The Marriage of the Lamb - Rev 19:7-9

The Marriage of the Lamb. - Revelation 19:7-9

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.

Marriage is not just an honorable institution; it is the most honorable institution that a male and a female may enter. It is honorable among men and God because of the act of sanctification. It is an institute set apart by God to be different than any other form of commitment, covenant, or relationship. When it is done properly and the bed us undefiled by immorality, whoremongering, or adultery then it is the canonization of the relationship between a man and woman and is a direct picture or the consecration of the Church towards Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 13:4-6; Romans 6:13,19)

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

This is quite an awaited event. We often say that marriage between a male and a female is representative of Christ and the Church. The truth is that it is more than a superficial comparison of the act of the marriage. Each step in customary marriage reveals information concerning God’s redemptive plan. This even includes the “kinsman redeemer” provision included in Jewish customs. Where a cut of family line can be redeemed to the inheritance through the marriage of a kinsman. The more you know about the marriage tradition, the more you understand the marriage of Christ and the church. Here are some things for further study:

The Father selects and sends out for a bride for his son (Genesis 2:18; 24:1-7)The Damsel must agree (Genesis 24:8, 57-59; Acts 16:30; Romans 10:10) A man shall leave his father and mother (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 10:37-38)We cannot be forced into a relationship with Jesus, we must agree to commit. The Bride is purchased: Mohar as Purchased and Gift (Galatians 3:13-15; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Acts 20:26-29) The Wedding Contract is Agreed Upon. This is called Shiddukhin and is a time of mutual commitment. (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 54:10; Jeremiah 32:40; Ezekiel 37:26; Hebrews 8:8-12; Hebrews 10:16-17)Two Ceremonies to Marriage: Both were Celebrations to be held at Two Different Times “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22)Betrothal (Erusin)Traditionally the Bride (kallah) and the groom (chatan) are separately immersed in water in a rutyal called the mikvah – this is a symbolic spiritual cleansing (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 16:16)Legally Married from this pointTook a legal divorce before she could become available for another manRemained in her father’s house (current home) Groom prepares a place for his brideBride prepares herself for the wedding (garments, lamps made ready)The Bride new the groom was coming, but did not know whenThe Groom knew that he would be getting his bride and worked to ensure that everything would be ready for herThe Father of the Groom was who decided when the Groom could get the Bride. (Mark 13:32; Matthew 24:36)Although there was an expectant time period, the groom could come early if the Father allowed, so the bride had to be ready at any moment. (Matthew 25:1-13; John 14:3; 2 Peter 3:10)Wedding (Nissuin) – This word nissuin means “to take” and it comes from the word naso, which means to lift up. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)Brought to the house of her groom’s fatherAdorned in colorful pageantry (Revelation 21:1-2)Consummation of Marriage (Revelation 22:12,17)The Groom goes to receive his bride with great sounds and fanfare (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Joel 2:16)

Even in this simple outline we can see in the scriptures the Father sending for a bride. Then the price that is paid for this gift to the Father’s son is the sacrifice of that very son. The Son then returns to his Father’s house once the covenant had been satisfied and awaits the day of his marriage to his precious bride.

The term righteousness of the saints is better understood as the righteous deeds of the saints. These are some of the treasures build up in heaven by the righteousness of the saints. This bride has the right to dress in fine linens and to be dresses in the purity of clean and white attire. She has kept herself pure until the wedding day. She has been faithful to her betrothed all the way to the consummation. (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:26-27)

Jesus Christ gave himself for the church so that he might present the to himself as a glorious church who is righteous and as a holy virgin, a loved treasure to be sought after. This is how Christ sees his church, as a beautiful, virgin, bride beautifully adorned, who has faithfully awaited her wedding day, and worth the cost, labor, and the wait. Like a young man Jesus is filled with anticipation as his eyes are filled with the love light of his bride as she is being guided along by her procession. Flower petals being thrown for her precious feet to walk her path. The trail of her dress being gently lifted by her maidens as she slowly proceeds towards her groom. Everyone rises in awe of her beauty. There are great smiles, and heart felt tears, no one has awaited this day like the lovely bride and the hansom groom. No one is prouder than the Father of the groom. His big heart beating in excitement and joy, as his greatest gift to his son steps up alongside of this heir. What a wonderous day it is.

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.

A wedding is for most people the most joyous ceremony that can ever be attended. It is a blessing to be asked to attend a wedding because only family and close friends are usually sent invitations to attend. It is a time to dress up and to see and be seen as a loved friend and family member. They are called to be a witness to the most important event in two peoples lives. They will be in the presence of family, friends, and of God himself to see this event of two people becoming one. It is the oldest even in the history of mankind. It goes all the way back to creation. When God saw that it was not good that a man should be alone, and he created him a helpmate. He created mankind in his own image as a male and a female for this express purpose- that they should become one. Like the trinity of God is one. There will never be a more joyous happening in the lives of these two as individuals. It is especially true if it is the Son of God who is to be married. (Matthew 7:21)