How can we prepare as the "bride" for the Lamb's wedding feast? Scripture Focus “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7) Who Is the Bride? • The bride is the redeemed Church—every believer joined to Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). • Paul says, “I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2). • Our calling is not only salvation but presentation—appearing before the Lamb clothed in purity. Why Preparation Matters • “His bride has made herself ready” implies intentional action. • The readiness of the Church magnifies the glory of Christ: “give Him glory!” (Revelation 19:7). • Our preparation is not self-salvation; it is loving response to grace already received (Revelation 19:8). The Wedding Garment: Fine Linen, Bright and Clean Revelation 19:8 explains, “Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.” Readiness shows itself in: 1. Cleansed hearts—washed in the blood (Revelation 7:14). 2. Spirit-empowered obedience (John 14:15). 3. Visible holiness that reflects Christ to the world (1 Peter 1:15-16). Practical Ways to “Make Ourselves Ready” Cultivate Intimacy • Daily Scripture—letting Christ’s word dwell richly (Colossians 3:16). • Unceasing prayer—maintaining open conversation with the Bridegroom (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Worship—“give Him glory” now as rehearsal for the feast (Psalm 95:6). Pursue Purity • Flee immorality; honor God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). • Guard the mind—take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Confess quickly—keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). Walk in Loving Service • Righteous acts are “fine linen.” Serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). • Use spiritual gifts to build up the Church (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Care for “the least of these”—it is service rendered to the Bridegroom Himself (Matthew 25:40). Keep the Lamps Burning • The ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) remind us: continual readiness, not last-minute scrambling. • Stay filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). • Maintain expectant watchfulness: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13). Endure with Hope • Trials refine the bride’s faith “like gold” (1 Peter 1:6-7). • Hold fast to sound doctrine—avoid deception that would corrupt pure devotion (2 Corinthians 11:3). • Encourage one another: “All the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Invite Others to the Feast • “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” (Revelation 22:17). • Evangelism is bridal anticipation—filling the banquet hall (Luke 14:23). • Our readiness includes extending the invitation until the doors close. Looking Ahead with Joy • A prepared bride lives in eager anticipation, echoing John’s cry, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). • Every choice made in faith, every act of obedience, stitches another thread into that radiant linen. • When the trumpet sounds, the Church will stand—spotless, glorified, and forever united with the Lamb. |
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