The Consecrated Bride
The Jewish bride was set apart, consecrated, separated unto her bridegroom — the one who purchased her. In this consecration she wore a veil over her face and only removed it in the wedding chamber when at last she was alone with her husband.
As Christ’s Bride, we also wear a veil. When Christ comes back to claim His bride He will remove our veil, just like the Jewish Bride’s was removed on her wedding day. Paul tells us this in 1 Cor. 13:12; For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
We as Christ’s bride are also set apart. In the body of believers this is called being sanctified; 1 Corinthians 6:9-12; 'Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.'
Acts 20:32; ‘And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.’
Romans 15:15, 16; ‘Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.’
1 Corinthians 1:2, 3; ‘Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.’
While waiting for his return, the bride has to stay faithful. It was probably easy at first. But when his return was delayed, the temptation would be great. After a while, the bride may even start to question his return.
2 Peter 3:3, 4 reads: ‘Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming?’
No comments:
Post a Comment