Bridegroom is a time for bearing light and acting, not idling, taking up appointed work, singing and rejoicing as the Lord comes to dwell in Zion joining many nations, and sharing the gathering work.LSEGW 425.3+1
Those relying on own wisdom and neglecting heavenly grace will wake to find lamps going out and will lack entrance to the supper, having failed to live truth and obtain wisdom and grace to be complete in Christ.Lt 60, 1898, par. 34+2 Failure to cherish the light and blessing given at the 1893 General Conference left lamps untrimmed while the enemy led away.10MR 345.4–346.2
God's people must be awake and ready like the wise with oil meaning grace and Spirit power to endure the final conflict, not asleep as decisive events approach.Lt 112, 1890, par. 12–13+1 The soul must be kept ready every moment, faith's lamp and grace's oil maintained, listening for Christ's voice prepared to obey without postponing for years, because work time is short.Lt 66, 1895, par. 4–5 None must be found sleeping when the last contest comes with evil angels united with evil men at Armageddon; without God's sustaining power faith and courage would fail.14MR 286.3
Readiness requires deep experience keeping the lamp supplied and trimmed so present truth shines clearly, bringing thoughts, motives and desires into obedience, using abilities to awaken the world, lead the perishing to Christ and warn the end is near.Ms 80, 1905, par. 8 It joins vigilant work with resting in the Lord, patient waiting, humility, love, fear of a contrary walk, unceasing prayer, improving gifts and representing Christ, for even splendid endowments are valueless without devoted soul, body and spirit.Lt 7, 1896, par. 24–25
The parable teaches vigilant watching and sanctified waiting with no relaxation in seeking eternal life, joined with active unselfish service as in the talents; quiet meditation alone does not perfect character, nor must work crowd out piety.ST Nov 20, 1884+1 Lamps filled and burning mean personal piety blended with earnest energetic warning, quiet prayerful hours apart to commune with God and learn his will, bearing positive warning pointing from what is to what fast follows, clearing the King's highway.12MR 213.2–214.1+1 So walking with God as Enoch did in an age no more favorable will end like Enoch, caught up to meet him in the air.12MR 213.2–214.1
The warning falls on those knowing theory but not bringing solemn truth into character and practice, leaving lamps unable to shine clearly.Lt 12a, 1893, par. 15+1 Trimming means kindling the taper from the divine altar so the heart is not cold and dead but diffuses light with overflowing influence for the lost, living truth with love for souls and hunting for them, not grumbling at time for lost sheep like Pharisees nor expecting to be nursed like sick babies.Ms 49, 1898, par. 19–20 Readiness keeps spiritual life active, puts truth to work to shine and help the lost.21MR 31.4–32.3
Sleeping virgins must awaken by keeping lamps trimmed, studying the Bible, sharing present truth, repenting neglect of worship, and those lacking knowledge seeking truth as it is in Jesus.Lt 6, 1907, par. 5 The foolish slumber is carelessness, indifference, want of integrity, failure to grow after being entrusted with truth, feeling no burden to keep the soul in God's love by daily talents, self-denial and cross-bearing, vessels not filled nor trimmed brighter as lamps dim.Ms 82, 1896, par. 6 The call is to sink empty vessels into the ocean of God's full love and draw freely and continually, with Christ within as a well springing to everlasting life, working self-denyingly while angels minister and increase ability to trade talents.Ms 82, 1896, par. 6
Being wise is not trusting theory but having grace so the lamp shines and the world takes knowledge of fellowship with Jesus.Ms 11, 1893, par. 9 The cry comes while Satan watches for an unguarded moment to possess the mind, so believers must neither be ignorant of devices nor overpowered, for he hides his intelligence as a former angel of light behind horned pictures and leads self-trusting minds to correct Scripture, bringing high-place infidelity.Ms 11, 1893, par. 9
When the Bridegroom comes those with lamps but without grace will be unready, and self-indulgent habits can darken understanding, blur vision, make warnings ineffective, and bring recognition of diseased character too late.Ms 10a, 1898, par. 8–10 Having no oil is robbing God of his time, stealing prayer time for extra temporal business instead of gaining strength; readiness is awaking, opening the heart to Jesus, taking time to pray.Lt 31, 1888, par. 20–22
The midnight cry is sounding now and it is no time to sleep; the sleeping must arise, trim lamps and fill vessels so light shines brightly.Lt 58, 1906, par. 1–3 That arising is reviving truth and repeating evidence, renewed consecration, lifting God's law in sacredness against the Sunday-law movement, exalting the seventh-day Sabbath against enforced first-day observance, and letting the gospel shine wide-awake through stewards and messengers.Lt 58, 1906, par. 1–3
Lacking oil leaves people in ignorance, doubt, fear and temptation, confessing habits without forsaking and wasting probation, proving outward profession cannot replace grace.Ms 60, 1890, par. 16 The foolish without God's law written on hearts and without grace wrong God and disobey Christ; ruling sentiment reveals character, and receiving truth by understanding and assent without firm soul principles and heart belief leaves one found unready.Lt 8b, 1891, par. 17–18
Heeding the midnight cry as God's voice now calling for revival means moving into line, trimming lamps by bearing light and taking action like those looking for the Lord, for the time calls for light-bearing and action.RH May 29, 1913
Waiting must not become sleep or inactivity but vigilant working, not folded hands or neutral standing, representing Christ in earnest effort to save the perishing.STM2 13.1+2 Every precaution must be taken now because careless haphazard work brings decline and leaves the day to overtake as thief; the mind must be strengthened to discern reasons of faith and the soul-temple purified by truth, for only the pure in heart will stand against Satan, with sifting deciding every case for eternity.STBk 85.1+1
God's people are now as sleeping virgins while trouble such as never was is upon them and strait places lie ahead; they must awake to nearness of the end, ensure feet in the narrow path, gain new experience of God as present help, and ask Jesus to place everlasting arms underneath to carry through trial.21MR 437.5+1 Jesus is their support through it.Lt 54, 1906, par. 10
The time before the Master comes is time to keep faith's lamp burning with oil of grace ready to meet him.Lt 52, 1892, par. 13–15 The lamp must be filled with holy oil before shining in moral darkness, and prayer and worship give strength for duty and following Christ's example.ST Oct 31, 1900
When iniquity abounds readiness is oil in vessels with lamps, and safety is only in hourly contact and conscious communion with truth, righteousness and mercy revealing God's attributes within.Lt 75, 1896, par. 10 Binding with God and cooperating gives moral and intellectual power, and beholding Calvary guarantees through Christ both spiritual efficiency and Scriptural skill to represent truth attractively by precept and example.Lt 75, 1896, par. 10
The call to go out is the urgent invitation to the marriage supper since all things are ready, with lamps supplied, trimmed and burning showing those knowing truth must shine now.STE 147.1–149.1+1 Time for work diminishes, so none must count on long tomorrow or wait idly but work today.CT 418.3
Through burning lamps teachers are to keep own lamps trimmed, becoming lights to students and carrying light to homes, neighborhoods and world.STE 55.4–56.1 Followers waiting are lamps filled with holy oil going out to give light in darkness, using knowledge to share grace and passing new truths so souls turn.ST Jul 9, 1902+1 Christ supplies and kindles the light; no church shines by itself, light kept becomes darkness and brings woe, so received light must be passed on.EDFCP 3.1–2
Spiritual readiness is kept by abiding in God's presence with oil of grace in vessels with lamps.HPMMW 13.4 A trimmed burning lamp marks the true self-sacrificing worker in faithful unselfish vigilance.RH Jan 4, 1906+1 Each must be emptied of self to receive heavenly oil, then let light reach sinners, for personal consecration lasts longer than showy display, and decline must be resisted lest the day come unexpectedly.6T 116.1+1
Having a lamp is not enough, for the foolish lacked grace that makes it burn; ministers especially need faith working by love purifying the soul.STA 9.1 One promising well yet neglecting watchfulness and prayer risks unpreparedness, having lamp without oil.Lt 22, 1893, par. 16–19
All need oil in vessels with lamps, and none prosper without prayer, Scripture search and as far as possible public worship.Lt 22, 1890, par. 49–50 Workers thrown among worldlings especially need Jesus as Lamb held before them with personal labor, because close relation to godless talk and atmosphere brings risk, and counteracting influences must be exerted lest Satan's allurements let the world steal the heart.Lt 22, 1890, par. 49–50
The end is near and Christ soon coming, requiring each to prepare to meet him with joy not grief; the cry awakens the slumbering to trim burning lamps with no time to lose, employing every talent in active service while day lasts because night comes when none can work.Lt 59, 1893, par. 4–5
The Lord is at the door and his coming will reveal wise versus foolish by oil in vessels, the wise having lamp with oil and the foolish lamp without.Lt 11b, 1892, par. 16 The church holds truth as light and each member must send clear steady rays with works corresponding to privilege, possible only by sanctification and separation for service.Lt 11b, 1892, par. 16+1 Trimming requires vital not theoretical connection with sacred springs through earnest prayer, humbling, self-examination, sanctification and reformation, not human calculation exalting self, holding truth in righteousness and carrying precious light to highways and byways.Ms 16, 1890, par. 66–68
The verse announces the Lord coming and calls for present readiness with oil, meaning waiting, watching, praying and working as strangers purchased by blood.Ms 7, 1898, par. 33–34 Readiness is inward Christianity inwrought with Jesus' life and clothed with his righteousness, shown in modest unobtrusive dress, refusing politics and worldly amusement, looking for the city with foundations.Ms 7, 1898, par. 33–34
The call applies to those asleep at post who must awaken, trim lamps and hold firmly to present truth.Ms 80, 1905, par. 5 They must recognize importance and dangers of the present time and gain genuine oil experience, none remaining asleep.Ms 80, 1905, par. 6
Readiness comes by seeking the Lord in earnest simple-faith prayer bringing blessing that distinguishes believers as peculiar chosen people.Lt 226, 1907, par. 2 Their words and actions example believers and convict unbelievers so truth shines brightly, while walking in world's footsteps with little fervor shows failure to seek him.Lt 226, 1907, par. 2
Perils of last days are now upon God's people with many asleep and lamps going out, including among Seventh-day Adventists where corruption exists, overcome by Satan working devices upon minds thought secure.Lt 15, 1888, par. 2 That calls for thorough consecration and deeper devotion, understanding all unrighteousness is sin as transgression of law.Lt 15, 1888, par. 2
Whether one has oil is individual work requiring self-examination and watchfulness rather than carelessness, especially now.Lt 178, 1899, par. 11 Every person must attend to own soul and prepare for God's day with grace every hour, and light from the throne will shine on the prepared reflecting Jesus.Lt 23, 1880, par. 9–10
Sleepy churches must prepare now rather than return to careless self-serving living, for the foolish are those failing to obtain needed grace before the decisive moment.Ms 75, 1897, par. 15
Lamps teach readiness requires lives continually supplied with Holy Spirit oil, with lamps trimmed and burning picturing living connection with God without which none are ready for harvest or added grace in special need.AA 55.2+1 Oil is grace in the heart needed daily, and without deeper grace many will be found wanting like the foolish.Lt 1c, 1890, par. 25+2 The call to advance and the coming night stress limited work time, so followers must keep working and remain ready, guarding against decline lest the day come unexpectedly.Lt 29, 1897, par. 11+1
The lamp goes out when dissatisfaction, despondency, mourning and complaining misrepresent Jesus, losing his love and spreading gloom like a funeral pall.Lt 110, 1893, par. 15–17 Readiness is taking Christ as strength, stopping complaint, rejoicing in love, speaking cheer of mercy and power, so the lamp burns in steady rays cheering weak faith.Lt 110, 1893, par. 15–17
The midnight cry announces the Bridegroom calling the waiting to meet him with bridal lamps trimmed and burning, applying to waiting for the soon return delayed by patience to give repentance time.10MR 266.2+1 Probation will seem short in eternity when the redeemed stand with harps and crowns, so blessed are watching servants taxing every power to perfect character, gather with Christ, and pray to avoid temptation.Lt 21, 1886, par. 28–29+1
Trimming lamps and seeking fresh oil means putting away unbelief, gloom and depression before entering church, the privilege of believers to enter worship joyfully to meet God and his people.Ms 2, 1899, par. 7
Neglecting invitation with excuses and halfhearted effort will find the door shut and admission sought too late on the decisive day.Lt 7, 1869, par. 6–7 Mere association with God's people is not enough for those failing to gain needed experience.Lt 24, 1892, par. 5–7
Readiness requires the inner lamp trimmed and burning shining through consecrated work, and parents are not ready unless humbling themselves, reforming character, overcoming defects, praying more and receiving faith working by love purifying the soul.Ms 80, 1901, par. 4
The foolish failed to supply oil and light went out, showing danger of failing to cultivate faith so it weakens and loses place like an extinguished lamp.4MR 158.6–159.3+1
The church is in guilty repose asleep over sacred truths because oil of faith is not in vessels; living by faith is having that oil which ends sleep.12MR 330.3+1 Those believing those elevating truths cannot sleep over them but carry burden to call the thirsty to take water of life freely.12MR 330.3+1
Lamps need heavenly oil filling as emptied of self to be ready, then light can guide sinners, with personal work shining more effectively than large showy display.Lt 54, 1899, par. 10
Believers are called to prepare by trimming lamps, putting oil in vessels, confessing sins, seeking pardon and holding hope in Christ.Lt 52, 1906, par. 11–19
Having received light is not enough, for without grace and holy character one is unprepared, and neglecting growth and self-control leaves inability to discern holiness value.Lt 66, 1899, par. 11–14
The Bridegroom's coming calls to go out requiring readiness sustained by keeping oil in vessel through prayer and Scripture.20MR 389.1–2
The midnight hour points to soon return warning that those thinking themselves ready may still be unprepared.Lt 90, 1907, par. 11
God's people can be asleep while souls are lost, and the cry calls sleeping virgins to awaken and meet the Bridegroom, warning against neglecting those needing care.Lt 288, 1903, par. 1–4
Keeping lamps trimmed and burning means remaining active workers assembling in religious services and prayer meetings to draw near God, while those pleading no time, absenting themselves and laying off devotion fail to keep burning, reflect light feebly, sink into form and lukewarmness, and grow dim by neglecting worship and prayer.19MR 254.4–255.1+1
Watchfulness is soul lamps trimmed and burning not flickering out, shown through alert decisive action rather than idle contemplation, by watching, praying and waiting without sleeping at post.Lt 93, 1899, par. 15–16+2 Losing love for truth and concern for others dims light, so oil of grace must be kept in the heart to recognize Christ and understand his will.Ms 111, 1909, par. 6–9+2
Everyone must trim the inner lamp by first taking heed to self and doctrine, giving whole self without reserve and ceasing self-bound service, for unless root is holy no sound fruit follows, beginning in home church then assembly, keeping lamp burning in daily toil with sweet disposition to prepare for weekday labor.Ms 60a, 1895, par. 4 What the Lord wants is constant trimming, habitual obedience, diligence with consecrated soul, body and spirit, wisdom beginning in fear of the Lord, responsibility measured by talents with heaviest on greatest opportunity, and now is the day of trust.Ms 14, 1895, par. 13
The trimmed burning lamp filled with heavenly oil is truth going forth in publications everywhere, carried through business relations by men under Christ bringing believers into connection with unbelievers so lived truth is seed sown touching earth's ends, commercial work never all-absorbing, every believer spreading influence, every worker connected with Christ maintaining steadfast character bearing judgment test by keeping the Lord ever before mind with prayer.21MR 358.1–3+1 Leaving him out multiplies cares, Christian spirit is as essential in business as in prayer, with grace evidenced to seekers as present help.Lt 137, 1898, par. 14–16
The lamp keeps burning only when supplied with holy oil, effective as shared by reflecting light on others' paths, with worship sustaining daily service joined with cheerful ministry to seekers.Lt 153a, 1897, par. 19–20
Spiritual readiness comes through seeking Christ's grace allowing him to form life within, with purification preparing for faithful service keeping soul's lamp trimmed and supplied with Spirit's oil.Ms 6, 1902, par. 6–9
Those thinking no need of grace will discover failure to prepare and wasted opportunities, for meeting the Lord requires consecrated heart and surrendered soul with inner lamp trimmed and burning.Lt 119, 1899, par. 9+1
The call to arise and trim lamps means waking from sleep, preparing, taking appointed work and carrying gospel to others, applying to churches which must not remain asleep as history's greatest event approaches but must watch and be ready in view of last-days events.Lt 61, 1901, par. 24–25+2
Churches are responsible for keeping lamps trimmed and burning as they carry truth's light to others.6T 138.3
Keeping lamp trimmed and burning means maintaining living light, each responding faithfully to light given with greater light bringing greater responsibility, so rejecting God's drawing deepens guilt.Lt 14, 1885, par. 12–13
The call to prepare to stand in the Lord's day is a distinct message to awaken the dead in sins, in which givers must shine as lights, God supplying holy oil if vessel is prepared, making true conversion plain and oft-repeated for greater power, because the world is converting churches and false shepherds keep delusion with errors lacking It is written, its vital work making plain relation to God's law.Lt 44, 1900, par. 4–5
Trimmed burning lamps link to active readiness where servants share truth's light, seek and labor for souls diligently without delay with earnest appeals and fervent prayer to save souls.20MR 123.4+1
Those in responsibility in sanitariums and all in God's work must have lamps trimmed and burning meaning individual conversion and new birth presenting new life in character, knowing God and Christ, seeking first the kingdom and laying foundation on Christ.Ms 41, 1902, par. 33–36
Great light must be set high above sensuality not hidden, for unjust business and passion dim the lamp and many burn low and go out for want of oil; life must shine in steady rays illuminating darkness, and growing in grace requires purifying soul by obeying truth including physical law.Lt 19, 1892, par. 14
The time is now and every believer must be burning and shining, lamp as life and witness and oil as grace, keeping lamp supplied, trimmed and burning by working for souls today with wisdom and diligence instead of idleness waiting for direction, for counting on long tomorrow leaves lamp unready while souls decide for evil or good as warfare increases and work time diminishes.Lt 47, 1895, par. 92–94
The soul's lamp is kept burning not by idle waiting but by faithful diligent work in allotted task combined with prayer and Scripture search, for idleness is sin leaving unused power to bless self, family and vineyard; God gives every man his work so each must act and improve gifts as faithful steward.Lt 62, 1894, par. 22–23
The Lord's coming calls for a trumpet with certain sound and no uncertainty to arouse people and sweep back darkness, meaning getting ready every moment with oil of grace and robe of righteousness without which none can meet him, by humbling soul at the cross, getting out of self, having lips touched with live coal and being sanctified, learning thanksgiving and catching angels' music so praise is put in the mouth.Ms 7, 1890, par. 11
The parable is applied to danger of being unready after time wasted, and to warning not to remain in skepticism till too late, with wholehearted consecration ending vain suppositions.Lt 61, 1904, par. 7+1
The verse is a warning to arise and shine at once to meet the bridegroom, because being overwhelmed by life's perplexities lets light go out in darkness and puts eternal life in danger, a warning to be met again in God's day.Lt 30, 1888, par. 27
Readiness requires more than profession, requiring truth in heart and converting power with light warning the world of near approach.Ms 43, 1909, par. 17 Every lamp must be kept trimmed by cherishing light through consecration, self-denial, humiliation and daily beholding Christ till character is perfected, doing works corresponding to light and using grace to flash light on others' paths so more is given, and by filling vessels now through cleansing selfish purpose, confessing sins, purifying double-minded thoughts, conversion and laboring with God for fitness to unite with redeemed, for where consecration lacks Satan eclipses light with contempt, doubt and unbelief.Lt 47, 1893, par. 3–5+1
The lamp of truth must be replenished with oil of grace or it flickers and goes out when worldly love or cherished sin cools love for God and weakens prayer and devotion leaving forms without devotion.5T 538.2+1 The foolish neglecting oil warn that professing disciples are unprepared when hearts are not submitted to renewing grace, professing to follow yet not obtaining grace for changed life so profession without renewal leaves under sin's control.RH Nov 18, 1909+1
Lamps must be kept trimmed with oil where lamp is soul and oil is Spirit, so readiness requires spiritual life by the Spirit not merely outward profession.GW 104.3–105.1+1 Those confessing and pardoned wait in joyful expectation while one delaying coming forward is left alone when trumpet sounds and saints disappear.EW 68.1–69.1
The present duty is to wait patiently, watch vigilantly and work faithfully till the Lord comes, blending devotion with earnest work rather than wholly contemplation or engrossing bustle neglecting piety, keeping lamps trimmed to send bright rays into moral darkness, using every facility to prevent declension and sound warning lest the day overtake unprepared as thief.Lt 93, 1892, par. 14
The verse's picture of readiness is applied to present duty to work, wait, watch and pray keeping oil in vessels, proclaiming warning to all nations and helping prepare others to stand in the last day.Lt 62, 1899, par. 6–8
The call to meet the bridegroom means obtaining oil, keeping lamps trimmed and burning as witness to the world, and staying awake and ready for his coming.14MR 106.3+4
Believers are to be Christ's bride united in fellowship, and love of amusement and stubborn self-will divorces the soul from God marrying it to another instead of Christ, eclipsing heaven's light and separating from God; those lightly regarding warnings going into worldliness in dress and practices will at last find door shut outside as foolish.Lt 7, 1894, par. 45+1
The coming warns some professors will be found unprepared, calling for readiness with fitness tested in judgment, and gives urgent call to get ready because the Lord is coming.18MR 232.1
Every follower must keep lamp bright by working with Christ to gather harvest into sheaves, setting every agency in operation employing influence and money because night comes when none can work, for not doing required part shows Christ unappreciated earning condemnation as wicked slothful servant, while gathering with him proves faithful stewardship; lamp as life supplied with grace must use every service opportunity while time remains.Lt 74, 1892, par. 18+1
Keeping lamp trimmed and burning means loving the Lord supremely with no half-hearted deceitful negligent service, for neglect brings curse and puts on losing side, and without it one cannot be light in good works; light must shine steadily undimmed by selfishness, unrighteous actions or harsh words.Lt 53, 1904, par. 27–29+1
The message announcing the King's approach is to be proclaimed with assurance as part of the first, second and third angels' messages to prepare people, advanced by proclaiming the second with the third with great power in cities large and small with loud voice for time is short.Lt 88, 1910, par. 4+2

The midnight cry announcing that the bridegroom is coming and calling all to go out to meet him is to be sounded again with mighty power, summoning people to wakefulness and readiness to meet him.Ms 15, 1910, par. 9+2 It is to be proclaimed with great power in large population centers and large cities, urging multitudes to wake and respond while mercy still lingers and present truth can still be heard.Ms 15, 1910, par. 9+2 As it once stirred people in 1842 to 1844, so it is to be revived and renewed in the same work.CWP 4.3–4 It is the last message of warning for this time, laid as a work upon every believer in present truth, to be revived in the heart and proclaimed with power in all cities large and small.RH Sep 28, 1911

Its evidences of truthfulness are to be repeated by workers in every line, including medical missionaries, as a living testimony publishing its warnings and instruction throughout the land and showing the blessedness that follows obedience to all of God's commandments.RH Sep 28, 1911 Readiness for that coming means having lamps trimmed and filled with holy oil, hearts stirred with sacred zeal, sins confessed, and lives prepared rather than bound up with worldly interests, so that even if the call comes while asleep one can go out without delay.Lt 160, 1903, par. 22–23+1 That call requires more than personal awakening, for those aroused are to warn and arouse others, especially by carrying the message to places that have not yet heard it while there is still time.Lt 160, 1903, par. 22–23

God's people are to keep their lamps trimmed and burning amid the moral darkness and unbelief of the world, and the cry to go out to meet the bridegroom is given through canvasser-evangelists circulating publications containing the messages of warning for this time.Ms 94, 1903, par. 43 The nearness of the bridegroom is proclaimed by watchmen calling people to go out joyfully to meet him, for the marriage feast is ready and its gates stand open.ST Aug 6, 1894 Those who go out rejoice because redemption is near, trusting that God will save them.ST Aug 6, 1894