Here is the connection between Matt. 25 and Sardis in Rev. 3:

“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Rev.3:1-3.

As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 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. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ Matt.25;5-8.

God warns His church (Sardis) that if they don't wake up He will come as a thief and they won't know when He will come against them. This is a serious warning of retribution against those that do not know (or believe that they cannot know) when the Master is to return.

In the prophecy of the 10 bridesmaids ALL of them went to sleep (EGW says the 5 foolish went to sleep and the 5 wise just got drowsy). When they were asleep the Bridegroom came, hence the midnight cry that woke all 10 bridesmaids up. They were all asleep and missed the coming of the Bridegroom 'as a thief'.

The connection is obvious because of the specific language used, i.e. sleeping and waking up, and coming like a thief.

Thanks MM, but remember that this coming like a thief is not the same event as the coming in the clouds when all 7 trumpets have been sounded. The event for Sardis and Matthew 25's virgins, them being the same group, is before the time of trouble, therefore it does appear that probation would be up for this group before the numberless multitude that comes out of the time of trouble.

Man, you gotta believe this is going to really make some people super mad when this happens! I mean, them thinking and believing that they have been born again and saved by grace and all and then having the door shut on them. WOW! MM and wayfinder, if you think they are mad at 'us' now for presenting this information, this is NOTHING like what we will see when this actually happens!