ESPOUSED TO ONE HUSBAND. The vision of the Apostle Paul went beyond the churches of that time and embraced that which was to come in the end of the age. A chaste virgin. 2 Cor. 11:2 A woman sanctified and purified by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. A body of believers in whom the Lord has completed His work of perfection. A people made like unto Himself in every aspect of all things Spiritual. A husband and wife of perfect love, perfect accord, identical in their holiness and purity. This event is not timed to take place after the coming of Christ but is to precede His glorious coming. The Lord will accomplish that which pertains to His purpose for His church. Ps. 138:8 The greatest of all love was manifest in the sacrifice of Himself, by the Lord Jesus, for His church. Eph. 5:25 He laid down His life for those who were dear and precious to Him, his friends. Those who are identified by their willingness to be obedient to Him and His Word. There never has been nor will there ever be a love such as this, it is eternal and absolute. John 15:13-14 So close an attachment exist between the Lord and His friends that there are no hidden secrets. The complete revelation of the Lord exists in the Bride. She knows very well His actions for the end of the age. John 15:15 The greatest, the most outstanding mystery relates to Christ and His church. It is found in the scripture in type, symbol, parable and revelation. It is the most open secret in existence. The fruit of the consummation of the marriage of Christ and His church is the most precious event to be found in the Word. From the ages of eternity the wonder, the great portent made visible in Revelation twelve has been the predetermined plan and purpose of the Lord. There never has been a woman which compares to the Bride of Christ. She will satisfy the heart of the Son of the Most High. She will be the perfect, eternal companion for Him. She will be brought into being and will be most fruitful in producing a race which is eternal. Rev. 12:5
WHO THE WOMAN COULD NOT BE. The negative involves both Israel and Mary, neither of whom could be this gorgeous woman. The opening statement negates the possibility of either of them being the precious woman of Revelation twelve. Note the time related statements, the time is at hand. The statement has a future tense to it, something which was not to be associated to the past. At his period of time, both Israel and Mary were history. Rev. 1:1 Secondly, the book states that the time is at hand. Thus placing it in the future, something which had not yet been accomplished. Rev. 1:3 Thirdly, current events relating to the time of the giving of the revelation are admissible, plus once again the future.The things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” Rev. 1:19 Fourthly, the things of the future are greatly emphasized. Things which must be hereafter. Rev. 4:1 Fifthly, The events of the book are related to be things which must shortly be done.” Then in the conclusion, the declaration is, for the time is at hand.” Rev. 22:10 None of these time involving declarations in any way refer or hint of things that connect to the past. The angel of the revelation came with the message that was directed to the churches which only came into existence after the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Rev. 22:16 Neither Israel or Mary begin to compare to the glory and majesty that is manifest in this woman, who is the perfected church in the end of the age. Eph. 5:26 Certainly this volume of witness and testimony would preclude the sun clad woman from being either Israel or Mary.