The Bride of Christ

This morning’s lesson is on being a bride, the spiritual wife-to-be of the Lamb of God.  In John’s revelation an angel tells him “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.” (Rev 19:9)  Jesus invites us to come, but not everyone heeds His invitation.

In Jesus’ parables about the king who invites people to the wedding supper we find that those who fill His house are not invited on their own merit, yet neither can they stay without the wedding garment on (Mt 22:9-12).  If we want to stay, we need to get “dressed”.  Though the sins of our past are cleansed and we are made worthy through the blood of the Lamb, salvation is only the beginning of our preparation for the wedding feast.

The angel that spoke to John about the people invited to the wedding supper also told him that the Bride had “made herself ready” (Rev 19:7), which indicates a passage of time.  We see this thread of preparation come to its fullest when the Bride is presented for all to see, appearing as a city “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” (Rev 21:2). Thought and effort go into the preparation of the garment that cloaks us, which also makes us beautiful to our Husband.

The Bride is described as a city because she is a group of people who have prepared themselves for the Lamb.  She wears fine linen, which represents the righteous acts of the saints (Rev 19:8).  The word “righteous” tells us that these are not just any works, but are special works; works that come from a heart intent on doing God’s will.

The key to finding the “righteous acts” lies in the role of the wife-to-be.   God’s goal in marriage is for the two to become one (Mk 10:8).  We know that the Bride of Christ is a City of people who are prepared for their Husband, the Lamb of God.  Jesus’ name is the “Word of God” (Rev 19:13).  To become “one” with the Husband, the Bride is becoming acquainted with and learning to follow the Word of God.  Though we are not perfect human beings, those who submit to and act on Jesus’ words are being clothed in fine linen and will do righteous acts.

Marriage is a love relationship.  If we want to be Jesus’ Bride, we must listen to and act on what He has said, and what He is saying.  When we obey His words, we “remain” in His love and in the Father’s love (Jn  14:23 & 15:10).  Jesus chose the term “bride” to represent an intimate on-going relationship, one which He covets with His people.  His words to us are not just letters from the past; they are continuous. So that we might have an intimate relationship with Christ and hear His words to us personally, He has given us His Spirit, the Spirit of Truth (Jn 14:17).

The Lamb of God intends to become one with a people prepared; whose preparation has been through an active relationship with Him.  This relationship with the Lamb of God is not through an organization, such as a church, nor through other people, such as ministers and other servants of God.  This relationship is personal.  It is built on an individual one-to-one basis with our Lord which no one else can accomplish for you.  You can only develop the relationship yourself.  Today, if you do not have such a relationship with Jesus, invite His Holy Spirit to speak to your soul.  Acquaint yourself with the Word of God both in scripture and what you hear personally from Him.  Obey those words you know are from He Whose love you remain in and perform “righteous acts” to prepare yourself for a heavenly wedding. Amen.