“And where I (Jesus) go you know, and the way you know.” (Jn. 14:4)

A few days ago a bright blue pencil hovered above me in a vision.   A beautiful large Cross of crystal and silver appeared. Then a floor lamp that stands in my dining room was shown with bright light streaming through its white shade.

Blue is associated with the color of the spirit, the sky and heaven.  It was instantly recognized that the pencil was a call to write the vision – which is spiritual in nature – and to make it known. (Hab. 2:2)   The Cross represents GOD’s complete plan of Salvation. And the tall floor lamp is indicative of a Believer who is illuminated with the Light of Christ.

It was clearly understood that the vision related to the Kingdom of Heaven which was likened to 10 Virgins awaiting the arrival of the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ).  Because He tarried, they all fell asleep.  And when a shout went out to meet the Groom at an unpredictable time – midnight – only 5 of them had sufficient oil to light their lamps to meet Him.  The other 5 went their way to buy oil and in the process missed the ceremonious event.  Long story short, the foolish unprepared Virgins missed the wedding because they were not fit to populate the New Kingdom.

As shadowed in the Book of Leviticus, the number 5 is biblically associated with sin that was, at that time, atoned with animal blood, religious doctrines and rituals. It presently typifies the 5 foolishly unprepared Virgins who slumber in legalistic methods of non-redemption and religious doctrines. Contrariwise, 5 is also a number that is biblically associated with Grace.  It brings to mind that it is by Grace that we are saved through the Lord’s one-time sacrifice on the Cross. It is the blood of the Lamb that legally redeems earth-bound souls so they can be cleansed from sin, sanctified and ultimately glorified. Importantly, it is only through this one-time holy sacrifice that the ongoing and progressive sanctifying oil of the Holy Spirit was finally made available to Believers. (Heb.9:8) And this is reflective of the 5 wise Virgins.

Many churches and denominations fail to teach that progressive sanctification is a critically important biblical truth. Although sanctification is instant when we come to the Lord, it is also a progressive process that helps the soul overcome the fallen nature. There is a false and lackadaisical belief rooted in religiosity that teaches that confessing one’s sin is sufficient unto salvation. GOD is all merciful and does forgive as HE sees fit but the sin nature has to be deactivated for the Believer to remain in victory.  It is a deep and inner work that can only be accomplished through the ongoing operations of the Holy Spirit (along with the Word) which gives the Believer knowledge, wisdom, understanding and strength to repent, truly repent. The Blood and the Holy Spirit are inseparable, we cannot have one without the other. And sin has consequences when the Cross is esteemed in foolishness!

It follows that the 5 wise Virgins are Believers who are redeemed by the Blood and who are born of the Spirit (oil).  Their oil cannot be purchased nor can it be borrowed, as the foolish Virgins attempted to do. Having had their consciousness awakened by the Holy Spirit, they abide by GOD’s plan of redemption through HIS Son at the exclusion of all legalistic religiosity and doctrines. The Book of Revelation recounts that 144,000 souls are prophesied to “follow the Lamb wherever He goes. ” As a firstfruits company who are meaningfully likened as redeemed Virgins, they will fulfill a particular eschatological mission. (I firmly believe the Lord is selecting those fit for that mission now and in coming days. )

There  is an idiom that conveys to not put off until tomorrow what can be done today. It is also said that time runs and waits for no one. The Church is called to understand GOD’s plan or redemption and the tenets of sanctification in relation to sin. It follows that all redeemed Believers that make their way through the separating chasm of darkness are and will increasingly walk in the Light of the New Kingdom. Ultimately, there will be a return to Genesis’ First Light and to our Bridegroom Jesus Christ. Indeed from Genesis to Revelation, the first shall be last and the last shall be first in these last days.

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.  But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.  (Mat. 25:1-13)

“These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are Virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb wherever He goes.” (Rev. 14.4)

Keep the Faith – the Church is called to be prepared and keep their lamps lit.

Praise GOD and thank you Lord God Jesus Christ, Savior of all souls.

Suzanne