Bible Discussion Thread

Matthew 25 can be a difficult chapter so we must remember some of the basic rules of interpretation:
1. Matthew is a book about the king of the Jews ( Matthew 2:2);
2. Until the cross they are under the law;
3. Jesus first came to save his people the Jews ( Matthew 1:21);
4. Much of Matthew is prophetic given to the Jews for the future, knowing that the Jews were going to reject Jesus as their Messiah. The titles of each book are clues to whom that book is directed at, Jewish title or gentile title. In chapter 25, if a person stumbles over the doctrinal intent then, it will be difficult understanding the spiritual intent. I believe that this chapter 25 is mainly given to the Jews in the tribulation age. Trying to place this chapter in the church age will not work and here is why.
a. Kingdom of heaven is a Jewish term;
b. Virgins = 144,000 Jews from Revelation 7:4 3;
c. The church is always without exception referred as singular (never plural);
d. Oil = holy spirit and it can never be purchased but given when asked for in church age;
e. The wise virgins trimmed their lamps = good works;
f. The foolish virgins did not trim their lamps = no works;
g. In church age we are saved by grace not by works;
h. The 5 virgins go out to meet the bridegroom (church age saints are caught up to be with him);
i. I believe there will be a tribulation rapture ( Revelation 11:12) and the 5 wise virgins that took oil, (in church age we receive oil (holy spirit)) go up with Christ in the tribulation rapture ( Revelation 14:12-16) and the 5 foolish virgins that did not trim their lamps go into the millennial age after second advent of Christ.