TITLE: “THE VOICE OF THE BRIDEGROOM”  

by Leland Earls

 NOTE: “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the lamb is come, and his wife hath MADE HERSELF READY.” (Rev. 19:7). Christ is going to return for a PREPARED people who have made themselves READY. This requires much more than just professing to be a Christian, or even knowing that one is saved. This booklet will help you to understand just what the Lord requires of those who aspire to be CALLED into His very presence to share His intimate fellowship and glory in His own Kingdom realm. “They that were READY went in with him (Christ, the Bridegroom) to the marriage: and the door was SHUT” (Mt. 25:10). If you wish to understand the questions of BRIDESHIP, SONSHIP, etc., then read carefully the contents of this booklet. Do not read casually or hurried­ly, but slowly, carefully and prayerfully, and ALONG WITH YOUR BIBLE, looking up the scripture references as you read.

 INTRODUCTION

All signs indicate that the time is drawing near for the sounding forth of the greatest CRY since Jesus uttered the tri­umphant words from the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). I refer to Matt. 25:6, where we read: “And at midnight there was a CRY made. Behold the bridegroom cometh; go [ ] out to meet him.” This CRY will likely be made by the two witnesses when they suddenly appear in Jerusalem to proclaim the imminent re­turn of the Lord. However, there is also a sense in which this CRY is going forth NOW, through messengers whom the Lord has chosen.

It is significant to note that the scriptures show Christ re­turning to this earth first as a BRIDEGROOM. (Later, as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”–Rev. 19:16). It should be rather ob­vious that a Bridegroom would come for His Bride, who goes in­to the marriage with Him (Matt. 25:10). Some teach that there is to be a “Bridegroom company” who, along with Christ, is to “marry” the “Bride company.”  I personally fail to find any scriptural backing for such a teaching. However, I certainly won’t argue with those who differ, and I refuse to make such differences a hindrance to unity and fellowship in Christ. All the scriptures which mention the Bridegroom seem to reserve this unique and exalted position to Christ alone.  [Ed note: evidence for the “Bridegroom company” concept is likely drawn from Isa. 62:5, “so shall yoursons wed you.” But in cosmic context, this does not speak to a “Bridegroom company,” but of the final uniting of the historically outcast sons of the prophets and true apostles to the rest of the body of Christ.] But how great is the privilege which waits those “overcoming” sons and daughters of God who shall make up the Bride company; and even now all creation waits in anticipation of the day of their UNVEILing (or manifestation—Rom. 8:19).  Notice that Rebekah (a type of the Bride of Christ) was veiled until she was taken by Isaac into his mother’s tent, but after she became his wife she became unveiled (Gen. 24:65-67). So shall the day of the Bride’s unveiling come after she has donned her “wedding gar­ments” (glorified bodies like unto Christ’s glorious body—Phil. 3:21), and has been received by her Bridegroom in celestial joy; for she will have a ministry to perform on earth during the time of great tribulation which is coming.  Notice Rev. 12:12-17 where Satan is pictured as sending out a “flood” of vilification and persecution against the “woman” (church), but “the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood.” The “earth” here indicates theappearance (or manifestation) of the saints of the Bride Company in their glorified earth bodies (flesh and bone—see Luke 24:39), to open their mouths and speak words of help and deliverance that will nullify the fear-instilling propaganda, threats and persecution being “poured out” on Christ­ians in that day.  They will be able to appear to individual saints or to groups gathered together just as Jesus appeared to the disciples who had shut themselves in with the doors barred “for fear of the Jews ” (see John 20:19,26). Jesus dispelled their fears and gave them new hope and courage.

Most Christians of the fundamentalist churches believe that all those who are born again will be in the so called “rapture” when Christ comes for His church.  Scarcely a worse delusion could be entertained. Christ’s Kingdom is to be a ruling king­dom (Rev. 5:10, 20:6).  Even in the kingdoms (or nations) of men, think of the chaos that would result if immature, unproven babes and children were put in positions of responsibility to run the “affairs of state.” Horrors!  If man would not do such a foolish thing, what makes anyone think that God would? Even Jesus’ parables of the “talents” and “pounds” show that those to be received into His heavenly kingdom are to be given posts of rulership: “Well done, good and faithful servant: you hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things” (Matt, 25:21). . . “Well, [  ] good servant: be­cause you have been faithful in a very little, have [ ] auth­ority over ten cities” (Luke 19:17). The majority of Christians in the world are yet babes and children, spiritual progress and growth considered. Many have begun to enter into the “ado­lescent” stage, which is good and needful, but this is a “prob­lem time” in spiritual growth, even as it is in the natural. The chief difficulty seems to be spiritual pride (see I Cor. 8:1-2), which can manifest in many ways.

It is beyond the scope of this short introduction to elabor­ate, but we can see a type of spiritual pride and consequences in the story of Noah after the flood. Noah planted a vineyard (a type of the Kingdom); but when he drank the fruits thereof, it went to his head, exposing his nakedness and gendering a curse to some (see Gen. 9:20-25). How often is this true when Christians begin to grow and partake of the greater fruits and blessings of the Kingdom. They get “heady” on the “wine”, and havoc is often the result. And how hard it is to teach and correct those who are exhilarated in the “fling” of adoles­cent pride. But thank God there are Christians who have begun to enter into a measure of maturity: who are becoming “pil­lars” in the temple (church) of God through overcoming (Rev. 3:12). Only such “overcomers” are to sit with Christ on His throne and be given power over the nations (Rev. 2:26-27, 3:21, 12:5).

Those who are to rule and reign with Christ are to be kings and priests (Rev. 5:10), and joint-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). In the Old Testament times, kings and priests had to be anoin­ted for their offices with the holy anointing oil which was pou­red upon their heads to sanctify (separate) them to the Lord (Ex. 29:7; Lev. 8:12; I Sam. 10:1; 16:13). This is a type of the Holy Spirit baptism which is pictured in the book of Acts as being “poured out upon”, “coming on” or “falling on” those who received (Acts 1:8, 2:17-18, 8:15-17, 10:44-45, 11:15, 19:6). See also Psalm 133. The Lord made it clear how­ever in the Old Testament types, that He requires a proving (through testing) resulting in obedience and faithfulness (I Sam. 2:27-35, 13:13-14, 15:22-23, Acts 13:21-22), or those “anoin­ted” could “lose out” on their high calling. In Rev. 17:13, those who are with “the Lamb” are the “called, and chosen, and faithful”. This is why Peter says we must “give diligence to make our calling and election sure” (II Pet. 1:10). Salvation is a free gift (Rom. 6:23), which is different than the prize of the high calling of God (Phil. 3:14); and for that “prize” one must “run” (see I Cor. 9:24-27, Heb. 12:1), in order to be successfully “crowned.” We are called ” to His kingdom and glory (I Thess. 2:12), and “to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Thess. 2:14), that we might have our bod­ies changed into the likeness of “his glorious body,” for it will be through such glorified saints ruling with Christ that He will be able “tosubdue all things to himself” (Phil, 3:21). “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt, 22:14). Truly it is a “high,” “holy” and “heavenly” calling (see Phil. 3:14, II Tim, 1:9, Heb. 3:1), to be in Christ’s ruling Body and Kingdom.

Also, in Bible times, a son became a “joint heir” in the inheritance of his father only after he had been tutored, dis­ciplined, and grown to sufficient maturity to be formally “pla­ced as a son.” This “placing as a son” is the correct transla­tion of the Greek word huiothesia which appears in Ephes. 1:5, Rom. 8:15,23 & Gal. 4:5, and is misleadingly translated, “adoption,” in the King James version; for it has nothing to do with adoption as we use that term. It has to do with those who are already “born again” children in the family of God, but who reach that place of “overcoming” and spiritual maturity where they are ready for “placing as sons” as joint heirs with Christ. Paul says that we are “waiting for the adoption, [that is to say], the redemption of our body.” (Rom. 8:23). Thus “full sonship” will come only when our bodies are glorified and made like ­to Christ’s glorious body (Phil. 3:21). We will be joint heirs with Christ, IF so be that we suffer with him, that we may be glorified together (Rom. 8:17). . . IF we suffer (for His sake) we shall also reign with him” (II Tim. 2:12). At the present time we have “the Spirit of adoption (within), whereby we cry Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6). This “firstfruits of the Spirit” is the “seal” and “down payment” of our inheritance, “until the redemption of the purchased possession” (Ephes. 1:13-14, II Cor. 1:21-22, Rom. 8:23).

All truly born again children of God are predestined to the “adoption” or “placing as sons”: to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Ephes. 1:5, Rom. 8:29). But not all will be ready at the same TIME. Let me give an illustration. Sup­pose a very rich man with vast business enterprises had a large family of children. These could vary in age from babes to teen­agers. We will say that it is the father’s purpose for all of his sons and daughters to be adequately cared for, disciplined, schooled and prepared for the day that they were sufficiently grown in maturity, understanding and responsibility to be given a share in the family inheritance and “placed” as mature sons and daughters in positions or “posts” of executive oversight in the family businesses. Obviously not all the children would be ready to be co-heirs in the family inheritance at the same time. Not only would the difference in their ages preclude that, but no doubt some would be much more diligent than others, want­ing to please their father and prove that they were trustworthy, responsible, faithful, etc. Others, on the other hand, might be so selfish, careless, and foolish as to “fritter away” their opportunities. Thus they would require more time for the fath­er to prove them, before they could share in the family inheritance and be “placed” in positions of responsibility.

In light of the foregoing Illustration, it may be easier for the reader to understand the reason why those to be received by Christ when He comes must be made READY (Matt. 24:44, 25:10, Rev. 19:7). And also Jesus’ warning about those who will be rejected as being unqualified for the heavenIy kingdom (Mt. 7:21-23, 22:11-14, 25-.10-12, Lk. 12:45-47). Notice how Paul’s words of admonition in Ephes. 5:14-18, parallel the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Mt. 25:1-12. “Wherefore he says, awake you who sleep (the virgins were sleeping), and arise from the dead (spiritual deadness), and Christ shall give you light (oil for the virgin’s lamps). See that you walk circumspectly (accurately, carefully), not as fools (as the fool­ish virgins), but as wise (as the wise virgins), redeeming the time (making the best use of it), because the days are evil (the pitfalls and temptations are many). Wherefore be [  ] not un­wise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (see Mt. 7:21). And be not drunk with wine (the “wine” of Babylon—Rev. 17:2), wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit (the extra oil of the wise virgins). TIME is of the essence. It is Christ’s purpose to “bring many sons to glory” (Heb. 2:10), “that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29). And because of this, those who are not ready when the Lord comes for His Bride at the beginning of the tribulation, will have suf­ficient time (if they are diligent) during the tribulation period to “prove themselves” that the Lord might “know” them, and be received into His kingdom glory at the close of the tribulation.

In Gal. 4:7, Paul says that we are sons of God and thus heirs through Christ. But in 4:1-2, he points out that an heir, though potentially “lord of all “must await the “time appointed of the father” for his “adoption” or “placing as a son” in his full inheritance. So again we see it is a matter of TIME. This was true dispensationally, for those under the law were kept “in bondage” or limitation to the elemental or rudimentary precepts of childhood, and under enforcedservitude as a servant or slave (4:1,3). This was because the law was weak through the flesh (Rom. 8:3), and had no power to bring to perfection (or matur­ity). “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did” (Heb. 7:19,11; 9:9; 10:1). But what was true dispensationally, is also true of each of us as individuals. Although we have been “redeemed” from the limitations and weaknesses of the law (Gal. 4:5), each of us begins our Christ­ian experience as a “babe In Christ” (I Pet. 2:2), and we must grow up (Ephes. 4:14-15), if we are to receive the “adoption”to full sonship. We are sons, not servants (under the compul­sory servitude of the law), but because we have been “bought with a price and belong to Christ (I Cor. 6:19-20, 7:22-23), we voluntarily submit to Him as His servants or love-slaves, that we might be “tutored” and “disciplined” by Him through the Spirit. Read Ex. 21:1-6, Deut. 15:12-17 for a type of this. Al­though freed by our Master, we say, “I love my master, I will not go out free,” and we have our “ears bored through with an awl” (that we might hear His voice) and serve Him forever! See Rev. 22:3 & 21:7. SONS, yes; but also SERVANTS!

THE VOICE OF THE BRIDEGROOM

The title chosen for this article is significant.  The Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Bridegroom, is now making ready a Bride to be received of Him when He comes (see Matt. 25:10, Rev. 19:7, Acts 15:14). But HOW is He making ready this Bride? To say that He is doing so by His Word and Spirit does not fully answer the question. Behold the pattern! Jesus came in the flesh some 1900 years ago, and at that time was to be presented to fleshly Israel as the Bridegroom. Israel was the Bride who was to be made ready for her Husband, Jehovah God. The “marriage covenant” had come into being many years previous at Mt. Sinai; but since God was Spirit and not flesh, it was impossible for Him to factually dwell with Israel in person, fully consummating the “marriage” relationship. For this purpose the invisible God had to incarnate Himself in a “garment” of flesh, so that He could be joined to a people of flesh.

We see this prophetically declared in Isa. 61:10, where the promised Messiah declares: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the GARMENTS of salvation (His physical body which would be given for our salvation), he has covered me with the ROBE of righteousness (the sinless righteousness of His inner or soul garment), AS A BRIDEGROOM decks himself with ornaments” (the literal Hebrew says “decks as a priest,” for He was clothed with human flesh to fulfill the ministry of the High Priest). That the Bride was also to be made ready at that time is indicated by the concluding words of verse 10: “and as a BRIDE adorns herself with her JEWELS” (noble character traits acceptable to her Bridegroom).

Natural Israel, however, was not willing to be made rea­dy at the time of the Lord’s coming in human flesh. She re­fused to receive her Bridegroom, choosing rather to continue her illicit affair with Rome, who was living with her at that time. Jesus symbolically alluded to this fact in His discussion with the woman of Samaria at Jacob’s well (John 4:16-18). The woman represented God’s covenant people at that time, Jacob-Israel. “Jesus said to her, go, call yourhusband, and come here. The woman answered and said, ‘I have no husband.’ Je­sus said to her, you have well said, I have no husband: for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband.” In the Greek language the word for husband and man is the same. Only the context can determine which word­ing should be used. Jesus was not saying she had been mar­ried to five different husbands, but rather that she had lived with five different men, and the man now living with her was not her man (husband). God had repeatedly accused Israel of being unfaithful to Him and having “affairs” with other nations and their idol-gods, and such involvement resulted in her cap­tivity to those nations, with whom she had to live (see Ezek. 16:26, 28, 32; 23:5, 9, 14-17, 22-23, 30). Thus the five “men” which Jesus accused Israel of “having” were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece, and “the man” who was living with her at the time of Jesus’ ministry was Rome.

Israel’s determination to “have” Rome, instead of her true Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, was expressed by the words of the chief priests before Pilate: ‘We have no king but Caesar.” Of Jesus they said, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” (see John 19:15, Luke 19:14}. Therefore was Jesus crucified. God’s purpose, however, cannot be thwarted. The occasion of the death of the rejected Bridegroom was used to redeem all of sinful humanity, and to put into force a NEW marriage cov­enant (eliminating the one made at Sinai), and this with a NEW SPIRITUAL ISRAEL. Since the earthly Israel Bride was not rea­dy to receive her Bridegroom, the marriage could not be consum­mated at Jesus’ first coming; therefore AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME was mode necessary, that from the new spiritual Israel of the Gentiles, the Glorified Christ might “take out of them a people for His name” (Acts 15:14). And as a Bride takes her husband’s name, so will a “new Israel Bride” out of the “children of promise” (Rom. 4:13-16, 9:6-8, Gal. 3:16-22,29, 4:22-31) be made ready to receive the Lord Jesus at His coming AGAIN.

The consummation of the marriage will be made possible, not by the Bridegroom “lowering” Himself to the plane of human flesh through incarnation as He did previously, but by the pro­cess of “raising” the physical bodies of the Bride company to the plane of GLORIFIED LIFE, that the Bride might DWELL with her Husband in bodies like to His own glorious body (see Phil. 3:20-21). Jesus referred to this “raising up” (through transla­tion and glorification) in John 6:39-40, 44; but His words can ALSO apply to the LATER “raising up” through resurrection of the dead bodies of the saints. (NOTE: since we are dealing only with that select group which will make up the Bride in this article, we will not go into the details of the resurrection of the “dead in Christ” and the translation of the living saints who will be “CALLED” to the marriage supper at the close of the tribulation (Rev. 19:9). They will also be “raised up” to the plane of glorified life as a part of the “Bridal retinue”, both as “maidens in waiting” to the Bride, and as a part of the “government” of the Great King.)

[John the Baptist: The Role of the Friend of the Bridegroom]

With the foregoing factors in mind, let us now get to the key point of the pattern as it was portrayed in the life of John the Baptist. John was a special ministry raised up by God with a special message to fulfill the role of the “friend of the Bride­groom.” In Bible times, when a man desired the hand of a cer­tain maiden in marriage, he selected a close and trusted friend as a “go-between.” When consent was secured from the maiden and her parents, this friend continued to act on the behalf of the Bridegroom throughout the period of formal arrangements, the vows of espousal and the marriage. When finally the Bride­groom had “taken” His Bride and escorted her to his home (or the home of his father) for the marriage festival and the marri­age consummation, then was the joy of the friend of the Bride­groom fulfilled (John 3:29).

John the Baptist appeared on the scene shortly before Jesus began His ministry. John’s ministry was to “turn the hearts of the father’s to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; TO MAKE READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD.” (Luke 1:17). He was to “prepare the way” (Matt. 3:3) for the Lord to be fully united in marriage to His select Bride. Since natural Israel rejected her Bridegroom, the TRANSFER­ENCE took place as previously explained, and a new covenant was instituted (Matt. 21:43, 26:28). Now the close of another era is near, and before long the Bridegroom will come again to claim His spiritual Bride; this time to be received by her with joy. Should we not then see thepattern fulfilled in our day that special ministries with a special message be raised up by God to fulfill the role of the “friend of the Bridegroom?” John the Baptist was not of the ordinary priesthood of his day. Even so has the Lord raised up special messengers in our day who are not of the ordinary “priesthood” of the organized church world, They have been prepared, as was John, in a special “wilder­ness “of testing and proving. And they have a special commis­sion to be as the “friend of the Bridegroom, which stands and HEAR S him; rejoicing greatly because of the Bridegroom’s VOICE.” (John 3:29).

We read that “the WORD OF GOD came to John the son of Zacharias in the WILDERNESS.” (Luke 3:2). He was “set apart” from traditional religion, so that he might receive a fresh revelation of the Lord’s purpose. Even so in our day, it is taking a special ministry and message to prepare the Bride, for the Bride will be received of the Lord FIRST, when He comes at the midnight hour (Matt. 25:6, 10). The Bride is not the whole church, but a SELECT GROUP out of the church, pictured by the “manchild” (indicating SPIRIT preparedness) of Rev. 12:5, and the 144,000 firstfruits (the FIRST (unveiled to be ready) of Rev. 14:1. The Bride company will be THE FIRST OF THE SONS OF GOD TO BE TRANSLATED INTO GLORIFIED LIFE without the experience of death. Shortly after they receive their glorified bodies, they will be MANIFESTED or revealed, see Rom. 8:19) by APPEARING (as Jesus did after He was glorified—see Luke 24:13-43) to multiplied thousands of Christians on the earth.

[Martha & Mary: The Bride and Those Who Remain]

The truth of the above is beautifully portrayed in symbolic drama in the 11th chapter of John. Martha (who typifies the BRIDE of Christ) “as soon as she heard that Jesus was COMING, WENT and MET him” (John 11:20), while Mary REMAINED where she was. Mary represents the Christians who will be left behind when the Bride is taken. But notice the words in John 11:28. After Martha had met the Lord outside the city (symbolic of meeting the Lord “in the air”), she RETURNED, “and called Mary her sister secretly, saying. The Master is come, and call s for you.” Such will be the “messenger ser­vice” of the glorified sons of the Bride company to the church that remains on earth during the tribulation period. They will thus “feed the church in the wilderness” (Rev. 12:6). Since Martha went back and spoke to Mary SECRETLY, it shows that the ministry of the Bride company will be to Christians only—and not to the people of the world. However, because of their “manifestation,” by which they shall nourish, uphold, protect and guide the remaining church in its ministry to the world, these glorified sons will certainly be the means by which mul­titudes shall be “delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Rom. 8:21).

In light of the symbolism of Martha and Mary in John chap­ter 11, I would like to make a few remarks on Luke 10:38-42. We have always been told that this passage shows that Mary was the spiritual one and Martha was not. Nothing could be further from the truth. It was Martha who received Jesus (and His disciples) into HER HOUSE (Luke 10:38), symbolic of the church, which is the household of God (Ephes. 2:19). Martha was evidently the older of the two and head of the house, thus being SYMBOLIC of those Christians who are more MATURE in the faith. The name “Martha” means SOBRIETY (that of a deep and serious nature). It is sometimes translated as “lady.” The way that Martha addressed Jesus in Luke 10:40, shows that she KNEW Him well and evidently had been His follower for some time. Her implicit faith is seen in John 11:27.

When Jesus and His hungry disciples were received into Martha’s house, it was her responsibility to prepare for their needs and to “serve” them. She would have been grossly neg­ligent if she had done otherwise. She was doing what she was supposed to, in order to fulfill the symbolism of those who are mature enough in their Christian faith and experience to be “up serving” the Master. Martha was rebuked by Jesus, not because of her “serving,” but because she was fretful about her need of help and because she was critical of Mary. Jesus made it clear that Mary had a need, and had chosen that which would not be taken from her (Luke 10:42). The name “Mary” means BITTERNESS or SORROW, and in the symbolic picture she rep­resents the repentant soul whose need of salvation has led her (or him) to the “feet of Jesus” to receive that which will “not be taken away.” This can only be a reference to the “born again” experience and the GIFT of eternal life (Rom. 6:23) which is not to be repented of (Rom. 11:29), or taken back by God. Thus the symbolic picture here fits that which is por­trayed in John 11, showing Martha as the “elect lady.”

The “bitterness” or “sorrow” of the name MARY also indi­cates that disappointment or grief of being left behind (as the “foolish virgins” of Matt. 25:8-12) when Martha, symbolic of the “wise virgins” or Bride is received of the Lord at the mid­night hour (Matt. 25:6, 10). Mary represents “born again” Christians who have received the gift of eternal life, but who will be lacking in “oil” (the Holy Spirit) and not sufficiently prepared or proven to be in the Martha or Bride group. The Bride, being the first to be translated, MUST “make herself ready” AHEAD of time,before the “hour of trial” (the tribula­tion period) comes “ on all the world, to try them that dwellon the earth” (Rev. 3:10). Therefore is a “John the Baptist” preparation ministry so essential at this time.

[Sonship or Brideship?]

I recently read an article which said, “‘SONSHIP’ not ‘brideship’ is the issue of the hour.” It is just such misleading HALF-truths that cause confusion. The truth is, it is not a question of “sonship” OR “brideship,” but of BOTH. Manifest sonship is the GOAL (in due time) that God has for ALL His growing sons and daughters now on the earth, whether they are chosen to fulfill the “role” of the Bride in the coming Kingdom or some OTHER role. It is true that there will be manifested sons who are NOT in the Bride company, but ALL in the Bride company WILL BE MANIFESTED SONS (and daughters). This MUST be, unless we believe that the most exalted position in the coming Kingdom, that of the Lord’s own heavenly Bride, is to be made up of a bunch of immature children. The most important person in the life of a great King is his bride or wife, but in order to rule a vast kingdom, he must have MANY to SERVE Him (and His Bride) in various capacities, as well as to fill many “posts” in His government. Even so there will be a VAST HOST (Rev. 7:9-17) of sons who will be ready to be man­ifested (revealed) by being translated and glorified at the close of the tribulation in order that they may “rule and reign “with Christ, but not functioning as a part of the Bride. (NOTE: it is not my purpose in this article to deal with the purpose and des­tiny which God has for those who enter manifest sonship in flesh and blood physical bodies on the earth plane. This is an en­tirely different subject, and has primarily to do with the mil­lennial age coming; so is not of major concern to us. However, before the final curtain falls on this age, it seems certain that a “firstfruits” will manifest such physical immortality as a wit­ness to the truth of the “finished work” of Jesus Christ, and as a beginning of the restoration of the “Edenic paradise” on earth as was experienced by Adam and Eve in the beginning.)

[Present Age Engagement vs. Coming Marriage]

We now need to take a closer look at the difference be­tween the church as it has functioned on earth in a marriage covenant husband and wife relationship during THIS dispensation, and the coming HEAVENLY Bride of Christ for the NEW dispensation now AT HAND. In II Cor. 11:2-3, we see where all born-again, Spirit-sanctified, Christians areENGAGED to Christ, but they must MAINTAIN their “virgin” estate; refusing “concourse” with the world and its defilements, remain­ing true (and faithful) to Christ alone, in order to be FACTUALLY PRESENTED to Christ (the Bridegroom) as His HEAVENLY Bride. In Bible days an espousal was virtually the same as our marriage today, with the exception that the Bridegroom usually did not “take” His Bride to live with him and consummate the marriage immediately. There was usually a period of time intervening. At the time of the espousal, the vows were ex­changed, dowry and gifts given, and LEGALLY the couple were husband and wife. That an engagedcouple were considered as husband and wife is seen in Deut. 22:23-24. It is also seen in the case of Joseph and Mary. Read Matt. 1:18-20, where Mary is said to be engaged to Joseph. Yet when Joseph dis­covered that Mary was “with child,” as her HUSBAND he de­cided to “put her away” or DIVORCE her privately, not want­ing to make a public example of her. Also the angel of the Lord said to Joseph, “fear not to TAKEtoyou Mary, yourWIFE.”

Now, we have been engaged or joined in covenant rela­tionship to Christ, and spiritually we are “members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones” (Ephes. 5:30). As in the origi­nal Bible type, Eve was formed from a cell or seed taken from the body of Adam, so has the church come into being through being “born” of the incorruptible seed of Christ (1 Pet. 1:23); and as Eve was constituted the very flesh or “body” of Adam, so is the true spiritual church the “body” of Christ today. But Eve was joined to Adam as his wife, and thus the two become ONE; she being BOTH his body and his bride. Even so is the church NOW SPIRITUALLY joined to Christ in a husband and wife COVENANT relationship, for “he that is joined to the Lord is ONE SPIRIT” (I Cor. 6:17). Paul, speaking of the join­ing together of man and woman in the marriage relationship says, “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Ephes. 5:32).

However, we must distinguish between the church function­ing today in a SPIRITUAL (BY the Holy Spirit) marriage covenant relationship to Christ, and the COMING FACTUAL and LITERAL joining together of Christ (the Bridegroom) and His HEAVENLY Bride: those who are a specially prepared and sel­ect group OUT of the present church organism functioning on earth, who are “virgins” indeed (both “wise” as in Matt. 25:4 and “undefiled” as in Rev. 14:4). The difference is simply a matter of DISPENSATIONAL truth. When Jesus died on the cross, the NEW marriage covenant relationship with spiritual Israel (the church) came into being. But thevery act which sealed the covenant resulted in the Bridegroom being TAKENfrom the church. When He was resurrected from the dead, His physical body was “raised “to the plane of glorified life, and it became impossible for the church during this dispensation to FACTUALLY DWELL with Him on that plane. Jesus foresaw this and spoke of it in these words: “Can the children of the bride-chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is WITH them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be TAKEN from them, and then shall they fast.” (Matt. 9:15). Robbed of His personal and immediate presence, the church has received His SPIRITUAL presence through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-18). And this spiritual marriage relationship has continued through the present dispensation.

Soon a definite change is to take place. And for the new dispensation, a new arrangement begins. The word “church” comes from the Greekekklesia , which means “those who are called out.” The true church has been “called out” of this world (and its evil) and separatedto Christ. They are in the world but not of it (John l7:l6). At present this is aspiritual separation. The word “sanctify” in the Greek means “to sep­arate,” and the true church has been sanctified or separated from the world to Christ by the blood (Heb. 13:12), by theWord (John 17:17; Ephes. 5:26), and by the Spirit(Rom. 15:16). These are “the three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water (the Word), and the blood” (I John 5:8). But when Christ returns, that portion of the true church which is ready is to befactually andliterally ”called out” of this world, to become the “heavenly Bride” of Christ. The remaining church on earth will continue to function by the spiritual ministry of the Holy Spirit throughout the tribulation period, and those who are then truly sanctified (separated) to the Lord, making their “calling and election sure” (II Pet. 1:10), will also be lit­erally “called out” of the world at the close of the tribulation, and along with the “dead in Christ” who will be raised at that time (I Thess. 4:16-17), will join the Lord and His Bride to function as His Household and Government in the new dispensation.

[The “Widowed” Church]

Because the Bridegroom was taken away, the church is sym­bolically portrayed in the scriptures as a “widow” during this dispensation. Jesus alluded to this when He said: “But I tell you a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Ellas (Elijah), when the heaven was shut up three years and six mon­ths, when great famine was throughout all the land; but to none of them was Elias sent, save to Sarepta, the city of Sidon, to a woman that was a widow.” (Luke 4:25-26). Eli­jah ministering to this gentile widow is a type of the Spirit of Christ ministering to the largely gentile church of this age. In the story (see I Kings 17:9-16) we also see a picture of the true church ministering to Christ (in the Spirit) as the widow sus­tained Elijah and put him first (17:9,13), and as a result her barrel of meal (the living Word of God) and the cruse of oil (the Holy Spirit presence) never failed (17:14). The three and one half years without rain (Lk. 4:25, James 5:17, I Kings 17:1, 18:1), equates to 1260 days, and when translated into prophetic time of a day for a year (Ezek. 4:6), it portrays the 1260 years from the time of the “rupture” of the church into east and west which took place over a number of years beginning in 692 A. D. “ UNTIL the day that the Lord send s rainon the earth”—I Kings 17:14 (symbolizing the SECOND PENTECOST or “latter rain” which is coming).

In the New Testament, the same 1260 days are mentioned in Rev. 11:3, and from the long range historical perspective they portray the 1260 years that the “two witnesses” (elect remnant, down through this church age following theeast-west division) have continued to “prophesy,” “clothed in sackcloth,” (grief and mourning during times of apostasy and persecution). We are now at the end of this historical time period, and because of the nearness to the “latter rain” outpouring, we are hearing “a sound of abundance of rain” (I Kings 18:41) during the present preparatory move of the Spirit. We are also in the time when Elijah (the Spirit of Christ in His people) is praying for the promised outpouring (I Kings 18:42-46, James5:18; Zech. 10:1), and faith is arising as we see a “ small cloud ” of “elect witness­es” (Heb. 12:1) arising out of the sea (peoples) and yielding themselves to the purpose of God in this hour (I Kings 18:44), so we know that “a great rain ” isnear at hand (18:45).

In the meantime, the church, as a “widow,” is willing to bear her “reproach” (Isa. 54:4), remaining faithful to her Hus­band, being sustained by His grace (I Kings 17:14), and waiting for Him to come and take her to dwell with Him. Like the wid­ow of Luke21:l-4, she gives to her Lord all that she has (and is) and like the widow of Luke 18:1-8, she continues steadfast in prayer and seeking of her Lord, knowing that He will “avenge” her completely of her adversary (the devil) when He comes for His elect. In contrast , we see the false church in Revelation, chapters 17 & 18. She hasnot remained faithful, but has com­mitted fornication with the “kings of the earth” (leaning on the “arm of flesh”—Jer. 17:5). She has glorified herself, for she says in her heart, “I sit a queen, and am no widow” (Rev. 18:7). She may be a “queen” now, decking herself ostentatiously, (Rev. 17:4) in order to appeal to “the flesh,” but she will not be the Lord’s “queen” when He comes to take those who are the “called, and chosen, and faithful” (Rev. 17:14).

[The Imperative of Cleansed Soul “Garments” in the Present Age]

In light of the historical evidence of such “unfaithfulness,” in the organized church systems of Christendom, we can see the importance of Paul’s words in II Cor. 11:1-3: “I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy; for I haveengagedyou to one hus­band, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the sim­plicity (single-hearted and pure devotion) that is in Christ.” Eve is a type of the soul with its desire-nature (emotions, feel­ings, response, imagination), while Adam is a type of the spirit (reason, righteous judgment, will, determination), and the garden of Eden is a type of the physical body (which Adam was to “dress and keep”—Gen. 2:15). Thus we see our three-fold be­ing symbolically portrayed in the Adam-Eve-Garden story in Gen. chaps. 1-3 (see I Thess. 5:23). It is through our “Eve” (soul-desires) that we who have been WED (in Spirit) to Christ, can be “beguiled” and turned from our single and pure devotion to Christ, entering into ‘”intimate associations” with the world and its defilements, and thus disqualifying ourselves from being presented to Christ as a “chaste virgin” (His Bride). This is in harmony with Rev. 14:4, where the 144,000 firstfruits are spo­ken of as being “not defiled with women.” In other words, they have not been led astray by “Eve” (soul-desires) into compro­mising situations with the world (including the apostate relig­ious world). Since they are not defiled with women, it is evi­dent that the 144,000 are pictured as masculine(even as themanchild of Rev. 12:5). This is purelysymbolic (for this group will be made up of both men and women) and shows that these “overcomers” are living and walking in the Spirit, rather than submitting to “the flesh” (soul-desires). See Gal. 5:16-26. Paul, in Rom. 8:4, says that those who walk after the Spirit, are having “therighteousness of the law “ fulfilled in them. The word “fulfill” here means “to fill up” or “make full.” In other words, the “linen garment” of righteousness, which the Bride is seen clothed with in Rev. 19:8, is gradually woven into the very fabric of their inner being, until it is “full” (complete).

In Rev. 3:4, the “overcomers “are pictured as the ones who “have not defiled their garments.” These are the inner or soul garments, which have been “washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev. 7:14). Our past sins (thesurface dirt and stains) are “washed away” by the blood when we receive forgiveness of sins (Rev. 1:5; Acts 22:16; I Cor. 6:11). But it is only the Spirit, working in us because of the blood, that can “bleach out” the “ground in” filth of the sin nature in our souls, making themwhite (pure). The intensity of the “white­ness “(or brightness) of our inner garments depends on the de­gree to which we have allowed the Spirit to remove that which is of the self and sin life within. When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain (a type of the heavenly Kingdom), His raiment became “White as light” (Mt. 17:2), or “shining (glistening), exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them” (Mark 9:3). This “white raiment” of Jesus is a type of His Bride (and Body) which shalladorn Him (being ONE with Him). It is the “pure (white) in heart” who shall see God and dwell with Him (Mt. 5:8). It is the Spirit-glory (brightness) which sanctifies us (Ex. 29:43, Rom. 15:16), separating us from all inner defilement, and also imparting and weaving in the righteousness of Christ. This is the “holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14). BOTH the negative (re­moving) and the positive (imparting) aspects of the Spirit’s work are needed.

Now we can see the importance of not defiling (getting dir­ty again) our inner garments (Rev. 3:4, 14:4), that we might be among those of whom Jesus said, “they shall walk with me in white: for they areworthy” (Rev. 3:4). This is why Paul ad­monishes us to “walk worthy of the vocation (calling) where­with you are called” (Ephes, 4:1), and to “walk as children of the light” (Ephes. 5:8). In the Old Testament, Enoch (mean­ing “dedicated”) is a type of the Bride, for “Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Gen, 5:24). “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death. . . for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God” (Heb. 11:5). So the Bride, (those who “follow the Lamb”—Rev. 14:4, walking with Him and pleasing Him), shall be translated first, at the beginning of the tribulation. These are to be followed by those who will be translated at the close of the tribulation, who come “out of great tribulation,” “a great multitude which no man could number” standing “ before the throne, and before the Lamb” ( not ”with Him”, as those in Rev. 14:1). They are “clothed with white robes,” having “made them white”duringthe tribulation period (see Rev. 7:9,14). They are symbolized by Elijah, the second man in the Old Testament who was translated without seeing death (II Kings 2:11).

[Distinguishing Sin and Uncleanness]

Because it is important that we not defile our inner gar­ments, I will add a few more comments which I hope will be helpful. In Zech. 13:1 we read: “in that day there shall be a fountain opened to the House of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.” The “fountain” was opened at Calvary when Jesus gave Himself as a vicarious sac­rifice, and out of His side came forth blood and water (John 19:34). The blood was to atone for sin, and the water symbolized the Word which is to purge out uncleanness (John 15:3; Ephes. 5:26). It is important to realize that all sin is uncleanness, but not all uncleanness is sin. In other words we can experience uncleanness in our mental-emotional being without actually committing any sin. However, such “uncleanness” hinders our fellowship with the Lord, and can keep us from fully entering into the covenant blessings, joys, and powers that the Lord has prepared for us.

This is vividly portrayed in the law of the Old Testament. All sin or moral uncleanness had to be removed by the admis­sion of guilt (confession) and the bringing of a sin or trespass offering to the priest to “atone for” the offense (Lev. 5:5-6, Num. 5:6-8). This we can readily understand, for under the New Covenant when we sin we must repent, confess and re­ceive forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Christ (see I John 1:6-10). But under the law there was also ceremonial uncleanness which rendered individuals “defiled,” and when in this state of impurity, the Hebrews were forbidden to enter the sanctuary, partake of the sacred offerings and gifts, etc. Only the clean were fit to approach the Holy God and all that ap­pertained to Him (Lev. 7:19-21, 22:3, Num. 9:6-7, 18:11). Some of the bodily conditions, such as the diseases of leprosy and issues of blood, were types of sin, for as we said before, all sin is uncleanness. But there were other conditions, such as the eating of unclean meats, touching the carcass of an un­clean animal, or touching a dead human body, which were not acts of sin, but still rendered a person unclean. For these con­ditions, cleansing came through water (washing, bathing, or sprinkling). Read especially Lev. chaps. 11 & 15, and Deut. chap. 19. This is a type of the cleansing of the church “with the washing of water by the word” (Ephes. 5:26).

Again, the two main ways of contacting uncleanness was by eating (unclean meats) and touching (dead bodies or carcasses). “Eating” is a type of fellowship and intimate association, show­ing that God’s people are to have “nofellowship with the un­fruitful works of darkness” (Ephes. 5:11). “Touching” that which was dead is a type of contact with the world and those who are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephes. 2:1). God’s command is to “come out from among them, and be [  ] separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Fatherto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness (defilement) of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Cor. 6:17-7:1). But read also II Cor. 6:14-16. The typical significance of Jesus’ washing of the dis­ciples feet as recorded in John 13:4-10 is important here. In our “daily walk” as Christians we contact the uncleanness of the world, and what we see and hear can “rub off” on us, so to speak, and bring a certain amount of defilement into our think­ing and feeling. Therefore we need to spend time alone with the Lord in meditation, prayer and reading of the Word, so that the Lord can “wash our feet” and cleanse us from the filth of the world. Through mutual fellowship and ministry in the Word, we can also wash one another’s feet (John 13:14). However, it is only as we heed, apply, and obey the Word, receiving into our inner being its teaching, reproof, correction and instruc­tion in righteousness (II Tim. 3:16), that it is truly effective for our daily cleansing.

[Chaste, Unblameable, Faultless and Perfect]

We have seen by Paul’s statement in II Cor. 11:2 that the Bride is to be presented to Christ as a “chaste virgin.” In Col. 1:22, we read that those so presented are to be “unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.” and in Col. 1:28-29, Paul declares that His labors, preaching, warning and teaching are to the intent that he might “present every manperfect in Christ Jesus.” The word “unblameable” in Col. 1:22 is from the Greek word amomos, and is the same word which is translated in Rev. 14:5 as “without fault” in the description of the 144,000.  The same word is translated “faultless” in Jude 24. In Heb. 9:14 this Greek word is translated “without spot” in des­cribing the vicarious ministry of Jesus Christ as He presented Himself to God on our behalf. The word indicates that which is without blemish, blame or spot. It is only through the grace of Christ that any can be presented to Him “without fault.” Only those whose hearts are right toward the Lord (being yield­ed and completely submissive), daily walking in fellowship with Him and in the light (truth-purity), and daily submitting to His purging and cleansing from ALL unrighteousness and uncleanness, can be “holy and without blame before him in love (Ephes. 1:4), and “blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 1:8). Wherefore, beloved seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace,without spot, and blameless (II Pet. 3:14). Those “called out” of this world are to be presented to Him “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (without blame or fault).” Ephes. 5:27.

Not only presented as “a chaste virgin”, and “without fault,” but also “perfect” as Paul states in Col. 1:28. The Greek word translated “perfect” is teleios, and means that which is finished or completed with reference to a certain goal or objective, as when a builder or workman completes a build­ing or project of some kind. The word is used by Paul in Phil. 1:6 where he says: “Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will perform (finish, per­fect) it until the day of Jesus Christ.” This word can also be translated “mature,” as the goal of “growing up in all things in Christ,” to a “perfect” (mature) man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephes. 4:15,13). But read all of Ephes. 4:11-16. This is too vast a subject to be covered here, but “perfection” is the goal which the Lord has for all His child­ren (Matt. 5:48). And there is a prescribed measure of perfec­tion or maturity which must be incorporated into the inner be­ing of all who are to be “called out” of this world through the “door” of glorification and presented to Christ. This is why we must continue to grow (l Pet. 2:2, II Pet. 3:18) and “go on to perfection” (Heb. 6:1), being ready to receive the “adop­tion” to full sonship as explained in the introduction.

[The Friend of the Bridegroom Ministry Today]

In light of all that God is revealing concerning the “making ready” of the Bride, we can see the importance of a “John the Baptist” ministry to act as the “friend of the Bridegroom” and to hear HIS VOICE in this day of preparation, and help bring about a RESTORATION of that which has been lost. When an­cient Israel turned away from God, and was under His hand of judgment, His word came through the prophet Jeremiah as fol­lows: “For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Be­hold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the VOICE of the BRIDEGROOM, and the VOICE of the BRIDE” (see Jer. 7:34; 16:9; 25:10). Since the land became desolate and the people carried captive into Babylon, we can see how that it was literally fulfilled that the voice of the Bridegroom and the voice of the Bride CEASED out of the cities of Judah and Jerusalem. However, to us there is a spiritual application. Because of the SPIRITUAL DESOLATION that has come to the church, the voice of the Bridegroom and the voice of the Bride has not been heard in the land as God intended. But NOW is the time for RESTORATION. The Bridegroom (Christ) is begin­ning to SPEAK as never before since the days of the early church apostles, for He is raising up specially prepared minis­tries who have heard His voice and are making known His pur­poses for this time; and in turn a Bride is being prepared who will yet speak with a Word of greater power and authority.

The Lord speaks through Jeremiah of this restoration in chap. 33:7-11. Although this passage had an application to natural Israel (and still does), we must see its application to spiritual Israel or the Church. “And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first. And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me. . . And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do to them: there shall be heard in this place. . . the voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endures for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I cause to return the captivity, as at the first, says the Lord.” The Lord purposes to bring the church completely out of the “Babylonish captivity” of man’s systems and ways to a FULL RESTORATION, as at the beginning. And even power and glory beyond that! And in this restoration, the “voice of the bridegroom” (Christ), and the “voice of the bride” (prepared and anointed saints) will come forth as never before.

In Joel 2:15-16 we read these words, “Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Gather the peo­ple, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts; let thebridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.” Here, we have the work of preparation being done by those who are “lifting up their voices like a trumpet” in Zion (the church).

Isa. 58:1. There is a coming together of those who are hearing what the Spirit is saying in this end time, both of the spiritu­ally mature ones (elders) and also children and babes (in Christ. We are being sanctified (separated) to a fast (of cleansing from the defilements of the world and the religious systems of “Babylon” (Rev. 18:4). Now, because of this preparatory work of the Lord, we can expect Joel 2:16 to be fulfilled by the Bridegroom coming forth in a greater moving of His Spirit (“out of His chamber”), and by the Bride company beginning to come forth in a greater ministry(“out of her closet”). In Mal. 4:2 we see where the Lord is called “the Sun of righteousness” who shall “arise with healing In his wings.” Now compare this with Psalm 19:4-6 where we read, “In them (the heavens) has he set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as A BRIDEGROOM coming out of his chamber, and rejoices as a strong man to run a race.” Yes, our Bridegroom (Jesus) is coming forth as a “strong man” in greater spiritual power among those being prepared. His “friends” (special messengers) are now hearing and trumpet­ing His Word. The Bride company is being “sealed” (Rev. 7:3) for a greater ministry In further preparation and anticipation of the day of manifestation which is coming. Although I have pointed out the spiritual application of Joel 2:16 and Psalm 19:5, this is preliminary to the time when the Bridegroom will literally come “out of His chamber” (heaven) and return for His Bride, who will then come “out of her closet” of being “hid with Christ in God” on this earth (Col. 3:3) and be translated out of the earthly into the heavenly to appear with Christ in glory (Col. 3:4).

This brings us back to the “friend of the Bridegroom.” As the “marriage of the Lamb” approaches, we can see the impor­tance of this type of end-time ministry to fulfill the pattern given in John 3:22-30. The setting which occasioned John the Baptist’s remarks on this subject is seen in verse 26. Reports were brought to John that Jesus and His disciples were baptiz­ing and “all men came to him” (Jesus). In other words, “Jesus is getting a greater following than you!” What an occasion for “ministerial jealousy” to arise in the heart of John! But John knew his place, and had been well prepared by the Spirit of God. John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” (3:27). John knew that his ministry was to prepare the Bride for the Bridegroom, and for a trusted ”friend of the Bridegroom” to seek to usurp the place of the Bridegroom and draw the affections and loyalty of the people to himself was unthinkable. Would to God that all ministries of today were as wise and as well prepared as John! If we want the adulation and affection of people directed toward us—if we want a following so that we can boast about how far-reaching our ministry is, and what great things we are do­ing—then we are in no position to fulfill that sensitive and deli­cate ministry of the “friend of the Bridegroom” in this day. John said, “He that has the bride is the Bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejolces greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30).

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” How much are these simple, straight-forward, self-effacing words of John akin to that which is spoken of the 144,000 in Rev. 14:5: “And in their mouth was found no guile.” In this they arefollowing the Lamb’s example (Rev. 14:4) for the apostle Peter says, “For even hereto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” (I Pet. 2:21-22). Likewise did Jesus speak of Nathaniel when He said, “Behold an Israelite Indeed, in whom is no guile!” “Nathaniel” means “gift of God.” It is only by the gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ that we can be “Israelites indeed” (in Spirit and Truth), as we read in Rom. 2:28-29; 9:6-8, and be “without guile” in that day when the Bride company shall be “redeem­ed from (away from) the earth” (Rev. 14:3) into the glories of celestial realms of Christ. The word “Israel” means “ruling with God,” and thus the name can only refer, in its true mean­ing and application, to those spiritual overcomers who will be co-heirs and co-rulers with Christ as “kings and priests” over the earth (Rev. 5:10). Oh how we should long to be Israelites indeed, circumcised completely within (Rom. 2:29), totally pure in heart (Mt. 5:8), without reservation as to our dedication as a “living sacrifice” to God (Rom. 12:1), without compromise in ourfidelity to Christ our Bridegroom (Rev. 14:4, 17:14), and so absolutely sincere and honest before God and man that there cannot possible by any guiIe in our mouths. This is the path to Sonship and Brideship!

[Manifest Sonship Still Future]

Yes, the issue of the hour is sonship! For regardless of the particular “role” (or “post” of responsibility) we are chosen to fulfill in the coming Kingdom of our Lord, the Lord’s purpose is that we all come (in due time) to manifest sonship. But the issue is just as clearly that of Brideship! For the first of the sons of God to be unveiled (manifested) in celestial glory, will be that group or select “chaste virgin” company which will be received of the Bridegroom at the midnight hour, entering with Him into the marriage, forever to be His heavenly Bride (Mt. 25:10),and to sit with Him on His throne of glory (Rev. 3:21), The ministry of the “friend of the Bridegroom ” (special messen­gers who help prepare the Bride) is not over yet; in fact, such ministry has not yet come into its fulness. Through the exten­ded grace and mercy of God we have yet a time of prepara­tion that we might be ready for the coming day of manifesta­tion. We are in the “dawning” of the era of the manifested sons of God, but that day has not yet arrived when some shall be changed and put on immortality “in a moment, in the twink­ling of an eye, at the last (the 7^th—Rev. 10:7) trump” (I Cor. 15:52). There are presumptuous souls in the land who claim they have already arrived: they are already manifested sons of God; and they have already come Into the realm of the “perfect” as mentioned in I Cor. 13:10; and they are now beyond the realm of the “gifts” and “ministries” given to the church (I Cor. 12:7-10, Ephes. 4:11). But such is not true! There are yet many changes that must take place within each of us in this day of preparation, even from spiritual “gloryto glory” (II Cor. 3: 18), and we need the gift-ministries and gifts of the Spirit to help bring us “to a perfect man, to the measure of the sta­ture of the fulness of Christ (Ephes. 4:11-15).

The word “changed” in II Cor. 3:18 is a translation of the Greek word metamorphoomai, from which we get the English “metamorphosis” (a word which indicates transformation, such as is seen in the changes in a caterpillar until it emerges as a beautiful butterfly). The same Greek word is translated “trans­figured” in Mt. 17:2 to describe the change that took place in the body of Jesus on the mountain. The same Greek word is translated “transformed” in Rom. 12:2. Thus we can see that we are now to be transformed within ”from glory to glory” until that day when we are ready to “emerge” from the “cocoon” of our terrestrial body into the transfigured glory and beauty of our celestial body (see I Cor. 15:20, Phil. 3:21).

[Discipleship and the Present Process of Regeneration]

Let’s take a final look at Rev. 14:4 where the 144,000 are described as those who “follow the Lamb wherever he goes.” In Mt. 16:24 we read: “Then said Jesus to his disci­ples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus was not in this in­stance giving the formula for salvation (which is a free gift—Rom. 6:23), but rather the requirements for those who aspire to follow Him to the summit of full sonship (co-heirship and co-rulership) in His celestial Kingdom. Notice, He spoke these words to His disciples. A “disciple” is one who has taken on himself the “yoke” (wilI) of Christ, and is being taught (disci­plined, tutored) by Him (Mt. 11:29). The path of discipleship is to perfection (that which is complete, full, mature) as we read in Luke 6:40: “The disciple is not above his master (teach­er), but every one (disciple) shall be perfected as his master (marginal reading).” See also Mt. 19:21.

Looking again at Mt. 16:24, the three requirements given by Jesus for discipleship are self-denial, taking up our cross (obedience and self sacrifice), and following Him (in His example of complete submission to the Father’s will in every as­pect of life). To love any person or any thing more than we love the Lord disqualifies us from being His disciples (Mt. 10:37, Lk. 14:26). We must be willing to forsake ALL (that would hinder us in any way from “going on” with Him), Lk. 14:33. We must “hate” our own self-life, being willing to “lose” our soulish (self) life, that we might “find” the spiritual (Christ) life (Mt. 10:39, 16:25). We must “count the cost” of building a “tower” that leads to the heavenly kingdom (Lk. 14:28-30), which is the “prize of the high (or heavenly—Heb. 3:1) calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). We must be willing to set­tle for conditions of total surrender (peace) lest we find our­selves “fighting” (resisting) God’s calling and purpose for us (Lk. 14:31-32).

In Mt. 19:27, Peter asks Jesus this question   ”Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed you, what shall we have there­fore?” In quoting Jesus’ answer in verse 28, I am going to change the punctuation provided by the translators (which I believe is incorrect) by removing the comma after the word “me” and placing it after the word “regeneration,” to make it read like this: “truly I say to you, that you who have followed me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judg­ing the twelve tribes of Israel.” NOW (this age) is the time of regeneration (or re-creation) in the inner man. As we FOLLOW Him, we are being increasingly regenerated. This Is a MUST if we are to share His throne and rule with Him. Now notice verse 29: “And every one thathas forsaken houses, or brethren or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold.” Here we have the “hundredfold” (“full corn in the ear”—Mk. 4:20,28) who shall be “harvested” OUT of the lower (earthly) realm and translated into the upper (heavenly) realm to rule with Christ. The thirty and sixty fold (blade and ear) shall remain on the earth. So take heed! If you want to be WITH Christ in His ruling Kingdom, FOLLOW HIM IN THE REGENERATION!!!

Prophecy by J. Leland Earls

The fourth church to which I wrote was Thyatira. Dur­ing this era, the apostasy culminated with the complete centralization of power in the bishop ofRome who was given the title of ‘Pope’ or papa of bishops. The eastern section of the organized church resisted this centralization of power in the west, and gradually a schism developed to such propor­tions that an open split resulted. After commending the faithful of the church of Thyatira for their works and charity and service and faith and patience, I expressed my displeas­ure at the increased apostasy: ‘Notwithstanding I have a few things against you, because you suffer that woman Jeze­bel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to se­duce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols’ (Rev. 2:20). That which was the ‘doc­trine of Balaam’ during the Pergamos era, became, in the Thyatira period of the church, the seducing tactics of ‘that woman Jezebel.’ Jezebel was the wife of the wicked king Ahab during the days that Israel had almost completely aban­doned the faith of their fathers. She was the daughter of a foreign king who brought her alien religion into lsrael, and because of the weakness of Ahab, she dominated the religious life of the nation, destroying the true prophets of God and establishing the prophets of Baal and Asherah. (see I Kings 16:30-32, 18:4, 13, 19). This is the typical picture I chose in order to portray the religious condition of the Thy­atira period, commonly referred to as the Middle Ages: the inception of which was in the years of growing papal power.

The word I spoke declares that Jezebel seduced my servants to commit fornication. Symbolically, this Jezebel is one and the same as the great whore described in the 17th chapter of Revelation, ‘with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication’ (Rev. 17:2). This ‘fornication’ has to do with the illicit relation­ship of church and state, primarily; however, it relates also to the unholy union of church and man-made organizations which purport to speak for me. It is the church turning to the arm of flesh for its sustenance and propagating power. (See Jer. 17:5). This ‘mother of harlots’ is symbolic of false religion – that which is alien to the true spirit of Christ. She has filled the earth with her abominations, and the in­habitants of the earth are drunk with the wine of her forni­cation.

This woman has plied her trade for many centuries, even before the Christian era began. She is pictured as sit­ting upon many waters, or peoples, and also upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns (Rev. 17:1-3). From the over-all his­torical perspective, the seven heads are seven major nations or empires which have been, or will be, influenced by this woman. They are: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome (both pagan and Christian, including those nations which have apostatized into communism, raking up­on their heads the name of blasphemy – Rev. 13:1), and the coming world government of the false prophet which must continue for a short time (Rev. 13:11-18, 17:10, 19:20). The woman, or false religion, will continue to hold sway in the coming era of the seventh head, for the corrupt religious systems, both Catholic and Protestant, will enter into league with it. The sixth head, which ruled in the apostle John’s day (Rev. 17:10), has continued until this day, as its hereditary power has continued through Christendom, even though apostate and blasphemous.

Historically, the woman, which is the priestcraft of false religion, has affected the affairs of the nations direct­ly through the close relationship of government and an offi­cially supported priesthood. The priesthood has helped the ruling forces to maintain their power and control by keeping the masses of people in subjection through fear and supposed paternalistic favor. Thus the woman is supported or carried by the beast through an official working relationship between religion and state. In those former Christian nations which have taken upon their heads the name of blasphemy, how­ever, there is a different relationship between the woman and the beast. The woman is responsible for the coming into being of such Marxist dictatorships by fostering conditions leading to severe reaction against the corrupt system which prevailed through her fornication. Thus false religion actu­ally is responsible for spawning communism; it is her off spring. And because she has spawned it, she shall be judged by it. This is portrayed in the prophetic picture by the following: ‘And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make, her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire” (Rev. 17:16). The ten horns are ten nations which will be completely taken over by Marxist elements and become an integral part of the ‘sea beast’ of communism. (Rev. 13:1). They shall then turn on the religious systems and decimate them, both Catholic and Protestant. This will include the very stronghold of the Roman church system in Italy - the Vatican. Think not that only the Catholic branches of apostate Christianity will feel the wrath of the beast. The harlot daughters of the Protest­ant fold will also be greatly affected.

In the letter to Thyatira I gave this warning concern­ing Jezebel: ‘Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds’ (Rev. 2:22). It will be during the great tribulation that the great whore will be decimated by the communist powers, which correspond to the dogs that ate Jezebel after she was cast down and trodden under foot. (See II Kings 9:30-37). I have given her much opportunity to repent of her fornication but she has refused, therefore “I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he who searches the reins and hearts: and I will give to everyone of you according to your works’ (Rev. 2:21, 23). My people, the time is drawing near when all of these things shall take place. Therefore consider what I speak to thee, for even now you are being tried; and even now I am searching your heart. Andto you I say, as I did to certain ones in Thyatira, ‘as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put on you none other burden. But that which you have already hold fast till I come” (Rev. 2:24).

As in the other letters, there is a promise given to the overcomers in the message to Thyatira. ‘And he that overcomes, and keeps my works to the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.’ (Rev. 2:26-28). In the letter to Thy­atira, the first mention is made of the great tribulation which comes at the close of the church age. This is because the apostate religious system which became entrenched during the Thyatira period continues until the tribulation and will be judged at that time. The initial fulfillment of the promise to the overcomers will come at the beginning of the tribula­tion period. I will translate and take to myself 144,000 of the choicest of my saints, and they will be given power over the nations during the tribulation. They will be func­tioning in their glorified bodies and will have the power to appear and disappear on the earth. This ability will con­stitute the ‘rod of iron’ which will be used as the means to speak my word and enforce my judgments. As I have received of my Father authority, so will I give to them authority to implement my will among the nations, and those nations which heed not that which they make known shall be broken in pieces as a potter’s vessel. These firstfruits saints are also given the pledge of the ‘morning star;’ this is my betrothal to them as the Bridegroom. They are the wise virgins, re­ceived into the marriage at the midnight hour. (Matt. 25:10). They make up ‘the queen in gold of Ophir’ to be ‘brought unto the king in raiment of needlework.’ (Psalm 45:9-14). ‘The virgins her companions that follow her’ shall be brought to me at the close of the tribulation. (see Psalm 45:14-15). They are the foolish virgins who are not completely ready at the beginning of the tribulation, when I come as a thief in the night. (Matt. 25:11-13). He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.  

In my last post I pointed out how God always teaches us through parables. He makes up stories and then tells them in order to illustrate his truth. This does not mean, though, that his stories did not actually occur or that they are not historically accurate. I believe that the events of Genesis 24 actually happened. I also believe they reveal spiritual truth. What is that truth?

Look at the principle characters here. We see four, Abraham the father, Isaac the son, the faithful servant, and Rebecca the bride. Who do these people represent prophetically? I believe Abraham reveals the heart of Father God who seeks a pure bride for his only Son (Isaac here). Throughout the history of the world God sent forth his Holy Spirit (the servant) to seek a Bride (Rebecca) for his Son.

But, he sends his servant with conditions. The Bride must come from his own family, his own people. The Bride must believe that God is who he said he is. In this parable Rebecca believes the testimony of the servant and goes with him to a new land, a place unknown. Second, the bride must go willingly. Her family gives her opportunity to decline the invitation, but she declares, “I will go with him.” Third, she must go by faith. Rebecca really did not know who this strange servant was. She only heard his testimony, but his words rang true. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” The word was spoken to Rebecca. She heard. She believed. She then walked by faith. Rebecca’s walk of faith then brings her to her promised husband, Isaac.

All of this, of course, pictures the Holy Spirit going throughout the world during the last two thousand years calling a bride for the Father’s Son, Jesus. Only a willing bride may come and only one from God’s own people. This means that the Bride of Christ actually comes out of the people of God, those commonly known as Christians. Jesus said that he also had other “folds” of sheep, so we may be surprised at the identity of some members of this spiritual “Bride.” (No, I do not teach that one may come to God any other way than through Jesus.  ”I am the way, the truth, and the life,” he said. “No one comes to the Father except by ME!” I am talking about Jesus’ other folds. Everyone in those other folds will ultimately come to God through and by Jesus.)

Many are called, but few are chosen. Many call themselves Christians today, but few will be chosen as God’s bride. Many believers will be disappointed. Many will be in that company to whom Jesus says, “Depart from me you workers of lawlessness, for I never knew you.” Are these then consigned to Hell and everlasting torment? Well, they do have their place in the Lake of Fire for a time, but so does Hell. But, I get far afield from the parable at hand.

Genesis 24 pictures our Father God sending forth his Holy Spirit as a comforter, a helper, a servant to find a bride for his Son, Jesus. Genesis 24 also includes the first time that God reveals the twin themes of all Scripture, mercy and truth. The Spirit goes forth in mercy and truth (his two witnesses) by which he woos his Bride.

Your hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments. They that fear you will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in your word. I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that you in faithfulness have afflicted me. Let, I pray you, your merciful kindness ['emuwnah = truth] be for my comfort, according to your word unto your servant. Let your tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for your law is my delight. Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in your precepts. Let those that fear you turn unto me, and those that have known your testimonies. Let my heart be sound in your statutes; that I be not ashamed. (Psalms 119:73-80)

This section begins by affirming God’s creation of this particular individual. This stanza progresses from the last in that it more clearly shows God’s purpose for disciplining his sons.  It reveals that God intends by and through his discipline of specific individuals to reproduce himself after his own kind. This is really what the entire history of mankind is all about. History itself seems to go on so long because God has to have time to work with the few people in each generation who actually come into agreement with him, who willingly submit to the discipline it takes to become like him.

Only few people come to this place in each generation, just as only a few select fruits become the firstfruits of any given season. We see this theme of “firstfruits” throughout Scripture. It is another word picture, or parable, God gives us to understand the idea of the overcomer or remnant chosen by faith. When the psalmist writes, “They that fear you will be glad when they see me,” he speaks of something much greater than two friends simply meeting on the street. In that case they could already “see” him. He alludes here to his glorified body, the immortal, spiritual body which God’s firstfruits receive before anyone else.

A group of people will exist on earth who do fear God when he glorifies his overcomers, yet they themselves will not be glorified.  They will not be part of the first resurrection because they were among those who once ridiculed and excommunicated the overcomers from their churches. Most of these today believe that they will be scooped up by Christ in the “rapture.”  They will be disappointed that they did not qualify for this, but they will be blessed and heartened when they “see” those who did.

This stanza once again reveals the defining characteristics of those whom God does choose.  These know that God’s judgments are right and they take delight in his Law. His truth comforts them, indeed they can only stand in this world by his truth. Men may proclaim that God is dead; others may obscure the sun (Son) with chemtrails (deception), but these remain firm in their conviction that God is alive, true, and merciful.

When the glorification comes, and it is near at hand, others who yet fear God and have known his testimonies will turn to them. They will teach those who once scoffed and show them how they too may one day enter into New Jerusalem, the home and dwelling of God’s overcomers.

For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until its righteousness goes forth as brightness, and its salvation as a lamp that burns. And the Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory: and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. (Isaiah 62:1-3)

When one reads and re-reads the Scripture, when one meditates upon the word of God for years, when one eats the manna (truth) of the LORD, mulling it over and over as the clean beasts do their cud and making it a part of their being, then one begins to see amazing things in the Bible. For example, one will begin to really notice the parallel meanings and prophecies of the Books of Isaiah and Revelation.

A consistent theme of Scripture is “many are called, but few are chosen.” God gives this theme many names including Israel, Gideon’s 300, the remnant, the rod (branch), elohim, sons of God, Bride of Christ,  overcomers, Zion, Jerusalem, and New Jerusalem. Many chapters in the books of Isaiah and Revelation relate directly to this theme. Some verses from each book actually parallel and explain verses from the other. Concerning the above passage from Isaiah notice these few facts: 1) the prophecy concerns Zion, which is also called Jerusalem here (this means that the attributes here are ascribed to Zion, not to God), 2) God works on and with Zion for he cannot rest or be at peace until 3) her righteousness goes forth and 4) her salvation burns as a lamp; 5) When this happens, i.e. when she is perfected, then the nations (gentiles) shall see her righteousness; 6) at this time Zion shall be glorified for then all kings of earth shall see her glory; 7) at this time she shall also be called by a new name, a 8) name which the LORD himself will give her; 9) she shall also be a “crown of glory” in the hand of God and 10) a “royal diadem” in his hand.

A key to understanding this passage lies in the phrase “called by a new name.” This phrase also occurs in Revelation 2:17. This verse contains the promise to overcomers in the Church of Pergamum. Pergamum represents the place where “Satan’s throne is,” and thus represents the whole earth, for at this time Satan is the god of this world. All Christians, then, belong to this church and could qualify for the prize revealed in verse 17.

He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except him who receives it. (Revelation 2:17)

Jesus promises the world overcomer three things: 1) hidden manna to eat, 2) a white stone, and 3) a new name written on that white stone which no one knows except the individual overcomer himself or herself.

Hidden manna represents God’s word, God’s truth, which he speaks only to the overcomer. Even today God reveals some of this hidden manna to his overcomers and they, in turn, share it with others of like mind.

The white stone represents the most valuable and precious jewel of all, the highly refined, hardened, and polished diamond. This is the wedding stone given by the bridegroom to his bride at the time of her betrothal, her manifestation, her glorification. I believe this speaks of the glorified state of the overcomer at the time of his resurrection when he has become a perfect jewel before God (in a spiritual sense, not literal of course).

Finally, each overcomer receives a new name known only to him. I believe this speaks of each overcomer’s special calling and gifting in the next age or ages. I think many overcomers have some idea of what this new name may be, but many may well be surprised.

Now, when we compare this passage with Isaiah we see that the white stone dovetails with the crown of glory in God’s hand. When we think of a monarch’s crown, we think of a rim of gold encrusted with fine jewels. Throughout Scripture we see glorified man represented both ways, as gold and as jewels. Thus the crown in God’s right hand typifies all overcomers. We first gain a glimpse of this prophetic picture in that great prophesy given to Moses 3500 years ago:

And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in your hand: and they sat down at your feet; everyone shall receive of your words. (Deuteronomy 33:2-3)

So, in God’s right hand we now see 1) a crown of glory which contains the white stone, 2) a royal diadem, 3) a fiery law, and 4) all of God’s saints. These all picture the overcomer, each representing a different aspect of his spiritual reality when he is glorified.

Just before Jesus appeared in ministry upon the earth, John the Baptist preached saying, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2 KJ2000) John himself was that prophetic voice which Isaiah foretold when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” (Matthew 3:3 KJ2000) Then, upon John’s arrest and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry He Himself proclaimed, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 KJ2000)

These two men, John, the greatest man who had lived until the time of Jesus, and Jesus, who is God Himself, both told us how to prepare for the coming Kingdom of God. They said we must repent. These two men preached to Israel, a nation that knew the Law, God’s specific commands for living within his kingdom. They preached to men who thus knew the definition of sin and what to repent of. Paul, on the other hand, wrote to Romans who he called “Gentiles.” These were men of other nations than Israel or the Jews.

As Paul begins his discourse on repentance he starts with a short summary of common sins, acts which God’s Law forbids. He says,

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient, Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful. Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:18-32, KJV)

Before we move on, please notice verse 32. Paul makes it clear that those who practice any of the sins listed before this “commit such things [as] are worthy of death.” Modern day Christianity has white-washed sin by declaring that many of these declared acts simply are not sins. Neither Paul nor any other true prophet of God ever teaches that God’s defined sins are not sins. We only hear such nonsense from leaders of Christian denominations who sold their birthright to Mystery Babylon. Such Christians and those who listen to them fail to repent because they believe they have nothing to repent of. These can never be accounted overcomers with God in this condition. They will not be allowed to enter New Jerusalem, the Kingdom of God, until they learn repentance.

Now,

Seek him that makes the seven stars and Orion, and turns the shadow of death into the morning, and makes the day dark with night: that calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name: That strengthens the plundered against the strong, so that the plundered shall come against the fortress.

They hate him that rebukes in the gate, and they abhor him that speaks uprightly. Since therefore you tread upon the poor, and you take from him burdens of wheat: you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not dwell in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink wine of them. For I know your manifold transgressions, and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.

Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time. [Just watch the news. Those who speak out who really have the potential of doing damage to the world system are taken into "protective custody" or just murdered. The wisdom of the LORD today is to just remain silent. This worldly system is coming down very soon]

Seek good, and not evil, that you may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as you have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish justice in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

Therefore the LORD, the God of hosts, the Lord, says thus: Wailing shall be in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas! and they shall call the farmer to mourning, and such as are skilful in lamentation to wailing. And in all vineyards shall be wailing: for I will pass through you, says the LORD. Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?

I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not take delight in your solemn assemblies. Though you offer me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fatted beasts. Take away from me the noise of your songs; for I will not hear the melody of your harps.

But let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. (Amos 5:8-24 KJ2000)

I write for those who aspire to be overcomers before their God and King, for those who have put off their double minds.

The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.  Jesus answered and said unto them, “Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.” (John 8:13-14 KJV)

Here lies a perfect example of why we cannot simply write a program to interpret the Bible or to answer our spiritual questions. Recall that in my last article I quoted Jesus words, “I can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who has sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.” (John 5:30-31 KJ2000)  So in John 5 he says his witness concerning himself is not true if he bears witness of himself while in John 8 he says exactly the opposite.  In logic an assertion and its negative cannot both be true.  This demonstrates one of the so-called “contradictions” of Scripture. But, it is no contradiction. Jesus means exactly what he says, as he always does.

Jesus reveals profound spiritual truths and mysteries in chapters 5 through 8 of John. These chapters reveal the identity of Jesus, including his body, progressively. First Jesus tells his hearers that belief in his words brings eternal life. He establishes this authority by noting five witnesses which verify his testimony, John the Baptist, his miraculous works, his Father’s testimony (remember that his Father spoke in approval when John baptized Jesus), the Scriptures, and Moses (remember that Moses wrote many of the Scriptures which prophesied of Jesus).

Chapter six then relates the miraculous event of Jesus multiplying the fish and the barley bread. This event means more than it first seems. It is also a parable that prophesies the time soon coming when Jesus will divide his body and send the pieces of his body (his overcomers, the sons of God) to the ends of the earth bearing the same authority he had on earth. This explains why he goes into such detail concerning himself as the bread of life later in the chapter. “My body is real food; my blood is real drink.” “The words that I speak are spiritual.” Like Jesus these overcomers will possess power to feed the masses, both physically and spiritually. The overcomers qualified themselves by learning the lessons of chapter 5. They learned that if they bore witness of themselves, then their testimony was not true. They learned submission to spiritual authority (John the Baptist), learned to walk by the Spirit (good works), heard the confirmation of their walk directly from their Father in heaven, and learned that the Scriptures prophesied concerning them. They ordered their lives according to these witnesses.

Chapter seven continues revealing the Son of God and the sons of God. Here Jesus says, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me” (John 7:16 KJV) and “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (John 7:17 KJV) and “He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” (John 7:18 KJV) These precepts mark critical steps on the path to overcoming. The overcomer does not develop his own “systematic theology.” His theology changes as God reveals more of himself to him. Thus he does not remain bound by what he has previously written. If God shows him he was wrong about a certain doctrine, he admits it and goes on. His doctrine thus remains free to change as God teaches him all truth. False teachers hate to change their doctrine. They do not want anyone to think they could ever be wrong! They seek their own glory and will thus find themselves full of guile at the judgment. Toward the end of chapter seven Jesus reveals himself as the source of living water.

Chapter 8 then culminates this teaching by emphatically stating, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” thus equating himself with God the Father. It is at the beginning of this chapter that he says something exactly opposite to his assertion at the beginning of this four-chapter teaching, “Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true.” Why can he say this now? Why didn’t he say this at the beginning? Because “I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.”

Chapters 5 through 8 reveal the journey of the overcomers. We begin our walk needing the testimony of many witnesses. We end needing only two, our own and our Fathers. Why? Because then we have become one with our Father and our testimony will always coincide with his. Like Jesus at that time we will simply BE. Then, and only then, will we walk in a perpetual state of all our actions being confirmed by two witnesses. Then, when we bear witness of ourselves, our testimony will be true, for we will be speaking the very WORD of GOD.

Until then, let us always be sure that two or three witnesses confirm our words and our actions!

As the Day of the LORD (Yahweh, Jehovah) progresses we will see two things happening at once.  One will be the fall of man’s kingdom, which is Mystery Babylon and the beast upon which she rides; the other will be the rising of the Kingdom of God.  God’s overcomers shall be installed over various regions and cities of the world and will rule with a rod of iron.  The rod of iron is God’s Law tempered with perfect justice and mercy, for in the overcomers God has written his Law.  In them justice and mercy have kissed to enable the bringing forth of perfect order.

The Ark of the Covenant, built by Moses at the time of the Exodus, represents, or typifies, the overcomers, the manifested sons of God.  These are those whom God calls elohim in the Old Testament. The Ark was built of quality hard wood and overlaid with pure gold.  Wood represents man for men are as trees walking alludes the Scripture.  Wood, like man, consists of the dust of the earth and only lives by sun (the Son) and water (the Word of Life).  When God glorifies man he becomes as wood, the creation of God, clothed in righteous, that is, covered with gold.  Within him dwells all the contents of the original Ark of Moses, the manna, the rod that budded, and the tablets of the testimony.

The manna represents the bread of life, Jesus Himself.  Jesus is the Word become flesh.  Overcomers, all of them, are men of flesh who consumed the bread of life during their earthly sojourn.  They did not complain as did all Israel in the wilderness, saying, “We’re sick of this worthless bread.”  No, they willingly consumed it, chose it, and made it their being.  The bread became them.  They, in turn, become the bread of life which Jesus, after the parable, will divide and feed the many thousands.

The rod that budded also represents the overcomers, mere men of flesh who, from the death of their carnal nature give birth to glorified life which bears fruits that remains.  Please see the series called The Two Rods in the May 2010 archives of this site for more information on this.

The tablets of the testimony are the stone tablets upon which God wrote his Law, the Ten Commandments. The Law dwells in the midst of the Ark.  This represents the fact that God writes his Law upon the hearts of his overcomers.  The mercy seat sits upon the Ark and covers it.  This represents the unification of mercy and justice, or law.  Mercy and justice perfectly mix and blend within the sons of God.  Thus they become qualified to rule with the rod of iron.

In Revelation 11:19 we see God’s temple in heaven opened.  Within the temple we see the Ark.  This shows the sons of God in God’s presence, now perfected and ready to do their work.  And what is their work?  To bring the wrath of God to the earth.  The wrath of God, justice perfectly tempered with mercy. This is the rule of the Rod of Iron. And what is the goal of their rule? That others will learn to become as they are! That all the earth, as the waters cover the seas, will become sons of God, men created in the full image of God.