Give Me Oil In My Lamp

compiled from the writings of Ellen. G. White by Frank Klin

The Word of God brings plainly to view two classes of people, the wise and the foolish. Let
those who profess to know the truth for these last days take heed that they be not found among
the foolish, whose lamps are going out because they have failed to supply themselves with the
holy oil, the spirit and grace of Christ. Through the agency of the two anointed ones who stand by
the Lord of the whole earth, provision has been made that every soul may be abundantly
supplied. [1]

The oil with which the wise virgins filled their lamps represents the Holy Spirit. "The angel that
talked with me," writes Zechariah, "came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of
his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a
candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven
pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive trees by it, one upon the
right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. . . . Then answered I, and said unto
him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick, and upon the left side
thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches, which
through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and
said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my Lord. Then said he, These are the two
anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." [2]

From the two olive-trees, the golden oil was emptied through golden pipes into the bowl of the
candlestick, and thence into the golden lamps that gave light to the sanctuary. So from the holy
ones that stand in God's presence, his Spirit is imparted to human instrumentalities that are
consecrated to his service. The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate light and
power to God's people. It is to receive blessing for us that they stand in God's presence. As the
olive-trees empty themselves into the golden pipes, so the heavenly messengers seek to
communicate all that they receive from God. The whole heavenly treasure awaits our demand
and reception; and as we receive the blessing, we in our turn are to impart it. Thus it is that the
holy lamps are fed, and the church becomes a light-bearer in the world. [3]

There is a world lying in wickedness, in deception, and delusion, in the very shadow of death,-
-asleep, asleep. Who are feeling travail of soul to awaken them? What voice can reach them? My
mind is carried to the future when the signal will be given, "Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye
out to meet Him." But some will have delayed to obtain the oil for replenishing their lamps, and
too late they will find that character, which is represented by the oil, is not transferable. That oil is
the righteousness of Christ. It represents character, and character is not transferable. No man
can secure it for another. Each must obtain for himself a character purified from every stain of sin.
The Lord is coming in power and great glory. It will then be His work to make a complete
separation between the righteous and the wicked. But the oil cannot then be transferred to the
vessels of those who have it not. Then shall be fulfilled the words of Christ, "Two women shall be
grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one
shall be taken, and the other left." The righteous and the wicked are to be associated together in
the work of life. But the Lord reads the character, He discerns who are obedient children, who
respect and love His commandments. [4]

God is dishonored when we do not receive the communications which he sends us. Thus we
refuse the golden oil which he would pour into our souls to be communicated to those in
darkness. When the call shall come, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,"
those who have not received the holy oil, who have not cherished the grace of Christ in their
hearts, will find, like the foolish virgins, that they are not ready to meet their Lord. They have not,
in themselves, the power to obtain the oil, and their lives are wrecked. But if God's Holy Spirit is
asked for, if we plead, as did Moses, "Show me thy glory," the love of God will be shed abroad in
our hearts. Through the golden pipes, the golden oil will be communicated to us. "Not by might,
nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." By receiving the bright beams of the Sun
of Righteousness, God's children shine as lights in the world. [5]

Those who would be ready to meet their Lord must keep their lamps filled with the oil of grace.
It was a neglect to do this that distinguished the foolish virgins from the wise. They had lamps, but
no oil; their characters could not stand the test. The wise virgins had not only an intelligent
knowledge of the truth, but through the grace of Christ their faith and patience and love constantly
increased. Their lamps were replenished by their vital connection with the Light of the world. And
while the foolish virgins awoke to find their lamps burning dimly or going out in the darkness, the
wise virgins, their lamps burning brightly, entered the festal hall, and the doors were shut. [6]

To us today, as verily as to the first disciples, the promise of the Spirit belongs. God will today
endow men and women with power from above, as He endowed those who on the day of
Pentecost heard the message of salvation. At this very hour His Spirit and His grace are for all
who need them and who will take Him at His word. [7]

Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer
striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All
differences had been put away. And the testimony borne of them after the Spirit had been given
is the same. Mark the word: "The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one
soul." The Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire company of
believers. [8]

To them that believe, Christ is precious. His Spirit moving upon the mind and heart of the
believer is in perfect agreement with that which is written in the Word. The Spirit and the Word
agree perfectly. Thus the Spirit beareth witness with our spirit that we are born of God. [9]

The time is far spent. It is too late now to sleep the careless sleep of indifference. It is time
now to rejoice greatly because of the Bridegroom's voice. It is time to sing of the marriage supper
of the Lamb. The question for us to settle is, Which class shall we be among, the wise or the
foolish? God help us to be among the wise. "Blessed are they that are called unto the marriage
supper of the Lamb. [10]

"O God, I thank Thee for Thy gracious word, Thy blessed, Thy special promise, that I, Lord,
shall be converted unto Thee. And so, Lord, I put myself into Thy hands this moment, to be
converted, to be molded and fashioned according to Thine own mind and by Thy Holy Spirit. O
Lord, I pray that Thy divine wish may be met, and that I shall ever be a channel for the flowing of
that holy oil which Thou hast mentioned, and which Thou dost long to pour upon bereaved and
sore and mourning hearts. And Lord, I pray Thee that Thou wilt now convert me through and
through. Make me, Lord altogether like Jesus, only like Jesus, that I shall be kind and courteous,
gentle and careful, toward all my brethren and all to whom Thou dost send me. [11]

1- Review & Herald, September 17, 1908 par. 8

2- Review & Herald, February 3, 1903 par. 4
3- Review & Herald, March 2, 1897 par. 9
4- Bible Echo, May 4, 1896 par. 2
5- Review & Herald, July 20, 1897 par. 7
6- Review & Herald, February 3, 1903 par. 3
7- Australasian Union Conference Record, June 1, 1904 par. 12
8- Ibid, par. 13
9- Manuscript Releases 21, page 23, par.3
10- Signs of the Times, August 6, 1894 par. 7
11- Kress Collection page 38, par.9