IN THE LAST TRUMP
The Marriage of the Lamb
The Marriage of the
Lamb and the Marriage Supper have been among the most joyfully anticipated events for
the servants of the Lord in all ages. Some have not known much of this blessed
occasion, while others have been privileged to understand more, yet all who have heard
have no doubt crudely visualized in their own minds the setting, the proceedings and
climax of these events. It is necessary to give some treatment to the marriage of the
Lamb and the marriage feast because of their direct connection with the Lord's
return.
It is not my purpose to discuss, at
this time, all the things of especial interest relative to the subject. Actually, the
material that shall be given here is of much lesser interest and significance them some
other things involved in the Marriage of the Lamb. The following comments will be
limited as much as possible to discussing the time elements involved. To delve into
certain other delightful things directly connected to a full examination would possibly
serve to lessen the emphasis upon the time elements which are my primary object at this
time. It is very tempting to dip into the sweeter things, but wisdom demands that they
be set aside in the present volume. May the reader please understand my position in
this matter, and let it be established now that of necessity some questions will be
left unsettled on other elements related to the Marriage simply because this discussion
will not deal with those things. By making careful note that only that which is needful
in relation to the time development is treated here, the reader will be prepared for a
better reception of the following material.
It is commonly believed that the
Marriage of the Lamb and the Marriage Supper, as well as the judgment seat of Christ,
will take place in the air some time before the glory coming of Christ. This would
necessitate two appearings of the Lord. There have been many good sounding things
written and said about to such appearings by many brethren of good and honest
intentions. Nevertheless, as has been abundantly proven already, there will be only one
phase of the Second Advent of Christ; consequently, of necessity, these other events
(Marriage of the Lamb, judgment seat of Christ, etc.) must follow that Coming.
Scores of scriptures have been given
which clearly show that the judgment seat of Christ is after His one glory and thief
Coming. These very same scriptures will just as emphatically demand that the marriage
of the Lamb is also after that glory and thief Coming.
Possibly it would add emphasis and
clarity to the matter to give a brief summary of the time the saints will be rewarded
in relation to the many scriptures dealing with the Coming. May we briefly call to mind
the following observations which have already been covered.
(1). The giving of rewards cannot come until the "last trump" has sounded
because then is the time of the resurrection and rapture (I Cor. 15:51-52). There can
be no rewards given out until after the resurrection and rapture. This is also true
with the Marriage of the Lamb.
(2). The giving of rewards cannot come until the sounding of the seventh trumpet
because the Word plainly says that such comes under the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15-19).
(3). The time of rewards is not until Christ begins to reign (Rev. 11:15-19), which
is the time the seventh trumpet sounds. The kingdom of this world becomes the kingdom
of our Lord at the time the seventh trumpet sounds.
(4). The giving of rewards to the saints is not until the wrath of God begins
(Rev. 6:9-17; Rev. 11:15-19; II Thess. 1; Matt. 24:36-41; etc). The wrath of God comes
publicly to all the world.
(5). The time of rewards is not until the "day of the Lord
Jesus Christ" (I Cor. 1:7-8), which is the time of the revelation of
Christ. Concerning the time of rewards Paul says, "for the DAY
will declare it" (I Cor. 3:13-15).
(6). The time of rewards is not until the "last day"
has begun (John 6, 39, 40, 44, 52; 11:24; 12:48). Jesus Himself said that the
resurrection will be "at (in) the
last day." There will be no rewarding the saints until after the resurrection.
(7). Rewards will be given out AFTER the GLORY coming of Christ (Matt. 16:27; Mark
8:38; and Luke 9:26).
(8). Rewarding the saints will take place after the revelation of Christ (II Thess.
1:4-10; I Cor. 1:7-8; I Pet. 1:7, 13; 4:12; etc).
(9). Rewards will be received after the "shining upon" and the "shining"
of the Lord (II Tim. 4:1,8; I John 2:28; etc.
(10). The time of rewarding is in the "body presence" of the Lord (I John 2:28;
Matt. 24:27; I Thess. 2:19-20; 5:23; etc).
(11). The time of rewards is not until after the forty two months wrath of the Antichrist
has ended (Matt. 24:23-28; II Thess. 2:1-3; Rev. 11:15-19; etc).
Once again attention is called to the
fact that the Marriage of the Lamb cannot take place before the time the saints are
rewarded. Rewards are very directly connected with the bride of Christ and her marriage
to the Lamb. We can just as correctly say in each of the above observations, that the
Marriage of the Lamb does not take place until the time mentioned in each. It is
imperative that such be so.
"THE LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT REIGNETH"
Now I would like to
point out that the book of Revelation pointedly says that Christ has already begun to
reign before the Marriage of the Lamb takes place. We have learned that the wrath of
God begins with the coming of Christ in glory. This has been pointed out numerous times
from many scriptures which state such clearly, yet for the reader's convenience, a
few of them are given again -- (I Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 14-15; Matt. 24:29-31; Rev.
6:12-17; 11:15-19; I Thess. 5:1-3; Luke 21:34-36; Matt. 24:36-39; etc).
As we look at Revelation, chapters 15
and 16, we see that all the seven vials are filled with the wrath of God. This means
that these vials must not proceed, but follow the sixth seal (Rev. 6:12-17), and the
seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15-19), for it is at the time of these that the wrath of God
begins. This makes it necessary for us to understand that ALL SEVEN VIALS are poured
out AFTER Christ has come in glory which makes beautiful harmony when studied through
to its end. Please study the sixth seal and the seventh trumpet with great care.
The next thing of which we should make
careful note is found in Rev. 16:17-21. This is the pouring out of the seventh vial;
and it is at this time that great Babylon comes into remembrance before God
"to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his
wrath" (verse 19). "And upon her forehead was a name
written, MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE
EARTH" (Rev. 17:5). Mark carefully that the judgment of mystery Babylon
falls under the SEVENTH VIAL.
Now, approaching the 19th chapter of
Revelation, let us observe that the praises of verse 1 are rendered particularly
because God has just completed the judgment of the great harlot (verse 2). This means
that it is now (in this chapter) far past the time when the kingdom of this world
became the kingdom of Christ (Rev. 11:15-19), at which time Christ began to reign.
These praises continue down through verse 6 where further reason is given for their
joy. The further reason is because "the Lord God omnipotent
reigneth." Under the seventh trumpet we read that the "kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and his
Christ" (Rev. 11:15). We also read of the elders saying, "We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to
come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned"
(Rev. 11:17). Thus we find that God has given the kingdom of this world to Christ and
has begun to reign through Christ. Now, in Rev. 19:7 we read, "let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him for the marriage of the
Lamb is come..." Who is the antecedent of the word "Him"? It is
the "Lord God omnipotent" that "reigneth" of verse 6. Then, we must
understand that Christ has already begun to reign and the great harlot
has already been judged when the marriage takes place. This also makes it
necessary for us to understand that the Marraige and much of the Marriage feast takes
place on earth in Jerusalem.
As we study the customs of the Jews as
recorded by different historians, especially in the light of inspired scripture, we
find that they are very interesting and enlightening, particularly when compared with
what the Word says about Christ and His espoused bride in connection with the marriage
and the accompanying Feast.
In Israel the selection of a bride was
sometimes done by the groom himself (Jacob, Moses, Sampson, etc.), though at other
times it was done by an appointed friend (Isaac) or possibly by the father.
Betrothal was a solemn matter: almost as much as marriage itself, Matt. 1:18-20. The
matter of betrothal was extremely solemn; almost as much as marraige itself (Matt.
1:18-20). The betrothal could be broken only by death or the discovery of fornication
on the part of the bride - elect (Deut 22:23-24). The interval between betrothal and
marriage varied; and during this time the selected bride continued to live with her
family (Jacob, Judges 14 and 15). Sometimes all communications between the bride and
the groom were carried on through a friend appointed for that purpose (Isaac,
Jacob).
When the time for the marriage arrived,
the groom, accompanied by friends, and sometimes with music, would go get the bride and
bring her to the place of the marriage and the feast (Matt. 25:1-13; Luke 12:36-37). It
appears, from the comments of different writers, as well as the scriptures, that the
ceremonies of the marriage itself were sometimes about the first thing taken care of
with the feast following, while at other times the ceremonies climaxed the days of
feasting (Gen 29:22). The feast sometimes lasted seven days (Judges 14), varying at
other times to shorter or longer periods. Although these customs were generally much
the same, there appears to be no fixed procedure that was rigidly followed.
It is certain that all the varied
customs of the Jews relative to marriage cannot serve as parallels in the subject under
discussion, yet there are some which definitely do appear to serve as such, if in no
other way than a parabolic or figurative capacity. Some of these parallels may be some
what vague, but others are quite clear, though we possibly cannot make an extremely
rigid application of any of them. What I mean is this, for instance: The union of man
and woman in matrimony is partially to the end of producing offspring which cannot
possibly be said of Christ and His Bride. Many of the relations of man and wife will
certainly not be experienced by Christ and the church. The language which describes
Christ as a Bridegroom and the church or the New Jerusalem as His bride must be
considered as figurative; and the reason that such figures are used is because they
best describe that blessed and eternal union which shall be realized between Christ and
His bride. God frequently accommodates us with such usages of human terms.
If it is true that there was a friend
who introduced the bride to Christ (and it appears to be so), John the Baptist was
certainly that person. John was the one who prepared the material and introduced the
same to the Lord, which the Lord received and with which He formed His church. After
Christ had received the prepared material and had formed the church, we hear John
saying, "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" (John 3:29).
Thus we find that John was the friend who served somewhat in the position of
Abraham's servant who sought out the bride for Isaac.
If we are right in following the
parallel further, we find that the Holy Spirit is the friend or medium through whom all
communications between the bridegroom and the bride - elect are relayed until the time
that the Groom shall come for His espoused to take her to the Marriage Banquet and the
Marriage.
BREAKING UP CAMP
Now, having laid the
foundation for further discussion of the Marriage Supper and the Marriage, let us
proceed to other passages dealing with such. In Luke 12:36 we find these words of Jesus
to His betrothed: "And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for
their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh,
they may open unto him immediately."
The statement, "when he will return from the wedding," is quite puzzling until
we examine the Greek word translated "return" in the light of certain other
matters. Concerning this word, Robertson says, "The verb ANALUO, very common Greek
verb, but only twice in N. T. (here and Phil. 1:23). The figure is breaking up a camp
or loosing the mooring of a ship, to depart." Thus the statement can be read,
"when he will break up camp out of the Wedding Feast." I say "Wedding
Feast" because the Greek word often includes the feast, and such absolutely must
be the case here for there could be no marriage until the Bride has been brought to
take part in it (Rev. 19:7-9).
This passage is significant and I want
to point out the following observations which are necessary by the passage in the light
of the context.
(1). This coming is for the Bride. The context will clearly demand that this be so. It
is the Father's good pleasure to give the kingdom to the little flock (verse 32).
If the passage is not clear in the reader's mind, he should turn and study it
carefully, and also the harmony of the subject matter in Matt. 24:43-51 and Matt.
25:1-30.
(2). Since this is the coming for the bride, then we can say positively that the
Marriage will not take place prior to this time. There will be no marriage without
the Bride.
(3). Since the Marriage will not take place prior to this Coming, then the word
"GAMON," translated "wedding," must include the time of feasting.
Christ breaks up camp out of the Wedding (Wedding Feast) to come for the Bride.
(4). Look carefully at the expression, "POTE ANALUSEI EK TON GAMON" which
means, "when he shall break up camp out of the Wedding" (Feast). This
expression is stronger than just leaving camp for a short time. We must understand
that Christ has climaxed His part in the feasting which is under way in heaven at
this time. He is not leaving for a short while, but has broken up camp and has headed
for another location. But let us follow the matter further. A camper may have a
definite plan in mind by breaking up camp out of one location and moving to another
location, yet his plans may just as easily include similar activities at the second
location. We can see from Rev. 19:7-9 that the bride will be at the Wedding and the
Wedding Feast in full dress (glorified).
All this demands much further
explanation. We learn from this verse that the Wedding Feast has begun in heaven before
Christ comes for His Bride, yet, as has been shown already, the Marriage itself is on
the earth in Jerusalem which at first appears somewhat contradictory, though upon
further investigation we find the key that unlocks the door to the beautiful harmony.
Before I endeavor to give the understanding, I would like for us to anticipate the time
when the feasting in heaven will begin.
In Revelation chapter 12, particularly
verses 7-12, we learn some important facts. We learn that Satan, at the present time,
has access into the presence of God where he accuses us day and night, but that there
is coming a time when he will be cast out of heaven. That time will be the same that
the Antichrist causes the abomination in the midst of the week. That will also be the
time that Israel flees into the wilderness for 3 1/2 years. It is my judgment that that
will also be the very time the Marriage Feast begins in heaven. The excelling joys of
the Wedding Feast will not begin as long as Satan is present, but when he is cast out
with his angels, the occasion will be right for the feasting to begin. The casting out
of Satan and his angels means that the time of the end is very near when Christ shall
come for his bride, at which time the heavens will be rolled back for God from heaven
and Christ from Jerusalem through the angels and the saints to pour out their wrath
upon all the forces of evil.
THE HEAVENS STANDING OPEN
At the appointed time
(3 1/2 years after Satan has been cast out of heaven) Christ breaks up camp out of the
Wedding Feast and descends toward the earth for His Bride. At very nearly the same time
the sun and moon are darkened, the stars fall from heaven, and the whole heavens are
rolled back so that all inhabitants of the earth view, not only the Son descending and
the saints ascending to meet Him, but also, the very throne of God with the Father
sitting upon it (Rev. 6:12-17). The heavens remain rolled back throughout the entire
period of God's wrath (44 1/2 months -- see later chapter). Christ descends with
His saints to Jerusalem and possesses (through the period of God's wrath) the land
"from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river
Euphrates" (Gen. 15:18).
The Wedding Feast continues, both in
heaven and on earth (the part possessed). With the heavens rolled back the whole earth
is openly in the very presence of God. This is the time of which Jesus spoke in John
1:51: "And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon
the Son of Man." Concerning the word "open," Robertson says,
"Second perfect active participle of ANOIGO with double reduplication, standing
open. The word reminds one of what took place at the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:16; Luke
3:21), but the immediate reference is to the opened heaven as the symbol of free
intercouse between God and man (Isa. 64:1), and as it was later illustrated in the
death of Stephen (Acts 7:56)." Vincent says, "The participle signifies
standing open."
God shall, in the presence of the whole
world, visibly show His pleasure in the Son. All shall see with their physical eyes the
very proof of the words, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased," (Matt. 3:17; 17:5). The Father shall openly show who is
truly God by coming visibly face to face with that one who shortly before stood himself
"in the temple of God, showing himself that he is
God" (II Thess. 2:4). And with visible free intercourse between His throne
in heaven and the throne of Christ in Jerusalem; and with the joyful, unhindered
passage of angels between the two thrones, He will bring all to acknowledge who is
truly the anointed King over all the earth.
Still further, by the subordination of
the powerful angels to the true heirs of salvation; and by the exceeding joyfulness
with which the mighty ones set forth with their very pleasant task; yea, and greater
still, by the fact that Christ after breaking up camp out of the feasting in heaven,
receives His Bride, brings her to Jerusalem, sets her down to meat as the feasting
begins there also, girds Himself, and comes forth to serve her (Luke 12:37), He will
publicly manifest to all who is truly His Bride in whom He finds exceedingly great
pleasure. Those who joyfully bore the reproach of Christ, who endured bitter
persecutions and tribulations and are accounted worthy of the kingdom, are at this time
resting and enjoying the Marriage Feast (II Thess. 1:3-7). What a restful, joyful time
this will be for the saints, but what a horrifying, troublous time for the world. God
shall show His delight in His holy ones, but shall sit in the heavens and laugh at
those who despised His counsel and reproof (Prov 1:24-31).
This is also the time of which Jesus
spoke in Matt. 8:11-12: "And I say unto you, That many shall come
from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the
kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer
darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Compare also Luke
13:24-28).
Some may wonder why the marriage itself
is not for quite sometime after Christ comes in glory and has reigned for a short
period, for the Marriage actually does not take place for nearly 44 1/2 months after
Christ has begun to reign from Jerusalem. A careful study of the judgment of the great
harlot (Rev. 16:17-21) and the time Christ begins to reign (Rev. 11:15-19) as both are
related to Rev. 19:1-9, will establish the accuracy of the above statement. The reason
for this apparent delay in the Marriage is that it is the pleasure of God and Christ to
bring about the public humiliation and complete destruction of the false bride (the
Great harlot, mystery Babylon), before the Marriage of the true Bride takes place (Rev.
19:1-9). By bringing the true Bride to Jerusalem and honoring her in every appropriate
way, and by continuing the feasting in heaven with public free intercourse with the
feasting in Jerusalem, the nations are fully assured of the blaring falsehoods and
utter unworthiness of the false bride, and therefore, they turn upon her and rend her
to pieces (Rev. 17 and 18). Then comes that most blessed union of the Bride with the
Bridegroom.
Questions may further arise as to the
correct setting of Rev. 19:11-21 in relation to verses 1-10 of the same chapter. I will
give a full explanation of this later. At the present I will remind the reader that
many times throughout the book of Revelation, we are carried through the tribulation,
and then in the same chapter or in the next chapter we are taken back to the beginning
and go through the same period of time, only looking at it from a slightly different
angle. We are carried through the period of God's wrath a number of times and this
(Rev. 19:11-21) is one of them.
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