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The Marriage of Christ and the Church
and Related Things
A paper presented to
The 2011 Theological Forum
A Ministry of
Dispensational Theological Seminary
And
Valley Baptist Church
Meeting in Cherry Grove, Oregon
On Wednesday, 5 May 2011
by Roy McPherson
Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church
in Gridley, California
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
I. Evidences of Divine prior knowledge of this marriage
and preparation for it 4
II. The Father provides a future bride for the Son 7
III. The Son is now preparing His body, the church, to be His bride 24
IV. The Son will come to take His future bride 26
V. The Son will present the future Bride to the Father 28
VI. The bride will be spiritually married to the Son in heaven 29
VII. The preparation for the wedding celebration
of the church as Christ’s wife 34
VIII. A principle to be fulfilled by the bride
at the second coming of Christ 36
IX. The celebration of the marriage: “the marriage feast” 37
X. After the wedding feast 41
Conclusion 44
Scripture Index 45
Introduction
The marriage of Christ to the Church is the very center, the core of what God has
designed for grace-believers. It is the epitome of privilege given to mere humans to be
spiritually married to the One Who is “the great God and our Savior.”
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed happy [makari,an( makarian] hope, and even the glorious appearing
appearing of the glory [evpifa,neian th/j do,xhj( epifaneian tes doxes] of the great God and even our Saviour Jesus
Christ;
He is our Savior because He offered Himself as a lamb without a defect and without a spot.
Heb. 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot
to God, …
I Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish [without a defect, avmw,mou(
amomou] and without spot:
Through His physical death the future bride has positionally died to slavery under law and the
sin nature. She is now free to marry Christ.
Rom. 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be
married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
This marriage will require the bride to be improved mentally and physically to the level
where she can fully appreciate the Bridegroom. Her mental perfection will allow her to take
full advantage of His giving Himself to her.
Rev. 2:28 And I will give him [the overcomer, v. 26] the morning star.
Christ is the morning star.
Rev. 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify … I am … the bright and morning star.
Her physical perfection will allow her to see His glory, to see Him as He is.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed happy [makari,an( makarian] hope, and even the glorious appearing
appearing of the glory [evpifa,neian th/j do,xhj( epifaneian tes doxes] of the great God and even our Saviour Jesus
Christ;
I John 3:2 …when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
The bride will be clean and bright …
Rev. 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white bright [lampro,n(
lampron]: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
…for the marriage and the following celebration, perfectly matched to the Bridegroom.
When the Bridegroom and His bride come to earth, He will be made splendid or glorious.
II Thess. 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified [evndoxasqh/nai( endoxasthenai, splendid, glorious, notable] in
by his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe …
At the same time she will be splendid or glorious in her glorified condition.
Eph. 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious [e;ndoxon( endoxon, splendid or glorious] church, not
having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
The church is now espoused or engaged to Christ.
II Cor. 11:2 …for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste pure [a`gnh.n( hagnen]
virgin to Christ.
The legal arrangement for her eventual marriage has been accomplished. The church, the
body of Christ, is indeed the future bride of Christ.
Ephesians 1
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.
THIS WILL TRULY BE “A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN.”
I. Evidences of Divine prior knowledge of this marriage and preparation for it
A. The Father knew in detail all the individuals who would make up the future Body
of Christ. In His plan they were given to the Son before they were actually given.
John 17
2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many
as all that which [pa/n o]( pan ho] thou hast given him.
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that
they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the
foundation of the world.
1. They were given in the Decree, the master plan
2. The Father gave them to the Son in the Decree
B. The relationship of Christ to His bride is seen in the Old Testament
1. The king
Psalm 45:1 …I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: …
2. The king is God the Son
Psalm 45:6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the scepter of thy kingdom
is a right scepter.
3. The king has a queen
Psalm 45:9 …upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
C. The Son also knew of them before their existence
1. The Son Who was involved in the plan as the recipient of this group knew
that He would receive it before the reception started.
John 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give
eternal life to as many as all that which [pa/n o]( pan ho] thou hast given him.
2. The thing that was “given” was actually going to be given as individuals
from Pentecost to the Rapture, eventually making up the “fullness of the
Gentiles.”
Rom. 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise cautious [fro,nimoi( fronimoi] in alongside [parV( para]
your own conceits yourselves [e`autoi/j( heautois]; that blindness in part is
happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.
3. The Son, seeing the whole church at once before its existence, knew that He
would build or edify (promote the spiritual welfare and growth of) His
church, the body which would become His bride. The Son’s knowledge
existed before the cross.
Matt. 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter [Pe,troj( Petros, a little
rock], and upon this rock bedrock [pe,tra( petra] I will build [edify] my church;
and the gates of hell Hades [a[|dou( hadou] shall not prevail against it.
4. The Son knew the church, the future bride, would be based upon the
bedrock…
Matt. 16:18 …and upon this rock bedrock [pe,tra( petra] I will build my church;..
… of His Deity.
Matt. 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou are the Christ, the Son of
the living God.
5. He knew while on earth that He Himself was the Bridegroom.
Matt. 9:15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children sons of the bride chamber
mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the
bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
cf Mark 2:19,20 and Luke 5:34,35
6. The Son knew the extent to which the future bride would be glorified, for He
said that He would receive as His companion $paralamba,nw,( paralambano%
those who belonged to her. This reception would be “facing Myself.”
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive
[paralh,yomai( paralepsomai, receive as a companion] you unto facing [proj(
pros] myself; that when I am there ye may be also.
This facing requires the bride to regain the image of God so that she can
“see Him as He is.”
I John 3:2… but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we
shall see him as he is.
I Tim. 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can
approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: …
Genesis 1
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…
27 So God created man [Adam] in his own image, in the image of God created he
him; male and female created he them.
7. The Son revealed to Paul (probably in Arabia) that all areas of authority
would be put under one Head by The Christ.
Eph. 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather
together in one head up [a,nakefalaiw,sasqai( anakefalaiosasthai] all things in
Christ by The Christ [evn tw| cristw|?( en to christo], both which are in heaven, and
which are on earth; even in him:
The Christ includes the body which would become the Bride.
8. Similarly, the Son also revealed to Paul and others several mysteries related
to The Christ or His body:
a. The mystery of The Christ: a new creation
Ephesians 2
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,..
15 for to make create [kti,sh|( ktise] in himself of twain one new man, …
Eph. 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in
the mystery of Christ of The Christ [tou? cristou?( tou christou])
b. The mystery of God the Father and The Christ
Col. 2:2 … the mystery of God, and even of the Father, and of Christ of
The Christ [tou? cristou?( tou christou];
c. The mystery of His will: The Christ and millennial rule
Ephesians 1
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, …
10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times [the Millennium] he
might gather together in one head up [a,nakefalaiw,sasqai(
anakefalaiosasthai] all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and
which are on earth; even in him:
d. The great mystery: how the Body becomes the Bride
Ephesians 5
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the
word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot,
or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish.
32 This is a the great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the
church.
e. Mysteries were hidden from the previous ages,
Col. 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from
generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
… so contained knowledge retained by Deity from eternity past.
9. Jesus said that He would prepare a place for those making up the future bride
so that they could be where He was, in heaven in the new Jerusalem.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive
you unto facing [pro.j( pros] myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Revelation 21
9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels … and talked with me, saying,
Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed
me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come (into the heavenly city)….
D. The Holy Spirit knew beforehand about the bride
1. He controlled the mind of John the Baptizer by special filling.
Luke 1:15 …and he shall be filled [plhsqh,setai( plesthesetai, filled for control]
with the Holy Ghost…
2. By this filling John identified Jesus as the Bridegroom.
John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the
bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the
bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
3. The Spirit revealed the mysteries unto the apostles.
Eph. 3:5 Which [the mystery, v.3] in other ages was not made known unto the
sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the
Spirit;
I Cor. 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us [apostles] by his Spirit: for the
Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
II. The Father provides a future bride for the Son
A. The Father bought her with a price.
I Cor. 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in
your spirit, which are God’s.
I Cor. 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
Rev. 5:9 And they [the 24 elders] sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the
book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed purchased
[h`go,rasaj( hegorasas] us to God by thy blood …
In an oriental wedding the father paid for his son’s future bride.
1. Abraham paid for Isaac’s bride, Rebekah
Gen. 24:53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and
raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother
precious things.
2. The future bride’s father was normally paid a large sum for her by the
bridegroom’s father. In Rebekah’s case her father was dead, so her brother
and her mother received gifts.
Gen. 24:53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and
raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother
precious things.
4. Isaac’s taking Rebekah …
Gen. 24:67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took
Rebekah, and she became his wife; …
… is different from the taking of women without parental permission. The
following were unrighteous takings:
Gen. 4:19 And Lamech took unto him two wives: …
Gen. 6:2 That the sons of God … took them wives of all which they chose.
Gen. 34:2 …when Shechem … saw her, he took her,
B. The price was His Son, Who in His love for her:
1. dedicated Himself as an offering or sacrifice for her, and …
Eph. 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given dedicated
[pare,dwken( paredoken] himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a
sweet-smelling savour.
2. redeemed her by His precious blood.
I Peter
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, …
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, …
3. She is therefore owned by the Son.
I Cor. 3:23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.
I Cor. 7:22 … he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.
I Cor. 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
C. The Father gave “all of that which” (AV “as many as”)—the whole body of
Christ—to the Son.
John 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to
as many as all of that which [pa/n o] de,dwkaj( pan ho dedokas] thou hast given him.
D. During this time she is the betrothed or espoused to Christ, the Bridegroom.
II Cor. 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to
one husband, that I may present you as a chaste pure [avgnh.n( hagnen] virgin to Christ.
E. During this time she benefits from the effects of both regeneration and the
resulting new birth.
John 3
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born
again from above [a;nwqen( anothen], he cannot see the kingdom of God.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again from above [a;nwqen( anothen].
1. Eternal life
I John 5
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in
his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not
life.
2. Mind of Christ
I Cor. 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? that he may instruct him
He who is closely joined to him [o]j sumbiba,sei auvto,n( hos sumbibasei auton].
But we have the a quality of [anarthrous] mind of Christ.
3. New nature
II Pet. 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:
that by these ye might be partakers sharers-in-common [koinwnoi.( koinonoi] of
the a quality of [anarthrous] divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in
the world through by [evn( en] lust.
I John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit continually do [poiei/(
poiei] sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot [continually, present
active infinitive] sin, because he is born of God.
F. During this time she is maturing under grace.
I Cor. 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect mature [telei,oij(
teleiois]: …
I Cor. 14:20 Brethren, be become [gi,nesqe( ginesthe] not children in understanding
reflective minds [fresi.n( fresin]: howbeit in malice that which is lacking in character
[kaki,a|( kakia] be ye children babblers [nhpia,zete( nepiazete], but in understanding be
men mature [te,leioi( teleioi].
Eph. 4:13 Till we all come in arrive at [katanth,swmen( katantesomen] the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge full experiential knowledge [evpignw,sewj( epignoseos] of the
Son of God, unto a perfect mature [te,leion( teleion] man, unto the measure of the stature
of the fullness of Christ:
Phil. 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect mature [te,leioi( teleioi], ...
Col. 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom;
that we may present every man perfect mature [te,leion( teleion] in Christ Jesus:
Col. 4:12 Ephaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth warmly greeteth
[avspa,zetai( aspazetai] you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may
stand perfect mature [te,leioi( teleioi] …
The Holy Spirit is “the Encourager” in this, resulting in more Christ-
likeness,
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter
Encourager [para,klhton( parakleton], that he may abide with you for ever into the age
[eivj to.n aivw/na( eis ton aiona];
John 14:26 But the Comforter Encourager [para,klhtoj( parakletos], which is the Holy
Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, ….
John 15:26 But when the Comforter Encourager [para,klhtoj( parakletos ] is come,
whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth
from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if
I go not away, the Comforter Encourager [para,klhtoj( parakletos ] will not come unto
you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
1. by teaching,
John 14:26 But the Comforter Encourager [para,klhtoj( parakletos ], which is
the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things….
I John 2
20 But ye have an unction result of an anointing [cri/sma( chrisma] from the Holy
One, and ye know all things.
27 But the anointing result of an anointing [cri/sma( chrisma] which ye have
received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as
the same anointing teacheth you of all things, ….
2. by grieving,
Eph. 4:30 And grieve not stop grieving the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are
sealed unto the day of redemption.
3. by feeling at ease
4. by witnessing of Christ through the Holy Spirit’s filling ministry
G. During this time she starts to practice what she is learning, and she becomes
disliked (mildly hated) by the world, just as her future Husband was disliked
before her while He was here on earth.
John 15
18 If the world hate dislike or mildly hate [misei/( misei] you, ye know that it hated
disliked [memi,shken( memiseken] me before it hated you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love be fond of [evfi,lei( efilei] his own: but
because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the
world hateth disliketh or mildly hateth [misei/( misei] you.
H. During this time she is learning to anticipate His return from heaven. The
following Greek words are used in the New Testament to describe the bride’s
expectancy related to her Bridegroom’s return.
1. avname,nw( anameno, to remain (on earth) with an upward orientation
I Thess. 1:10 And to wait for [avname,nein( anamenein] his Son from heaven,
whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to
come.
2. avpekde,comai( apekdechomai, eager anticipation from out of a welcoming
attitude
I Cor. 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for [avpekdecome,nous(
apekdechomenous] the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Phil. 3:20 For our conversation citizenship [poli,teuma( politeuma] is in heaven
heavens [ouvranoi/j( ouranois], from whence also we look for [avpekdeco,meqa(
apekdechometha] the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Heb. 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them
that look for [avpekdecome,noij( apekdechomenois] him shall he appear the second
time without sin unto salvation.
3. prosde,comai( prosdechomai, welcoming with full face
Titus 2:13 Looking for [prosdeco,menoi( prosdechomenoi] that blessed happy
[makari,an( makarian] hope, and even the glorious appearing appearing of the
glory [evpifa,neian th/j do,xhj( epifaneian tes doxes] of the great God and even our
Saviour Jesus Christ;
Jude 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for [prosdeco,menoi(
prosdechomenoi] the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
4. evlpi,j( elpis, hope or anticipation based upon a Divine promise
I Thess. 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of from faith, and labour
of from love, and patience of from hope the hope [th/j evlpi,doj( tes elpidos] in
concerning [objective genitive] our Lord Jesus Christ, ….
I. During this time she is gaining experiential knowledge of Christ.
John 14:7 If ye had known experientially known [evgnw,keite,( egnokeite] me, ye should
have known experientially known [evgnw,keite( egnokeite (majority text)] my Father also:
and from henceforth ye know experientially know [ginw,skete( ginoskete] him, and have
seen him.
II Cor. 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and
maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge experiential knowledge [gnw,sewj( gnoseos]
by us in every place.
II Pet. 3:18a But grow in grace, and in the knowledge experiential knowledge [gnw,sei(
gnosei] of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I John 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known experientially
known [evgnw,kate( egnokate] him that is from the beginning….
J. Because of her position in Christ, God is able to cause all grace to abound toward
Her.
II Cor. 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always
having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
K. She can learn to walk by faith.
II Cor. 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:
1. She learns to look forward toward God’s promises, not backward at past
failures or lacks.
Phil. 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I
do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things
which are before,
a. To the Rapture and her own ultimate perfection
Philippians 3
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I
do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.
I Thess. 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, ….
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed happy [makari,an( makarian] hope,
and even the glorious appearing appearing of the glory [evpifa,neian th/s
do,xhj( epifaneian tes doxes] of the great God and even our Saviour Jesus
Christ;
b. To the Second Coming
I Timothy 6
14 …until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only
Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
c. To the new universe
II Pet. 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new
heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
2. She has the opportunity to make her adversities into opportunities to bring
glory to the Father.
II Corinthians 4
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the
thanksgiving of may redound to the glory of God [the Father].
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the
inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
3. By glorifying the Father she is glorifying her future Husband.
II Thess. 1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you,
and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and even the Lord Jesus Christ.
L. She learns to be spiritually nourished by the concepts of The Faith, the body of
doctrine for the Christian life.
I Tim. 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good
minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words [lo,goij( logois, concepts] of faith the
faith [th/j pi,stewj( tes pisteos] …
1. She can have victory over the three spiritual enemies
a. the flesh
Rom. 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin
the sin nature [th|/ a`marti,a|( te hamartia], but alive unto God through in [evn(
en] Jesus Christ Christ Jesus our Lord.
b. Satan
Ephesians 6
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong inwardly able [evndunamou/sqe(
endunamousthe] in the Lord, and even in the power displayed power
[kra,tei( kratei] of his might prevailing strength [ivscu,oj( ischuos].
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles methodologies [meqodei,aj( methodeias] of the devil.
…through v. 17
c. the world system
I John 2:15 Love not Stop loving the world [system], neither the things
that are in the world [system].
Titus 2
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should
live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world age [aivw/ni(
aioni];
2. She can learn to be consistently spiritual.
I Cor. 2:15a But he that is spiritual judgeth discerneth [avnakri,nei( anakrinei] all
things,
I Cor. 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him
acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the
Lord.
Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault trespass (the decision to sin)
[paraptw,mati( paraptomati], ye which are spiritual, restore adjust [katarti,zete(
katartizete] such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou
also be tempted.
3. She can learn to be transformed by the renewing action of her mind.
Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world age [aivw/ni( aioni]: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, ….
4. She can learn to direct faith at God instead of doing her own dead works.
Heb. 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on
unto perfection maturity [teleio,thta( teleioteta]; not laying again the foundation
of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
M. She has the opportunity to submit to the gospel concerning The Christ.
II Cor. 9:13a Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your
professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ The Christ [tou/ cristou/( tou christou],
1. This puts her into a relationship with Christ where He can provide her with
daily grace.
Gal. 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed transferring yourselves
[metati,qesqe( metatithesthe, middle voice] from him that called you into the grace
by grace [evn ca,riti( en chariti] of from Christ …
2. This grace is from Christ the Head to His body which will become the Bride.
Ephesians 4
15 …may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From Out from [evx( ex] whom the whole body … maketh increase the growth
[th.n au;xhsin( ten auxesin] of the body unto the edifying of itself in by love.
Col. 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body… increaseth grows
[au;xei( auxei] with the increase growth [au;xhsin( auxexin] of God.
N. She has the opportunity to discern in the area of character what is worthy or
excellent versus what is lacking.
Heb. 5:14 But strong meat the solid food [hv sterea. trofh,( he sterea trofe] belongeth to
them that are of full age mature [telei,wn( teleion], even those who by reason of use have
their senses (perceptive faculties) [aivsqhth,ria( aistheteria] exercised to discern both good
[kalou/( kalou, that which is excellent] and evil [kakou/( kakou, that which is lacking].
O. She can learn to live by an absolute standard or rule, the New Creation.
II Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be [is] in Christ, he is a new creature creation [kti,sij(
ktisis]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 6
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a
new creature creation [kti,sij( ktisis].
16 And as many as walk according to this rule standard [kano,ni( kanoni], …
II Corinthians 10
13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of
the rule standard [kano,noj( kanonos] ….
15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but
having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by among you
according to our rule standard [kano,na( kanona] ….
P. She has the opportunity to learn and use the Pauline mysteries.
I Cor. 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom,
which God ordained before marked out [prow,risen( proorisen] before the world ages
[aivw,nwn( aionon] unto our glory:
Q. She learns to relate to the Divine Persons
1. for fruit (product of eternal life),
John 15:2a Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every
branch that beareth fruit,
2. more fruit,
John 15:2b …he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3. and much fruit.
John 15
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same
bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my
disciples.
R. She can learn the order of priority for her present state of makeup:
1. spirit
2. soul
3. body
I Thess. 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God
your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved kept [thrhqei,h( teretheie]
blameless blamelessly [avme.mptwj( amemptos] unto the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
S. She can learn the differences between the soul and spirit and how to control her
soul by her spirit, thereby saving her soul from the danger of the sin nature.
James 1:21 …receive welcome [de,xasqe( dexasthe] with meekness the engrafted word,
which is able to save your souls.
I Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from
fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Heb. 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back withdrawal [u`postolh/j( hupostoles]
unto for perdition ruin [avpw,leian( apoleian]; but of them that believe faith [pi,stewj(
pisteos] to for the saving an unique possession [peripoi,hsin( peripoiesin] of the soul.
T. She can become closely souled and identically souled with other maturing
believers.
Philippians 2
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord
closely souled [su,myucoi( sumpsuchoi], of one mind.
20 For I have no man likeminded identically souled [ivso,yucon( isopsuchon], who will
naturally care for your state.
U. She can learn to fully use all the revealed will of God.
Col. 4:12 …that ye may stand perfect mature [te,leioi( teleioi] and complete in a state of
fully carrying out [peplhroforhme,noi( pepleroforemenoi] in all the will of God.
V. She can learn to boldly magnify Christ in her body …
Phil. 1:20 …with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my
body, whether it be by life, or by death.
… as she grows in the experiential knowledge of Him.
II Peter 3:18a But grow in grace, and in the knowledge experiential knowledge [gnw,sei(
gnosei] of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. …
… This includes increasing fruit …
John 15
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that
beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in
the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same
bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be
done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
… and accuracy in its use.
Rom. 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of
goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Eph. 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be
filled with all the fullness of God.
Phil. 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge
and in all judgment;
Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
I Tim. 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might
shew forth all the all [th.n pa/san( ten pasan] longsuffering, for a pattern to them which
should hereafter believe on him ….
W. She can become accurate in keen discernment as she directs aspects of the fruit
from the Holy Spirit.
Phil. 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge
and in all judgment keen discernment [aivsqh,sei( aisthesei];
X. She can learn to be inwardly strong in the area of her spirit by grace from Christ.
II Tim. 2:1 Thou therefore, my son born one [te,knon( teknon], be strong constantly
inwardly empowered [evndunamou/( endunamou] in by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:13 I can do have prevailing strength [ivscu,w( ischuo] (in reference to) all things
through in [evn( en] Christ, which strengtheneth the One inwardly enabling [tw|/
evndunamou/nti,( to endounamounti] me.
Y. She can concentrate on exercising her spirit in spiritual things.
Acts 18:25 This man [Apollos, v. 24] was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being
fervent hot [ze,wn( zeon] in the spirit, he spake clearly articulated [evla,lei( elalei] and
taught diligently accurately [avkribw/j( akribos] the things of related to [peri.( peri] the
Lord…
Rom. 1:9 …God, whom I served [as a priest, latreu,w( latreuo] with by [evn( en] my
spirit…
Rom. 12:11 … fervent being hot [ze,ontej( zeontes] in spirit;…
Z. She can become comfortable with the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit.
I John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of from Him abideth [feels at
ease] in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth
you of related to [peri.( peri] all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath
taught you, ye shall abide [feel at ease] in Him.
AA. She can learn to live by the New Commandment, the Law of Christ.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another ; as I have
loved you, that ye also love one another.
Gal. 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
BB. She can learn to be godly and spiritually self-sufficient from other men.
I Tim. 6:6 But godliness with contentment self-sufficiency [auvtarkei,aj( autarkeias] is
great gain.
CC. She can learn to be godly and have a bearing that deserves respect.
I Tim. 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and honesty behavior that deserves respect [semno,thti(
semnoteti].
DD. She can learn to know the difference between doctrine for faith [didaskali,a(
didaskalia] and doctrine for faith and practice [didach,( didache] from a discerning
pastor.
Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught according to the doctrine
for faith and practice [kata. th.n didach.n( kata ten didachen], that he may be able by
sound doctrine [for faith only, didaskali,a|( didaskalia] both to exhort and to convince the
gainsayers.
EE. She can learn to look forward to the Rapture out of love for seeing Christ, not to
escape earthly difficulties.
II Tim. 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also
that love his appearing.
FF. She can learn to overcome the influence of the two ages in which she lives.
1. the legal age: emphasis on conformity, the mere outward change of
appearance
2. the evil age: emphasis on argument, opposition to absolute truths in God’s
word
Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world age [aivw/ni( aioni]: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, …
I Cor. 1:20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this
world age [aivw/noj( aionos]? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this
world?
Gal. 1:4 Who [our Lord Jesus Christ, v. 3] gave himself for our sins, that he
might deliver us from this present evil world age [aivw/noj( aionos] , …
II Tim. 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world age
[aivw/na( aiona],
GG. She can learn to be submissive to governmental authority while realizing that God
sets up the basest of men.
Dan. 4:17b …that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,
and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Rom. 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but
of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates,...
I Peter 2
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the
king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers,
and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of
foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of
God
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
HH. She can learn to live out the greatness of present-tense salvation, appreciating it
with fear and trembling.
I Cor. 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
II Cor. 7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he
remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
Phil. 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling.
Heb. 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began
to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
II. She can learn to cooperate with the sanctifying work of the Son Who will be her
future Husband.
Heb. 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: …
JJ. She can learn to rest from her own works.
Hebrews 4
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you
should seem to come short of it.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God
did from his.
KK. She can increasingly appreciate the effectiveness of the Word of God.
Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick living [zw/n( zon], and powerful, and sharper
than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of
the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
LL. She can learn to stimulate other believers to excellent works.
Heb. 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good excellent
[kalw/n( kalon] works:
MM. She can learn to be spiritually consistent day by day just as Jesus Christ is
consistent.
Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever into the ages [eivj tou.j
aivw/naj( eis tous aionas].
NN. She can learn about and earn crowns to later throw at the feet of her future
Husband.
I Cor. 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now
they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible [crown].
I Thess. 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the
presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
II Tim. 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also
that love his appearing.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall
receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
I Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory
that fadeth not away.
Rev. 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and
worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, ….
OO. She can learn to accept suffering at the hands of unjust men, knowing that God is
the One Who will take vengeance.
Rom. 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath:
for it is written [Deut. 32:35], Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
II Thess. 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey
not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
I Peter 2
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but
also to the forward.
19 For this is thankworthy grace [ca,rij( charis] , if a man for conscience toward God
endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently?
But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable [grace]
with [alongside] God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an
example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but
committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
PP. She can learn to be aware of Christ ...
I Cor. 2:2 For I determined not to know to be aware of [eivde,nai( eidenai] any thing
among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
… as she holds onto her Head …
Col. 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body … increaseth grows [au;xei(
auxei] with the increase growth [au;xhsin( auxexin] of God.
… from Whom she receives spiritual benefits.
Ephesians 4
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head,
even Christ:
16 From Out from [evx( ex] whom the whole body ...maketh increase the growth [th.n
au;xhsin( ten auxesin] of the body unto the edifying of itself in by love.
QQ. She can learn to see the world system for what it is: a passing thing.
I John 2:17 And the world passeth away [is constantly passing by], and the lust thereof:
but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever into the age [eivj to.n aivw/na( eis ton
aiona].
RR. She can learn to trust the truth of God’s Word because it is truth, and the Spirit of
truth, Who teaches it.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the
Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
I John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye
need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things,
and is truth true [avlhqe,j( alethes], and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall
abide in him.
SS. She can learn to feel increasingly comfortable with the indwelling Persons as she
becomes comfortable in her position in Christ.
John 15:4 Abide [Feel comfortable] in me, and I in you….
I John 4:16b …God is love, and he that dwelleth [feels comfortable] in love dwelleth
[feels comfortable] in God, and God in him.
II Thess. 1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in
him, according to the grace of our God and even the Lord Jesus Christ.
TT. She can learn to be content with her temporary earthly circumstances.
Philippians 4
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all
things I am instructed both to be full and to be hunger, both to abound and to suffer need.
Heb. 13:5 Let your conversation lifestyle [tro,poj( tropos] be without covetousness; and
be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor
forsake thee.
UU. She can learn to live in a mental state of peace in all situations like God does.
Rom. 15:33 Now the God of peace be [is] with you all. Amen.
Rom. 16:20a And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.
II Cor. 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one
mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Col. 3:15a And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
II Thess. 3:16a Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.
VV. She can learn to be reconciled to God (the Father) and not count Him as an enemy
(like the world counts Him).
II Cor. 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by
us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
WW. She can learn to appreciate that God has promised to supply all spiritual needs, not
all physical needs.
Phil. 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by
Christ Jesus.
XX. She can learn to recognize the difference between
1. physical weakness of a spiritual believer, and
2. physical weakness of a carnal believer
I Cor. 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many
sleep.
II Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my
strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in
my infirmities weaknesses [avsqenei,aij( astheneiais], that the power of Christ may
rest upon me.
Galatians 4
13 Ye know how through infirmity weakness [avsqe,neian( astheneian] of the flesh
I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but
received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
YY. During this time Christ has dedicated Himself to her
1. by making Himself an offering and a sacrifice to God on her behalf
Eph. 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself
for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.
2. by His present post-resurrection ministry of cleansing by an utterance
Ephesians 5
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave
dedicated [pare,dwken( paredoken] himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word an
utterance [r`vh,mati( hremati],
3. by interceding for her
Heb. 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto
God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
4. by governing the part of her that is in heaven (the heavenly kingdom)
II Tim. 4:18a And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will
preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom:
5. by His love for her and resulting dedication to her, He gives ample reason for
her to submit to Him (to place herself in relation to Him so that He can
benefit her)
Eph. 5:24a Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ,
ZZ. She as the future bride is ministered to by the Holy Spirit,
1. Who seeks to produce the character of Christ through her
Galatians 5
22 But the fruit of from the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
good ness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24a And they that are Christ’s of the quality or character of Christ [tou/ cristou/(
tou christou, genitive of quality] …
I Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name [name = character by activity] of
Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: …
2. Who protects her from Satan’s full power.
II Thess. 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity the lawlessness [th/j avnomi,aj( tes
anomias] doth already work: only he who now letteth hindereth [kate,cwn(
katechon] will let hinder, until he be taken out of the way.
AAA. The future bride is learning to love the Father …
Rom. 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of for God is shed
abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
I John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of for the Father is not in him.
I John 4
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth
not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his
brother also.
… like the Bridegroom loves the Father.
John 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father
gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Philippians 2
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Gal. 5:13 …by through [dia.( dia + genitive] love serve one another.
III. The Son is now preparing His Body, the Church, to be His Bride
A. Christ’s Body is made up of many individuals or members.
I Cor. 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
B. The Great Mystery is how Christ is preparing each member to become part of the
Bride.
Eph. 5:32 This is a the great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
C. Christ is interceding for each believer.
Heb. 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by
him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
D. Each member is sanctified by being cleansed.
Eph. 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word
an utterance [r`h,mati( hremati],
E. This cleansing is the result of an utterance or short word from Christ about that
individual during His intercession
F. The cleansing is called washing of water “by an utterance.”
G. When scripture likens the Church, the future Bride, to a building being built of
living stones, …
I Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively living [Zw/ntej( zontes] stones, are built up a spiritual
house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.
…this reveals the Son’s (the future Bridegroom’s) extensive involvement.
1. He is the bedrock for the building’s foundation.
2. He is the builder of the building. It is His work.
Matt. 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter [Pe,troj( Petros, a little
rock], and upon this rock bedrock [pe,tra( petra] I will build [edify] my church;
and the gates of hell Hades [a[|dou( hadou] shall not prevail against it.
I Cor. 15:58 …abounding in the work of the Lord, …
I Cor. 16:10 …for he worketh the work of the Lord, …
Phil. 2:30 Because for the work of Christ …
3. He is the foundation itself.
I Cor. 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ.
Eph. 2:20a And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets
4. He is the building’s capstone or keystone which supports the walls, and it is
the final stone to be placed in the building.
Eph. 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone capstone or keystone [avkrogwniai,ou(
akrogoniaiou];
Rev. 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the
last.
5. So the Son of God, the future Bridegroom, is essential to the building’s
a. beginning
b. ending
c. and everything in between
IV. The Son will come to take His future bride
A. She is encouraged to be completely blameless in light of the event.
I Thess. 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your
whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
B. She is encouraged to avoid momentary shame at the event.
I Jn. 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may
have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
C. She will be taken away from earth.
I Thessalonians 4
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the
archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the
clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
D. In the air the Bride will face Christ.
John 14:3 …and receive you unto facing [pro.j( pros] myself; …
Being glorified, she will see Him as He is. She will see the glory of the great God
and her Savior, the Bridegroom.
I John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see
him as he is.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Bride will afterward always be in close unity and proximity to the Bridegroom
I Thess. 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them
in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with closely with [su.n(
sun] the Lord.
E. The Son will burn away his future Bride’s worthless works and reward her for
excellent works done through Divine Power.
I Corinthians 3
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay,
stubble;
13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it
shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved;
yet so as by fire.
II Cor. 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat reward platform [bh,matoj(
bematos] of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to
that he hath done, whether it be good [avgaqo.n( agathon, good that makes for happy] or
bad [fau/lon( faulon, fallow or worthless].
F. After that the future Bride will come to be in front of $evmprosqen( emprosthen)
Christ, a graciously given privileged position as she heads for heaven with the
Bridegroom.
I Thess. 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the
presence of in front of [e;mprosqen( emprosthen, in front of] our Lord Jesus Christ at his
coming?
G. The revelation of this imminent event and its result is designed to encourage her
I Thess. 4:18 Wherefore comfort encourage [parakalei/te( parakaleite] one another with
these words.
H. Members of the Bride
1. the dead will be resurrected
I Thess. 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with
the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ
shall rise first:
2. the living will be changed
I Cor. 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the
trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be
changed.
3. the bodies of all will be
a. immortal
I Cor. 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal
must put on immortality.
b. incorruptible
I Cor. 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in
corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
c. in glory
I Cor. 15:43a It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory:
d. powerful
I Cor. 15:43b it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
e. spiritual
I Cor. 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There
is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
f. heavenly
I Cor. 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is
the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
g. bearing the image of God
I Cor. 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also
bear the image of the heavenly.
h. have no blood; having blood shows a condition of needing renewal
because of breakdown and deterioration
I Cor. 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit
the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
V. The Son will present the future Bride to the Father
A. At His return to heaven with her, she will be out in front of the Son facing the
same direction as He, facing toward the Father.
Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless
before the presence of down in front of[katenw,pion( katenopion] his glory with
exceeding joy,
B. She will therefore be before and facing the Father at her presentation to Him by
her Bridegroom.
I Thess. 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before
before the face of [e;mprossqen( emprosthen] God, even our Father, at the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
C. In her perfect state she will be exuberant.
Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless
before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy exuberance [avgalli,asij( agalliasis],
D. She will be holy, without inner defect or legal charge.
Col. 1:22 …to present you to stand you alongside [parasth/sai( parastesai] holy and
unblameable and unreproveable without a legal charge [avnegklh,touj( anenkletous] in his
sight down in front of him [katenw,pion auvtou/( katenopion autou]:
VI. The Bride will be spiritually married to the Son in heaven
A. The marriage will begin with the Bridegroom standing His Bride alongside
Himself.
Eph. 5:27 That he might present stand alongside [parasth,sh|( parastese] it to himself a
glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy
and without blemish.
1. This stance indicates equality of privilege in ruling with Him.
Revelation 2
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I
give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they
be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
2. It also indicates that Christ, the last Adam, …
I Cor. 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the
last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
… will have a spiritual relationship with His Bride in which sin will not be a
factor, a relationship like that between the first Adam and his wife before the
fall. Christ and His Bride will stand together.
3. The Bride will be gorgeous.
Eph. 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious [e;ndoxon( endoxon,
splendid, gorgeous, outstanding in appearance and character] church, not having
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
a. She will not have even a spot from the world system.
Eph. 5:27 …not having spot, …
b. She will not have a wrinkle, not even a tiny imperfection.
Eph. 5:27 …or wrinkle, …
c. nor any such thing, no hint of any unrighteousness.
Eph. 5:27 … or any such thing; …
d. She will be holy, i.e., completely set apart unto God and away from
wrong
Eph. 5:27 … but that it should be holy …
e. She will be without a defect, just like her Bridegroom.
Eph. 5:27 …but that it should be … without blemish [a;mwmoj( amomos,
without any imperfection, even a hidden one]
I Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot:
B. The marriage will take place during the seven years of the Tribulation.
C. His deity (omniscience) will have already given Him complete knowledge of her.
D. The Bridegroom will not have to get acquainted with His Bride, for His attention
has been upon her during all her earthly sojourn.
I Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto
their prayers supplications: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
E. He will dwell with Her in knowledge (similar to an earthly husband with his wife,
though Christ’s knowledge will be much more complete)
I Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, …
F. He will prove that He intimately knows each individual belonging to the Bride by
giving each a white stone.
Rev. 2:17b …and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written,
which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
1. It is white to set off the name upon it.
2. The name, like most biblical names, will have a special meaning.
3. The meaning indicates something about the recipient of which only he and
the Giver are aware.
G. The Bride will start gaining more knowledge about the Bridegroom.
1. The Bridegroom, aware of His Bride’s lack of knowledge about Him, will
give Himself to her (He is the morning star).
Rev. 2:28 And I will give him [the overcomer, v. 26] the morning star.
Rev. 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the
churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning
star.
2. He will give attention to her physical pleasures—He will allow her to eat of
the fruit of the tree of life.
Rev. 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst
of the paradise of God.
Rev. 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there
the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every
month: …
3. He will tend to her emotional welfare by keeping her from being hurt by the
finality of the second death.
Rev. 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;
He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
4. He will give her more revelation about Himself (“hidden manna”) than was
ever given while she was on earth.
Rev. 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, …
5. He will give her the privilege of sharing His authority over the nations during
the Millennium, and she will emulate His strict enforcement.
Revelation 2
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I
give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they
be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
6. He will clothe her with white garments to indicate her perfect glorified
condition and absence of any sin guilt or personal unrighteousness.
Rev. 3:5a He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment;
7. He personally promises now that all individuals belonging to the future Bride
have absolute security at the Great White Throne because their names are in
the Book of Life.
Rev. 3:5b …and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will
confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
8. After the Bema Seat He will confess the name (name = character by activity)
of every individual belonging to the Bride.
Rev. 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I
will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name
before my Father, and before his angels.
a. After the Bema/fire there will be no unrewardable works left, and the
individual will be free from his sin nature.
b. The confession will be not only before the angels but also before God
the Father.
c. This shows there will be nothing of the Bride’s past left that is not
perfect like Christ’s glorified humanity.
9. He will make every individual of the Bride an outstanding fixture in the
temple of God, the third heaven.
Rev. 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and
he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the
name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of
heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
a. He will be a permanent fixture
b. He will be a prominent fixture
c. He will be a pre-eminent fixture having a higher status than the angels
d. Christ will write upon him the character of God the Father
e. Christ will write upon him the name of the New Jerusalem. He will be
identified with it. It is a heavenly city, and he will be a heavenly
citizen of it.
Phil. 3:20 For our conversation citizenship [poli,teuma( politeuma] is in
heaven heavens [ouvranoi/j( ouranois]; from whence also we look for the
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
f. The Bridegroom will write upon him His new name that will cause
every knee to bow.
Phil. 2:10 That at the name of Jesus [name belonging to Jesus, genitive of
possession] every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in
earth, and things under the earth;
This is similar to the honor given to Mordecai but of far greater effect.
Esther 10
2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the
greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not
written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among
the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth
of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
10. Christ will give every individual of the Bride the privilege of sitting with
Him on His millennial throne.
Rev. 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even
as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
11. Evidence of the Bride’s vastly improved spiritual condition: the Elders of
Revelation
a. They will address Christ as “Lord” showing submission to Him as the
Husband.
Gen. 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am
waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
Rev. 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and
power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and
were created.
b. They will acknowledge their dependence upon the Bridegroom to have
done anything worthwhile when they were on earth by casting their
crowns at His feet.
Rev. 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the
throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns
before the throne, saying,
c. They are 24 in number signifying a completed priesthood.
Rev. 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and
upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white
raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
I Chronicles 24
1 Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron;
Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
18 The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah.
19 These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the
house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as
the LORD God of Israel had commanded him.
d. Being in the throne room, they have direct access to God with the
prayers of the tribulational saints.
Rev. 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and
twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps,
and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
e. They will be in white, a sign of the complete absence of sin or
unrighteousness.
Rev. 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and
upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white
raiment; …
f. They have unusual insight.
Revelation 5
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to
read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the
tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to
loose the seven seals thereof.
Revelation 7
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which
are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are
they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
g. They have full realization of their future authority in the millennial
kingdom.
Rev. 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings [a kingdom] and priests:
and we shall reign on the earth.
h. Unlike now, they will be able to fully worship the Lamb and God the
Father.
Rom. 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know
not what we should pray for [a communication with God (proseuxw,meqa(
proseuxometha), that includes worship] as we ought: but the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Rev. 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders
fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Rev. 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the
elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and
worshipped God,
Rev. 11:16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their
seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
Rev. 19:4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down
and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
12. The Bridegroom will eventually give her an activity to demonstrate her
newly found mental powers of discernment by having her judge angels.
I Cor. 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that
pertain to this life?
VII. The preparation for the wedding celebration of the Church as Christ’s wife
A. She will know the Bridegroom much better from her seven years in heaven with
Him (see section VI)
B. She will have learned more about Him as she watches Him set up His kingdom
1. He will destroy the armies against Him in the campaign of Armageddon.
Revelation 16
14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the
kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great
day of God Almighty.
16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue
Armageddon.
2. He will conduct this campaign in absolute righteousness.
Rev. 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat
upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and
make war.
3. He will judge non-elect Jews and Gentiles who initially enter the millennial
kingdom.
Matthew 13
49 So shall it be at the end of the world age [aiw/noj( aionos]: the angels shall
come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and
gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 24
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other
left.
C. She will know how to look and prepare herself accordingly.
Rev. 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of
the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready [prepared herself].
1. She will be clothed appropriately in linen clean and bright.
Rev. 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean
and white bright [lampro,n( lampron]: for the fine linen is the righteousness of
saints.
“Clean” indicates her spiritual salvation.
John 13
10 Jesus saith to him [Peter], He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet,
but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
The brightness indicates her glorified condition.
2. The brightness will be the result of her getting back the image of God that
Adam and Eve once had but lost at the fall.
Genesis 1
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image,…
Gen. 1:27 So God created man [Adam] in his own image, in the image of God
created he him; male and female created he them.
I Cor. 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear
the image of the heavenly.
3. The false religions have the fine linen but not the brightness.
Rev. 18:16 And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen,
and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
4. The armies of heaven, the angelic forces, will be dressed in fine linen but not
the brightness.
Rev. 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white
horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
VIII. A principle to be fulfilled by the Bride at the second coming of Christ
A. The wife is the glory of the husband.
I Cor. 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image
and glory of God: but the woman [or wife, gunh.( gune] is the glory of the man [or
husband, avndro,j( andros].
B. The Lord, the Bridegroom, will be “made notable by His saints.”
II Thess. 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified [evndoxasqh/nai( endoxasthenai,
splendid, glorious, notable], in by his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe
(because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
1. The saints here are all grace-believers, having been glorified seven years.
2. These saints in their glorified condition will enhance Christ’s glory as He
sets up His kingdom, and they begin to reign with Him and reflect His
character in all they do.
Revelation 2
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I
give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they
be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
C. Today by our position in Him the name of the Lord Jesus Christ can be made
notable…
II Thess. 1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified [made notable]
in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
…especially by Christians among Christians.
Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
This happens when goodness, a part of the fruit, is directed toward other members
of the Body by spiritual believers. It can also be enhanced by applying goodness
to unsaved men.
Gal. 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto
them who are of the household of faith.
The future Bridegroom has been called by the Father to an unique possession of
glory belonging to Christ.
II Thess. 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining unique
possession [peripoi,hsin( peripoiesin] of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
IX. The celebration of the marriage: “the marriage feast”
A. It will take place on earth at the beginning of the millennial kingdom.
Matt. 22:2 The kingdom of heaven the heavens [tw/n ouvranw/n( ton ouranon] is like unto
a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
Matt. 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven the heavens [tw/n ouvranw/n( ton ouranon]
be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the
bridegroom.
B. It will follow the coming of Christ with all of His holy ones
Jude 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold,
the Lord cometh with ten thousands myriads [muria,sin( muriasin] of his saints,
1. including myriads of angels
2. including the glorified Church
C. Christ will first get rid of all not qualified to be part of the celebration, including
many Jews
Psalm 37
1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious [jealous] against the
workers of iniquity [evil].
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon [for] the LORD, they shall
inherit the earth [land].
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider
his place, and it shall not be.
12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
etc.
1. A large percentage of Jews will not “make the cut” although some have
resisted the harlot, a worldwide religious system, …
Revelation 17
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit
upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and
ten horns.
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold
and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of
abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE
GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE
EARTH.
…and are therefore identified as virgins.
Matthew 25
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their
lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye
out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone
out.
9 But 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.
10 And 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.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
2. They did not display faith by being prepared for the second coming.
Matt. 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein
the Son of man cometh.
D. It includes the righteous (believing) Jews.
1. The ones who are prudent,…
Matt. 25:2 And five of them were wise prudent [fro,nimoi( fronimoi], and five
were foolish.
Luke 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the
hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom prudence
[fronh,sei( fronesei] of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
… and have fled Palestine at the middle of the Tribulation.
Matthew 24
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by
Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)
16 Then let them which be in Judæa flee into the mountains:
Matthew 24
17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his
house:
18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those
days!
20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day:
The 144,000 virgins of Revelation will be included.
Revelation 14
1 And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an
hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their
foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven as the voice of many waters, and as the voice
of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four
beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty
and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 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.
2. During His earthly ministry Jesus called believing Jews “sons of the
bride chamber.” The bride chamber refers to the location of the marriage
celebration. They were called “sons” to denote their privilege to attend.
Matthew 9
14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees
fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children sons [ui`oi.( huioi] of the bride
chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come,
when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
3. “All Israel will be saved,” but this is after the ungodly ones are judged.
Psalm 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon [for] the
LORD, they shall inherit the earth [land].
Isa. 13:9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce
anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.
Rom. 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out
of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
E. Some Gentiles will be included, but others will not.
1. Unbelievers
a. They will try to look nice by asking an innocent-sounding question.
Matt. 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we
thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and
did not minister unto thee?
b. They will have displayed their lack of faith by the way they treat Jews
during the time of Jacob’s trouble.
Jer. 30:7 Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the
time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.
Matthew 25
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye
cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye
gave me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not:
sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an
hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not
minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as
ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
2. Believers
When Jesus said, “Many shall come with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and sit
down,” He was referring to the occasion of the marriage celebration and the
part that believing Gentiles will have with the Jews in the celebration.
Matt. 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and
shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
F. Prior to the celebration, the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon all flesh.
Joel 2
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your
young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my
spirit.
1. The Jews will be like John the Baptizer who was filled by the Spirit.
Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither
wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his
mother’s womb.
As a result they will rejoice over seeing the Bridegroom.
John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the
bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the
bridegroom’s void: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
2. Those called to the celebration will be happy because they will be “poured
upon” and elect.
Matt. 24:31 …he shall send his angels … they shall gather together his elect…
Rev. 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed Happy [Maka,rioi( Makarioi] are
they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto
me, These are the true sayings of God.
G. Jesus said in the Upper Room that He would not drink wine again with His
disciples until He did it in His Father’s kingdom (at the beginning of the
Millennium). They will be part of the Bride.
Matt. 26:29 But I say unto, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that
day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
H. When Jesus said that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would recline (AV “sit down”) in
the millennial kingdom, He was referring to the marriage feast. These three men
will be resurrected for the kingdom and that occasion.
Matt. 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall
sit down recline [avnakliqh,sonai( anaklithesontai] with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in
the kingdom of heaven.
I. Job, an Old Testament Gentile believer, will attend the celebration, having been
resurrected and therefore in his own flesh, and will see the Bridegroom with his
own eyes, Whom he will know is God.
Job 19
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my
reins be consumed within me.
J. Balaam, an Old Testament Gentile prophet of God, will see Christ from a distance
because, like Job and many others, he will not be part of the Bride.
Num. 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall
come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners
of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
K. The Bride will increase her knowledge of the Bridegroom by getting to know His
friends.
X. After the wedding feast
A. During the Millennium
1. The Bride will be in the heavenly Jerusalem.
Hebrews 12
22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the
heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in
heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
2. She is “the Church of the first-born (heir).”
Heb. 12: 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn [prwtoto,kwn(
prototokon], …
3. She is enrolled in heavens.
Heb. 12: 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn [prwtoto,kwn(
prototokon], which are written enrolled [avpogegrame,,nwn( apogegramenon] in
heaven heavens [ouvranoi/j( ouranois], …
4. The enrollment is a list of those humans who are heavenly citizens.
Phil. 3:20 For our conversation citizenship [poli,teuma( politeuma] is in heaven
heavens [ouvranoi/j( ouranois]; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord
Jesus Christ:
5. She will live at the outer edge of the first heaven, where the birds fly and
trees grow.
Daniel 4
11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven,
and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for
all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt
in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.
6. There in the heavenly Jerusalem she will rule and reign with Christ during
His millennial kingdom.
Rev. 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter
shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
7. The millennial rules will come from Zion, the heavenly city.
Isa. 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the
mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of
his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
8. Because the Bride is already there, she will invite millennial believers to
come up to the heavenly city.
Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say,
Come. …
9. Those who come up will have at least four benefits by so doing.
a. Eating of the fruit of the tree of life results in prolonged physical life.
b. Eating the leaves of the tree of life brings healing from tribulational
wounds.
Rev. 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river,
was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded
her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the
nations.
c. Drinking of the water of life will have physical benefits.
Revelation 22
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,
proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say,
Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take
the water of life freely.
d. Safe storage of material possessions away from earthly thieves.
Matthew 6
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
B. After the Millennium
1. The Bride will sit with Christ in judgment at the Great White Throne, …
Rev. 3:9b …behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to
know that I have loved thee.
… not hurt by the finality of the Lake of Fire which is the second death.
Rev. 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;
He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
2. Like Christ, she will not shed tears as will tribulational and millennial saints
during that time.
Rev. 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be
no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away.
3. She will be shown things about divine grace by the Father in coming ages.
Eph. 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his
grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
4. His grace is based upon His love for her based upon His love for His Son.
He will still see them as one, …
John 17
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also
may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one,
even as we are one:
John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and
that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast
loved me.
… because they will still be “in Christ.”
Eph. 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his
grace in his kindness toward us through in [evn( en] Christ Jesus.
5. She will be shown these things by kindness, which is an aspect of love.
I Cor. 13:4a Charity [love] suffereth long, and is kind; …
… She will not deserve it, so it will be in the form of grace!
Eph. 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his
grace in his kindness toward us through in [evn( en] Christ Jesus.
Conclusion: Wow! What a future God’s grace has planned for us grace-believers!
The events related to the marriage of Christ and the Church are a glorious subject. The
church saint who grasps just a small part of the glory this entails will be greatly edified. As
grace-believers we are destined to enjoy the greatest possible privileges in this universe. We
are going to be spiritually united with Christ in a closeness that is identified with the closest
human relationship, that between a bridegroom and his bride and their ongoing marriage. All
that the Three Persons of the Godhead are doing for us points toward this great and fast-
approaching privilege.
At some point all who are part of the Bride will individually give a word or short account to
the Father related to all we will be as the glorified Bride. Perhaps that word will be something
like this, “I am what I am because of my Lord; He deserves the credit.”
Rom. 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account [logo,n( logon, a word or short account] of himself to
God.
Genesis
1: 26 6,35
27 6,36
4: 19 8
6: 2 8
18: 12 33
24: 53 8x2
67 8
34: 2 8
Numbers
24:17 41
Deuteronomy
32:35 21
I Chronicles
24: 1 33
18 33
19 33
Esther
10: 2 32
3 32
Job
19: 26 41
27 41
Psalms
37:1 37
2 37
9 37,39
10 37
12 37
13 37
45:1 4
6 4
9 4
Isaiah
2: 3 42
13: 9 39
Jeremiah
30: 7 40
Daniel
4: 11 42
12 42
17 19
Joel
2: 28 40
29 40
Matthew
6: 19 43
20 43
8: 11 40,41
9: 14 39
15 5,39
13: 49 35
50 35
16: 16 5
18 5x2,25
22: 2 37
24: 15 38
16 38
17 39
18 39
19 39
20 39
31 40
40 35
41 35
25: 1 37,38
2 38x2
3 38
4 38
5 38
6 38
7 38
8 38
9 38
10 38
11 38
12 38
13 38
41 40
42 40
43 40
44 39,40
45 40
26: 29 41
Mark
2: 19 5
20 5
Luke
1: 15 7,40
17 38
5: 34 5
35 5
John
3: 3 9
7 9
29 7,40
13: 10 35
11 35
John
13: 34 18
14: 3 5,7,26
7 12
16 10
26 10x2
31 24
15: 2 15x2,17
4 17,22
5 16,17
7 17
8 16,17
18 11
19 11
26 10,21
16: 7 10
17: 2 4x2,9
17 22
21 43
22 43
23 44
24 4
Acts
18: 25 17
Romans
1: 9 18
5: 5 24
6: 11 13
7: 4 3
8: 26 34
11: 25 5
26 39
12: 2 14,19
11 18
19 21
13: 1 19
14: 12 44
15: 14 17
33 22
16: 20 22
I Corinthians
1: 7 11
20 19
2: 2 21
3 19
6 9
7 15
10 7
15 14
16 9
3: 11 25
12 27
13 27
I Corinthians
3: 14 27
15 27
23 8
6: 3 34
20 7
7: 22 8
23 7,8
9: 25 20
11: 7 36
30 23
12: 27 24
13: 4 44
14: 20 9
37 14
15: 42 28
43 28x2
44 28
45 29
48 28
49 28,36
50 28
52 27
53 28
58 25
16: 10 25
II Corinthians
2: 14 12
4: 15 13
16 13
17 13
5: 7 12
10 27
17 15
20 22
7: 15 19
9: 8 12
13 14
10: 13 15
15 15
11: 2 4,9
12: 9 23
13: 11 22
Galatians
1: 4 19
6 14
4: 13 23
14 23
5: 13 24
22 24
23 24
24 24
6: 1 14
2 18
Galatians
6: 10 37
15 15
16 15
Ephesians
1: 9 6
10 6x2
22 4
23 4
2: 7 43,44x2
10 6,36
15 6
20 25,26
3: 4 6
5 7
19 17
4: 13 10
15 15,21
16 15,21
30 10
5: 2 8,23
24 23
25 23
26 6,23,25
27 4,6,29x3,30x4
32 6,25
6: 10 13
11 13
12 13
13 13
14 13
15 13
16 13
17 13
Philippians
1: 9 17x2
20 16
2: 2 16
7 24
8 24
10 32
12 19
20 16
30 25
3 13 12x2
14 12
15 10
20 11,32,42
4: 4 17
11 22
12 22
13 17
19 23
Colossians
1: 22 29
26 7
28 10
2: 2 6
19 15,21
3: 15 22
4: 12 10,16
I Thessalonians
1: 3 11
10 11,12
2: 19 20,27
3: 13 29
4: 16 26,27
17 26,27
18 27
5: 23 16,26
II Thessalonians
1: 8 21
10 3,36
12 13,22,36
2: 7 24
14 37
3: 16 22
I Timothy
1: 16 17
2: 2 18
3: 16 22
4: 6 13
6: 6 18
14 13
15 13
16 5
II Timothy
2: 1 17
4: 8 18,20
10 19
18 23
Titus
1: 9 18
2: 11 14
12 14
13 3x2,11,12,26
3: 1 19
Hebrews
2: 3 19
11 20
4: 1 20
9 20
10 20
Hebrews
4: 12 20
5: 14 15
6: 1 14
7: 25 23,25
9: 14 3
28 11
10:24 20
39 16
12:22 41
23 41,42x2
13: 5 22
8 20
James
1: 12 20
21 16
I Peter
1: 18 8
19 3,8,30
2: 5 25
11 16
13 19
14 19
15 19
16 19
17 19
18 21
19 21
20 21
21 21
22 21
23 21
3: 7 30
12 30
4: 14 24
5: 4 20
II Peter
1: 4 9
3: 3 13
18 12,17
I John
2: 14 12
15 14,24
17 21
20 10
27 10,18,22
28 26
3: 2 3,5,26
9 9
4: 16 22
19 24
20 24
I John
4: 21 24
5: 11 9
12 9
Jude
14 37
21 11
24 28,29
Revelation
2: 7 31
11 31,43
17 30,31
26 29,31,36
27 29,31,36,42
28 3,30
3: 5 31x2,32
9 43
12 32
3:21 33
4: 4 33x2
10 20,33
11 33
5: 4 34
5 34
8 33
9 8
10 34
14 34
7:11 34
13 34
14 34
11:16 34
14: 1 39
2 39
3 39
4 39
16: 14 35
16 35
17: 3 38
4 38
5 38
18:16 36
19: 4 34
7 35
8 3,35
9 41
11 35
14 36
21: 4 43
9 7
10 7
22: 1 43
2 31,42
13 26
16 3,31
17 7,42,43