How does Revelation 19:7 connect with Ephesians 5:25-27 about the Church? Rejoicing at the Wedding of the Lamb “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) Christ’s Sacrificial Love and Sanctifying Work “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:25-27) How the Two Passages Connect • Same central characters: – The Lamb/Christ (Revelation 19:7) – Christ the Husband (Ephesians 5:25) • Same bride: the Church. • Same goal: a prepared, pure, radiant bride presented to Christ. • Same means of preparation: Christ’s loving sacrifice and cleansing work. • Same outcome: joyful celebration and glory to God. The Bride’s Preparation in Revelation 19 • Verse 8 clarifies the bride’s attire as “fine linen… the righteous acts of the saints.” • These deeds flow from the sanctifying work Christ began (Ephesians 5:26). • The Church’s readiness is evidence that His cleansing was effective and complete. The Process Described in Ephesians 5 • Christ “gave Himself up” (v. 25) → Calvary. • He “sanctifies” and “cleanses… through the word” (v. 26) → ongoing growth in holiness. • Purpose: “to present her to Himself” (v. 27) → fulfilled in Revelation 19:7 when the presentation occurs. Parallel Themes Summarized • Love demonstrated (Ephesians 5) → Joy celebrated (Revelation 19). • Cleansing now (Ephesians 5) → Clothing then (Revelation 19). • Ongoing sanctification (Ephesians 5) → Final glorification (Revelation 19). • Christ’s initiative (Ephesians 5) → Church’s readiness (Revelation 19). Supporting Passages • 2 Corinthians 11:2 — Paul likens believers to “a pure virgin” promised to Christ. • John 3:29 — John calls Jesus “the bridegroom,” highlighting relationship. • Revelation 21:2 — The New Jerusalem comes “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Living in Anticipation • Because the wedding is certain, believers pursue holiness today (Hebrews 12:14). • Daily obedience and “righteous acts” are the fine linen being woven now (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Hearts echo Revelation 22:17: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” |
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