Wednesday, December 17, 2003 (54)
THE WEDDING GOWN OF FINE LINEN. The Bride of Christ, with the aid of divine instructions has obtained a gown of the finest and most costly linen. The process of the preparation of linen given by the New Ungers Bible Dictionary is of great interest in relationship to linen.
It first had to be separated from its seeds. Much like the new Christian must become separated from their old life of sin and unrighteousness.
It was then bunched. The Lord gathers His own in families. The babes in Christ are surrounded by a whole new family and way of life. They are gathered together in bunches that they might be cared for and fed.
Next, it had to be retted, soaked in order to release the fiber from the wood. The new Christian must become soaked with an understanding of the Word in order to have the contamination of the world removed.
It was then laid out in the sun. This would place it in the light. The light of the Gospel must become the light of the new Christian. The sun would also warm it and assist in the process of bleaching.
The next step was to immerse it in water to assist in the process of bleaching and softening. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Water baptism is a must for everyone who would serve Christ. Repeated contact with the Word will both cleanse and soften the life of the believer.
It was then beaten and combed in preparation for the loom. Those who suffer with Christ will also reign with Christ. There is a procedure of suffering which will come into every life. Its results are beautiful if we maintain a proper attitude as we go through these times. All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes. Rom. 8:28 It is not possible to live in this life and not face reverses, trial and tribulations. Some are to stimulate spiritual growth in us. Others are just plainly acts of our own stupidity. Even so, the Lord is there to encourage us and help us overcome.
THE APPEARANCE OF THE GOWN. It is stated to be white [Gr. Lampros, radiant, bright or clear]. Rev. 19:8 The same word is used in relationship to the bright and morning star. Rev. 22:16 The garment of the Bride is a garment of pure light, she is scintillating with the glory of the Almighty. She is a being of light, the light of the glory of the Lord. The linen is described as being clean. Separated from all contaminants. Pure and spotless. Eph. 5:27 She is a radiant Bride, in more ways than one. The fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. Unconditional purity is her very nature and essence. She is holy, she is without spot or wrinkle. No blemishes are found in her. She is holy and blameless. Outside of the Lord there has never been another creature like her. The attributes of the Lord are to be found in her. She has reached that high and holy estate where she is joined to Christ and has become one with Him. She has reached the same stature as her beloved, therefore is ready for marriage. Eph. 4:13