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(Rev 21:2 KJV) "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Parables of Jesus

Before beginning to look at the various pictures that help us understand the mysterious Bride and who she is, we first need to understand that when Jesus walked the earth He spoke in (similitudes) parables (Mat 13:10-17) to get His messages across.

Note: According to Strong's dictionary, the Greek word parabole (G3850), from paraballo (G3846), "a similitude," was translated "parable," also "comparison" (Mark 4:30-34), "figure" (Heb 9:9; 11:19) and "proverb" (Luke 4:23). Whether it be a vision (Hosea 12:10), dream (Num 12:6-8), revelation or parable (similitude), the Lord used them through-out His Word to reveal Himself and to convey His messages.

Things that had been kept secret (Rom 16:25-26) from the foundation of the world (Mat 13:34-35) are revealed within His parables. It may take hours, days and weeks (leading into deep and time consuming studies), and may even take a lifetime to understand all the truths Jesus desires to convey. Consequently, a deep and long study can have its benefits. Reaching deep into the Word gives us a better spiritual (1 Cor 2:9-16) understanding (Col 1:9-11), and more of Him to grow by, purged and bear more fruit (John 15:1-8).

Come unto the Marriage (Mat 22:1-14)

The first parable that I would like to consider is found in Matthew 22:1-14 (Luke 14:15-24).

(Mat 22:1-14 KJV) "And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, {2} The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, {3} And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden ¹ to the wedding: and they would not come. {4} Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. {5} But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: {6} And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. {7} But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. {8} Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. {9} Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. {10} So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. {11} And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: {12} And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. {13} Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. {14} For many are called [invited], but few are chosen."

A marriage (wedding) and dinner (supper) for a king's son has been (ready) prepared (Mat 22:4; Luke 14:16-17), and will be furnished with guests (Mat 22:10) and with the chosen (Mat 22:14; Rev 17:14). The characters take on assorted roles in various parables.

Note: In a parable in Luke 14:15-24, "A certain man made a great supper, and bade [invited] many."

Invited

The parable in Matthew 22:1-14 was directed toward the chief priests (Mat 21:45-46) and Pharisees (Mat 22:15). A certain king sent his servants to call those who were invited to a marriage and dinner (that he had made for his son) who would not come, who were invited again by the king's other servants, who made light of (neglected, did not regard) it, and who went their (own) ways to their (daily) businesses. And the remnant entreated spitefully (mistreated) the other servants the king sent out, and slew (killed) them.

Note: Isn't this the way many Americans are today. Too busy to give of their time to the Lord and to the Fathers business (Luke 2:49).

When the king heard, he was angry. He sent his armies to destroy those murderers, and burned up their city (which was in reference to when the temple and Jerusalem were burned in 70 A.D., Luke 21:5-6, 20-24 ²).

The wedding was ready, but those invited were not worthy. The king told his servants to go into the highways and invite to the marriage as many as they shall find. So they went and gathered together as many as they found, both good and bad, and the wedding was furnished with guests. The man who did not have on a wedding garment, by the king's servants, was bond, taken away and cast into outer darkness.

Concisely, in accordance with study, blessed are those who are invited (called, bidden) to the (Marriage and) Marriage Supper (Rev 3:20-21) of the Lamb. Before being received (2 Cor 6:17-18), accepted (2 Cor 5:9-11) and chosen (Mat 22:14; Rev 17:14), must first be called (Rev 19:9), then receive (John 1:10-14) and accept (Mark 4:20) the invitation, and then to be able to stay must have on the proper wedding garment (Mat 22:12-13 ³), which seems to be supplied by the king (Rev 3:4-5; 19:7-8).

(John 10:27-29 KJV) "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: {28} And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand...."

In their assorted roles, we can understand who the king (Father) and son (Jesus), servants (Phil 1:1; Rev 1:1), murderers (chief priests and Pharisees), guests and chosen (Mat 22:14; Rev 17:14) could be, but the bride was not mentioned, identified or revealed in the parable.

Times of the Parable

The parable (Mat 22:1-14) seemed to be about times during the rejection of the Lord (Mark 8:31) and His message (Mat 21:42-46) by the chief priests (Luke 9:22) and Pharisees (Mat 27:62-63), in which some were lawyers (Mat 22:33-36).

And the rejection of the Gospel message from Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41), and the persecution and slaying (Acts 7:51-8:3) of Saints (Acts 26:9-12), prophets (Mat 23:29-39; Luke 13:34-35) and Apostles (Luke 11:45-54), unto the time the temple and Jerusalem were burned (Luke 21:5-6, 20-24 ²).

And the preaching of the Gospel to the entire world... (Mat 24:14) and teaching all Nations...to observe all things (Mat 28:18-20), unto the gathering together of the Saints for the Marriage and Marriage Supper of the Lamb, and when the Lord (John 5:22) brings judgment (Mat 10:11-15).

Note: The parables in Matthew 21:33-41, Mark 12:1-9 and Luke 20:9-16 seemed to be about times during the old (Heb 8:13) covenant (Exo 24:8), and the persecution and slaying (Acts 7:51-8:3) of the Lord's (prophets) servants (Mat 23:29-39; Luke 13:34-35), unto the rejection of Christ (Mark 12:10-12) by the chief priests (Mark 11:27-28), scribes (Luke 20:17-19) and elders (Mat 21:23), chief of the people (Luke 19:47-48).

And the crucifixion of Christ (Mark 10:32-34), unto the time the temple and Jerusalem were burned (Luke 21:5-6, 20-24 ²), and the preaching of the Gospel (Mark 13:10) among all nations... (Luke 24:45-49), to every creature... (Mark 16:15-16), and a witnesses to all nations... (Mat 24:14), and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:7-8).

Next, I would like to consider a parable that Jesus spoke to His disciples (Luke 12:22), and it is found in Luke 12:36-48.

(Luke 12:36-48 KJV) "And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return [departure] from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. {37} Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. {38} And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. {39} And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. {40} Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. {41} Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? {42} And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? {43} Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. {44} Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. {45} But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; {46} The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. {47} And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. {48} But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."

The parable is in part similar to a parable in Matthew 24:42-51, where a wedding was not mentioned.

Note: Some thought the Lord would come in the first watch (century), and then the second watch (century), and now the third (century) watch (Luke 12:36-40).

In accordance with study, we believe that the lord's (analuo: G360) return (departure, Phil 1:23) from the wedding, in which a marriage (wedding) and dinner (supper) has been (ready) prepared (Mat 22:4; Luke 14:16-17) in Matthew 22:1-14, is when the Lord Jesus Christ returns after departing the temple (Rev 15:8), and prepared (1 Cor 2:9-16) Marriage (Mat 25:10) and Marriage Supper (Mat 22:4; Luke 14:16-17) of the Lamb (Rev 19:5-9), and heavenly (Eph 1:1-23) place (John 14:1-3) and City (Heb 11:16; 12:22-24) to gather together His (chosen) elect, Israel (the church), from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other, after the (Mega) Tribulation (Mat 24:29-31). (This doesn't mean a Gentile secret pre-trib rapture occurred three and a half years prior.)

Blessed are the (waiting and) watching servants whom opens to Him when He comes and knocks. He will gird Himself and make them to sit down to eat, and will serve them.

He will reward His (good and) faithful (Mat 25:21-23) and wise (2 Tim 3:15-17) steward (servant), and make him ruler over all that he has, but will cut asunder the abusive and drunken (evil, wicked, hypocritical, unbelieving) servant (Mat 24:42-51), and will beat with stripes the other servants accordingly to that which they knew and did (Luke 12:36-48).

Note: And will cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness (Mat 25:24-30). Then consider, the Lord chastises (Rev 3:19) and scourges those whom He loves (Heb 12:5-11).

The wedding (marriage) was briefly mentioned in Luke 12:36-48; but Matthew 22:1-14 had much more to say about a marriage (wedding) and dinner (supper) that has been (ready) prepared (Mat 22:4; Luke 14:16-17).

Note: The words "marriage" and "wedding" in the parables in Matthew 22:1-14 and Luke 12:36-48 were translated from the Greek word gamos (G1062).

Who Are Believers?

In their assorted roles as the parables in Matthew 22:1-14 and Luke 12:36-48 have shown, individually, believers are His (faithful and wise) servants (Mat 24:45) and stewards (Luke 12:42), guests and chosen (Mat 22:14; Rev 17:14); but then, as you will begin to see, collectively, believers are the Bride and body of Christ (Eph 5:29-30), with Christ being the Head (Hosea 1:10-11) and Savior of the body (Eph 5:23), the church (Col 1:18), and already married to the Lord, waiting for it to be consummated.

Note: Also, believers are sons and daughters of the Lord (Psa 103:13-14) God (Psa 68:4-5) Almighty (2 Cor 6:17-18) their Father (Mat 6:9-15), children of God (Luke 20:34-36; Gal 3:14, 26) and heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:16-17).

Married to Another (Rom 7:1-4)

Paul wrote unto the Saints at Rome (Rom 1:7) and told them that they had become dead to the law by the body of Christ and married to another, which is Jesus Christ (Eph 5:22-32) who was raised from the dead, in order to bring forth fruit unto God (Rom 7:1-4).

(Rom 7:1-4 KJV) "Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? {2} For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. {3} So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. {4} Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God."

Presented as a Chaste Virgin to Christ (2 Cor 11:1-2)

In Paul's folly in his message to the church of God at Corinth (2 Cor 1:1), he said that he had a godly jealousy for them and had espoused (betrothed, joined, wooed) them to one husband, so that he could present them as a chaste (clean, pure) virgin (maiden) to Christ (2 Cor 11:2).

(2 Cor 11:1-2 KJV) "Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. {2} For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."

Great Mystery Concerning Christ and the Church (Eph 5:22-32)

In Ephesians 5:22-32, Paul gave a very good understanding on how Christ and the (subjected) Church typify the holy union of a husband and wife.

(Eph 5:22-32 KJV) "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. {23} For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. {24} Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. {25} Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; {26} That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, {27} That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. {28} So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. {29} For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: {30} For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. {31} For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. {32} This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."

In brief, Christ, who is the Head and Savior of the body, loved the church and (sacrificially) gave Himself for her (like a God fearing, loving husband, who is the head of the wife, should do for his subjected wife, Col 3:18) that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, holy and without blemish.

The Lord God dwells in us (John 6:56), and we (believers) dwell in Him (1 John 4:12-16), and members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones (Eph 5:29-30), with Christ being the Head (Hosea 1:10-11) and Savior of the body (Eph 5:23), the church (Col 1:18).

Engagement of Mary and Joseph (Mat 1:18-25)

To help comprehend how we can be in a marriage and still look forward to the Marriage of the Lamb, we need to understand the engagement between Mary (who was a virgin at the time bearing Jesus) and Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25. Joseph was called Mary's husband (Mat 1:19) before they were officially married. Being a just man, he even thought to put her away (divorce) privately during their engagement (espousal, betrothal), because she was with child (not knowing at first that which (who) was conceived in her was of the Holy Ghost) before the ceremony and the marriage was consummated.

(Mat 1:18-20 KJV) "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. {19} Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. {20} But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

He That Has the Bride Is the Bridegroom (John 3:27-29)

In John 3:29, John the Baptist had some interesting things to say that might help guide us more toward identifying the Bride, the Lamb's wife, in Revelation.

(John 3:27-29 KJV) "John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. {28} Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. {29} He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled."

The bride that John the Baptist mentioned seems to imply Jerusalem and Israel. John said, He who has the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled.

Jerusalem (Mat 23:37-39 ⁴) and Israel were priorities. When Jesus spoke of seeking and saving (John 10:1-18) that which was lost (Luke 19:10), which was much different than some shepherds (Jer 50:6) of old, He was referring to the lost sheep (Ezek 34:1-16) of the house of Israel (Mat 10:5-8; 15:24).

(Mat 15:24 KJV) "But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

Note: The Lord makes a new (Heb 8:8-10) covenant (Heb 12:22-24) with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.

God Has the Final Word (Mat 11:7-15)

John seemed to have humbled himself greatly before God and man. Just look how he went about -- nothing like the charlatan preachers of today -- "...saying, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven was at hand" dressed in camel's hair and a leathern girdle about his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey (Mat 3:1-4).

He said that he baptized with water unto repentance, but One mightier will come after him who will baptize with the Holy Ghost (Mark 1:8) and with fire (Mat 3:11; Luke 3:16).

John considered himself and what he was doing, which was to prepare the way of the Lord (Mal 3:1 ⁵), less significant than Christ and His mission (Mat 3:11-14 ⁶).

He performed like a servant who felt unworthy to unloose the latchet of Jesus' shoes (Mark 1:7; John 1:27) and bear them, and to baptize Him (Mat 3:11-14).

He did not appoint himself to any higher position or authority, being a friend of the bridegroom (John 3:29) and the voice of one crying in the wilderness (Isa 40:3 ⁷). He did not consider himself to be (Elijah) Elias (John 1:19-23), but Jesus knew that he was (Mat 11:7-15; 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13).

Jesus said that John the Baptist was more than a prophet. This was he, of whom it is written, "Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee..." ⁵ Among those born of women, there has not risen a greater prophet than John, but he who is least in the kingdom of God (Luke 7:24-28) -- which is synonymous with kingdom of heaven (Mat 11:7-11) -- was greater than he.

Zacharias and Elisabeth's son, John (Luke 1:13) was to "...go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:17 KJV). To those who received Jesus' message in Matthew 11:7-15, John the Baptist was Elias (Mat 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13).

My main point is, John said that he was a friend of the bridegroom (John 3:29) and the voice of one crying in the wilderness, and not Elijah (John 1:19-23). But from the previous brief study, we can make a determination about him from that which Jesus said (Mat 11:7-15; 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13).

We may have our own ideas about who we are, but God (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) has the final word on that, and who gives us our positions (Mark 10:35-40), callings (Eph 4:1-16) and gifts (1 Cor 12-14).

Can the Bride Be Israel?

The bride was not clearly identified or revealed in John 3:29. Now a premise: If the Bride John the Baptist mentioned is Jerusalem (Mat 23:37-39 ⁴) and Israel (Mat 10:5-8; 15:24), which consists of the twelve tribes, who become disciples of Jesus, who make up the body of Christ (1 Cor 10:16-17), who make up (Mat 16:17-19) the church (Acts 7:38; Heb 12:22-24), then New Jerusalem which encompasses all Israel (Rom 11:26) is the Bride, the Lamb's wife (Rev 21:9-27).

Note: examples of children of Israel: The generations of Jesus Christ, from Abraham to Joseph, husband of Mary of whom was born Jesus, is found in Matthew 1:1-17. Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, was of the tribe of (Asher) Aser (Luke 2:36-38). Zacchaeus was a son of Abraham (Luke 19:1-10). Paul was of the stock of Israel (Phil 3:5), of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin (Rom 11:1). "And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus" (Acts 4:36 KJV), etc.

Children [Kinship] of the Bride Chamber (Mark 2:19-20)

A question was asked Jesus, "...Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?" (Mark 2:18 KJV).

(Mark 2:19-20 KJV) "And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. {20} But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days."

In brief, Jesus said, ...as long the children of the (bridegroom) bride chamber have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them (which was when Jesus was crucified and ascended), and then will they fast in those days.

Being a friend (John 15:12-15) of the bridegroom (John 3:27-29) and children (kinship) of the (bridegroom) bride chamber (Mark 2:19-20; Isa 26:20-21), I believe are very important for a healthy, harmonious and intimate relationship in marriage.

They neither Marry, nor Are Given in Marriage (Mat 22:24-32)

In another parable, Jesus spoke to the Sadducees who said that there is no resurrection (Mat 22:23; Acts 23:6-8).

(Mat 22:24-32 KJV) "Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. {25} Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: {26} Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. {27} And last of all the woman died also. {28} Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. {29} Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. {30} For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. {31} But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, {32} I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

In brief, the Sadducees told Jesus about seven brothers who all had the same wife and left no children. According to Moses, if a man dies leaving no children, his brother will marry his wife and raise up seed (offspring) for him (Deu 25:5-6). And according to the seemingly impractical story, she ended up marrying all seven brothers consecutively, for each one died leaving no children. Last of all the woman died.

Then they asked him, "Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her." Jesus said, "...For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven..." (Mat 22:23-32 KJV).

Marriages between men and women will not be going on in paradise after the resurrection, but will be occurring on the earth outside of the Holy City (Isa 52:1-2) during the Millennium (Rev 20:4-6), because children will be there (Isa 11:5-9; 65:20). There will be only one marriage that will occur in paradise, and that will be the Marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:5-9).

I have run across some who believe they will be enjoying their marriage partners and sexual relationships in paradise. That which Jesus said in Matthew 22:30 is what I used to show the truth. If they are planning on being with Jesus, who is the LORD (Zec 14:3-5; Rev 14:1-5), and living in the New Jerusalem, they will need to truly repent and accept God's Only Begotten Son.

Note: Consider the radical Islamic militant terrorist who believe they will have 72 virgins awaiting them in their so-called paradise for doing their wicked deeds and murdering.

Serving before the Marriage Is Consummated

As for now, believers are in a time of bearing fruit (Mat 13:23; Rom 7:4) before the day of delivery (Rom 8:16-23 ⁸) and serving (John 12:26) before the marriage is consummated.

Jacob had to serve Laban seven years before marrying Leah and another seven years before marrying Rachel (Gen 29:15-30). Rachel’s beauty and well favorableness and the love Jacob had for her must have caused him to serve, in all, fourteen years for her. She was the one he thought he was getting after the first seven years, but instead was given Leah. For Laban to give him Rachel his daughter to wife, he had to serve another seven years, fulfil her week.

How many people today would serve that long to get a spouse, or in believer's case, serve that long for Christ?

One day...the Lord will serve (Phil 2:5-11) the (waiting and) watching servants according to Luke 12:37. In washing His disciples' feet in John 13:4-17, I believe Jesus showed them that they should be serving one another no matter who they are or their positions (Luke 22:25-27).

My Comparison (Mark 4:30-34)

When a man and a woman are really in love and want to marry, there can be a sense of euphoria and beauty mutually between them. I believe the feeling is only a touch of the joy (Psa 16:11) of the Lord (Mat 25:21-23) in Glory. The joy Saints will experience in their relationship there will be much greater in magnitude than the earthly.

Just consider how beautiful the New Jerusalem is and all that is there. From its description in Revelation chapters 21-22, one can get some idea how splendid and superior all things will be.

When I ponder on the Marriage in paradise, there are inexpressible (2 Cor 12:1-4) thoughts of an everlasting union, agape (G26) love (Gal 5:22-23), unspeakable (1 Pet 1:7-9) joy (Psa 16:11), unending (Isa 9:7) perfect (Isa 26:3) peace (Rom 14:17), perfect (Psa 50:2) beauty (2 Chr 3:5-6), that's not vein (Prov 31:30), holiness (1 Chr 16:29), an incorruptible, immortal (1 Cor 15:51-54), resurrected (Rev 20:4-6), changed (Phil 3:20-21; Job 14:12-15) body (1 Cor 15:35-49), and so much more beyond natural reasoning that flood into my mind and heart.

The marriage between a man and a woman can help us envision the wonderful meeting and celebration Saints will participate in for ever. When the time comes, Saints will be gathered together before the glorious throne of the Lord, Savior and King in the most gorgeous Holy City that could ever be imagined. It will be the greatest family reunion of Saints of all times.

Ten Virgins Went Forth to Meet the Bridegroom (Mat 25:1-13)

Next, Jesus spoke the following parable (Mat 25:1-13) to His disciples on the Mount of Olives (Mat 24:3).

(Mat 25:1-13 KJV) "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. {2} And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. {3} They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: {4} But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. {5} While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. {6} And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. {7} Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. {8} And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. {9} But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. {10} And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. {11} Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. {12} But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. {13} Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."

In brief, the story was about ten virgins (maidens) who took their (trimmed) lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Five foolish virgins took no oil with their lamps, but the five wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

If you know anything about oil lamps, they need some type of oil to burn and make light. The foolish virgins said their lamps had gone out. The reason they went out was because they took no oil to refill them.

The way I see it is, the five foolish virgins had the temporary (2 Cor 4:18) oil of the old covenant, "...which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away" (Heb 8:13 KJV). The law was going to be fulfilled (Mat 5:17-19), and the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Mat 27:50-51), so no more pure olive oil was needed to keep the light burning in the tabernacle of the congregation outside the veil (Exo 27:20-21; Lev 24:2-4), or anointing oil.

Note: Twelve disciples anointed with oil many that were sick (Mark 6:7-13), Jesus anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay He made with His saliva (John 9:1-41), Mary anointed the feet of the Lord with ointment (Luke 7:37-38; John 11:2; 12:2-3), which are some N.T. examples of anointed.

When the tabernacle, ark, priest, high priest (Lev 21:10) and king were anointed, it was with anointing oil made of olive oil, often with additional spices (Exo 30:23-33 ⁹).

For example, Saul was anointed with oil to be captain (1 Sam 9:27-10:1) and first earthly king over Israel (1 Sam 10:19, 24), and later the Spirit of God came on him and he prophesied (1 Sam 10:10-11). A few years later the Spirit of the LORD departed from him and came on David after he was anointed (1 Sam 16:13-14) to be the new king (1 Sam 16:1).

Today, we need to understand that Jesus (Mat 1:21) Christ (Mat 1:16) is now King (Mat 21:4-5), and also High Priest (Heb 4:14-16), Mediator of the new (Heb 8:8-13) covenant (Heb 12:22-24), which the Lord made with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah (Jer 31:31-34), and the Messiah, the Christ (John 1:40-41; 4:25-26), the Anointed (Dan 9:24-26), who was anointed (Isa 61:1-2; Luke 4:18-19) with the Holy Ghost (Acts 10:38).

After Jesus went to the Father (John 16:7-16), and when the day of Pentecost was fully come (Acts 2:1-4), the Spirit of God (Acts 2:16-18), the Holy (Spirit) Ghost (Acts 1:7-8; 2:33), the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth came to abide with believers (of whom have been made kings and priest to God and to Christ and to His Father...) forever (John 14:16-20, 23).

Note: Consider that which Peter and John wrote about the Lord's elect and Saints (who have the Holy Spirit). You are a chosen generation, a holy (1 Pet 2:5) and royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (1 Pet 2:9-10) ...in which the O.T. reference in Exodus 19:5-6 was referring to the children of Israel. That is who they would become if they obey the LORD's voice and keep His covenant. Saints have been made kings and priests to God (Rev 5:10) and to Christ (Rev 20:6) and to His Father (Rev 1:5-6), and will reign with Christ on the earth.

Therefore, I believe that the five wise virgins, who had oil in their vessels with their (trimmed) lamps, had Jesus (John 14:23) the Christ (Anointed) and the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13-14 ¹⁰) abiding (dwelling) forever (John 14:16-20, 23) in their lives; and the five foolish virgins were the ones who had the temporary (2 Cor 4:18) oil of the old covenant.

The foolish virgins perhaps were Israelites who did not repent (Acts 2:38-39) and accept Jesus as being the Messiah (John 1:40-41; 4:25-26), and were not able get baptized (Mat 3:11-12) and receive the Holy (Spirit) Ghost (Acts 8:14-17), and get their vessels filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:17-21). Because of their unbelief some branches were broken off from the good olive tree (Jer 11:16-17), which produced the pure olive oil (Exo 27:20-21) for light (Lev 24:2-4), and a wild olive tree was grafted in among them (Rom 11:16-25).

But then, they could be ones the Lord never knew, who call Him Lord, Lord, who prophesied, cast out devils and done many wonderful works in His name (Mat 7:21-23). And then, they could be ones who call Him Lord, Lord, and do not do the things which He say (Luke 6:43-49), who the Lord does not know... and workers of iniquity (Luke 13:23-28), or who outwardly appeared righteous unto men, but within were full of hypocrisy and iniquity (Mat 23:27-28).

Another way I see it is, they could be ones who were only doing the work of the Lord for money and for profit (1 Tim 6:5-6). Perhaps the reason for the wise virgins telling the foolish to go buy oil was because money was what the foolish depended on to get everything, instead of going to the Lord and buy (Rev 3:18) without money (Isa 55:1-3) that which God had to offer (Acts 8:17-23)

Being a virgin plus having Jesus Christ (Anointed) and the Holy Spirit are essentials to entering into the Marriage.

After the five foolish virgins (Mat 25:1-13) went forth to buy oil, the bridegroom came and they that were ready entered into the marriage with him and the door was shut. Afterwards the foolish virgins came, "saying, Lord, Lord, open to us" (hoping to enter), but the bridegroom "said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not" (and it did not say he opened to them).

The foolish virgins may have had clean lives and depended on their own righteousness to save them, but did not repent and accept Jesus as being the Messiah, the Christ (John 1:40-41; 4:25-26), the Son of God (Luke 4:41), and make Him Lord (Luke 2:10-11) and Savior (John 4:42) in their lives.

During His ministry the devils knew He (Mark 1:34) was Jesus (Mat 8:28-34) Christ, the Holy One of God (Mark 1:23-26; Luke 4:33-36), the Son of God (Luke 4:41; 8:26-39). Calling Him Lord without doing the will of the Father in heaven (Mat 7:21-23) will not save (James 2:14-26). The Lord God is the One (John 5:22) who knows each and every mind (Rev 2:23) and heart (Luke 16:15; Rom 8:26-27), and its intents (Heb 4:12), and is the One who gives the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13; 1 Th 4:8), and makes the final judgment (Rev 20:11-15).

We can understand who the bridegroom (the Lord) and the ten virgins were in the parable, especially the five wise virgins who entered into the marriage, who He knows, and who will be with Him throughout all eternity.

First Fruits unto God and to the Lamb (Rev 14:1-5)

We can learn more about the kind of people the Lamb (the Lord) will have with Him by reading about the 144,000 in Revelation 14:1-5 (Zec 14:3-5), who have His Father's name (Num 6:27) written in (on) their foreheads.

(Rev 14:1-5 KJV) "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. {2} And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: {3} And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. {4} These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. {5} And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God."

I believe the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb are the same 144,000 Israelites in Revelation 7:1-8 who will be sealed in (on) their foreheads, during great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17). They could represent all Israel (Rom 11:26) who have the first fruits of the Spirit (Rom 8:22-23). They are virgins and faultless (unblemished) who have not been defiled with women and follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

Note: Some believe the 144,000 Israelites sealed will be witnessing during great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17).

To be with the Lamb in that scene, one will have to have His Father's name (Num 6:27) written in his forehead (Rev 22:3-4), be a virgin, a first fruit and faultless, and then we could add an Israelite (Rev 7:1-8).

I believe if I were to be with someone throughout all eternity, I would want that person to be faithful (Rev 17:14) and do things that we could both agree on. Having someone at my side who was always contradicting me, unclean and fooling around would be a nightmare.

We should be putting away our worldly devices, putting off the old man, putting on the new man (Eph 4:17-32; Col 3:1-10), and putting on clothes of righteousness.

The Fine Linen Is the Righteousness of Saints (Rev 19:5-9)

In Revelation 19:7-8, we can see that the Lamb's wife has made herself ready.

(Rev 19:5-9 KJV) "And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. {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. {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. {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. {9} And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."

According to Revelation 19:8, the fine linen (clean and white), the Lamb's wife was granted that she be (clothed) arrayed in, is the righteousness of the Saints. And according to Revelation 7:9-17, the great multitude (clothed) arrayed in white robes, which came out of great tribulation, washed them and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Note: That which the Lamb’s wife was arrayed in is in essence the same the armies in Revelation 19:14 were clothed in.

I agree that all our righteousnesses (Rom 3:10) are as filthy rags (Isa 64:6). The righteousness (justification) of the Saints (Rev 19:8) is of God through faith (Phil 3:9) in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:19-26), and is a gift (Rom 5:17). Jesus deserves all the credit, for He has shed His blood for many for the remission of sins (Mat 26:28), and have made them righteous (Rom 5:18-19). Believers have been (made holy) sanctified (John 17:19) and (rendered righteous) justified (1 Cor 6:11 ¹¹), and now one (1 Cor 10:16-17) in Christ (Rom 12:5).

Clothed, Arrayed, Covered, Decked and Adorned (Isa 52:1)

(Isa 52:1 KJV) "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean."

To perhaps better understand the Lamb's wife (Bride), her clothes, and the righteousness of the Saints (Rev 19:8), let's go to Isaiah (concerning Judah and Jerusalem, Isa 1:1).

To begin with, read what part of Isaiah 49:13-23 says about the land, Zion and Jerusalem, "Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth" (Isa 49:18 KJV).

Note: They will come from afar (Isa 49:12; 60:4)

"For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away" (Isa 49:19 KJV).

"Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders" (Isa 49:22 KJV).

Note: On May 14, 1948 was Israel's declaration of independence, and June 5-10, 1967 was the Six Day War. Since then more Israelites with help have been coming back to their land.

Next, read some prophetic and interesting passages that lead up to intriguing Isaiah 61:10. Isaiah 61:1-2 was that which Jesus Christ said in the temple in Luke 4:18-19, "The spirit of the Lord [God] is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel...," when He began His ministry.

(Isa 61:1-2 KJV) "The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; {2} To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD...."

For those that mourn in Zion (Isa 61:3), Isaiah 61:6 partly says, you will be named (called) the Priests of the LORD. Men (they) will call you Ministers of our God….

(Isa 61:6 KJV) "But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves."

Part of Isaiah 61:8-9 says, ...the LORD "will make an everlasting covenant with them. And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed."

(Isa 61:8-9 KJV) "For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. {9} And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed."

Then intriguing Isaiah 61:10 says, I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul will be joyful in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, "as a bridegroom decked himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorned herself with her jewels."

(Isa 61:10 KJV) "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."

From reading previous passages in Isaiah, it appears that it could be Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1) speaking in Isaiah 61:10; the seed (Rom 4:13-16) which the LORD has blessed (Isa 61:8-9; Gen 22:15-18), considering under the new (everlasting, Heb 13:20-21) covenant (Heb 8:6-9), they are priests (Exo 19:5-6; 1 Pet 2:9-10) and ministers (2 Cor 3:6) of God (Isa 61:6; 2 Cor 6:4), and one (Gal 3:16, 28-29) body (1 Cor 10:16-17) in Christ (Rom 12:5), with Christ being the Head (Hosea 1:10-11) and Savior of the body (Eph 5:23), the church (Col 1:18); and/or Zion (Isa 49:13-23) and Jerusalem (Isa 52:1-2; 62:1-7), figuratively (metaphorically) speaking.

(2 Cor 3:6 KJV) "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new [covenant] testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."

To help make it easier to decide who is speaking in Isaiah 61:10, it might be necessary to search through Isaiah finding some other places the word "soul" is used.

In Isaiah 3:9, as for Jerusalem and Judah, "...Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves."

"...the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early..." (Isa 26:8-9 KJV) is part of a song in Isaiah 26 that will be sung in the land of Judah by the LORD's people who will enter into their chambers...for a little while until the LORD's indignation be past (Isa 26:20-21).

(Isa 26:19 KJV) "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead."

"...but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption…" (Isa 38:17 KJV) is part of the writing of Hezekiah, king of Judah, in Isaiah 38, after the LORD gave him fifteen more years.

In Isaiah 42:1-8, the LORD's "soul" is delighted in His servant and elect, who is Jesus according to fulfillment in Matthew 12:17-21.

Part of Isaiah 44:20 says, "he cannot deliver his soul," and it was referring to idolaters (Isa 44:8-19), and the LORD was speaking to Jacob and Israel (Isa 44:21).

Isaiah 51:23 has the words "soul" and "body," and they were referring to Zion, the LORD's people, and Jerusalem (Isa 51:16-23).

Following Isaiah 51:23, 52:1 says, "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean."

Isaiah 53 describes a righteous (suffering) servant whom the LORD made "his soul an offering for sin" (Isa 53:10). That person was Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29).

Part of Isaiah 54:17 says, "...This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD."

Following Isaiah 54:17, part of 55:1-5 says, everyone that (who) is thirsty, come to the waters "...let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people."

"Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee" (Isa 55:1-5 KJV)

In Isaiah 58 the LORD's people and the house of Jacob afflict their "soul" in fasting (Isa 58:3). Hence, with the help of the Holy (Spirit) Ghost (John 14:26) and the following, I leave it open for you to decide who is speaking in Isaiah 61:10.

(Isa 61:11 KJV) "For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations."

Isaiah 61:11 indicates a time when the Lord GOD will cause righteousness (Isa 61:3-5) and praise to spring up (Isa 44:1-7) before all nations. The LORD will cause salvation and righteousness to spring up (forth) together. He creates it (Isa 45:8), and it is of Him (Isa 54:17).

Following Isaiah 61:11, 62:1-2 says, For Zion's sake the LORD will not hold His peace, and for Jerusalem's sake He will not rest until righteousness goes forth as brightness and salvation as a burning lamp. And the Gentiles will see her righteousness, and all kings (Rev 21:23-27) her glory, and she will be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name.

Therefore, the land, Zion and Jerusalem, says the LORD, you will surely clothe yourselves with them all (inhabitants), as with an ornament. And will bind them on you as a bride does... (Isa 49:18-19).

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul will be joyful in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, "as a bridegroom decked himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorned herself with her jewels" (Isa 61:10 KJV).

And the Lamb's wife will be (clothed) arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, which is the righteousness of the Saints (Rev 19:7-8).

Christians are looking forward to an earth and habitat much superior to that which is perceived in the natural. In the beginning there was a paradise until first humans sinned (Gen 2:15-3:24).

The LORD began to clothe fallen humans in the garden of Eden (Gen 3:20-24) and continues to do so while in the body (Mat 6:30), until Saints (Rev 19:7-8) are clothed (Mat 22:11-12; Rev 7:13-14) and dwelling in the paradise (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor 12:1-4) of God (Rev 2:7), in the most gorgeous Holy City (Rev 21:1-22:6) ever, which has twelve (Rev 21:14) foundations (Heb 11:8-10).

Over Comer Messages

Next, in Revelation chapters two and three, there were seven churches stated, and unto the angel of each a message was (described) written. Near the end of each church message and before the next one there was a brief over comer message. Whichever church the over comer might be in, the brief message applies to him. But also it appears that all brief messages apply to over comers of all seven churches -- He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

It says in Revelation 21:7, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." "All things" could include those things in all brief over comer messages to the seven churches. In 1 John 5:1-5, John tells us who (gets the victory) overcomes the world.

(1 John 5:4-5 KJV) "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. {5} Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?"

After hours of studying relevant material in Strong's Concordance and three Bible versions, I came up with the following paraphrased messages to the angels of the seven churches (Rev 2-3).

(Ephesus) These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks among the seven golden lamp stands. I know your works, labor and patience, and how you cannot bear them who are evil; and you have tried them who say they are Apostles, but have found them liars; and you have borne, endured and labored for my name's sake, and have not fainted. Nevertheless, I have this against you, because you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I will come to you [suddenly] quickly, and will remove your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent. But this you have, you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitanes [Nikolaites: G3531], which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God (Rev 2:1-7).

Note: According to Strong's Dictionary, Nikolaites (G3531), "adherent of Nicolaus," is from Nikolaos (G3532), and Nikolaos is from nikos (G3534) and laos (G2992), "victorious over the people; Nicolaus, a heretic."

(Smyrna) These things says the First and the Last, who was dead and is now alive. I know your works, tribulation and poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of them who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Do not fear those things that you will suffer; behold, the devil will cast some of you into prison to try you; and you will have tribulation ten days; be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death (Rev 2:8-11).

(Isa 44:6 KJV) "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."

(Isa 48:12-13 KJV) "Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. {13} Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together."

(Pergamos) These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword. I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; and you hold fast my name and did not deny my faith, even in the days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold to the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast an offence before the children of Israel, to eat things offered to idols, and to commit fornication. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes [Nikolaites: G3531], which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you [suddenly] quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes will I give to eat hidden manna, and will give a white stone, and on the stone, a new name written, which no man knows except he who receives it (Rev 2:12-17).

(Thyatira) These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and who has feet like fine brass. I know your works, charity, service, faith and patience, and your works are more at the last than at the first. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, because you suffered that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things offered to idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication, and she did not repent. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death; and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your works. But I say to you and to the rest in Thyatira, who hold not to this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. Hold fast what you have [works, charity, service, faith and patience] till I come. He who overcomes and keeps my works until the end, to him will I give power over the nations; and he will rule them with a rod of iron; like a potter's vessel they will be broken to pieces, even as I received from my Father; and I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev 2:18-29).

(Sardis) These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars [in His right hand]. I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be vigilant, and strengthen the things, which remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast to it and repent. If therefore you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names, even in Sardis, who have not defiled their garments; they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes, the same will be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev 3:1-6).

(Luke 10:20 KJV) "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."

(Philadelphia) These things says He who is Holy and True, He who has the key of David, who opens and no man shuts, and shuts and no man opens. I know your works; behold, I have put before you an open door, and no man can shut it; for you have little strength, have kept my word, and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to understand that I loved you. Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which will come on the entire world, to try them that dwell on the earth. Behold, I come [suddenly] quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one takes your crown. Him who overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go no more out; and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem that cometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev 3:7-13).

Note: Because the Philadelphia church had kept the word of His patience, the Lord will keep them from the hour of temptation (Rev 3:10). "Kept" and "keep" were both translated from the same Greek word tereo (G5083), and according to Strong's Dictionary, it means "to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon)." God has not taken His Word out of this world, and He will not take the church out before the hour of temptation, or before great tribulation either.

(Laodiceans) These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God [Mark 10:6]. I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked; I counsel you to buy from me gold tried in fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come to him and will dine with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev 3:14-22).

Him That [Gets the Victory] Overcometh (Rev 3:12-13)

I will comment some on two church messages. To the angel of the church in Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13), Revelation 3:12 has part of what an over comer (who gets the victory) will inherit (Rev 21:7; 1 Pet 1:4).

(Rev 3:12-13 KJV) "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. {13} He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

Will I Make a Pillar [Support] in the Temple

Jesus will make him that overcomes a pillar (support) in the temple of God. According to Revelation 21:22, the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple in the New Jerusalem on the new earth; and in John 2:19-22, Jesus calls His body a temple. It appears that over comers will be supports in the temple, who will uplift the Name of God.

Looking at some Old Testament pillars perhaps will help us spiritually (1 Cor 2:9-16) understanding (Col 1:9-11) the metaphor (similitude). After the LORD God appeared (Gen 48:1-4) to Jacob in a dream at Luz, he said, "...Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not" (Gen 28:16 KJV). In the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put for his (head) pillows that night and set it up for a pillar, and poured a drink offering and oil on it. He called the place "Bethel," which means "house of God" (Gen 28:10-22; 35:9-15).

(Gen 28:22 KJV) "And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee."

(Gen 35:14-15 KJV) "And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon. {15} And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel."

Moses built an altar and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel (Exo 24:4). Pillars were made for the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exo 35:10-19), for Solomon's house of the forest of Lebanon (1 Ki 7:1-7), for the temple, for the house of the LORD (2 Ki 25:13-17) and its porch (1 Ki 7:13-22).

According to Paul in Galatians 2:9, James, Cephas and John seemed to be pillars (supports). With those things in mind, spiritually (1 Cor 2:9-16) over comers, who Jesus made pillars in the temple of God, are part of the temple to some degree. Believers being one in the Father and in Jesus (John 17:20-23), and each believer a temple of God, having the indwelling Spirit of God (1 Cor 3:16), helps us understand that even more.

I Will Write upon Him

Also, the over comer will have the name of God (Num 6:27), the name of the City of God (2 Chr 6:5-6), New Jerusalem, and His new name written on him (Rev 3:12). Does this mean that the over comer is God and the New Jerusalem? He is not God, but believers do have His name and are called the (children) sons (Isa 43:6-7) of God (Hosea 1:10-11; 1 John 3:1-2).

Note: Man was made in the image (resemblance) of God (James 3:9), after His (similitude) likeness (Gen 1:26-27). Things changed when Adam sinned. Jesus came to redeem us from all iniquity... (Titus 2:14). According to 2 Corinthians 3:18, we (believers) are being changed into the same image (transformed into His likeness).

When entering an impressive building, its name could be seen inscribed (engraved) directly on the building's front, on a sign or plaque attached to the building or on an erected sign outside; but in this case the names are written on the over comer.

Note: Today, when holy matrimony takes place between a man and woman, the wife usually, but not always, takes the man's last name.

With the name of God (Num 6:27; Isa 43:6-7), New Jerusalem and His new name written on the over comer, he is identified with God (Rev 3:12), the Lamb (Rev 22:3-4), and is identified with and a citizen (Eph 2:19; Phil 3:20) of the gorgeous New Jerusalem.

Given a White Stone (Rev 2:17)

(Rev 2:17 KJV) "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh 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 knoweth saving he that receiveth it."

Church in Pergamos (Rev 2:12-17), to the over comer, Jesus will give to eat hidden manna, and will give a white stone, and in (on) the stone, a new name written, which no man knows except he who receives it. The white stone (vote, voice) could be a reminder of who he is (and who he will be in heaven), because of the new name written in (on) the stone, and could represent or be a specific piece that furnishes the temple instead of the old tabernacle's furnishings.

Note: To the children of Israel in the wilderness, the LORD gave to eat (manna) bread (Exo 16:15). The Father gave the true bread of God from heaven (John 6:31-33). To the over comer will the Lord give to eat hidden manna (Rev 2:17).

It was a white stone. According to N.T. Greek Lexicon at StudyLight.org, "in the ancient courts of justice the accused were condemned by black pebbles [stones] and the acquitted by white."

It was a stone. The altar to the LORD was to be built of whole, uncut stones (Josh 8:30-32) with the words of the law written on them (Deu 27:5-8). The twelve stones that were taken out of the midst of Jordan were for a memorial to the children of Israel, a stone for each of the tribes of Israel (Josh 4:1-24). Casting lots with pebbles (small stone) were used in O.T. times (Josh 18:10; Joel 3:3) and possibly with bits of wood in N.T. (Acts 1:26) times to determine portion or destiny.

Consider other stones. God is building a holy temple (Eph 2:19-22), a spiritual house that is made up of living (lively) stones (1 Pet 2:3-5), with the Lord Jesus Christ being the Head (Psa 118:22-23) or Chief (1 Pet 2:6) Corner Stone, that which the builders rejected (Mat 21:42) and set at nought (Acts 4:11).

(Psa 118:22-23 KJV) "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. {23} This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."

Then, in (on) the stone a new name written. Everything will be made new (Rev 21:5). Abram's ("high father") new name was Abraham (Gen 17:5), which means "father of a multitude;" and Jacob's ("heel-catcher") new name was Israel (Gen 32:28), which means "he will rule as God," all according to Strong's Dictionary.

In (on) the over comer's white stone, a new name written, which no man knows except he who receives it in Revelation 2:17, is in part similar to, He (The Word of God) had a name written, that no man knew, but He himself in Revelation 19:11-13.

(Judg 13:18 KJV) "And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?"

After conversion a Christian (Acts 11:25-26) might be called by an alternate name. Paul was also called Saul in Acts (Acts 13:9) but not is his epistles. My new Christian family called me Al instead of Albert after I was saved.

In this life most of us have names that have meaning. My first name is Albert, French from OHG Adalbrecht, "bright through nobility;" my middle name is Murray, ? from Celtic, confer Welsh mor, "the sea," all according to Webster's New World Dictionary.

My last name is Rogers, which means "son of Roger," according to what I had read. Roger, from Anglo-Saxon Hrothgar and OHG bases meaning "famous with the spear;" my Sweetheart's first name is Cynthia, Latin, from Greek Kynthia, epithet of Artemis (or Diana), "goddess of the moon;" and her middle name is Ann, variation of Anna, from French, from Latin, from Greek Anna, from Hebrew hannah, "grace," all according to Webster's New World Dictionary.

In heaven, the over comer will know the new name written in (on) the white stone, which will have meaning.

In My Fathers House Are Many Mansions [Abodes] (John 14:1-3)

(John 14:1 KJV) "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."

Jesus said in His Fathers house are many mansions, which can mean abodes (John 14:23). He has gone to prepare (1 Cor 2:9-16; Isa 64:4) a place for us.He will come again (John 14:1-3). It could be the New Jerusalem (Heb 11:16; 12:22-24) He was referring to.

(John 14:2 KJV) "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."

(John 14:23 KJV) "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

Looked for a City Which Had Foundations (Heb 11:8-10)

When Abraham departed Haran, he went into the land of Canaan (Gen 12:1-9). And Hebrew 11:10 says, "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Could that be Jerusalem, preferably the New Jerusalem, which has twelve foundations (Rev 21:14)?

(Heb 11:8-10 KJV) "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. {9} By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: {10} For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."

Heavenly Jerusalem now exists according to Hebrews 12:22

(Heb 12:22-24 KJV) "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, {23} To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, {24} And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel."

Zion Will Be Called The City of Righteousness (Isa 1:26-27)

(Isa 1:26-27 KJV) "And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. {27} Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness."

Jerusalem Will Be Called by a New Name (Isa 62:1-2)

In Isaiah 62:1-2, Jerusalem will be called by a new name given by the mouth of the LORD (Isa 62:4, 12). Is it New Jerusalem (Rev 3:12)?

The City is called New Jerusalem in Revelation 3:12

The name of the city (Heb 12:22-24) of God (Psa 48:8) is New Jerusalem.

(Rev 3:12 KJV) "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name."

Jerusalem Will Be Called a City of Truth (Zec 8:3)

When the LORD dwells in the midst of Jerusalem -- and the tabernacle (Psa 76:2) of God will be with men (Rev 21:2-3) -- she will "...be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain" (Zec 8:3 KJV).

(Zec 8:3 KJV) "Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain."

She Will Be Called the City of the LORD (Isa 60:14)

In Isaiah 60:14, she will be called "...The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel" by the sons of those who afflicted and despised her.

Synonymous, and the LORD Is Husband

Zion (a mountain of Jerus) or Sion (Mat 21:5) is the holy mount at Jerusalem (Isa 27:13), which is the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem (Isa 10:32). In Zechariah 8:3, Zion, Jerusalem and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain are the same place where the LORD will dwell in the midst (Psa 46:4-7).

In Isaiah 54:5-7, the LORD, the Maker is Jerusalem's (Isa 54:11-14), also Israel and Judah's (Jer 31:31-34), Husband. The LORD called her like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, like a young wife when she is rejected.

(Isa 54:5 KJV) "For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called."

In Jeremiah three, children of Israel (Jer 2:31), who were married to the LORD (Jer 3:14), had played the harlot (Jer 2:20; 3:1), also Judah (Jer 3:6-8). As a wife treacherously departed from her husband, so have you dealt treacherously (Hosea 5:3-7; 6:7) with me (Jer 5:11), O house of Israel, says the LORD (Jer 3:20).

(Jer 3:14 KJV) "Turn, O backsliding children [Israel], ¹² saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:"

In Malachi 2:11, Judah also dealt treacherously (Jer 3:11; 5:11), and married the daughter of a strange god (Mal 2:11).

(Mal 2:11 KJV) "Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god."

(Jer 6:2 KJV) "I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman."

Daughter of Jerusalem, virgin daughter (Lam 2:13) of the LORD's people and of Zion (Jer 6:2) were broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow (Jer 14:17). Their bruise was incurable, and their wound was grievous... (Jer 30:12-15).

(Jer 14:17 KJV) "Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow."

(Jer 30:12-15 KJV) "For thus saith the LORD, Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous. {13} There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines. {14} All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; because thy sins were increased. {15} Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee."

The men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem... the virgin (bride, maid) of Israel had done a very horrible thing (Jer 18:11-13 ¹³), and forsook the LORD (Jer 2:13). The land (Jer 4:7; 25:9), Jerusalem (Jer 33:10; 44:6), the cities of Judah (Jer 9:11) and Samaria (Hosea 13:16) were made desolate (Jer 18:14-17).

In Ezekiel sixteen, after Jerusalem's nativity and older, the LORD covered her nakedness and made (entered into) a covenant with her, and she became His. He washed, dressed and adorned her, and she became beautiful. Then, Jerusalem, trusted in her own beauty (Lam 2:15), played the harlot (Ezek 16:1-35; Isa 1:21) -- also Samaria (Ezek 23:3-5), Israel (Hosea 2:5; 4:15) and Judah (Jer 3:1-8) -- and became like an adulterous wife (Ezek 16:32), and the LORD judged and stripped her (Hosea 2:2-3), and her lovers took away her jewels (Ezek 23:26), and left her naked and bare (Ezek 16:37-43).

Note: In Isaiah 3:16-26 the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion... He will take away the beauty, ornaments, jewels, apparel, etc.

Both the house of Israel and the house of Judah broke the LORD's covenant which He made with their fathers (Jer 11:10).

Note: The LORD sows the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man (Jer 31:27).

Although the LORD renounced Israel (Hosea 2:2), divorced her (Isa 50:1; Jer 3:8), brought judgment and scattered His people (Deu 30:3-6); He later makes a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah (Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:6-13); and He has mercy (Hosea 2:23 ¹⁴), the children of Judah and Israel are gathered (Jer 3:17-18 ¹⁵) together (Hosea 1:10-11 ¹⁶), returned to their land (Jer 30:3), and He will betroth thee (them to Himself) forever in Hosea 2:19-20.

Virgin of Israel again will be adorned with tambourines... (Jer 31:4). The virgin will rejoice in the dance, both young and old men together, for the LORD will turn their mourning into joy... (Jer 31:13). Jerusalem, the Holy City, will put on beautiful garments (Isa 52:1-2), and "...the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head..." (Isa 51:11 KJV).

(Jer 33:11 KJV) "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 endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD."

In some O.T. scriptures, Jerusalem (Isa 24:23; 37:22) and Zion (Isa 40:9; 52:1-2), the house of Judah and the house of Israel (Jer 31:31-34) at times appear to be synonymous (Lam 2:13) in various ways, especially when in reference to His (Jer 31:1) people (Isa 49:13-17; 51:16-17) and to the LORD, the Maker being a husband (Isa 54:5) and married (Jer 3:14), and at times interchangeable.

Jerusalem in itself was not what sinned, but kings (2 Chr 21:11-15; 33; 36), the rebellious children (Isa 1:1-4; 30:1-14) of Israel (Ezek 2:3), men of Judah (Jer 11:9-10), and inhabitants of Jerusalem (Jer 18:11-13), who were Israelites and once identified with the city, caused God's people to go into captivity.

Note: Consider the leadership of (Czar) Barack Hussein Obama and his administration and how they are leading the U.S. in the wrong, immoral direction.

Those passages (and preceding section) will help us to picture New Jerusalem which encompasses all Israel (Rom 11:26) as the Bride.

Prepared as a Bride Adorned for Her Husband (Rev 21:1-3)

(Rev 21:1-2 KJV) "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. {2} And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

The City is so huge, a fifteen hundred mile cube (Rev 21:16), that the old Jerusalem site might not be able to contain it -- and the land will be too narrow for its inhabitants (Isa 49:19-20) -- which might be the reason why it says there was no more sea in Revelation 21:1 so to make room for it.

(Rev 21:16 KJV) "And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."

Note: 12,000 furlongs x 220 yards (one furlong) = 2,640,000 yards ÷ 1,760 yards (one mile) = 1,500 miles.

The Tabernacle of God

After New Jerusalem descends (comes down) from God out of heaven (Rev 3:12; Rev 21:2), prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, a great voice out of heaven says, "...Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God" (Rev 21:3 KJV).

(Psa 46:4-7 KJV) "There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. {5} God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.... The LORD of hosts is with us...."

Zechariah 14:16-17 says, "...that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD ¹⁷ of hosts [and to keep the feast of tabernacles], even upon them shall be no rain."

(Zec 14:16-17 KJV) "And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. {17} And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain."

(Isa 27:13 KJV) "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem."

The Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:33-44), which the children of Israel celebrated annually in old times, and the sanctuary and tabernacle (Heb 9:1-10), which Moses made (Acts 7:44) so that the LORD could dwell among (Exo 25:8-9) the children of Israel and be their God (Exo 29:45-46), will be revealed much differently when everyone who is left of the nations come and worship the LORD (Isa 66:23) in the holy mount at Jerusalem (Isa 27:13) and keep the Feast of Tabernacles (Zec 14:16-17).

The O.T. Feast of Tabernacles, and worldly sanctuary and tabernacle, which was a figure (similitude) for the present time (Heb 9:1-10), and the example (copy) and shadow of heavenly things, were a foretaste of the Feast of Tabernacles, and the marvelous (holy place) Sanctuary, and true (Heb 9:24-26), greater and perfect Tabernacle (Psa 76:2) of God (Rev 21:2-3), the Lord pitched (Heb 8:1-5) and not man (Heb 9:11), that will be with us forever (Ezek 37:26-28).

(Psa 76:2 KJV) "In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion."

The LORD will dwell (Zec 2:10-11) among (Rev 7:15) and in the midst of His people (Ezek 43:7), and the LORD (Zec 8:3) and His people will dwell in the midst of (New) Jerusalem (Psa 46:4-7), and they will be His people, and He will be their God... (Zec 8:8).

(Zec 2:10 KJV) "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD."

(Zec 8:8 KJV) "And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness."

And according to Revelation 21:3, that which was previously quoted, the tabernacle of God will be with men, and He will dwell with them (Psa 46:4-7), and they will be His people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God.

(Rev 7:15 KJV) "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them."

Studying about the festivals and the sanctuary and taber-nacle in the O.T. are fundamental to receiving some genuine meat of God's Holy Holy (2 Tim 3:15-17) Scriptures (Rom 16:25-27).

(Mat 4:4-5 KJV) "...It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. {5} Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,"

A Lamb as It Had Been Slain (Rev 5:6)

Before going further to understanding (Col 1:9-11) the Bride, let's look at the Lamb in Revelation 5:6.

(Rev 5:6 KJV) "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."

The Lamb, "as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God..." (Rev 5:6 KJV), is Jesus, because in Revelation 5:9 it says that the Lamb "...wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood...;" and in Revelation 1:5 it says that Jesus Christ is the one "...that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood...."

Note: The "...seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth" (Rev 5:6 KJV), are "...the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth" (Zec 4:10 KJV), "...are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (Prov 15:3 KJV),"...to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him" (2 Chr 16:9 KJV). "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers..." (1 Pet 3:12 KJV).

God conveys much to us by revelations (2 Cor 12:1-4), in visions (Ezek 1:1), by likenesses (Ezek 1:5-6) "...and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets" (Hosea 12:10 KJV). As with the Lamb, so is the Bride mysteriously and figuratively (metaphorically) identified and revealed.

(Hosea 12:10 KJV) "I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets."

I Will Show You the Bride, the Lamb's Wife (Rev 21:9-10)

The Bride, the Lamb's wife in Revelation 21:9-10 is the (Holy City) New Jerusalem (Rev 21:9-27), which John saw "...coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Rev 21:2 KJV).

City of God Will Be Established Forever... (Psa 48:8)

(Psa 48:8 KJV) "As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah."

Jerusalem, which is the capital of Israel, perhaps called Salem (Psa 76:2 ¹⁸) in Genesis 14:18, was built by man and was destroyed (2 Chr 36:16-21) and rebuilt (Isa 44:28); but the city that's built by the LORD God will be established (1 Ki 15:4 ¹⁹) forever (Psa 48:8). Consider that New Jerusalem is the Holy City of God (Rev 3:12), wich comes down from God out of heaven (Rev 21:1-2).

Establish...Make Jerusalem a praise in all the earth (Isa 62:1-7)

(Isa 62:1-3 KJV) "For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. {2} And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. {3} Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God."

For Zion's sake the LORD will not hold His peace, and for Jerusalem's sake He will not rest until righteousness goes forth as brightness and salvation as a burning lamp... and till He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in all the earth (Isa 62:1, 7). Jerusalem will be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD and a royal diadem in the hand of God (Isa 62:3).

Jerusalem Is like a (Virgin) Maiden That Is Being Married

(Isa 62:4-7 KJV) "Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. {5} For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. {6} I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence. {7} And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth."

In Isaiah 62:4, Jerusalem will not be called (termed) Forsaken and the land be termed Desolate (Isa 61:4) any more; it will be called Hephzibah ("my delight (is) in her" according to Strong's Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary) and thy land Beulah (married). God rejoices over her like a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.

In Isaiah 62:5, the LORD says, "For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee." Jerusalem is like a (virgin) maiden that is being married.

A Spectacular Sight

New Jerusalem will be such a spectacular sight for our eyes to (observe) see. Some descriptions make it to be a mysterious City, yet still a gloriously gorgeous one, as shown in Revelation 21:9-27.

(Rev 21:9-27 KJV) "And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. {10} And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, {11} Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; {12} And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: {13} On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. {14} And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. {15} And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. {16} And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. {17} And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. {18} And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. {19} And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; {20} The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. {21} And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. {22} And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. {23} And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. {24} And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. {25} And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. {26} And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. {27}And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."

Its Twelve Gates and Foundations (Rev 21:12-14)

On its twelve gates are written the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel (Rev 7:4-8), and in (on) the foundations (Eph 2:19-22) are written the names of the twelve (Mat 10:1-4) Apostles (Acts 1:16-26) of the Lamb (Rev 21:12-14).

Garnished and Adorned

Note: Consider that which Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like in Matthew 13:45-46. It is like to a merchant man seeking goodly pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

New Jerusalem, having the Glory of God, descended (came down), prepared as a bride adorned (Isa 61:10) with the finest of jewels (Rev 21:9-21) for her husband (Rev 21:2).

Those Who Can and Can Not Enter

Only the ones written in the Lamb's book of life (Rev 21:27) and who do His commandments (Rev 22:14) will be able to enter into the gates of the (Holy) City. All others will be on the outside (Isa 52:1-2 ²⁰).

(Rev 21:27 KJV) "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."

(Rev 22:14-15 KJV) "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. {15} For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."

City Will Be Here during the Millennium

New Jerusalem (City of God, (Psa 46:1-7) will be here during the Millennium. Following the details of the Great White Throne Judgment, the old heaven and earth fleeing away (Rev 20:11-15), the new heaven and earth, the New Jerusalem coming down (descending), new things (Rev 21:1-7) and the Bride (Rev 21:9-22:5), Revelation goes back in time to when sinners, such as dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolaters and liars (whoever loves and makes a lie), of such (Rev 21:8) who were earlier cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:14-15), are outside the gates of the Holy City (Rev 22:14-15 ²⁰) during the Millennium (Rev 20:4-6).

Before the Great White Throne Judgment occurs, this old earth and heaven will flee away. There will not be a place found for them.

That being true, there will not be any place for sinners on the new earth. Because when the Great White Throne Judgment occurs, death and hell, and whoever was not found written in the book of life, such as the fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters and all liars (Rev 21:8), will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:11-15). Death, sorrow, crying, pain, all former things will have passed away (Rev 21:4).

Note: Read Revelation 20:11 to 22:21 and see if you can draw the same conclusion about the (Holy City) New Jerusalem being on the earth during the Millennium (Rev 20:4-6).

Like a Hovering Satellite

Some believe the City will be like a hovering satellite over the site of old Jerusalem giving light -- that "...was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal" (Rev 21:11 KJV) -- to the earth's inhabitants (Rev 21:23-27) during the Millennium (Rev 20:4-6).

Note: To perhaps help understand how the City will illuminate the earth's inhabitants, consider how a crystal clear light bulb lights up a dark room.

"And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain" (Isa 4:5-6 KJV).

All the science fiction and special effects Hollywood or anyone (Ezek 28:1-19) fabricate on screen will not be able to match the glory and beauty that will emanate from this gloriously gorgeous Holy City. The Glory of God (Rev 21:10-11), Jesus (Mat 17:1-2), all that which God the Father (John 17:1-5) has wrought through His Son, Christ (2 Cor 4:4), the wise (Dan 12:3) and righteous (Mat 13:43) will be a light. The City will not need the sun or moon, because the glory (Zec 2:4-5) of the LORD (Isa 60:19-20) God lightens (Rev 22:5) it, and the Lamb is the light (Rev 21:23-27).

Within the City

(Rev 22:1-5 KJV) "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. {2} In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. {3} And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: {4} And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. {5} And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."

The mysterious and gloriously gorgeous heavenly Jerusalem (Heb 11:16; 12:22-24), paradise (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor 12:1-4) of God (Rev 2:7), will have all that Saints will ever need (Rev 22:1-5). First and foremost, the glorious throne of God ²¹ and of the Lamb (Rev 22:1) will be (are) there (Rev 4:1-11). As Christians we have God the Father, Jesus (John 14:23) and the Holy Spirit (abiding) dwelling with us and in us (John 14:16-20, 23), and in (New) Jerusalem (Zec 8:3, 7-8), the LORD (Yehovah: H3068) God ('elohiym: H430) of Israel (Yisra'el: H3478) will dwell (Exo 29:45-46) with us (Rev 21:2-3 ²²).

In Revelation 4:5, lightning, thundering and voices proceed out of the throne. When "voices, thunders (-ings), lightnings" appear in such a group (Rev 8:5 ²³), the fearful presence (Isa 64:1-3) of the Lord God is near, and at times impending plagues (Rev 8:1-9:21; 11:3-6; 15:1-16:17) and judgments (Rev 6:12-17 ²⁴) are at hand to come on the rebellious, disobedient (Eph 5:5-8; Col 3:5-7), unrepentant (Rev 9:20-21; 16:7-11), etc.

After judgment (2 Pet 2:1-22) of God (Rom 1:18-2:29), a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeds out of the glorious throne of God and of the Lamb in Revelation 22:1. That which proceeds out of the glorious throne changes significantly, from lightning, thundering and voices to a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, which is a much better environment for His Saints and more appropriate for the Marriage and Marriage Supper. Wherever the rivers (waters) flow, the waters will be healed and everything will live (Ezek 47:6-12).

The glorious Lord God and His throne, ²¹ which was seen in visions by prophets and Saints in the past, gives us a greater awareness of what we will see and where we will be one day (Rev 21:1-7 ²⁵) at the Marriage and Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:5-9).

Water of Life (Rev 22:1)

To better understand the pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, that proceeds out of the glorious throne of God and of the Lamb (Rev 22:1), from where the living (Jer 2:13; 17:13) fountains (wells) of waters (Rev 7:16-17) with all the everlasting life giving qualities originate, we could look at John 4:10-14 and 7:37-39.

(John 4:10-14 KJV) "Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. {11} The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? {12} Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, {13} Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: {14} But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

(John 7:37-39 KJV) "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. {38} He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. {39} (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"

The living water (Holy Ghost) that Jesus now gives is in the believer a well (fountain) of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4:10-14), and out of his belly (heart) flow rivers of living water (John 7:37-39).

(Psa 36:7-9 KJV) "How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. {8} They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. {9} For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."

The pure river of water of life that proceeds out of the glorious throne of God and of the Lamb, and the fountain (well) that flows from the house (Ezek 47:1-11) of the LORD, that will water the valley of (Acacias) Shittim (Joel 3:18), which is "east of Jordan," is the Holy (Spirit) Ghost today that flows through our hearts to a lost world (John 7:37-39).

(Joel 3:18 KJV) "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new [sweet] wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim."

In paradise, the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will feed them, and will lead (Isa 49:10) them, who are (clothed) arrayed in white robes, into living (Jer 2:13; 17:13) fountains (springs, wells) of waters... (Rev 7:16-17), freely (Isa 55:1-3) given to anyone who thirsts (Rev 21:6; 22:17).

(Rev 7:16-17 KJV) "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. {17} For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

(Isa 49:10 KJV) "They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them."

(Rev 21:6 KJV) "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."

(Isa 55:1 KJV) "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Tree of Life (Rev 22:2)

In the midst of the street of the Holy City, of the the paradise (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor 12:1-4) of God (Rev 2:7), on each side of the river there was the tree of life, bearing twelve manners of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves were for the healing (Ezek 47:12) of the nations (Rev 22:2).

Note: Consider, today we use certain herbs for medicinal purposes.

Spirit and the Bride Say, Come (Rev 22:17)

(Rev 22:17 KJV) "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

The Spirit, the Bride and him that hears say Come... If the Bride is speaking (Jer 33:11) in Revelation 22:17, it must be Israel (Hosea 1:10-11; Rom 11:26), which includes Gentiles (Eph 2:10-22), being a wild olive tree (branch) which was grafted into a good olive tree (Rom 11:16-25), were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, but now are in Christ (Eph 2:12-13) -- who has made of (twain) two (Gal 3:28-29) one new man (Eph 2:14-15) -- and fellow citizens with the Saints and of the household of God (Eph 2:19).

Summary:

I have worked hard to keep this summary short. Throughout this study there were some significant discoveries.

In Matthew 22:1-14, a marriage (wedding) and dinner (supper) for a king's son has been (ready) prepared (Mat 22:4; Luke 14:16-17), and will be furnished with guests (Mat 22:10) and with the chosen (Mat 22:14; Rev 17:14).

Blessed are those who are invited (called, bidden) to the (Marriage and) Marriage Supper (Rev 3:20-21) of the Lamb. Before being received (2 Cor 6:17-18), accepted (2 Cor 5:9-11) and chosen (Mat 22:14; Rev 17:14), must first be called (Rev 19:9), then receive (John 1:10-14) and accept (Mark 4:20) the invitation, and then to be able to stay must have on the proper wedding garment (Mat 22:12-13 ³).

In Luke 12:36-48, we believe that the lord's (analuo: G360) return (departure, Phil 1:23) from the wedding, in which a marriage (wedding) and dinner (supper) has been (ready) prepared (Mat 22:4; Luke 14:16-17) in Matthew 22:1-14, is when the Lord Jesus Christ returns after departing the temple (Rev 15:8), and prepared (1 Cor 2:9-16) Marriage (Mat 25:10) and Marriage Supper (Mat 22:4; Luke 14:16-17) of the Lamb (Rev 19:5-9), and heavenly (Eph 1:1-23) place (John 14:1-3) and City (Heb 11:16; 12:22-24) to gather together His (chosen) elect, Israel (the church), from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other, after the (Mega) Tribulation (Mat 24:29-31). (This doesn't mean a Gentile secret pre-trib rapture occurred three and a half years prior.)

Individually, believers are His (good and faithful (Mat 25:21-23) and wise) servants (Mat 24:45) and stewards (Luke 12:42), guests and chosen (Mat 22:14; Rev 17:14 ²⁶); but collectively, believers are the Bride and body of Christ (Eph 5:29-30), with Christ being the Head (Hosea 1:10-11) and Savior of the body (Eph 5:23), the church (Col 1:18), and already married to the Lord, waiting for it to be consummated.

Paul wrote unto the Saints at Rome (Rom 1:7) and told them that they had become dead to the law by the body of Christ and married to another, which is Jesus Christ (Eph 5:22-32) who was raised from the dead, in order to bring forth fruit unto God (Rom 7:1-4).

In Paul's folly in his message to the church of God at Corinth (2 Cor 1:1), he said that he had a godly jealousy for them and had espoused (betrothed, joined, wooed) them to one husband, so that he could present them as a chaste (clean, pure) virgin (maiden) to Christ (2 Cor 11:1-2).

In Ephesians 5:22-32, Paul gave a very good understanding on how Christ, who is the Head and Savior of the body, who loved the church and (sacrificially) gave Himself for her, and the subjected Church typify the holy union of a God fearing, loving husband and his subjected wife.

The Lord God dwells in us (John 6:56), and we (believers) dwell in Him (1 John 4:12-16), and members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones (Eph 5:29-30), with Christ being the Head (Hosea 1:10-11) and Savior of the body (Eph 5:23), the church (Col 1:18).

To help comprehend how we can be in a marriage and still look forward to the Marriage of the Lamb, we need to understand the engagement between Mary (who was a virgin at the time bearing Jesus) and Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25. Joseph was called Mary's husband (Mat 1:19) before they were officially married, before the ceremony and the marriage was consummated. A good example of our union with Christ before the marriage officially takes place in paradise (Rev 2:7).

If you believe the Bride that John the Baptist mentioned in John 3:29 is Jerusalem (Mat 23:37-39 ⁴) and Israel (Mat 10:5-8; 15:24), which consists of the twelve tribes, who become disciples of Jesus, who make up the body of Christ (1 Cor 10:16-17), who make up (Mat 16:17-19) the church (Acts 7:38; Heb 12:22-24), then New Jerusalem which encompasses all Israel (Rom 11:26) is the Bride, the Lamb's wife (Rev 21:9-27).

Being a friend (John 15:12-15) of the bridegroom (John 3:27-29) and children (kinship) of the (bridegroom) bride chamber (Mark 2:19-20; Isa 26:20-21), I believe are very important for a healthy, harmonious and intimate relationship in marriage. There will be only one marriage that will occur in paradise, and that will be the Marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:5-9).

As for now, believers are in a time of bearing fruit (Mat 13:23; Rom 7:4) before the day of delivery (Rom 8:16-23 ⁸) and serving (Gen 29:16-30) before the marriage is consummated. One day...Jesus will serve (Phil 2:5-11) the (waiting and) watching servants (Luke 12:36-48).

In Matthew 25:1-13, I believe that the five wise virgins, who had oil in their vessels with their (trimmed) lamps, had Jesus (John 14:23) the Christ (Anointed) and the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13-14) abiding (dwelling) forever (John 14:16-20, 23 ¹⁰) in their lives; and the five foolish virgins were the ones who had the temporary (2 Cor 4:18) oil of the old covenant.

To be with the Lamb in Revelation 14:1-5 (Zec 14:3-5), one will have to have His Father's name (Num 6:27) written in his forehead, be a virgin, a first fruit and faultless, and then we could add an Israelite (Rev 7:1-8).

The land, Zion and Jerusalem, says the LORD, you will surely clothe yourselves with them all (inhabitants), as with an ornament. And will bind them on you as a bride does... (Isa 49:18-19).

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul will be joyful in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, "as a bridegroom decked himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorned herself with her jewels" (Isa 61:10 KJV).

And the Lamb's wife will be (clothed) arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, which is the righteousness of the Saints (Rev 19:7-8).

It says in Revelation 21:7, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." The over comer in Revelation 3:12-13 will be made a pillar (support) in the temple, and will have the name of God (Num 6:27), the name of the City of God (2 Chr 6:5-6), New Jerusalem, and His new name written on him (Rev 3:12).

The over comer in Revelation 2:17 will have a new name written in (on) a white stone. In the Holy City, the Lamb's servants will have His name in (on) their foreheads (Rev 22:3-4). All over comers names are written in the Lamb's book of life (Rev 21:27), and He will not blot them out (Rev 3:4-5).

God is building a holy temple (Eph 2:19-22), a spiritual house that is made up of living (lively) stones (1 Pet 2:3-5), with the Lord Jesus Christ being the Head (Psa 118:22-23) or Chief (1 Pet 2:6) Corner Stone, that which the builders rejected (Mat 21:42) and set at nought (Acts 4:11).

Jesus said in His Fathers house are many mansions, which can mean abodes (John 14:23). He has gone to prepare (1 Cor 2:9-16; Isa 64:4) a place for us.He will come again (John 14:1-3). It could be the New Jerusalem (Heb 11:16; 12:22-24) He was referring to.

The city, whose builder and maker is God, Abraham looked for had foundations (Heb 11:10). Could that be Jerusalem, preferably the New Jerusalem, which has twelve foundations (Rev 21:14)? Heavenly Jerusalem now exists according to Hebrews 12:22.

Zion (Jerusalem) will be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city (Isa 1:26-27). In Isaiah 62:1-2, Jerusalem will be called by a new name given by the mouth of the LORD.

When the LORD dwells in the midst of Jerusalem, she will "…be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain” (Zec 8:3 KJV).

In Isaiah 60:14, she will be called "…The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel" by the sons of those who afflicted and despised her.

In some O.T. scriptures, Jerusalem (Isa 24:23; 37:22) and Zion (Isa 40:9; 52:1-2), the house of Judah and the house of Israel (Jer 31:31-34) at times appear to be synonymous (Jer 18:11-13) in various ways, especially when in reference to His (Jer 31:1) people (Isa 49:13-17; 51:16-17) and to the LORD, the Maker being a husband (Isa 54:5) and married (Jer 3:14), and at times interchangeable.

"...John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Rev 21:2 KJV). The City is so huge, a fifteen hundred mile cube (Rev 21:16), that the old Jerusalem site might not be able to contain it -- and the land will be too narrow for its inhabitants (Isa 49:19-20) -- which might be the reason why it says there was no more sea in Revelation 21:1 so to make room for it.

The Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:33-44), which the children of Israel celebrated annually in old times, and the sanctuary and tabernacle (Heb 9:1-10), which Moses made (Acts 7:44) so that the LORD could dwell among (Exo 25:8-9) the children of Israel and be their God (Exo 29:45-46), will be revealed much differently when everyone who is left of the nations come and worship the LORD (Isa 66:23) in the holy mount at Jerusalem (Isa 27:13) and keep the Feast of Tabernacles (Zec 14:16-17).

The O.T. Feast of Tabernacles, and worldly sanctuary and tabernacle, which was a figure (similitude) for the present time (Heb 9:1-10), and the example (copy) and shadow of heavenly things, were a foretaste of the Feast of Tabernacles, and the marvelous (holy place) Sanctuary, and true (Heb 9:24-26), greater and perfect Tabernacle (Psa 76:2) of God (Rev 21:2-3), the Lord pitched (Heb 8:1-5) and not man (Heb 9:11), that will be with us forever (Ezek 37:26-28).

The LORD will dwell (Zec 2:10-11) among (Rev 7:15) and in the midst of His people (Ezek 43:7), and the LORD (Zec 8:3) and His people will dwell in the midst of (New) Jerusalem (Psa 46:4-7), and they will be His people, and He will be their God... (Zec 8:8).

According to Revelation 21:3, the tabernacle of God will be with men, and He will dwell with them (Psa 46:4-7), and they will be His people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God.

As with the Lamb in Revelation 5:6, so is the Bride mysteriously and figuratively (metaphorically) identified and revealed. The Bride, the Lamb's wife in Revelation 21:9-10 is the (Holy City) New Jerusalem (Rev 21:9-27). The City of the LORD God, Jerusalem, which is the capital of Israel, will be established (1 Ki 15:4 ¹⁹) forever (Psa 48:8).

In Isaiah 62:4, Jerusalem will not be called (termed) Forsaken and the land be termed Desolate (Isa 61:4) any more; it will be called Hephzibah ("my delight (is) in her" according to Strong's Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary) and thy land Beulah (married).

In Isaiah 62:5, the LORD says, "For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee."

On New Jerusalem's twelve gates are written the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel (Rev 7:4-8), and in (on) the foundations (Eph 2:19-22) are written the names of the twelve (Mat 10:1-4) Apostles (Acts 1:16-26) of the Lamb (Rev 21:12-14).

I believe the City's light, like to a most precious stone (even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal), jasper wall (Rev 21:11-14), the City’s pure gold, like unto clear glass, each and every precious stone that garnishes the foundations (Eph 2:19-22) of the wall (Rev 21:18-20), pearly gates, golden streets of the City, etc. signifies a righteous (Isa 61:10-62:3) work that the LORD has wrought (Isa 60:21; 61:3). Each of the twelve gates was of one pearl (Rev 21:21), which only God can create.

New Jerusalem, having the Glory of God, descended (came down), prepared as a bride adorned (Isa 61:10) with the finest of jewels (Rev 21:9-21) for her husband (Rev 21:2).

Only the ones written in the Lamb's book of life (Rev 21:27) and who do His commandments (Rev 22:14) will be able to enter into the gates of the (Holy) City. All others will be on the outside (Isa 52:1-2 ²⁰).

New Jerusalem (City of God, (Psa 46:1-7) will be here during the Millennium. Revelation's various details go back in time to when sinners, who were earlier cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:14-15), are outside the gates of the Holy City (Rev 22:14-15 ²⁰) during the Millennium (Rev 20:4-6).

Some believe the City will be like a hovering satellite over the site of old Jerusalem giving light -- that "...was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal" (Rev 21:11 KJV) -- to the earth's inhabitants (Rev 21:23-27) during the Millennium (Rev 20:4-6).

"And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain" (Isa 4:5-6 KJV).

First and foremost, the glorious throne of God ²¹ and of the Lamb (Rev 22:1) will be (are) there (Rev 4:1-11) in the most gorgeous Holy City (Rev 21:1-22:6) ever. A pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, (flows) proceeds out of the throne, from where the living (Jer 2:13; 17:13) fountains (wells) of waters (Rev 7:16-17) with all the everlasting life giving qualities originate, freely (Isa 55:1-3) given to anyone who thirsts (Rev 21:6; 22:17).

A fountain will (flow) come forth from the house (Ezek 47:1-11) of the LORD and will water the valley of Shittim (Joel 3:18). Plus the tree (Ezek 47:12) of life, bearing twelve manners of fruit, yielding its fruit every month, and so much more will be (are) there (Rev 22:1-5).

The Spirit, the Bride and him that hears say Come... If the Bride is speaking (Jer 33:11) in Revelation 22:17, it must be Israel (Hosea 1:10-11; Rom 11:26), which includes Gentiles (Eph 2:10-22), being a wild olive tree (branch) which was grafted into a good olive tree (Rom 11:16-25), were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, but now are in Christ (Eph 2:12-13) -- who has made of (twain) two (Gal 3:28-29) one new man (Eph 2:14-15) -- and fellow citizens with the Saints and of the household of God (Eph 2:19).

I believe all the children of God (Isa 43:6-7; Gal 3:14, 26) are identified with God (Rev 3:12), the Lamb (Rev 22:3-4), the temple and throughout New Jerusalem, the Bride, and a citizen (Eph 2:19; Phil 3:20) of the gorgeous Holy City. Those not identified in the ways mentioned will be identified in other ways, such as have the mark of the beast (Rev 13:14-18; 16:2).

Conclusion:

We are come to mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn whose names are written in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel (Heb 12:22-24).

Many believe that the church will not be on the earth during great tribulation (Mat 24:21; Rev 7:9-17), and the children of Israel are the ones who will experience Jacob's trouble (Jer 30:4-7). Just remember, (Israel, Hosea 1:10-11) Jewish (Rom 11:26; Acts 7:38) and (Greek, Gal 3:28-29) Gentile (Eph 2:10-22) believers are members of one body (1 Cor 10:16-17) in Christ (Rom 12:5), the church (Col 1:18), not two (1 Cor 12:12-13).

And also, there will be no two (segment) first resurrections for Saints, one before the (Mega) Tribulation and one after. Those who believe in a Gentile secret pre-trib rapture will not be prepared (Luke 12:45-48) for the Tribulation.

Can you picture it? The Bride, New Jerusalem which encompasses all Israel is in one package. It is the most gorgeous Holy City that will ever exist.

Our Holy God, who is the greatest lover of all eternity, chose the Bride, made a new covenant, and given her to the Lamb, the one who was sent to woo back His wayward wife, cleanse her and make her His Virgin Bride again.

For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son... (John 3:16), sent Him in the likeness of sinful flesh (Rom 8:3; Phil 2:7-8), and "...made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself..." (Col 1:20 KJV)

Have you ever desired to be a part of someone, be totally one (Rev 21:22) with him or her? Well, whatever our godly, eternal needs might be, they will be taken care of within the gates of New Jerusalem.

In the previous study, some will not comprehend the picture of the Bride that was discovered from the Word of God, "...because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor 2:9-16 KJV); but for those who do, although some things are not yet (1 John 3:2-3) seen (Heb 11:1) because they are not visible (Col 1:15-17), our faith keeps us hanging on to the truths.

Consider this, the Marriage and Marriage Supper of the Lamb, and the New Jerusalem are similitudes (Num 12:6-8; Hosea 12:10) of the heavenly (John 3:11-13; Heb 8:5) and spiritual things which God has prepared (John 14:1-3; Heb 11:16) for them who love (1 Cor 2:9-16) and wait (Isa 64:4) for Him.

We will bear (wear) the image of the heavenly, and have a Christ like (1 John 3:2-3), spiritual body (1 Cor 15:35-54) in that Day (2 Th 2:1-4), and have on the garments of righteousness, and see the beauty we are clothed and housed in.

We are now being conformed to the image of God's Son (Rom 8:28-29). Our change (1 Cor 15:51-54) will come (Job 14:12-15), fashioned like unto his glorious body (Phil 3:20-21), when our Redeemer (Job 19:25-27) appears the second time (Heb 9:28).

(1 John 3:2 KJV) "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

It has not yet been manifested what we will be, but we know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him (Psa 17:15), for we will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2-3). And then, we will know just as we also are known (1 Cor 13:9-13).

(1 Cor 13:12 KJV) "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."

References:

1) Zep 1:7-13
2) Mat 24:1-2, 15-20; Mark 13:1-2, 14-20; Luke 21:5-6, 20-24; Josephus, War 6.4,5ff; 6.8.5; Dissertation 1
3) Dan 11:35; 12:10; Mat 22:12-13; Rev 3:4-5, 18; 4:4; 6:9-11; 7:9-17; 19:7-8, 14
4) Mat 23:37-39; Luke 13:34-35
5) Mal 3:1-3; Mat 11:10; Mark 1:2-3; Luke 7:27
6) Mat 3:11-14; Mark 1:7-8; Luke 3:16-17; John 1:26-27, 29-31
7) Isa 40:3; Mat 3:1-3; Mark 1:1-4; Luke 3:4-6; John 1:19-23
8) Isa 26:17-27:1; Dan 12:1-3; John 16:20-22; Rom 8:16-23
9) Exo 29:4-9; Exo 30:23-33; Lev 21:10; 1 Sam 10:1; 16:13-14
10) John 14:16-20, 23; 2 Cor 1:21-22; Eph 1:13-14; 4:30; 2 Tim 2:19
11) John 17:19; Rom 5:18-19; 15:16; 1 Cor 6:11; 1 Pet 1:2
12) Jer 3:6-14
13) Jer 5:30-31; 18:11-13; 23:13-14; Hosea 6:10
14) Isa 54:7-8; Hosea 1:6-9; 2:23; Rom 9:24-26; 1 Pet 2:9-10
15) Isa 11:10-11; 54:7-8; Jer 31:7-8; Ezek 11:17; Jer 30:3-4; Psa 14:7; Isa 27:12-13; 11:12-13; Jer 23:7-8; Deu 30:3-6; Jer 29:14; 43:5; Zec 2:6; Psa 107:2-3; Isa 43:5-7; 49:12; Jer 3:17-18; 16:14-15; Zec 8:7-8; Jer 23:1-4; John 11:51-52
16) Hosea 1:10-11; Rom 9:24-26
17) Isa 27:13; 66:23; Zec 14:16-17
18) Gen 14:18; Psa 76:2; Heb 7:1-2
19) Jerusalem: 1 Ki 15:4; Isa 62:7; City of the LORD God: Psa 48:8; Zion: Psa 87:5; Israel: 2 Chr 9:8; Holy People: Deu 28:9; Righteous, Kings: Job 36:7; Just: Psa 7:9; David's Seed: Psa 89:2-4; House, Throne, Kingdom: 2 Sam 7:12-17, 24-25; 1 Ki 9:3-5; 1 Chr 17:11-15, 22-24; 22:9-11; 28:7; 2 Chr 7:16-18; Isa 9:6-7; Covenant: Gen 6:17-18; Psa 9:8-11; 17:1-2, 5-7; Lev 26:9; Deu 8:18; 29:9-15; Ezek 16:59-63; Heb 10:9-10
20) Isa 52:1-2; Rev 21:27; 22:14-15
21) Exo 24:9-11; Isa 6:1-7; Ezek 1:22-28; Rev 4:1-11;
22) Psa 68:18; Ezek 43:6-9; Joel 3:17; Zec 2:10-11; 8:3, 7-8; John 14:16-20, 23; Rom 8:9-11; 1 Cor 3:16-17; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 3:16-19; 2 Tim 1:14; 1 John 3:23-24; 4:12-16; Rev 7:14-17; 21:2-3
23) Exo 19:16-21; Rev 4:5; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18
24) Mat 10:11-15; 11:20-24; 12:31-37; Mark 6:10-11; 2 Pet 2:1-22; Rev 6:12-17; 11:14-18; 14:7-11, 17-20; 15:1-16:21; 17:1-2; 18:8-10; 19:11-21
25) Rev 4:1-11; 5:1-14; 7:9-17; 8:3-4; 14:1-5; 15:2-4; 19::5-9; 21:1-22:5
26) Mat 12:18; 20:16; 22:14; 24:22-24, 31; Mark 13:20-22, 27; Luke 18:6-8; 23:35; John 6:70; 15:16, 19; Acts 1:2-3, 24-25; 9:15-16; 10:40-41; 15:21-22, 25-26; 22:13-14; Rom 8:33; 16:13; 1 Cor 1:26-29; Eph 1:3-6; Col 3:12; 2 Th 2:13-14; 1 Tim 5:21; 2 Tim 2:10; Titus 1:1; James 2:5; 1 Pet 1:1-2; 2:1-10; 2 John 1:1-2, 13; Rev 17:14

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