Keeping Our Lamps Lit

Watchfulness and Holiness in the Last Days

In Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins, only five were wise. Only five had oil in their lamps. Only five were ready when the Bridegroom came.

“But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.”
— Matthew 25:6–7

This is not just a parable—it’s a warning. The call will come. And only those who have remained watchful and filled will rise to meet Him.

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Watchfulness Is a Lifestyle

To keep your lamp lit is to live aware, alert, and attuned to the Spirit of God.

“Be dressed for action and keep your lamps burning…”
— Luke 12:35

The early Church lived like this:

• Expecting Christ’s return at any moment
• Walking in holiness and self-control
• Encouraging one another to stay faithful
• Resisting the slumber of compromise

“Let us not be found drowsy or distracted, lest the King come suddenly and we are left outside.”
— Hermas, Similitudes 9

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Holiness Is the Oil of Readiness

“Without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
— Hebrews 12:14

The foolish virgins were not immoral—they were unprepared. They didn’t value what mattered. The oil they lacked was the inward reality of a holy life, filled and sustained by the Spirit.

Holiness is not legalism—it is alignment with God’s heart, and the natural result of loving Him.

“He who walks in purity stores up oil for the day of His coming.”
— Didache, ch. 16

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The Bride Keeps Watch, Not Fear

We don’t prepare out of fear—we prepare out of love. The Bride is not panicked—she is pure, watching with joy, longing to see her Beloved.

She:

• Repents quickly
• Guards her heart and mind
• Stays awake in prayer
• Lives as a light to the world
• Keeps her oil full through communion with Christ

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What We Can Learn

1. Readiness is revealed in how we live now, not what we say later.
2. Watchfulness is a sign of love, not paranoia.
3. Holiness is the oil that keeps our lamps burning.
4. The wise prepare for what others ignore.

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Sources:

• The Holy Bible — Matthew 25:1–13; Luke 12:35–37; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 1:13–16
• Didache, ch. 16
• Hermas, Similitudes 9
• Clement of Alexandria, Stromata
• Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Ephesians

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