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(Rev 19:7-9 KJV) "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." Old and New Testament Similarities There are some O.T. and N.T. passages that help us to depict the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and understand its timing (but not the day and hour). In Exodus 19:16, there were thunders, lightnings, and a thick cloud on the Mount, and the voice of a loud trumpet, fire and smoke (Exo 20:18), and the whole mount quaked greatly in the day the LORD descended (came down) on Mount Sinai... before a select few saw the God of Israel, and eat and drink (Exo 24:9-11). (Exo 19:16-20 KJV) "And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. {17} And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. {18} And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. {19} And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. {20} And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up." And in Revelation 16:18-21 (Rev 6:12-17; 11:16-19), there were voices, thunders and lightnings, and there was a great earthquake... in the day the Lord Jesus Christ descends (1 Th 4:16-17) in a cloud (Luke 21:27), appears (Rev 6:12-17) the second time (Heb 9:28), and the great (Isa 27:13; Mat 24:31) trumpet sounds (1 Cor 15:51-54); before Saints enter into 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), and set, eat (Luke 14:15) and drink (Mat 26:29) with Him (Rev 3:20-21) at His table (Luke 22:25-30) in heavenly places (Eph 1:1-23; 2:4-9). (Rev 16:18-20 KJV) "And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. {19} And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. {20} And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found." 1 In both Old and New Testament cases, there were some unique responses, voices, thunders, lightnings and a great quake, when the fearful presence of the Lord was near, and Saints were in His presence. And John "...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. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come..." (Rev 19:6-7 KJV). Sanctified and Holy Before the LORD would (descend) come down on the Mount (Sinai) in the sight of all the people (children of Israel), they had to be (holy) sanctified (Exo 19:10-15). (Exo 19:10-11 KJV) "And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, {11} And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai." (Exo 19:14-15 KJV) "And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. {15} And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives." To be able to see the Lord God, one had to be sanctified (Heb 13:12), holy (Heb 12:14) and have a pure heart (Mat 5:8). (Heb 13:12 KJV) "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate." (Heb 12:14 KJV) "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" (Mat 5:8 KJV) "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Sprinkled with Blood The children of Israel were sprinkled with blood of the old (Heb 8:13) covenant (Exo 24:8). (Exo 24:8 KJV) "And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words." But Christian converts are sprinkled (1 Pet 1:2) with blood (1 Pet 1:18-21) of the new covenant (Heb 12:24) by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7), who is the Lamb (Rev 13:8) of God (John 1:29). (Heb 12:24 KJV) "And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." Type of Marriage Supper (Exo 24:9-11) When Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and seventy elders saw the God of Israel, and eat and drink (Exo 24:9-11), it could have been a type of Marriage Supper of the Lamb. (Exo 24:9-11 KJV) "Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: {10} And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. {11} And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink." The Lord God and Throne Exodus 24:9-11, Ezekiel 1:22-28 and Revelation 4:1-11 show revelations, visions and similitudes (Hosea 12:10) of the glorious Lord God, that which a select few saw, disciples, apostles and prophets saw. 2 The twenty-four elders (Rev 4:10-11) and four beasts are in the midst and around about the throne (Rev 4:6-8), a place all children of God 3 will be some day. Can you imagine how beautiful it's going to be in the presence of Lord, and sit and partake of a meal with Him (Rev 3:20-21) at His table (Luke 22:25-30) in heavenly places (Eph 1:1-23; 2:4-9), when He serves (Luke 12:37)? (Rev 4:6 KJV) "And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind." According to Exodus 24:10, there was under the feet of the God of Israel "as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness;" which is in part similar to the likeness (similitude) of the firmament on the heads of the living creatures (cherubims), as the color of awesome crystal stretched over their heads above.... According to Ezekiel 1:22-28, above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness (similitude) of a throne, as the appearance (vision) of a sapphire stone (Ezek 10:1). And on the likeness of the throne was the likeness (similitude) as the appearance (vision) of a Man, which is more descriptive than the Exodus 24:9-11 vision. (Ezek 1:22 KJV) "And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature[s] was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above." (Ezek 1:26 KJV) "And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it." And, according to Revelation 4:6, before ("in the presence (sight) of") the throne there was a sea of glass (Rev 15:2-4) like unto crystal, and in the midst and round about the throne, were four (living creatures) beasts full of eyes before and behind. Each prophet's description may vary to some extent, for they were revelations, visions and similitudes. The four living creatures and four beasts (translated "living creatures" in some Bible versions) appear to be sited differently. If you read next study called "Four Beasts (living things) of Revelation," you may better understand the creatures. The Lord makes all things new (Rev 21:5). R Proceed Out of Throne (Rev 4:5 KJV) "And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." In Revelation 4:5, lightning, thundering and voices proceed out of the throne, prior to a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeds out of the glorious throne of God and of the Lamb (Rev 22:1). When "voices, thunders (-ings), lightnings" appear in such a group (Rev 8:5 4), 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 5) 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. Winepress, Plagues, Slaughter, Supper The winepress (Isa 63:1-6) of the wrath of God (Rev 14:17-20), the seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, the seven last plagues (Rev 15:1, 6-8; 21:9), the battle (Rev 19:11-16) at a place called Armageddon (Rev 16:14, 16), the slaughter (Isa 34:1-3) and supper of the (LORD, Deu 10:17-21) great God (Rev 19:17-21) occur prior to Saints entering into 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). There's part of a Revelation vision in heaven (Rev 15:7-8), wherein I demonstrated before in other studies, that helps us understand the timing of the resurrection, which occurs before wrath (Isa 26:20-21), and the timing of the Marriage and Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:5-9), which occurs after wrath. "And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled" (Rev 15:7-8 KJV). Marriage and Supper (Rev 19:5-9) After the fulfillment of the seven last plagues (Rev 15:1, 6-8; 21:9), the battle (Rev 19:11-16) at a place called Armageddon (Rev 16:14, 16), the slaughter (Isa 34:1-3) and supper of the (LORD, Deu 10:17-21) great God (Rev 19:17-21), I believe Saints, the called, chosen and faithful (Rev 17:14), the armies that follow the Lord, clothed in fine linen, white and clean (Rev 19:14), and also holy angels (Mat 25:31 6) will enter into the temple (Rev 15:8), and prepared 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), which 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. (Isa 64:4 KJV) "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him." (1 Cor 2:9-16 KJV) "...But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit..." Note: New Jerusalem 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; Isa 52:1-2) during the Millennium (Rev 20:4-6). That which proceeds out of the glorious throne of God and of the Lamb changes significantly, from lightning, thundering and voices to a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal (Rev 22:1), 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). (Rev 22:1 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." 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 7). Note: 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.) There are some who are waiting for the Lord to return (depart) from the wedding; and when He comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately (Luke 12:36). Some will not hear the voice (1 Ki 19:9-14) of Jesus (Rev 3:20-21; John 10:27-29) and will not open to Him. Jesus Christ said, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Rev 3:20 KJV). "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand..." (John 10:27-29 KJV). Once the Master of the house has shut the door, there will be some to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open for us; and He will answer and say to them, I do not know you, where are you from (Luke 13:25)? Note: Individually, believers are His (good and faithful (Mat 25:21-23) and wise) servants and stewards, guests and chosen; but collectively, believers are the Bride and body of Christ, and already married to the Lord, waiting for it to be consummated. Believers are 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). Being a virgin plus having Jesus Christ (Anointed) and the Holy Spirit are essentials to entering into the Marriage, according to my deductions from the story about ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. After the five foolish virgins 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 fine linen (clean and white), the Lamb's wife is (clothed) arrayed in (Rev 19:14), is the righteousness of the Saints (Rev 19:7-8). Note: The linen clothing, like the linen coats and clothing that were made for Aaron and his sons (Exo 39:27-29), could signify our priestly (Rev 1:5-6 8) position. Others clothed in white: 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. The way the robes were made white was by the blood of Lamb (Rev 7:9-17). 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 3:4-6). I counsel you (Laodiceans) 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 3:18-22). The fine linen, white and clean (pure), the armies in Revelation 19:14 were clothed in and the Lamb's wife in Revelation 19:7-8 was (clothed) arrayed in, the seven angels in Revelation 15:6 were also clothed in. It is only appropriate and necessary (Mat 22:11-13) that holy (Mat 25:31) angels (who at times do the task of priests) be clothed in pure and white linen for the Marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:7-8). 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 9), that's not vein (Prov 31:30 10), 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. (Mat 25:23 KJV) "His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." 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. Fruit of the Vine The awesome Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:5-9) occurs only when the kingdom of God is come, in the day of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Remember in Luke 22:18 Jesus said, "...I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come." I believe some form of wine will be served at the Marriage Supper. In Matthew 26:29 Jesus said, "...I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." On the most special occasion of all, the best (fruit of the vine) wine will be served. Jesus has the power to turn water into wine (John 2:1-11). Like the good wine at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, neither fermentation nor age will be needed to make this non-alcoholic new (sweet) wine. "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." (Joel 3:18 KJV). References:
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