The Bride
Who is the Bride of Christ?
“Listen, O daughter give attention and incline your ear; forget your people and your father’s house; 11 then the King will desire your beauty. Because He is your ADON, bow down to Him. 12 The people…will bring you gifts; rich people will try to win your favor. 13 The King’s daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is interwoven with gold. 14 She will be led to the King in embroidered work; the virgins, her companions who follow her, will be brought to Thee. 15 They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing; they will enter the King’s palace” (PSM 45:10-15).
Before we address the Bride, the writer desires the redefining of key words in Scripture, beginning with the difference between righteousness and holiness. Often these two words seem to many as interchangeable and receive treatment from pulpits accordingly. However, “righteousness” briefly means, “standing right,” the position purchased for us by the blood of Christ. In Strong’s, the five different Hebrew words used for “righteousness” all refer to justice, equity, rectitude, being in right standing; the Greek words likewise echo the same, justification, equitably, justly, rectitude, terms referring to a legal standing.
On the other hand, “holiness” means purity and sacredness, referring to a state of godliness and consecration. Strong’s list only one Hebrew word used for “holiness,” “qodesh,” from which comes the modern Jewish word kosher. This word carries the meaning of consecration, dedicated, sanctified and saintly or set apart for the LORD. The equivalent Greek words used for holiness mean godliness, purity, sanctity, sacredness, and piety.
Summing it up, the righteousness of Christ’ sacrifice makes our spirits in right standing and perfect before GOD. Sanctification is a process in which our souls (mind, will and emotions) become holy, sanctified, set apart to GOD and Christ-like. Righteousness and holiness each refer to separate and necessary processes.
When righteousness applies to us, it signifies the declaration of our legal position of standing right with GOD through the redeeming blood our Savior. We receive the impartation of righteousness the moment we acknowledge Christ as our Savior and LORD of our lives; “Not as a result of works, lest any man should boast” (EPH 2:8-9). Our names appear in the Lamb’s Book of Life (RVL 21:27). We then possess a seat in Heavenly places (EPH 2:6). Righteousness signifies our transition from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light (CLS 1:13), when Holy Spirit moves in, enlightening and quickening our dead spirit to life everlasting (RMN 8:11).
Holiness, not imparted, but achieved as Paul says, “work out your salvation in fear and trembling” (PHP 2:12). Holiness results from the process of sanctification, being set apart and consecrated to GOD, and purification, as we must “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us” (HBR 12:1). It means obtaining deliverance if needed, eschewing sin and keeping a repentant heart, making it possible for the bearing of GOD’s weighty glory in us so that we may walk as the LORD.
In Matthew 5:8, does not Jesus say, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see ELOHIM.” One might say this differently, “Blessed are the holy, whose hearts are pure enough for seeing GOD.” Did you not believe He meant in this life? Do we not take for granted that we shall see the LORD when we die if we believe? However, we were redeemed that we might function in the spiritual gifts given to us at creation. Adam and Eve, before they fell, could see, hear and function in the spirit realm, interacting with YHWH on a daily basis. The Garden of Eden was an interdimensional realm, something like a slice of Heaven.
When He challenges the disciples and those who follow, Jesus says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it” (MTH 7:13-14). Most apply this verse to salvation and should, but a narrower gate also exists for those who forsake the world and consecrate themselves to GOD in contrast to many believers who live for themselves, giving GOD only a token of their lives, who never fulfill their destinies and often eventually suffer chastisement instead of blessing in this life as GOD tries correcting their walk before it is too late. Early believers knew that when those chose Jesus, they chose possible death, and most were not lukewarm as believers today.
The early believers identified themselves as “people of the way;” the path of intimacy with the Savior and holiness, the path of ever-increasing glory and selflessness; those who walked the narrow way; who entered through the narrow gate; who consecrated their lives wholly to GOD. Jeremiah warns Israel, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths[1], where the good way is, and walk in it; and you shall find rest for your souls” (JRM 6:16). “Seek YHWH, all you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; seek righteousness, seek humility, perhaps you will be hidden in the day of YHWH’s anger” (ZPH 2:3). Isn’t that our desire?
Too many believers find contentment in having obtained their “ticket” to Heaven. They comfort themselves in that they soon “fly away” and leave all the trials of earth behind. But, the Apostle Paul says, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win” (1 COR 9:24). Heaven, wonderful and wonderfully beautiful and blissful beyond our imagination, represents the background for our eternal state, not the prize, but the setting of the Pearl of Great Price. The prize, the Exquisite Jewel of Heaven, consists of the Holy Savior Himself, the eternal fellowship with the Holy Godhead. When a believer obtains Heaven, but misses the prize, that is intimacy with our Savior, it means his destiny remains unfulfilled.
By His Holy Sacrifice, the LORD made it possible for the entrance of all His children, not just gaining Heaven, but enjoying close, personal relationship with the Holy Godhead. The offer extends to all, but few find or enter the narrow gate of consecration, demanded for such a reward. Salvation is the door to the spiritual life, the entrance and beginning of all that GOD has for us. Salvation is free to all, but the path of holiness and consecration is costly. But why settle for only Paradise, when one may obtain the glory of the Third Heaven, when one may walk the sapphire expanse to the very throne of GOD? Run for the prize!
Moving on, we come to the third word which needs redefining, and which may raise some eyebrows, “church.” In the first century, churches exhibited themselves much differently than those which exist today. Often, in homes, or other places of meeting, sometimes synagogues, but not usually, believers met for worship, prayer and instruction based on the Jewish model of observance.
In saying this, this writer advocates not Jewish observance in particular, although that is not at all unwell, but more worshipful, more prayerful times as we present ourselves before GOD. How often this writer has observed during worship services people talking or texting or playing games on their phones. Somewhere along the line, the awe and fear of GOD disappeared from modern believers. It seems today, we forget the purpose of assembly focuses on the LORD, not us or our preferences. We should not approach church for its good sermon or pleasant music or “entertainment” value. Although some of those things have importance, we must remember our primary obligation entails presenting ourselves to GOD in humility, reverence and with thanksgiving and worship. Anything less, negates our attendance as futile.
The word, “church,” comes from the Greek word, ěkklěsia, currently defined simply as “called out ones,” but in Roman times, when John wrote, referring to a legal assembly with military authority and power. When Jesus says, “I will build My church (ěkklěsia) and the gates of Hades will not overpower it;” He speaks of military power and authority against Hell. No doubt some of His disciples, such as Judas, felt this confirmed His intention of overthrowing the Roman government, but even as the LORD said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.” He spoke rather of the destiny of His chosen ones, His Bride in overcoming the onslaught of the enemy which defies the presence of Heaven on earth.
The implication of the church existing as those “called out from the world, a governing spiritual militant force,” seems much disconnected from the church of our day. Whenever we read the word “church” in our Bibles, we need adjustment in our thinking to its original meaning. The writers of the New Testament held the idea of church as those consecrated, set apart to GOD, and called out from the world as they themselves, bold spiritual warriors, willingly giving their lives for the gospel; not an assembly of believers who meet in pleasant society and enjoy fellowship and entertainment for an hour or two a week. CHURCH—not a place, but a specially commissioned force!
Consider the addressees of the letters of Paul and Peter:
“To those who have been sanctified in (the Messiah) Christ Jesus, saints (holy and set apart) by calling” (1 COR 1:2);
“To the church (the called-out or separated assembly) of ELOHIM …with all the saints who are throughout Asia” (2 COR 1:1);
“To the saints who are at Ephesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus” (EPH 1:1);
“To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” (PHP 1:1);
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ” (CLS 1:2);
“Brethren beloved by the ADON, because ELOHIM has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in truth” (2 THS 2:13);
“For the faith of those chosen by ELOHIM and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness” (TTS 1:1);
“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a Heavenly calling” (HBR 3:1);
“To those who reside…who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of YHWH the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit that you may obey Jesus Christ” (1 PTR 1:1-2);
“To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours (the apostles) by the righteousness of our ELOHIM and Savior, Jesus Christ…3 seeing that the divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him Who called us by His own glory and excellence…4 and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust”(2 PTR 1:1-4).
These passages represent only the some of the addresses to the “called-out assembly” and not their entire teaching, some of which comes forward later. If we acknowledge to whom the New Testament writers addressed their work, we realize that some of the promises mentioned by them apply to those who followed in the ways of the disciples and not to the general church body, who live in unbelief as they please, although many who call themselves “Christians” may, in fact, not have salvation.
Another false doctrine promoted in the church appears in the assumption that all believers are made holy and pure when they get to Heaven and therefore, one need not pursue holiness on earth. Some even go as far as saying, if one repented at the time of salvation, one need not repent after that. However, when we pass into Heaven, our soul’s progress, our Christ-likeness, becomes fixed, determining the level of glory at which we permanently reside and in which we possess the ability of residing and walking in the glory of Heaven. Our rewards, our eternal position in glory and assignment in Heaven depend on the level of purity our souls obtain here on earth.
“Beloved, now we are children of ELOHIM, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that when He appears; we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is” (1 JHN 3:2). This verse says NOT that when we get to Heaven, we will be like Him, but when “He appears.” That appearance refers to the same appearance spoken of in Titus 2:13, “The blessed hope and appearance of the glory of our Great ELOHIM and Savior, Christ Jesus,” and refers to His appearance at the Rapture. The Bride, capable of enduring His great glory, through the process of sanctification, changes by it, from glory to glory, becoming more like the Savior. Those unprepared would be destroyed by that same glory.
One reason for Satan’s removal from Heaven and also the fallen angels, lies in the fact of their inability of standing in the former places of glory they once occupied, because the glory of the “Consuming Fire” consumes anything of impurity or sinfulness. That explains why when “we resist the devil (his sinfulness), he flees” (JMS 4:7). The Psalmist writes, “Who may ascend into the hill of YHWH? And who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully” (PSM 24:3-4).
Even though Satan boasted, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of ĔL. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north” (ISH 14:13 BSB); after his fall, the LORD placed him in an interdimensional space far below the stars of Heaven and in the cloud layer of the earth because he no longer could function in the Third Heaven of his assignment. His removal was necessary because he could no longer stand in that glory where he once worked and lived. He may have access to the courts of Heaven, but most likely, through technology, he attends court sessions.
Heaven contains different levels of glory, hence Paul writes concerning the “babes” in Christ at Corinth, “And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of YHWH, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from YHWH, [Who is] the Spirit” (2 COR 3:18 AMP). This process does not occur automatically, but in the step-by-step work of purification/sanctification when we seek Christ-likeness. We see an example of that as Christ tells the thief beside Him, “Today you shall be with Me in Paradise” (LUK 23:43). Paradise, the lowest level of Heaven, still Heaven, still very wonderful, but not the highest level of glory because the thief lacked opportunity of becoming Christ-like before his death and cannot stand the level of glory in the throne room of Third Heaven. Therefore, he went to the place in Heaven, suited to his ability for functioning comfortably in that level of glory and most likely, did not fulfill his destiny.
True, we become sinless in Heaven, and our sins remain covered by the blood, but temptation exists only on earth, not in the presence of GOD, our souls remain unchanged after death and so need changing before death. The spiritual strongholds which afflicted us on earth, if they remain uncleansed, their effects go to Heaven with us (not the demons involved), limiting our capacity for glory because we have not attained “Christ-likeness.” One theologian put it this way, “At the time of salvation our spirits become saved or totally renewed and regenerated to life, as we become more Christ-like our souls (the mind, will and emotions) become progressively ‘saved;’ and when we enter Heaven, our bodies receive salvation or regeneration.” Paul refers to this process as “working out our salvation” (PHP 2:12), not working for salvation, but the cleansing and purification of our souls for the attainment of a better, more Christ-like resurrection in glory.
Now proceeding with the Bride; one very interesting thing about the WORD of GOD, resides in the abundance of bride stories nestled in a book of faith and truth, a book concerned with serious meditation on the topic of the nature and works of GOD and the history of His chosen people. When one begins looking, one quickly sees very much about brides and perhaps considers why do these appear in such a contemplative work?
This writer believes it best if we start at the beginning, the initial covenant GOD made with man. We must first consider Who and What is GOD? “For YHWH your ELOHIM is a consuming fire, a jealous ĔL” (DTR 4:24, 9:3; ISH 33:14; HBR 12:29). Isaiah also writes, “Who among us can live with the Consuming Fire?” (ISH 33:14). That issue concerned GOD from the beginning, for His very nature displays Himself in power, light and the fire of great glory beyond imagination. If we dare not even look at the sun, a minor part of His creation, unblinking, how do we hope for seeing the unveiled face of GOD unless something in us changes?
Isaiah also tells us, “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and marked off the heavens by a span” (ISH 40:12). All the heavens fit into the span of GOD’s palm! But the most intriguing mystery of GOD remains that the heart of the LORD desires pouring out His love on creation and that GOD enjoys fellowship with man and created him for that purpose, “What is man that Thou does take thought of him?” (PSM 8:4; HBR 2:6).
GOD, in His infinite wisdom, reconciled the distance between Himself and man by speaking forth His WORD, Who manifested as the Son of GOD (HBR 1:1-3); a GOD with Whom man might relate. The Son of GOD came as Savior necessary for man’s redemption, but most importantly, for fellowship, the ultimate destiny of man. The LORD’s character compels Him in love for man, but GOD created man with the ability of choosing or rejecting Him as the object of man’s love.
With that said, we find man in the garden, walking with the LORD. He walked not with the Consuming Fire, but with One with Whom he could fellowship, GOD in the flesh. GOD made the first and only covenant with man, the bridal covenant. The terms of the covenant placed responsibility on both parties: The LORD gave man His beautiful supernatural garden (GNS 2:8) for his abode; dominion over all creation (GNS 1:26); and His personal fellowship and instruction. Man’s only responsibility consisted of his obedience in not consuming the fruit of one tree in the midst of the garden filled with many other beautiful trees full of delicious fruit. The LORD also provided another choice, the “Tree of Life,” which, if one ate its fruit, one became immortal; giving man a choice of obedience to life immortal or disobedience to death. We know which man unwisely chose.
When man failed in keeping his side of the covenant, GOD flinched not, but immediately amended the conditions for the maintenance of the covenant by adding blood sacrifice (a life for a life) and removing Adam and Eve from the garden in prevention of their eating then from the Tree of Life and remaining in their fallen condition. The covenant, amended many more times since then, eventually came to its final form in the Davidic covenant, where all responsibility falls to the LORD for keeping the covenant and man’s only requirement consists in believing GOD.
As this writer continues this brief study on the Bride, I find much amazement in how profoundly the teaching of Dr. Bruce Allen[2] via his online videos has impacted me. I must stop here and give credit where credit is due, for Dr. Bruce Allen’s video teaching on the Bride of Christ first brought me to the study and search of “Who is the Bride?” In his teaching, Dr. Allen recalls how one day Holy Spirit asked him the question, “Who is the Bride of Christ?”
Dr. Allen, in humor, said he knew he didn’t know the answer if GOD asked. The LORD showed him the answer and used the text of the bridal story of Isaac and Rebecca for His explanation, in which the LORD showed the 1) the testing of the Bride; 2) the willingness and preparation of the Bride 3) the Bride’s integrity and purity and 4) that only the Bride came home to Isaac, not her whole family. If the writer missed the mention of any point, please forgive. But Dr. Allen’s teaching challenged this writer and as a result I begin searching out all the Bride stories in the scriptures looking for their deeper meanings. This limited format permits only a glimpse of my finds but…
As this writer studied the story of Jacob and his two wives, we see he married in good faith, but ended up with an undesired bride and works and waits for the bride of his choice. Leah, the elder sister and undesired bride, represents GOD’s covenant with Israel through Moses and the bride who broke the covenant, but the LORD’s desired Bride, represented by Rachel, the dearly beloved came later under the Davidic covenant. Even more interesting to this writer, although the LORD eventually divorced Israel, the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe, comes from Jacob’s first and undesired wife, Leah. GOD always honors His covenant. We also, see throughout the prophets that the LORD eventually reinstates His first bride into a place of honor.
In the book of Ruth, we see the Bride forsaking her world and her idols for the one true GOD of her mother-in-law. Ruth displays faithfulness and kindness to her bereaved mother-in-law, sacrificing everything she has and knows in following her to a foreign land (Israel). In return, Boaz hears of her godliness and shows her favor, although she is a Moabite, and Boaz becomes Naomi and Ruth’s kinsman redeemer and in the end of the story marries Ruth, who becomes part of the lineage of the LORD Jesus. The bride who forsook all for another finds herself richly provided with all the comforts and joys of life in reward for her sacrifice and faithfulness.
In Song of Solomon, the beautiful opera written by a king, we find King Solomon disguises himself as a shepherd that he might find the reason for the greatness of his father’s (King David’s) heart. But instead, he finds a beautiful, but lowly shepherdess who loves him for himself and does not know he is the great King Solomon. Solomon’s harem in the story represents the fellowship of believers who enjoy the riches of the king and the honor and comfort of the harem, but have not sought him on a personal level. Therefore, the lowly peasant bride becomes dear to the king because she differs in that she seeks not the king’s riches, but the king himself.
Dr. Allen also teaches in the bridal story of Adam and Eve that GOD created Eve differently from Adam and all the animals, which He formed from dust. But GOD formed Eve by taking a rib from Adam and creating her from Adam’s rib. In this act, Dr. Allen asserts the bride of Adam came from part of his body; hence the Bride of Christ (the second Adam) comes from part of His body and not the whole.
This writer notes that, in the same way, GOD took the nation of Israel as His Bride from all the peoples and tongues and nations on the earth, although He later divorced her for her adulteries, He will, in the end, restore her. So who becomes the Bride, if not all members of the body?
This writer believes it helpful if the Reader understands a little cultural background concerning the ancient Hebrew wedding process. Usually the parents of the couple come together by mutual agreement with the potential Bride and Groom in a meeting for establishing the terms of the ketuvah, the marital contract. Ancient wedding contracts, focused on promoting wealth and prestige in families, but in Hebrew weddings, usually the Bride may refuse an offer, although she might feel pressure for its acceptance for the good of her family.
The ketuvah described what the Groom must do for the Bride, and stipulated what recompense she might receive in the case of divorce or untimely death of the Groom, etc. Once the signing of the agreement took place, the Groom must complete the contract unless he finds his Bride impure or unfaithful.
We see an example of this in the book of Matthew, “Mary had been betrothed to Joseph (they had signed the ketuvah), before they came together (before the final ceremony and the final cup and consummation of the marriage) she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, (by making what seemed in her as unfaithfulness, public) resolved to divorce her quietly” (MTH 1:18-19). Mary and Joseph, although their marriage to that point remained unconsummated, required a divorce for its annulment. On the other hand, the Bride held the option of not completing the contract right up until the drinking of the final cup under the chuppah, the wedding canopy.
After the signing of the ketuvah, the Bride and Groom drink the first cup together. The Groom usually gives the Bride a gift and they part, with the Groom’s promise of preparing a home for his Bride, usually an addition to his father’s home, “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I AM coming again and will receive you to Myself, that where I AM, you may be also” (JHN 14:2-3 KJV). The LORD, at the Last Supper, had a specific reason for making His promise in the wording of the bridal contract; it reflected the promise of the Bridegroom to the Bride, at that time, his disciples.
The Groom might take a year or two in his preparations for his Bride (or 2000) and during that time they may or may not see each other again. The Groom waits until his father approves all his work on the new home before gaining permission for the collection of his Bride unannounced, usually timed for surprise (hence “the Father alone” knows the day and hour, MTH 24:36).
Around 1989, a phenomena broke out in some churches, which has increased in manifestation and been the topic of great controversy, that being, genuine gold and jewels falling from the sky or the ceiling. The gold tests as 99% pure and the jewels when tested, too perfect and of an unidentifiable material, prove they come not from this world. Christians find this occurrence mystical and face its happening with much ambiguity, but the rabbis know what it means. The Bridegroom always sends a gift of gold before the midnight of his coming. If a generation consists of 40 to 50 years, then the LORD began blessing the last generation before His coming as in the usual custom of a Jewish Bridegroom letting the Bride know of His imminent, if not specific, arrival.
The Bride’s work consists of gathering household items and most importantly, the preparation of her bridal gown. Brides usually dressed in fine linen if possible, consisting of four layered garments. The Bride may or may not know how the process of the preparation of the home proceeds; she may only possess a general idea of the timing of her Groom’s arrival, but not the day or hour (MTH 24:36). The Bridegroom’s gift of gold gives the Bride a “heads-up” for her immediate preparation. One day, or most likely, one night, a herald comes announcing the Groom’s imminent arrival and the Bride must rise prepared for greeting the Groom.
Even at this point, the Bride may refuse the Groom and not open the door, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him, and will dine with him, and he with Me” (RVL 3:20). The dining with the Savior represents the wedding feast and although this verse may apply to salvation, in context, it more significantly applies to the Bride receiving the Groom.
If the Bride prepared, opens the door, the Groom takes her to the place where the chuppah stands and the final portion of the wedding ceremony begins. We read in Genesis, when Jacob finds himself tricked into taking the wrong wife, Laban promises, “Complete the week of this one and we will give you the other also” (GNS 29:27), because the celebration usually lasted an entire week, ending with the formal presentation of the couple as man and wife on the final day at the wedding supper.
In Revelation Chapter 19:7-8, a voice as a great multitude cries out, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. 8 And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen bright and clean; for the linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” And again, “That He might sanctify her; having cleansed her by the washing of the WORD, 27 that He might present to Himself the church (the called-out assembly) in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless” (EPH 5:26-27).
Some translations more correctly say, “His wife has made herself ready” (KJV), because this pronouncement denotes the presentation of the Bride and Groom after their closeted week of consummation. The text describes the fine linen as, “the righteous acts of the saints,” or those sanctified; made holy. The linen also described as, “bright and clean,” signifies purity, and “having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing,” indicates blamelessness; a soul cleansed of all that might hinder the full glory of GOD from covering the Bride.
We find an example in the book of Esther, where Esther as the potential bride, receives, “Under the regulations for women—for the days of their beautification were completed as follows: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and cosmetics for women” (EST 2:12). The oil representing anointing, and the oil of myrrh particularly associated with royalty and the anointing of the dead (dying to oneself in this case), and the spices expressive of virtues and the cosmetics symbolizing preparation and adornment with the gifts of GOD; very much echoing the process of sanctification.
“Your adornment must not be merely external—with interweaving and elaborate knotting of the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or [being superficially preoccupied with] dressing in expensive clothes; 4 but let the [inner beauty of] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, [one that is calm and self-controlled, not overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature] which is very precious in the sight of ELOHIM” (1 PTR 3:3-4 AMP).
The Bride must also forsake this world and everything in it and determine in her heart “to know nothing…except Jesus the Messiah, and Him crucified” (1COR 2:2). Esther also in this provides an example, for once she entered the harem of the king, she never could leave; everything she knew and loved, she left behind. Jesus warns in the book of Luke, “So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions” (LUK 14:33).
This means, not that we may not own possessions, but rather that they may not own us and that whatever we regard as our own, belongs to the LORD, and as His, He may do as He pleases with those things and one may not resent that. One does well by giving his checkbook to the LORD, and not writing a check or using a bankcard unless one confers with the LORD on that purchase. That might seem radical, but the LORD desires participation in our lives and that we not leave Him out of our decisions, not even little ones; for He will always choose the very best for us and foreknows what needs arise; that represents His “living” in us; keeping communion with the LORD so that He may live our lives for us.
Luke also writes for the LORD, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife or children, and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple” (LUK 14:26). Does the LORD speak of holding anger or wrath against our families? No, rather, that one must love Him above all others, even his own life, no matter what the cost. Esther also provides an example of this, when she decides she must risk her life by going to the king unbidden, which was against the law, saying, “If I perish, I perish”(EST 4:16) so that her people die not from Haman’s edict. The LORD passionately desires you, even so He died for you, how much desire do you hold for Him?
Again, the LORD says in the book of Matthew, “You shall love YHWH your ELOHIM with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (MTH 22:37). Notice the LORD emphasizes “all.” How much of our day do we spend with the LORD? The LORD gave me this principle, “The amount of time you spend with Me daily correlates to the amount of time I will spend with you in eternity.” If we consider a tithe of our time, roughly two and one-half hours each day, equates to our minimal level of service to the LORD; only the level of a servant.
Now this writer does not desire heaping condemnation on those have not made it even to the level of a servant yet, but rather presents the challenge which the LORD gave me. Everyone has a different walk and circumstances at different times in life, but it is well if we consider things from the LORD’s viewpoint and strive for making our beautiful Savior the love and priority of lives. This is the attitude of the Bride.
Every believer in the LORD possesses a personal Savior Who accompanies that one day in and day out, never leaving them, “I will never leave or forsake you.” The LORD also promises, “Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love them and show Myself to them” (JHN 14:21 NIV). The measure of how much you love your Savior results in how closely you obey Him. The Greek word translated here as “show,” sometimes also translated as “reveal” or “manifest,” actually refers to a physical manifestation. This writer suggests, when the LORD admonishes, “Seek My face” (PSM 27:8), He really means it.
Although, a Christian for many years, when this writer took the LORD at His WORD and began interacting with the ever-present Savior, making great effort toward remembering His inclusion in everything I did, then one day He spoke to me and to this day continues as we abide together. However, I must give a word of warning, faithfully test every spirit, every time, because the closer you draw to GOD, the more unclean spirits increase their efforts of keeping you from GOD. They do often imitate Him and if possible, do things for your discouragement/harm. Chapter 4 of 1 John gives instructions on testing the spirits, but we must also pray for discernment even if they pass the tests. That comes as we know the LORD better, then we know when something else interferes.
Here, we must stop and consider the church in the bridal process; if we believe and have drunk the first cup with the LORD at salvation and the LORD presently prepares a home for us; have we been faithful brides? Can impurity be found is us? Have we left our first love, pleasing ourselves in the world? Have we proven blameless from the corruption of the world? Have we even started our wedding garments? What idols remain in our hearts? “For, behold, those who are far from Thee will perish; Thou hast destroyed all those who are unfaithful to Thee” (PSM 73:27). That speaks not particularly of eternal punishment in the case of the believer, but sin always leads to death. And again, “Hate evil, you who love YHWH, Who preserves the souls of His godly ones; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked” (PSM 97:10). This passage hints that protection may hinge on obedience.
The fact is, most potential Brides, never advance in the LORD. They live for themselves; they cannot hear the LORD’s voice, and cannot commune with Him, nor know His ways, and live independently from Him, except regarding church attendance and some not even that. They have NOT forsaken the world and live in worry and with the cares of this world crowding out the voice and instruction of the LORD. They have left their First Love and abandoned the wedding contract. Even so, if truly saved, they still attain a Heavenly place, but not the place of honor and glory desired for them. Remember, only the Bride possesses the ability of breaking the covenant until the final cup under the chuppah; the Savior, the Divine Bridegroom, remains faithful.
David writes concerning his commitment, but he speaks for the LORD, “My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with Me; he who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to Me. 7 He who practices deceit shall not dwell within My house; he who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before Me” (PSM 101:6-7).
The Savior desires the marriage covenant. He paid a terrible price for His Bride and He desires for each of us that we know the depth of His passion. On earth, the Savior waited patiently for the Bride for which He knew He must die, and He eagerly and willingly suffered in procurement of His everlasting joy. We also now wait patiently. “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion Who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame” (HBR 12:2 NLT). The Savior offers us a relationship better than any we might imagine on earth; that we should see the LORD face to face for all eternity and enjoy His holy embrace. Truly, the Savior died for all mankind, and He desires that all should focus their love on Him, but He especially waits for those who wait for Him, faithfully, in holiness and in separation from worldliness.
Paul confronts the Corinthians with the challenge of the separation of holiness, “For what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial (generally understood as an appellative of Satan, as the personification of all that is ungodly)…16 Or what agreement has the temple of ELOHIM with idols? For we are the temple of the living ELOHIM; just as YHWH said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their ELOHIM, and they shall be My people. 17 Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate. And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you.18 And I will be a Father to you. And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ says YHWH ĔL SHADDAI” (2 COR 6:14-18).
The “church” has much fault in propagating the false doctrine that anyone whoever breathed the name of Christ becomes the Bride automatically; that remains far from the truth found in the Scriptures. The Bride consists of those who forsake the world and all that belongs to it, setting themselves apart for the LORD; to those who passionately pursue an intimate relationship with the LORD; and those who hold nothing back from Him, not even life itself; those who live a holy and blameless life and keep a repentant heart. Salvation given freely and made available to all, opens the door to all the blessings GOD makes available to us, including His intimacy. Although salvation comes freely, attaining all the promises of GOD comes at a high price of sacrifice, which not all willingly pay. Salvation, not the goal, not the end, begins our walk of glory and power.
“He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity; he who rejects unjust gain and shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe; he who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil; 16 he will dwell on the heights; his refuge will the impregnable rock (Christ/Mount Zion); his bread will be given him; his water will be sure” (ISH 33:15-16).
Very many of the promises in the scriptures belong only to the holy and blameless or the sons of GOD, meaning those mature in Christ, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of ELOHIM” (JHN 1:12 KJV). Some versions translate “sons” as “children,” which softens the import of this verse. The Greek word “power,” sometimes translated in this passage as “authority” or “right” carries the meaning of authority and power and right. We are “children” of GOD at salvation; we become “sons” of GOD when we reach full maturity or Christ-likeness. The book of Romans describes the sons of GOD, “For all who are being led by the Spirit of ELOHIM, these are sons of ELOHIM” (RMN 8:14). We must ask ourselves the questions, “Do we consistently walk in the Spirit and diligently obey?”; “Do we repent quickly when we fail?” and “Are we led by our own desires or do we yield our desires to Christ?”
The LORD Himself presents an example, “And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John the Baptist) saw the Spirit of YHWH descending as a dove, and coming upon Him (Jesus), and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in Whom I AM well-pleased’” (MTH 3:16-17). In the ancient Hebrew custom, when a young man matured, the father brought him to the gate of the city and adopted him as his official heir. Only after 30 years of obedience training, only when Holy Spirit physically manifested and descended upon the LORD, signifying His empowerment and the Father says, “This is My Son,” do we see the LORD perform His work of public miracles. Holy Spirit no doubt inhabited the LORD from the womb and Jesus likely possessed the ability of doing miracles before His baptism, but it was necessary for the signification and anointing of the Messiah for Holy Spirit’s physical appearance on the Savior and the Father’s recognition of Jesus as His Son and heir.
Let’s take a look at the Bride’s appearance from the book of Revelation:
“After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in Heaven! And the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.’ 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in Heaven and One sitting on the throne. 3 And He Who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. 4 And around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments and golden crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of ELOHIM 6 and before the throne there was, as it were, a sea of glass like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. 7 And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, ‘HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, is YHWH ĔL SHADDAI, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.’ 9 And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him Who sits on the throne, to Him Who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him Who sits on the throne, and will worship Him Who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 ‘Worthy art Thou, our ADON and our ELOHIM, YHWH to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they existed, and were created.’ 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals” (RVL 4:1-5:1).
Although commonly taught from Chapter Four through Five that John’s calling up represents the Rapture of the Bride, this writer desires the Reader’s consideration of the following: 1) John himself seems as an observer, not a participant in the vision; and those present in the vision include: 2) One sitting on the throne; 3) twenty-four elders (John, a chief apostle, is NOT enthroned amongst them); 4) the seven Spirits of GOD; 5) four living creatures; 6) the Lamb, verse 5:6; and 7) angels, verse 5:11.
The twenty-four elders cannot represent the church because they themselves do not claim it, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for YHWH those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our ELOHIM, and they will reign upon the earth” (RVL 5:9-10). These pronouns in the Greek are third person, not identified with the speakers. There are translations, which change those pronouns, reflecting the viewpoint of the translators, but in the original Greek of the NT, they are third person pronouns. Notice also, that these entities offer to GOD the prayers of the saints, a function of angels, “And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (RVL 5:8).
Everything in John’s vision of the throne room is literal, described in great detail. Although some suggest that the twenty-four elders are symbolic of the church, nothing else in this vision is symbolic and there would be no reason for referring to the church that way. Even though the Bride rules, John (the closest disciple to Jesus) does not find himself seated on any of the elder’s thrones or any part of the scene; he simply watches the vision unfold, and no wonder, the vision records the most critically significant transaction of the Father giving the Son authority for the initiation of the final judgment.
This writer suggests that the presence of the twenty-four elders represents a counsel present because this is a court session. Remember, that in the book of Daniel, Chapter 4, we read that the Watchers, a particular order of angelic beings, have authority to issue and carry out decrees of their own initiative on behalf of GOD. This vision reflects nothing about the Bride or her status and she remains absent in that even John participates in no way but appears only as an observer there for the recording of the monumental vision of the final judgment’s initiation, which adheres to the theme of the book.
The Bride, while part of those who praise on the earth and in Heaven, etc. is not distinguished in this vision. The scriptures, however, show the Bride clearly in Chapter Seven, beginning with the 144,000. Many have assigned this group in a variety of ways and neglected the obvious; these represent the Hebrew Bride, twelve thousand from each tribe. Very seldom mentioned in any teaching, we find in the next verses, 9-12, the unnumbered multitude from every nation, tongue and tribe, whom the writer suggests represents the Bride of the Nations, drawn from all tribes, tongues, peoples and nations, which one might label the Gentile Bride, but for the inclusion of Jews who marry. The reason for a select group of celibate men from Israel is not specifically expressed, but seems as a first-fruit type of offering in the bridal company, reflecting the Messiah’s own celibacy and consecration and the special significance of the Hebrew Bride.
The scripture gives a hint to the Reader about the multitude by recording, “And one of the elders answered, saying to me, ‘These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and from where have they come?’ 14 And I (John) said to him, ‘My lord, you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are they who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 For this reason, they are before the throne of ELOHIM; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He Who sits on the throne shall spread His tabernacle over them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne shall be their Shepherd, and shall guide them to springs of the water of life; and ELOHIM shall wipe every tear from their eyes’” (RVL 7:13-17).
The elder challenges John with the mystery; “Who are they and from where have they come?” The mystery of the Bride remained hidden until Paul began teaching of her in his writings, but these scriptures give us a few clues. “These are they who come out of the great tribulation.” The distinction of them coming out of the “great tribulation” seems as specifying their rapture during the end-time tribulation, as this writer understands that Brides may come from any time after the death of Christ. These noted were not raptured before the tribulation began, but they have come out of it, not to be confused with martyrs of whom many also come out of the tribulation, and have been given white robes, but must remain “under the altar” until all the martyrs come out. The phrase “come out of the great tribulation” refers specifically to the Bride, not necessarily to all those who lived in that time period. Also, this includes both groups of Brides, the Hebrew Bride and the Bride of the Nations, as they are all included in the promises of verses 15-17. Also, John received a separate introduction to the martyrs in which they clearly gave evidence of their identity (Seal 5, Chapter 9). This does not preclude a Bride from martyrdom, but shows the distinction between a Bride and a regular martyr.
These Brides are not given white robes as the martyrs, but already possess their white robes and have “washed” them, meaning, purified themselves. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city” (RVL 22:14). Not all believers rule in Zion; “but he who takes refuge in Me shall inherit the land, and shall possess My holy mountain” (ISH 57:13). This phrase has a similar context as Psalm 91, where those “who are in the shadow of GOD’s wings” find protection. Only those who establish intimacy with the Savior and holiness in their lives fit this description.
However, the Scriptures are not clear concerning whether or not New Jerusalem actually merges with the present Heaven in the Millennial Kingdom, but hints of that can be found in several places. This writer suggests a difference between the citadel or palace compound of YHWH where the ruling saints abide with the LORD and other areas, including the surrounding tribal areas. It is not certain whether believers from Heaven, who are not the ruling class, reside in a special area of their own if indeed Heaven and Earth merge into one dimension (more on that in Chapter 17).
The LORD speaks through Jeremiah, “What right has My beloved in My house when she has done many vile deeds” (JRM 11:15). This verse refers not to the repentant heart which may obtain forgiveness, but of the practice of habitual sin of a believer. The LORD expects His Bride in holiness and purity; the unholy cannot stand before Him or endure His glory; it would consume them. Therefore, unholy believers CANNOT join the company of the Bride; the LORD will not join Himself by abiding in a believer who is a practicing spiritual/physical harlot; “For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness?” (2 COR 6:14). The term abiding refers not to the habitation of the Spirit of Christ, Who is the Holy Spirit (RUHA ha’Qodesh), but rather a separate abiding where Jesus bodily inhabits the Bride.
“For this reason,” because they (the Bride) have purified themselves, “they are before the throne of ELOHIM,” a place of great honor and great glory, of which only those “pure in heart” may stand. “He Who sits on the throne shall spread His tabernacle over them” (RVL7:15), this euphemism refers to the wedding canopy, the chuppah. Verses 16 and 17 speak of Zion, where “its lamp is the Lamb” (RVL 21:23), the ultimate destination of the Bride. And also, “He showed me the river of the water of life clear as crystal” (RVL 22:1) which flows from the throne and where the Lamb reigns as King Eternal, “the Lamb in the center of the throne.”
The psalmist encourages, “How blessed and favored by YHWH are those whose way is blameless [those with personal integrity, the upright, the guileless], who walk in the law [and who are guided by the precepts and revealed will] of the ADON. 2 Blessed and favored by YHWH are those who keep His testimonies, and who [consistently] seek Him and long for Him with all their heart. 3 They do no unrighteousness; they walk in His ways” (PSM 119:1-3 AMP).
And again, “How blessed is the one whom Thou dost choose and bring near to Thee, to dwell in Thy courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Thy house, Thy holy temple” (PSM 65:4).
Again, the Bride shows up in Chapter 14, “And I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred, and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from Heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. 4 These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to YHWH and to the Lamb. 5 And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless” (RVL 14:1-5). The Psalmist also writes, “Praise YHWH! Sing a new song and His praise in the congregation of His godly ones” (PSM 149:1).
Unlike the Bride of the Nations, these are of Hebrew descent and must remain virgins, and among the Bride have great honor because of their sacrifice (hence, “no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand”). They become the “first fruits” because the Hebrews became the first Bride of GOD through the proxy of Moses. Therefore, the Hebrews became the first fruit of man from the earth and the Hebrew Bride continues as the representation of the original tribes.
All Brides become priests in that they minister directly to the Great King, but their function in the kingdom may differ or rotate in some fashion, for instance, we read about thrones established for the Bride and that some of the Bride become judges and rulers (DNL 7:18, 27; RVL 2:26-27; 20:4), some of the Bride also executes the judgment of the kingdom (PSM 149:5-9) and we may also conjecture that some Brides function in different administrative positions in the government of Zion. The writer suggests the company of the Hebrew Bride represents a special group of priests whose function may be an honorary order of priests.
However, the Bride of the Nations also belongs to Zion and also makes up the “first fruit,” because she becomes grafted branches into the line of Judah. First fruits in this case, refers to their resurrection status as the first resurrected, not counting those of the pre-church age resurrected with Him after His death. “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power” (RVL 20:6). Those resurrected at the time of Christ’s resurrection represent seed for the “First Fruits” of the Bride.
The prophet Daniel writes of those of the Bridal company who passed from life before the Rapture, “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life…3 and those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of Heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (DNL 12:2-3).
“Having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads,” the marking of the Bride, described in the beginning of Chapter Seven: “And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living ELOHIM; and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, ‘Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our ELOHIM on their foreheads” (RVL 7:2-3).
No doubt the Bride of the Nations also receives the mark of GOD, but in these last passages, John of Hebrew descent, sees what happens concerning only the Hebrew Bride, of which he has no acquaintance beforehand. To John, the Bride of the Nations remains a hidden mystery. However, we see in Revelation 7:13-17 that there remains no doubt that the “unnumbered multitude” identifies with and retains all the blessings of the Bride and is part of that company.
In the letter to the church at Philadelphia, one church which received commendation from the LORD, we also see the marking and sealing of the Bride, “He who overcomes…I will write upon him the name of My ELOHIM, and the name of the city of My ELOHIM, and My new name” (RVL 3:12). The Bride receives a mark on the forehead which expresses that she belongs to “My ELOHIM,” Who is the Savior’s Father and GOD, Abba YHWH in Hebrew; another mark which shows that she belongs to the city, Zion; and another mark which shows her as the Bride of the Son, which bears His secret new name.
If one accepts it, the “overcomer” in each of the letters to the churches represents, the “called out ones,” the Bride. One does not “overcome” unless one goes to war. If a believer does not war against evil, that believer does not overcome. That means the Bride has many promises, for the Bride overcomes, “‘I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is (now) in the Paradise of ELOHIM’” (RVL 2:7), The Tree of Life at some point gets transferred to Zion or one like it (RVL 22:2). This may also be a hint of a sort of merging of Heaven and Earth.
“He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death” (RVL 2:11), (some of the Bride may become martyrs, dying, but raptured in the first group, the dead in Christ).
“To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna,” (like the fruit of the tree of life, a special manna prepared for the Bride. The writer speculates this manna clearly relates to the Bread of Life, the WORD of GOD), “and I will give him a white stone, (signifying his acquittal and blamelessness) and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.” This name represents the secret name between the beloved and her husband, also notice the Savior has a secret new name (RVL 2:17, 3:12).
“And he who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations” (notice those obedient who overcome receive authority); 27 “and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also received authority from My Father” (In this case the “he” is the Bride who overcomes to whom the Savior gives the authority He received from the Father for ruling.) “And I will give him the Morning Star” (Jesus Himself is the Morning Star and in some form, the hidden manna, (RVL 22:16; RVL 2:26-27).
“A few…who have not soiled their garments” (again, a reference to the Bride’s holiness and blamelessness); “and they shall walk with Me in white for they are worthy. 5 He shall be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and will confess his name before My Father and the angels” (RVL 3:4-5). Once more, we see the distinction of the Bride who has prepared herself and may walk in white. When each person enters eternity, the Savior formally “confesses” the name of each saved person before the courts of Heaven as our defense lawyer, finally putting “to death” all the accusations of the enemy.
“He who overcomes I will make him a pillar in the temple of My ELOHIM, and he will not go out from it anymore” (RVL 3:12). We read in Revelation 21:22, “And I saw no temple in it, for YHWH ĔL SHADDAI, and the Lamb, are its temple.” Which means the temple spoken of probably refers to the temple of Heaven. The writer speculates this verse implies the permanent establishment of pillars in the temple of Heaven which honor the saints of Zion. We now, if saved, dwell in Heaven and on earth, so then one might reasonably surmise that we may also dwell in Heaven and Zion (on earth) at that time. “He will not go out from it anymore,” meaning perhaps that his destiny lies in the service of GOD and the priestly calling of the Bride. The LORD has reserved many mysteries for Himself and until we get there, we cannot understand many things related to Zion.
“He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (RVL 3:21). “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of YHWH and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years” (RVL 20:6).
The question may come to the mind of some as it did with this writer, “Why does GOD wait so long before rapturing the Bride?” As some who read this know, the closer one draws to the LORD, the more resistance and obstacles one encounters and that seems especially true for those who attempt serving GOD in any calling. The Bride, who holds a place of special honor in GOD’s kingdom, receives more testing than most.
Paul says, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison 18 while we look not at the things which are seen; but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 COR 4:17-18). Paul, five times scourged, beaten numerous times, beaten with rods, stoned to death, three times shipwrecked, who went hungry and cold for the gospel, contending constantly against the former religious regime, (2 COR 11:23-28) calls what he suffered a “light affliction.” By “looking at the things unseen,” Paul focused on the kingdom which comes, having not seen it, just as Abraham wandered throughout Canaan, looking for the city made by GOD without human hands (HBR 11:10).
The Bride focuses on the King, the kingdom and the work of the kingdom, knowing the King and His kingdom shortly will appear on earth. The Bride separates herself from the world because she sees her destiny, “YHWH is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me” (PSM 16:5-6). As the LORD says in the book of Matthew, “But lay up for yourselves treasure in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal” (MTH 6:20).
And the Psalmist adds, “O YHWH, I love the habitation of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells” (PSM 26:8). And again, “One thing I asked from YHWH, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of YHWH all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of YHWH, and to meditate in His temple. 5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. 6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to YHWH” (PSM 27:4-6). This writer believes these verses hint strongly of the Rapture and the special protection enjoyed by the Bride and shows the commitment of the Bride in her desire only for the Divine Bridegroom. Notice she hides in the “secret place of His tent” away from her enemies and that He conceals her in His “tabernacle,” again a reference to the nuptial state.
These verses also hint of the Rapture, “YHWH is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. 19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. 20 YHWH keeps all who love Him” (PSM 145:18-20). From other Scriptures such as John 14:21, we know “all who love Him” means those who obey Him and seek intimacy with Him.
Paul also advises us that, “Consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of GOD” (RMN 8:18-19). When we accept the salvation of Jesus our Savior, we become children of GOD, but the SONS of GOD are those who have matured in the Savior and in whom He walks in a life lived in Holy Spirit, “For all who are led by the Spirit of GOD are sons of GOD” (RMN 8:14). Creation looks eagerly for these because they are deliverers!
Other prophecies pertain to the Bride and her duties, because the Bride MUST linger on earth for the benefit of many, “Hasten and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves there. Bring down, O YHWH, Thy mighty ones” (JOL 3:11). The “mighty ones,” the Bride, resides in Heaven after the Rapture, so the request says, “bring down,” but until the Rapture the Bride works upon the earth.
This verse also compares to the end of Daniel 11:32, “But the people who know their ELOHIM (His awesomeness ABPE) shall be strong, and carry out great exploits KJV),” “Be strong, and carry out great exploits” also translated in other versions as “display strength and take action;” and “shall prevail, and do valiantly;” confirming that the Bride displays superhuman might and ability for doing great and amazing things, not unlike Samson and David’s mighty men, not only in the flesh but also exhibiting spiritual gifts empowered by great glory which comes through the purification process. As the Bride purifies herself, she goes from mortal to immortal and many do this without tasting death (JHN 11:26). Therefore, the glory of GOD flows uninhibited through the Bride allowing the manifestation of Holy Spirit’s “powers of the age to come”(HBR 6:5). When raptured, the Bridal company will be sorely missed for their pushing back evil forces.
Isaiah in the following passage prophecies against Babylon, but in context also refers to the Day of the LORD, so this writer believes in the duality of this prophecy, “I have commanded My sanctified ones, I have also called My mighty ones for Mine anger, even them that rejoice in My highness” (ISH 13:3 KJV). The NIV translates this verse as, “Those who carry out My wrath—those who rejoice in My triumph!” Certainly, the enemy of GOD did not rejoice in His triumph or for the sake of His Name, but the Bride will. And also from the Psalms, “Through ELOHIM we shall do valiantly; and it is He who will tread down our adversaries” (PSM 108:13).
More on the mighty ones from Psalms, “Let the godly ones exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of ĔL be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, 7 to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishment on the peoples; 8 to bind their kings in chain, and their nobles in fetters of iron; 9 to execute on them the judgment written; this is an honor for all His godly ones. Hallelu-YAH!” (PSM 149:5-9). This verse clearly speaks of the Bride’s responsibility of executing judgment and justice, which seems fitting for those who rule.
King David sings, “For Who is ELOAH (GOD); but YHWH? And Who is a Rock, except our ELOHIM, 32 the ĔL Who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless? 33 He makes my feet like hinds’ feet. And sets me upon my high places. 34 He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35 Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation, and Thy right hand upholds me; and Thy gentleness makes me great” (PSM 18:31-35). Only superhuman strength bends the bow of bronze and only GOD gives supernatural strength to His warriors. One may describe the Bride as a holy, mighty honor guard of the LORD, Who dwell in intimacy with Him and share His rule in Zion.
“Blessed be YHWH, my Rock, Who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle; 2 my lovingkindness and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer; my shield and He in Whom I take refuge” (PSM 144:1-2). Whether we understand it or not, we struggle in the boot camp of the army of the LORD, Who trains us for spiritual warfare and helps and protects us in battle. Those who train obediently receive spiritual armor, weapons and the “powers of the age to come” (HBR 6:5). Although it trended for a while in practice the daily prayer of “putting on the armor of GOD” (EPH 6), the truth is that only those who war actually receive their armor. Armor has been commissioned for all, but not all need it or receive it, as with many other provisions for believers.
“Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion, for your horn I will make iron and your hoofs I will make bronze, that you may pulverize many peoples, that you may devote to YHWH their unjust gain and their wealth to the ADON of all the earth” (MCH 4:13). This again, refers to the work of the Bride in the Day of the LORD; the Bride representing Zion, those from the mountain of GOD.
These verses indicate that as the Bride goes from glory to glory, she becomes more and more immortal and capable of performing superhuman feats and rescues, carrying out the judgment of GOD because the glory and power of GOD may flow freely through her as she cleanses and consecrates herself from worldliness. If the Reader is not familiar with the supernatural nature of GOD’s work on Earth, these things may seem unimaginable, but GOD, even today, still works wondrous deeds. Our lives should display the wonders of YHWH and that is why Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I AM going to the Father” (JHN 14:12 ESV).
The Bride intervenes and balances some of the demonic work during the tribulation period before the Rapture and returns with the LORD from Heaven and participates in the Day of the LORD (because the demons plan more than the judgment the LORD has determined or written). “‘For you who fear My Name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip like calves from the stall. 3 And you will tread down the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I AM preparing,’ says YHWH of Hosts” (MLC 4:2-3). They “skip like calves from the stall” because they rejoice in the LORD’s triumph and the justice of His judgment as in the previous quote from Isaiah. The day which the LORD prepares is the “Day of the LORD,” the battle of Armageddon and the conclusion of judgment.
“The deliverers will ascend Mount Zion to judge the mountain of Esau and the kingdom will be YHWH’s” (OBD 21). Notice the plural, not The Deliverer, but “deliverers.” And again, “As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all My delight” (PSM 16:3). Here we see the picture of the holy ones or the Bride of GOD performing His will in carrying out His justice on the earth.
“And a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear YHWH and who esteem His Name.” (This book holds the names of those who attain Zion, those who fear the LORD and honor Him from all ages). 17 ‘And they will be Mine,’ says YHWH of Hosts, ‘on the day that I prepare My Own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him” (MLC 3:16-17). “My Own possession,” also translated as “My jewels,” “My treasured possession,” and “My special treasure,” describing the place these hold in the heart of GOD. “I will spare them,” confirms the Bride will be entirely spared from GOD’s wrath by the Rapture, although GOD provides help also for the Friends of the Groom who also obey and will be part of Zion.
“And YHWH their ELOHIM will save them in that day as the flock of His people; for they are as the stones of a crown, sparkling in His land; 17 for what comeliness and beauty will be theirs” (ZCH 9:16-17). The Bride and Friends of the Groom in Zion, as immortals, inhabit the mountain of GOD and rule under the Savior, in contrast to the tribes of Israel which surround the citadel of Zion on the mountain of GOD, who also comprise a special treasure to YHWH.
“They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” The Psalmist speaks of the LORD enlightening the faces of His Bride, changing them into His likeness (1 JHN 3:2)…7 “The angel of YHWH encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them” (PSM 34:5, 7). This verse echoes Psalm 91, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty,” a closeness which one might describe as “clinging” and which secures them from any harm.
Also from Psalm 91, “For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. 12 They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down. 14 Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name” (PSM 91:11-14). Notice the criteria for these blessings: “because he has loved Me” and “because he has known My name;” specifically, intimacy with the LORD.
“YHWH is your keeper; YHWH is your shade on your right hand; 6 the sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 YHWH will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. 8 YHWH will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever” (PSM 121:5-8). Although many claim verses such as this and we should believe the WORD, one must qualify for certain promises; especially if they refer to the holy and blameless for sometimes our disobedience keeps GOD (in justice) from doing for us everything He desires. There are promises available to all which do not specifically require qualification, but some promises do.
“As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Thy likeness when I awake” (PSM 17:15). The writer believes this refers to those resurrected from the dead in the Rapture.
“This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Thy face” (PSM 24:6). This writer believes this verse specifically written for this generation which contains more Brides than any other generation. The Bride earnestly pursues a personal relationship with the LORD and only those who qualify as Brides receive the reward of the Rapture. The rest of the body of Christ, who have not pursued the Savior, may find themselves “Left Behind.” However, those who attain the station of “Friends of the Bridegroom/GOD” receive special protection and will continue survival, with the LORD’s help, into the Millennium.
One final thing before we conclude the chapter on the Bride–the Bride MUST receive the infilling of Holy Spirit for the accomplishment of everything necessary for the work of the Bride during the tribulation. The prayers of Holy Spirit change, cleanse, purify, protect and build up the Bride for her work. A believer, not filled with the Spirit, possesses insufficient time and tools for accomplishing the prayer required and cannot receive the revelation needful for becoming or the power for living in holiness and purity. These conditions, perhaps not as necessary for Brides in past centuries, become critically needful for the Brides of the last generation.
Also, if one’s vessel remains with strongholds of sin, the power and glory cannot flow through so as effecting miracles, signs and wonders needful for the work of the Bride. Deliverance may make purification easier and self-deliverance creates a wise regime for purity. Daily repentance, the purpose of the communal cup, keeps one mindful of sin which easily creeps in if one keeps not on the alert.
One need only request in prayer the infilling of Holy Spirit or receive it from the laying on of hands from one filled, but GOD desires we all receive the infilling of Holy Spirit and our prayer language. All believers who ask receive a prayer language and some believer’s receive other special gifts involving tongues, such as the gift of interpretation or “diverse tongues” (1 COR 12:28). A prayer language represents a needful tool in the believer’s arsenal for deliverance, for strengthening, for worship, protection and the downloading of revelation.
The writer earnestly desires expounding in more detail on some of the subjects related to the Bride and her purification, but this book relates more particularly to the end times and the writer must adhere to the subject at hand.
“ELOHIM is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride” (PSM 46:1-3). Doesn’t that sound like Revelation 6:12-14?
“But as for me, I will look expectantly for YHWH and with confidence in Him I will keep watch; I will wait for the ELOHIM of my salvation. My ELOHIM will hear me. 8 Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; though I dwell in darkness, YHWH is a light for me” (MCH 7:7-8).
“And he said to me, ‘Write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb”’” (RVL 19:9).
Christian Stratiotes
[1] The free booklet by this writer, “THE ANCIENT PATHS,” elaborates on the pathway of holiness spelled out by the temple furniture of the tabernacle in the wilderness; look for this booklet in the Reading Library on this website.
[2] Still Waters International Ministries