THOSE WHO COMPRISE HIS BRIDE ARE SPECIAL. They are identified as <THE HOLY PEOPLE>. A consecrated, dedicated, separated body of believers. Isa. 62:11 This is not just a name or title that is bestowed upon them but it is a fact of their being, they are HOLY. The challenge to the whole of the church is to be holy, for He is holy. 1 Pet. 1:16 Our actions, our words, the total of our activities and thoughts are to be pure and clean manifesting the Holiness of His Spirit who dwell in us. 1 Pet. 1:15 The only people that He will recognize as the <holy people> are those who are called the <holy temple> of the Lord. Their foundation is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. There is NO OTHER foundation possible or acceptable to the Lord than that which has already been laid, the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor. 3:10 There is NO OTHER temple that will be built or occupied by the Lord. He is building a temple that is not the work of the hands of man but His own accomplishment and for His own purposes. When His building is completed it will be His place of dwelling, eternally. Eph. 2:20-22 They are named<sought out>or sought after. Isa. 62:12 The redeemed, formerly lost, whom the Lord came to seek and save.Lk. 19:10 They are a people whom He will make to be exactly like Himself. He will transform our fleshly bodies in the likeness of His own glorious body. He will not marry a Bride which does not carry His likeness, in all things. Phil. 3:21 He has sought after and brought to Himself a people who are now termed <new creatures> in Christ Jesus. What they were, circumcision or uncircumcision, no longer has a bearing on their spiritual status but a new creature. Created anew, made to be a spiritual entity in Christ. Gal, 6:15 In this New Testament dispensation neither race, religion, or genealogy will afford one a place in the consummated plan of the Lord. Only a NEW CREATURE.
THE ETERNAL CITY, ONE WELL OCCUPIED. A city that is alive, thriving and occupied by the Redeemer and the redeemed. Isa. 62:12 Because attitudes and actions that were contrary to the Lord the city of Jerusalem was forsaken by the Lord and given into the hands of their enemies. Therefore in the eyes of the Lord she was Forsaken, left destitute of His presence. Her land was also named Desolate, as is any country or person who does not serve the Lord. The New Jerusalem is given proper names which reveal the temperament of the Lord toward her. Hepzibah, or my delight is in her. What a beautiful and drastic change in the feelings of the Lord toward the city which He has chosen for His eternal dwelling place. The land will now be called Beulah, to be married. Isa. 62:4 The consummation of the work of the redeemed and of their Redeemer is the glorious, vibrant, living city of God. Well loved of the Lord and married to Him. The Holy City, the throne of the Lord and His residence and Tabernacle. Composed of His Bride of beauty and glory.
THE BRIDE BROUGHT WITH GRANDEUR UNTO THE KING. The Spirit and atmosphere of this magnificent moment of time beggars description. There has never been an occasion such as this. The wedding of Christ and His Bride. This is a wedding performed on earth but ordered and contrived in eternity past and in the heavenly. The gown of the Bride is of finest the needlework, embroidered inside and out with variegated colors. Brought to the king into His chambers, in all of her splendor and glory. Her heart cries after the Bridegroom. She is longing to be in His presence. He is her delight and joy because of His great love. His love to supersede all other desires. He is adored. Song 1:4 Is this your heart attitude? IS Jesus more wonderful and precious than all? Glorious moment when the wedding takes place. It was a custom for the daughters of kings to be clothed in robes that were of divers colors and richly ornamented. In this manner it was made known that they were the daughters of royalty. So, the colors of the rainbow, covenant colors will be in the garb of the Bride. 2 Sam. 13:18 The rainbow, with its three colors, yet one rainbow, represent the Triunity of God. The excellency, the completeness of who and what the Lord is will rest upon and fill her innermost being. She will be clothed with the Almighty.
CLOTHED AS KINGS AND PRIESTS. Because she is exalted to a position of leadership, as kings and priests Rev. 1:6, it is appropriate that she be clothed accordingly. As the priest was clothed for < beauty and glory > Ex. 28:2,40 So will she too be clothed in splendor and majesty, comely and beautiful will be her appearance. Rest assured, the glory of the latter house will be greater than that of the former. The manifest power and glory of the former was glorious because of His presence. It however was only a physical building. The latter is composed of lively stones and is built up a spiritual house. The former ceased to be. The latter is eternal and everlasting. Hag. 2:9 What a tremendous future awaits the church, the Bride.