REVELATION 19.6 I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns! 19.7 Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.” 19.8 It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 19.9 He said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” -WEB Bible.
Immediately following the story of the harlot of Babylon,
Revelation introduces the Bride of Christ. She is portrayed as a city,
just as the harlot was. Each "city" is a representation of many, many
people. The contrast between the two
women is meant to be noticed and appreciated, because they are as different as
night and day. God intends for us to see the differences, and take heed.
The Bride of Christ is chaste and lovely, seeking to
please her husband. She is everything that a sweet bride should be, just as her
husband is perfect in every way. The Bride of Christ is the ultimate revelation
of a perfect marriage.
SUBMISSION has become an extremely negative word in
today’s world, but Jesus set a different example for submission. He submitted
to his Father in all things, and he asks that his followers submit to him.
Perhaps it’s impossible to understand the beauty of this
relationship without God’s help. When there’s no sin or cruel subjection
involved, submission is the path to perfect unity and fellowship. In its purest
form, submission is a gift of love.
God the Father and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are in
such complete unity as they work together, that the Bible says
they are ONE GOD even though they are three distinctly different persons.
Humans are incapable of this kind of perfect unity so we really don't get it. We
can't fathom how this works. It's a very beautiful mystery, because the unity
that exists between the three persons of God is pure and perfect.
It is this kind of perfect unity that God desires with us,
and it only happens when we learn the spiritual benefits of submission to the
will of God.
2 JOHN 1:6 And this is love:
that we walk in obedience to his commands. NIV
ROMANS 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one
another above yourselves. NIV
JOHN 14:8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father,
and that will be enough for us." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been
with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? He who has seen me
has seen the Father. How do you say, 'Show us the Father?' 10 Don't you believe
that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I tell you, I
speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works. 11
Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me
for the very works' sake. 12 Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me,
the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these,
because I am going to my Father. WEB Bible
John’s vision of the Bride of Christ is something that’s
impossible to fully understand. We know that the vision was beautiful. And we
know it’s something for believers to look forward to, but we won’t know what
the vision means until the time comes.
I do think this lovely vision is meant to challenge us to do
better as Christians, and to embrace a life of holiness that is pleasing to
Christ. We want to be ready to take our place in this beautiful city.
The Harlot of Babylon is the end result of
rebellion against God.
The Bride of Christ reveals the beauty that comes from submission to God.
