The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 314

The European Union in Prophecy
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."
The coming of Christ, as announced by the first angel's message, was understood
to be represented by the coming of the bridegroom. The widespread reformation under
the proclamation of His soon coming, answered to the going forth of the virgins. In
this parable, as in that of Matthew 24, two classes are represented. All had taken
their lamps, the Bible, and by its light had gone forth to meet the Bridegroom. But
while "they that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them," "the wise
took oil in their vessels with their lamps. The latter class had received the grace of
God, the regenerating, enlightening power of the Holy Spirit, which renders His word
a lamp to the feet and a light to the path. In the fear of God they had studied the
Scriptures to learn the truth, and had earnestly sought for purity of heart and life.
These had a personal experience, a faith in God and in His word, which could not be
overthrown by disappointment and delay. Others "took their lamps, and took no oil
with them." They had moved from impulse. Their fears had been excited by the solemn
message, but they had depended upon the faith of their brethren, satisfied with the
flickering light of good emotions, without a thorough understanding of the truth or a
genuine work of grace in the heart. These had gone forth to meet the Lord, full of hope
in the prospect of immediate reward; but they were not prepared for delay and
disappointment. When trials came, their faith failed, and their lights burned dim.
"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept." By the tarrying of
the bridegroom is represented the passing of the time when the Lord was expected,
the disappointment, and the seeming delay. In this time of uncertainty, the interest
of the superficial and halfhearted soon began to waver, and their efforts to relax; but
those whose faith was based on a personal knowledge of the Bible had a rock beneath
their feet, which the waves of disappointment could not wash away. "They all
slumbered and slept;" one class in unconcern and abandonment of their faith, the
other class patiently waiting till clearer light should be given. Yet in the night of trial
the latter seemed to lose, to some extent, their zeal and devotion. The halfhearted and
superficial could no longer lean upon the faith of their brethren. Each must stand or
fall for himself.
313