Jesus is talking to his most faithful disciples and saying they will be persecuted. They will go through the Tribulation. Then after the Abomination of Desolation, the Rapture happens.

That is exactly what the text says. Anything else is contrary to Scripture...and it's a warning to prepare.

This is why the pre-trib doctrine is so horrible as some pastors actually say, "You don't need to prep as you will be raptured and not suffer!".

What does Matthew 25 say?


The Parable of the Ten Virgins

1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Both the foolish and the wise virgins waited for Jesus to come for the Bride which is the Church. Both are fervent and want the Bridegroom to come. But some have oil as they do not know how long it will be and they need it for their lamp. They need supplies of oil or they willbe unable to watch as they willbe in darkness.

The oil is not a metapohor for faith. That is not in the text. It is an immediate warning following Matthew 24 and it is practical.