The Symbol of the Bride.

[Marilyn C]

The Symbol of the Bride.

God uses this symbol for two different purposes -

1. For Israel on earth in time and into eternity.

2. For the New Jerusalem in eternity.



1. Israel`s relationship to God was as a bride/wife, and God the husband/master was well known in the Old Testament.

`For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name;....(Isa. 54: 5)

`I will betroth you to me forever; yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness and justice, in loving-kindness and mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.` (Hosea 2: 19 & 20)

We know that Israel became unfaithful, God `divorced` them, and thus like Hosea, (the type), marries again His wife. (Rev. 19: 7) When God connects, (marries again) the nation of Israel they will rule over the nations of the earth as promised. (Dan. 7: 27)

This is part of the promise to Abraham that some of his descendants will be as the sand of the sea-shore - a predominant place on earth.



2. The New Jerusalem is described AS a bride because of the glory of God.

`Then I John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared AS A BRIDE adorned for her husband.......having the glory of God. ` (Rev. 21: 2 & 11)

This city, in the lower heavens, with the 12 tribes of Israel (Rev. 21: 12) was promised to the Old Testament saints.

` God is not ashamed to be called their (OT) God, for He has prepared a city for them.`(Heb. 11: 16)

And they are the part of the promise to Abraham that some of his descendants will be as the stars of heaven - a prominent place in the lower heavens.

This city will be the connecting of the spiritual and physical realms, thus described as a `bride.`



I do realise that many people have been taught differently and if you would like to post your scriptures we can have a discussion on them.

Marilyn.

 

[for_his_glory]

Thanks for the question and of course.
Rev 19:8
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

and there was given to her that she may be arrayed with fine linen, pure and shining, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

This is the verse under discussion.

There’s my signature Micah 6:8 too. Do you want more?

Thank you and yes, the fine linen, pure and shining is the righteous acts of the saints as we are the Bride of Christ. It's like how women wear a white gown at their wedding as it represents purity. We are to be found pure as we are made righteous by God's righteousness in all we do for Him here on this earth.

Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Rom 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

2Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Thank you and yes, the fine linen, pure and shining is the righteous acts of the saints as we are the Bride of Christ. It's like how women wear a white gown at their wedding as it represents purity. We are to be found pure as we are made righteous by God's righteousness in all we do for Him here on this earth.

Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Rom 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

2Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The church in Laodicea had all of those promises and yet Jesus said they were naked. Do you need that verse? How come Jesus didn’t recognize his own righteousness in them?

It would be wise to take Jesus’ advise and buy from him garments instead of believing we are clothed.

 

[for_his_glory]

The true Bride of Christ are all those, Jews and Gentiles that are grafted into the branch of Israel as Jesus being the root of the branch, Romans 11:11-24, for she has prepared herself for her Groom.

Rev 19:7 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 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

I want to touch on why God divorced Israel, but saved a remnant to be His bride as being Jew and Gentile being the body of Christ with He being the head of the body, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14.

Israel lost her right to be called Gods chosen people, (God did save a faithful remnant), as they fell into idolatry worshiping other gods as they allowed themselves to fall from Gods grace as they followed the lust of their own hearts as they practiced Judaism, 1 Kings 9:1-9. God’s judgment against them led them to be captured, 605 – 537 B.C., by Nebuchadnezzar and taken into Babylon for seventy years while Nebuchadnezzar’s army killed many Jews in Judah and Jerusalem destroying the whole city of Jerusalem including the first Temple that was built through King Solomon’s reign in Jerusalem.

The second Temple was built under Ezra’s leadership and Israel continued practicing Judaism and their Temple was desecrated as part of an effort to impose Greek-oriented culture and customs on the entire population. Roman rule refurbished the temple as Herod, Romans vassal king, rules the land of Israel. In 70 A.D. the Temple is once again destroyed. The Temple Mount was taken over in 691 A.D. as the Arab nation built the Dome of the Rock and there has not been any other Temple built since that time on the original Temple Mount.

God gave Israel 490 years to repent. They were set free from Babylon when the Medes and Persian conquered Babylon (Chaldean) around 538 B.C. They were allowed back in the land and to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, however, they still did not repent for their sin of idol worshiping and they continued to receive punishment from God as the kingdom was taken away and eventually taken over by the Roman Empire. Malachi Chapter 1-4.

The 490 years were up and many of the Jews not only did not repent but they killed the very Messiah they had been waiting for as well as in 24 A.D. they made an opened display of rejecting the Gospel message as they stoned Stephen being the final messenger that was sent to give them their last chance to repent. The Jews were now rejected as God’s chosen people and were no different from the Gentiles as from that time forth each individual, Jew and Gentile has to make their own decision to accept or reject Jesus as Lord and Savior, John 3:3-7; Romans 10:9, 10.

The disciples were called first to preach to the Jews, Matthew 10:6, and Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles, Acts 22:21. God has saved a remnant out of the twelve tribes of Israel even up to a thousand generations that have always been faithful to Him, Exodus 20:1-6; Psalms 105:7, 8, but those who have yet to accept Jesus as Messiah God will continue to cut them off.​

 

[for_his_glory]

The church in Laodicea had all of those promises and yet Jesus said they were naked. Do you need that verse? How come Jesus didn’t recognize his own righteousness in them?

It would be wise to take Jesus’ advise and buy from him garments instead of believing we are clothed.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Being they were neither cold or hot meaning they had no Spiritual truth found in them as they were playing church, but not the church being the body of Christ. Today some call that fence riding. They felt they really did not need anything from God as they were materially rich in need of nothing else. They being naked means they were not clothed in God's righteousness that would have made them pure as gold that is refined in fire making it pure.

 

[Marilyn C]

In number 3 you are incorrect. The scripture in Greek actually says
“the righteous acts” of the saints, not merely “righteousness” and certainly not “imputed righteousness” which means no good deeds at all.

I know modern christians don’t like to be told they must obey the teachings of Christ and actually DO what he taught but prefer that all goodness/righteousness is only ever imputed with no good deed ever needed, but this is not true.

In fact, Jesus told one church, body of true believers, that they were “poor, blind, and NAKED.” They had no linen, fine or otherwise even though they had as much imputed righteousness as any believer reading this. They were, according to Jesus, without any garments. He counseled them to buy some rainment. “Buy” not “ask” which requires paying a price.

Hi Dorothy,

Yes I do agree that it says `righteous acts.` That is because they are the OT saints. (Heb. 11)

I also agree that we, the believers in the Body of Christ do good deeds, however they need to be through the Holy Spirit and NOT of ourselves.

`For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation .....each one`s work will become manifest....` (1 Cor. 3: 11 - 13)

Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

The true Bride of Christ are all those, Jews and Gentiles that are grafted into the branch of Israel as Jesus being the root of the branch, Romans 11:11-24, for she has prepared herself for her Groom.

Rev 19:7 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 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

I want to touch on why God divorced Israel, but saved a remnant to be His bride as being Jew and Gentile being the body of Christ with He being the head of the body, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14.

Israel lost her right to be called Gods chosen people, (God did save a faithful remnant), as they fell into idolatry worshiping other gods as they allowed themselves to fall from Gods grace as they followed the lust of their own hearts as they practiced Judaism, 1 Kings 9:1-9. God’s judgment against them led them to be captured, 605 – 537 B.C., by Nebuchadnezzar and taken into Babylon for seventy years while Nebuchadnezzar’s army killed many Jews in Judah and Jerusalem destroying the whole city of Jerusalem including the first Temple that was built through King Solomon’s reign in Jerusalem.

The second Temple was built under Ezra’s leadership and Israel continued practicing Judaism and their Temple was desecrated as part of an effort to impose Greek-oriented culture and customs on the entire population. Roman rule refurbished the temple as Herod, Romans vassal king, rules the land of Israel. In 70 A.D. the Temple is once again destroyed. The Temple Mount was taken over in 691 A.D. as the Arab nation built the Dome of the Rock and there has not been any other Temple built since that time on the original Temple Mount.

God gave Israel 490 years to repent. They were set free from Babylon when the Medes and Persian conquered Babylon (Chaldean) around 538 B.C. They were allowed back in the land and to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, however, they still did not repent for their sin of idol worshiping and they continued to receive punishment from God as the kingdom was taken away and eventually taken over by the Roman Empire. Malachi Chapter 1-4.

The 490 years were up and many of the Jews not only did not repent but they killed the very Messiah they had been waiting for as well as in 24 A.D. they made an opened display of rejecting the Gospel message as they stoned Stephen being the final messenger that was sent to give them their last chance to repent. The Jews were now rejected as God’s chosen people and were no different from the Gentiles as from that time forth each individual, Jew and Gentile has to make their own decision to accept or reject Jesus as Lord and Savior, John 3:3-7; Romans 10:9, 10.

The disciples were called first to preach to the Jews, Matthew 10:6, and Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles, Acts 22:21. God has saved a remnant out of the twelve tribes of Israel even up to a thousand generations that have always been faithful to Him, Exodus 20:1-6; Psalms 105:7, 8, but those who have yet to accept Jesus as Messiah God will continue to cut them off.​

Hi FHG,

Thank you for your comments showing reasons why you disagree with what I wrote.

So let`s have a closer look at -

Rom. 11: 11 - 24. You say ` Jews and Gentiles that are grafted into the branch of Israel as Jesus being the root of the branch,..`

Now we both agree that Jesus is the root, for it (He) is `holy, and nourishes, (fatness of the Olive tree). So the branches we see are Jews and Gentiles. However each are grafted INTO the ROOT which is Christ.

`And if some of the branches were broken off, and you being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree.` (Rom. 11: 17)

The Gentiles are grafted INTO Christ and partake of His holiness and nourishment. Israel is NOT holy nor can nourish us.

1 Cor. 12: 12 - 14. You gave a good history as to why God `divorced` Israel. However you have not shown when He will `marry` again the nation of Israel. This is revealed in Hosea 1: 10 & 11 represented by the Prophet again marrying his prostitute wife.

`In the place where it was said to them `You are not my people, You are the sons of the living God.` (Hosea 1: 10)

`I will betroth you to me FOREVER, in righteousness and justice, in loving kindness and mercy; I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.` (Hosea 2: 19 & 20)

`And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Him who they have pierced; they will mourn for Him as his only son and grieve for him as one grieves for his first-born.` (Zech. 12: 10)

The Gentiles could always come into Israel, however they were then part of that nation, (eg. Ruth). The Body of Christ however is another `called out` group.

Israel - called out of the nations. (Gentiles)

Body of Christ - called out of Israel and the nations. (Gentiles)

` Give no offence, either to the Jews or to the Greeks, (Gentiles) or to the church of God.` (1 Cor. 10: 32)

When we confuse those three groups delineated by God, then we end up with everything being about US instead of God`s purposes through Christ.

Regards, Marilyn.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Thank you and yes, the fine linen, pure and shining is the righteous acts of the saints as we are the Bride of Christ. It's like how women wear a white gown at their wedding as it represents purity. We are to be found pure as we are made righteous by God's righteousness in all we do for Him here on this earth.

Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Rom 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

2Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

This clearly says that not all that we do is seen by God as righteous.

And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

Rev 3:
15“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

What did Jesus judge? Their deeds. What will Jesus judge? Our deeds done while here on earth. Not our faith nor our love, but our deeds. Now make no mistake, our deeds reveal our faith and our love.

One can, of course, bask in being made righteous by Christ and not require oneself to do anything Jesus taught. But I see in scripture that when God looks at us on Judgement Day, he sees our own doing right or not. Even Abraham, accredited with righteousness because he believed, had to actually choose to do right afterwards to receive the promise.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Hi Dorothy,

Yes I do agree that it says `righteous acts.` That is because they are the OT saints. (Heb. 11)

I also agree that we, the believers in the Body of Christ do good deeds, however they need to be through the Holy Spirit and NOT of ourselves.

`For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation .....each one`s work will become manifest....` (1 Cor. 3: 11 - 13)

Marilyn.

Hi Marilyn

Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Why do you think the Bride of Christ are OT saints here? Also, do you think the church doesn’t clothe herself with righteous deeds? We will be judged for the deeds done in the body Paul wrote. Jesus’ teaching is chalk full of things we need to do. Therein, is our joy actually although perhaps not at that moment. Do you think these are no longer necessary but was in OT times? Just wondering.

Thanks
D

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Being they were neither cold or hot meaning they had no Spiritual truth found in them as they were playing church, but not the church being the body of Christ. Today some call that fence riding. They felt they really did not need anything from God as they were materially rich in need of nothing else. They being naked means they were not clothed in God's righteousness that would have made them pure as gold that is refined in fire making it pure.

Jesus says “I know your works” not I know you’re not thinking you are clothed with my righteousness. He said works, not thinking. The verse says the righteous deeds OF THE SAINTS not the righteousness of Christ.

Rev 2:19 I know your deeds
Rev 2:2 I know your deeds
Rev 3:8 I know your deeds
Rev 3:1 I know your deeds
Jeremiah 17:10 I know your deeds

Jesus looks at our deeds according to Jesus. Sooner or later we will have to answer for our deeds to him. Sooner is better.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

The Symbol of the Bride.

God uses this symbol for two different purposes -

1. For Israel on earth in time and into eternity.

2. For the New Jerusalem in eternity.



1. Israel`s relationship to God was as a bride/wife, and God the husband/master was well known in the Old Testament.

`For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name;....(Isa. 54: 5)

`I will betroth you to me forever; yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness and justice, in loving-kindness and mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.` (Hosea 2: 19 & 20)

We know that Israel became unfaithful, God `divorced` them, and thus like Hosea, (the type), marries again His wife. (Rev. 19: 7) When God connects, (marries again) the nation of Israel they will rule over the nations of the earth as promised. (Dan. 7: 27)

This is part of the promise to Abraham that some of his descendants will be as the sand of the sea-shore - a predominant place on earth.



2. The New Jerusalem is described AS a bride because of the glory of God.

`Then I John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared AS A BRIDE adorned for her husband.......having the glory of God. ` (Rev. 21: 2 & 11)

This city, in the lower heavens, with the 12 tribes of Israel (Rev. 21: 12) was promised to the Old Testament saints.

` God is not ashamed to be called their (OT) God, for He has prepared a city for them.`(Heb. 11: 16)

And they are the part of the promise to Abraham that some of his descendants will be as the stars of heaven - a prominent place in the lower heavens.

This city will be the connecting of the spiritual and physical realms, thus described as a `bride.`



I do realise that many people have been taught differently and if you would like to post your scriptures we can have a discussion on them.

Marilyn.

Hi Marylin

Can you please provide more scriptures on your position the God married Israel? I ask because there is no evidence whatsoever that Israel prepares herself either in the first century or now for that purpose. The opposite is the case and Jesus said the Kingdom of God would be taken away from Israel (now is) and that her house is left (and remains) desolate. Do you have verses where any of the apostles expected Israel to make herself ready or fit to be included in the bride? The Bride was always otherwise the church. I cannot recall a NT writer expecting the Bride to be Israel,

Paul makes the clear case that the descendants of Abraham are the believers, not bloodline descendants. Do you need those verses? It’s the children of faith, Isaac, who are promised what Abraham was promised. He’s pretty clear on that.

Can you provide other scriptures why you think Rev 21 is for OT saints but no christians? Why do you think the city was promised of the 12 tribes, was promised only to the OT saints? It doesn’t say that, does it?

I don’t see the “bride” as a connection between spiritual and physical. Can you provide scripture for that please?

It’s a mistake to build a theology on one obscure verse so I ask for more.

Thanks

 

[for_his_glory]

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

This clearly says that not all that we do is seen by God as righteous.

And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

Rev 3:
15“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

What did Jesus judge? Their deeds. What will Jesus judge? Our deeds done while here on earth. Not our faith nor our love, but our deeds. Now make no mistake, our deeds reveal our faith and our love.

One can, of course, bask in being made righteous by Christ and not require oneself to do anything Jesus taught. But I see in scripture that when God looks at us on Judgement Day, he sees our own doing right or not. Even Abraham, accredited with righteousness because he believed, had to actually choose to do right afterwards to receive the promise.

We will be judged by our faith which brings about the good works of the Lord here on earth. Faith without works is dead faith. Works without faith is dead works. What we do we need to be doing unto the Lord, not unto ourselves.

Mat 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
Mat 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Mat 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Mat 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Mat 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Mat 25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
Mat 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
Mat 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.


Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Jas 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Hi Marilyn

I have another question, When exactly did God divorce Israel? It’s significant because I’ve heard the events in Revelation are the divorce and it’s final.

 

[for_his_glory]

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

This clearly says that not all that we do is seen by God as righteous.

And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

Rev 3:
15“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

What did Jesus judge? Their deeds. What will Jesus judge? Our deeds done while here on earth. Not our faith nor our love, but our deeds. Now make no mistake, our deeds reveal our faith and our love.

One can, of course, bask in being made righteous by Christ and not require oneself to do anything Jesus taught. But I see in scripture that when God looks at us on Judgement Day, he sees our own doing right or not. Even Abraham, accredited with righteousness because he believed, had to actually choose to do right afterwards to receive the promise.

One can appear to be righteous on the outside, but within they are full of extortion and excess just like the Pharisees and scribes, Matthew 23:25. Only God can see the intents of the heart.

In Matthew 23:1-12 Jesus characterizes the Pharisees and from vs. 13-36 Jesus condemns them. Jesus still continues to characterize and condemns those in judgement.

Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

The only way we can be righteous before God is through faith. Abraham believed in the Lord and was faithful and the Lord counted it to him for righteousness for he was a righteous man, Genesis 15:6. It's God's righteousness found in us that through faith we continue in the good works of charity towards others, Matthew 25:31-46, for which we will be judged by when we stand before Him on that great and terrible day of the Lord.

The Pharisees, as there are many even today and until the return of Christ, will not be clothed in fine linen, but have condemned themselves having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away, 2 Timothy 3:5.


Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Rev 19:7 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 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

 

[for_his_glory]

1 Cor. 12: 12 - 14. You gave a good history as to why God `divorced` Israel. However you have not shown when He will `marry` again the nation of Israel. This is revealed in Hosea 1: 10 & 11 represented by the Prophet again marrying his prostitute wife.

I hope this is what you are looking for and if not let me know.

Rev 7:1-8
John is given another vision after these things, meaning after the first six seals that are revealed to him. He now sees four angels standing on the four corners of the earth holding the four winds of the earth in order that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree until Gods servants were sealed.

These servants are the generational 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel, except for the tribe of Dan as they fell to idol worship and allowed God to be removed from them, Judges 18:30; 1 Kings12:25-33. To keep it twelve tribes since Dan is not mentioned in vs. 4-8 the tribe of Joseph appears twice, once under his own name and once under the name of his son Issachar/Manasseh. Judah is mentioned first as Messiah was to come from the lineage of David.

When studying the history of the twelve tribes of Israel being the sons of Jacob/Israel we find from 1047 B.C. and 931 B.C. the twelve tribes were under the leadership of three Kings, Saul, David and Solomon. Near the end of Solomon's reign he fell into idolatry and God spoke of tearing apart the Kingdom as judgment for these sins, 1 Kings 11:10-12.

After Solomon's death his son Rehoboam became King and those ten Northern tribes (Israel/Ephraim) rebelled against King Rehoboam and followed after Jeroboam up North causing a division of the north and south Kingdom. Only the tribe of Judah (Judah) and the tribe of Benjamin (Judah) stayed Loyal to King Rehoboam in the southern Kingdom for they kept Gods commandments as they knew David was the lineage of the promised Messiah as it was prophesied of the prophets of God. For almost two centuries the two Kingdoms where divided, but a remnant of the ten tribes soon came back to Judah after following Jeroboam as he turned the northern Kingdom into idol worshippers.

This is the importance of the 144,000 of the house of Israel and their generations unto the end of days. There were those of the old covenant that were faithful to God in keeping all his commandments and repented of their idol worshipping. Their generations who have also come back to Gods grace that are still alive during the seven trumpet sounds will continue to preach to the Jews as it was with Peters instruction in Matthew 10:6. The generations of the 144,000 that are still alive have the seal of God on them which are the seven Spirits of God, Isaiah 11:2, as they will have to endure much persecution until the end of days before the return of Jesus.

Rev 7:9-12
After John understands who these servants are that needed to be sealed of God were Jews he is now shown a great multitude of Gentiles from all over the world that stand before the throne of God and before Jesus. They are clothed in white robes and have palms in their hands. They are exclaiming that Salvation is of God that sits on the throne and unto the Son of God being the scarified Lamb, Psalms 3:8.

Rev 7:13-14
In John’s vision the elder was asking John if he had understanding of those which are in white robes and how they came to be there. John did not recognize them as being Jews and asked the elder to explain who they are and where did they come from. The elder reveals to John these are they who have come out of great tribulation being Gentiles that have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and were baptized and received the Holy Spirit as the Jews have received.

John had to understand this in order to write this to the seven churches. Jews were always taught that the Gentiles were an unclean evil people full of idol worshipping and in no way could they be worthy of anything of God including his love. Jew’s were not allowed to associate with the Gentiles in fear they too would fall to their idol worshipping like they did when they followed after Jeroboam. The twelve Disciples were only allowed to go to the nations of Israel to preach, Matthew 10:5-7, but Peter was shown in a vision that the Gentiles were not unclean as they too needed to repent and come to God for his salvation.

Peter was summoned of God to go to the house of Cornelius, but to only preach for a short time as the door of salvation by faith was always opened to the Gentile, but it would be in Paul’s timing to walk through that door to preach to them, Acts Chapters 10, 11; Acts 22:21. Before Paul fully started teaching and baptizing many of them all they could do was get bits and pieces of Gods teachings by standing out side of the synagogues hearing the Prophets that spoke and mingling into the crowds that followed Jesus.

There is no difference between Jew or Gentile in the eyes of God as he created all people equal and is no respecter of person as Peter found out, Acts 10:34, 35. Galatians 3:26-29 says we are all children of God by faith. This faith in God started with Adam, but he lost his Spiritual fellowship with God when he chose to disobey Gods commands and needed to repent so the same with every generation from the time of Adam until the return of Jesus need to repent of their disobedience in order to have Gods promise of life eternal with him.

The terms Gentile and Jew were derived from nations and their cultures. Abraham is referred to as a Hebrew in Genesis 14:13. Hebrew means one from beyond and is derived from Eber (or Heber, Strong's no. 5676) meaning the region beyond the Euphrates. The term Hebrew also is taken to mean to pass or to cross over. Abraham crossed over the River Euphrates to get to the land of Canaan, from Chaldea. Abraham was a Chaldean not a Jew.

The term Jew came from Abraham’s Great Grandson Judah in whom the land given to him was called Judea and the people called Judeans. The word Jew is a short term version of Judean and has nothing to do with race, but only that of a culture of people. The word Gentile is of Latin origin and means nations or foreigners meaning those who were born before Abraham. Abraham is our example of Gods faith as in the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and to all nations, Romans 9:24-28, as no man is justified by the law in the sight of God as the just will live by faith, Galatians 3:11-13. The new covenant of grace is that of the promises Messiah now come that has redeemed us from the curse of the law being made the final blood sacrifice for the atonement of all men’s sin.

We have to remember these are visions given to John in his time to give to the seven churches to teach them of those things which have to come first before the return of Jesus. Before we start our study of the last seal that leads into the seven trumpets there are certain things that need to be clarified and understood. According to John 3:13; Ecclesiastics 12:7; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 there has never been anyone taken up to heaven, not even Enoch as he was taken by God, but does not say where he was taken, Genesis 5:24. The same with Elijah who was caught up in a whirlwind to the first heaven that is atmosphere not the heaven where God sits on his throne, 2 Kings 2:11, as several years after he was taken away in the whirlwind King Jehoram received a letter from him.

Enoch, Elijah and all the others before and after them that have faith in God and have kept his witness and testimony are all asleep in the grave as it is only our spirit that is taken up to God as he reserves it until the time when Jesus returns in the air.

The elder is trying to explain to John that those in the vision before the throne of God that are wearing white robes are Gentiles that have come from other nations that have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. These are the generations that Paul first taught in Acts 22:21 as he was commissioned of God to go to the gentile nations. They have come out of great tribulation that the world has not seen yet as they kept the witness and testimony of the word of God as they went about preaching to those during the time of Gods final wrath on earth as we will see in our study of the seven trumpets and the two witnesses.

Rev 7:15-17
This is speaking of the end of time after earth and heaven (atmosphere) have been purified from all the abominations that has caused much desolation (sin) in the world and then at that time will the heaven and earth be restored and the New Jerusalem ushered down from God where we will have eternal life with the Father.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

One can appear to be righteous on the outside, but within they are full of extortion and excess just like the Pharisees and scribes, Matthew 23:25.

Very true. I agree.

Only God can see the intents of the heart.

Not necessarily. Paul knew the heart of Silas. Peter knew the heart of Ananias. Out of the heart comes choices that anyone can see if they choose to do so.

In Matthew 23:1-12 Jesus characterizes the Pharisees and from vs. 13-36 Jesus condemns them. Jesus still continues to characterize and condemns those in judgement.

Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

The only way we can be righteous before God is through faith. Abraham believed in the Lord and was faithful and the Lord counted it to him for righteousness for he was a righteous man, Genesis 15:6. It's God's righteousness found in us that through faith we continue in the good works of charity towards others, Matthew 25:31-46, for which we will be judged by when we stand before Him on that great and terrible day of the Lord.

Yes, but remember Abraham had to go on and obey and more than once. Believing was not the end AND Abraham had to struggle to obey. It did not merely spring naturally. Charity is not the only matter he wants of us.

The Pharisees, as there are many even today and until the return of Christ, will not be clothed in fine linen, but have condemned themselves having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away, 2 Timothy 3:5.

Yes but fairly vague. There aren’t really any Pharisees today although there are “actors” in the body of Christ and this has increased as acting techniques are being taught like “visualize Jesus” to generate feelings so you can enjoy the feelings, a technique in acting.

Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Rev 19:7 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 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

The Greek is actually “the righteous deeds” of the saints. Modern translators and paraphrasers of the Bible feel free in insert their personal theology into the texts changing it to suit their preferences. It’s very popular to assure believers that they are forever clothed in Christ’s righteousness and so all the rewards he got, they get. Any good deeds will spring out of them naturally with no struggle on their part. They are in for a rude awakening and I’m sorry for these my brethren. They’re also missing the joy of giving something to God that He cannot buy for Himself.

 

[Marilyn C]

I hope this is what you are looking for and if not let me know.

......

We have to remember these are visions given to John in his time to give to the seven churches to teach them of those things which have to come first before the return of Jesus. Before we start our study of the last seal that leads into the seven trumpets there are certain things that need to be clarified and understood. According to John 3:13; Ecclesiastics 12:7; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 there has never been anyone taken up to heaven, not even Enoch as he was taken by God, but does not say where he was taken, Genesis 5:24. The same with Elijah who was caught up in a whirlwind to the first heaven that is atmosphere not the heaven where God sits on his throne, 2 Kings 2:11, as several years after he was taken away in the whirlwind King Jehoram received a letter from him.

Enoch, Elijah and all the others before and after them that have faith in God and have kept his witness and testimony are all asleep in the grave as it is only our spirit that is taken up to God as he reserves it until the time when Jesus returns in the air.

Hi FHG,

There is too much there to get into here, however I will say Enoch, Elijah and all the OT saints are in the General assembly in the third heaven, the angelic realm where God`s throne is.

`You have come to Mount Zion....to the General Assembly and church of the first-born who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus....` (Heb. 12: 22 & 23)

`By faith Abel.....by faith Enoch.....and the prophets.....` (Heb. 11: 4, 5, 32) These are the just men (& women). They are waiting in the General Assembly for the `city` as promised. (Heb. 11: 16)

Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

Very true. I agree.

Not necessarily. Paul knew the heart of Silas. Peter knew the heart of Ananias. Out of the heart comes choices that anyone can see if they choose to do so.

Yes, but remember Abraham had to go on and obey and more than once. Believing was not the end AND Abraham had to struggle to obey. It did not merely spring naturally. Charity is not the only matter he wants of us.

Yes but fairly vague. There aren’t really any Pharisees today although there are “actors” in the body of Christ and this has increased as acting techniques are being taught like “visualize Jesus” to generate feelings so you can enjoy the feelings, a technique in acting.

The Greek is actually “the righteous deeds” of the saints. Modern translators and paraphrasers of the Bible feel free in insert their personal theology into the texts changing it to suit their preferences. It’s very popular to assure believers that they are forever clothed in Christ’s righteousness and so all the rewards he got, they get. Any good deeds will spring out of them naturally with no struggle on their part. They are in for a rude awakening and I’m sorry for these my brethren. They’re also missing the joy of giving something to God that He cannot buy for Himself.

Hi Dorothy,

This thread is about the `symbol of the Bride.` Could you please start your own thread on `good deeds.`

regards, Marilyn.

 

[for_his_glory]

Hi FHG,

There is too much there to get into here, however I will say Enoch, Elijah and all the OT saints are in the General assembly in the third heaven, the angelic realm where God`s throne is.

`You have come to Mount Zion....to the General Assembly and church of the first-born who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus....` (Heb. 12: 22 & 23)

`By faith Abel.....by faith Enoch.....and the prophets.....` (Heb. 11: 4, 5, 32) These are the just men (& women). They are waiting in the General Assembly for the `city` as promised. (Heb. 11: 16)

Marilyn.

This might need to be another thread about about those who are registered in heaven as my reply would take this thread off topic, but yet these men are part of the Bride by being faithful and obedient to God.

 

[for_his_glory]

Hi Dorothy,

This thread is about the `symbol of the Bride.` Could you please start your own thread on `good deeds.`

regards, Marilyn.

Would not good deeds done in and through the Lord also be a symbol of the Bride?