Thursday, September 18, 2003 (78)THE INVITATION HAD GONE FORTH. They had gone out to meet the Bridegroom. The call had been delivered to the those who were bidden. These are a people particularly blessed of the Lord. They were to enjoy the marriage supper of the Lamb. Rev. 19:9. The possibility of missing or rejecting the invitation is noted again in the letter to the Laodicean church. The church which more than any of the others represents the religious order of the last days. Having upbraided the church for its lack of spirituality Jesus is seen standing at the door, might we not conclude the door of each and ever one of their hearts. He is knocking at the door. Seeking entrance, which tells us that He was not too frequent a visitor and perhaps would feel a little unwelcome. His voice is heard, he had to cry out to them to attract their attention. How pathetic. We would certainly include these in the unwise class of virgins. Jesus should always find a heart with a door wide open in welcome. Those who will respond will find themselves dining together with Him, at the marriage supper? Rev. 3:20
THE TIME HAS ARRIVED. What excitement. A wedding to exceed all weddings. The most beautiful Bride of the ages. A virgin Bride who has fully and completely prepared herself for that glorious and wonderful day. Her preparation is most vital. It is an essential that she is found wearing the Bridal gown prepared for her. She is given and privileged to wear fine linen, clean and bright which is the righteousness of the saints. Rev. 19:8 The Bride is urged to put on Christ. There is nothing more sacred than He. Being in His embrace is full assurance of righteousness and true holiness. Rom. 13:14 The church is destined to experience a work of sanctification and cleansing such as has never been before. The Bride will be thoroughly cleansed by the power of the Word. There is not an area of righteousness and purity found in the Word which she will not achieve. It may sound sacrilegious, but His Bride will have the same holiness of body, soul and spirit as the Lord Himself. She will share to the utmost His being and character. She is what He is, in totality. Eph. 5:26-27 Her garment is white, bright or glistering. The linen she is wearing is of the finest and of itself would be most beautiful. There was a fine linen made in Egypt which was noted for its shine. The word white as used here in the Greek is lampros, radiant, gorgeous or bright. Of itself it would be spectacular but the Lord has added His glory making it a shining garment, a garment of light. Rev. 19:8 It is a garment of purity and righteousness for it is the clothing given to the saints as a sign of their belonging to Christ. There is another source of cleansing found in the scripture which is most important. The robes of the tribulation martyrs are cleansed and made white by the blood of the Lamb. Rev. 7:14Walking in fellowship with Him, His blood cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 Absolute, perfect forgiveness and cleansing from every sin imaginable is acquired by the blood of the Lord Jesus. The cleansing wrought by the Lord is complete.