From the Book
THE BRIDE AND THE CITY
By G. H. Lang
Revelation, Chapters 19, 21 & 22
Almighty God is an opportunist improvising measures to meet emergencies. He is no amateur chess-player watching painfully for a chance to check a skilled opponent. Rather does He work all things after the counsel of His own will (Ephesians 1:11 - “also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,”). “And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven; And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What hast Thou done?’” (Daniel 4:35)
The counsel of His will as regards the entire universe is that it shall be an inheritance for the Son of His love, “Whom He appointed heir of all things” when as yet nothing had been made (Hebrews 1:2 - “in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world”). Sin in Satan disputed this purpose and alienated from the Son much of the inheritance. The Son, by death in manhood, redeemed His inheritance, and in due season shall enjoy it in undivided possession. There will be new heavens and a new earth wherein righteousness shall dwell triumphantly.
If a likeness be true, the original will resemble it; however much it may transcend it. Therefore that form of God in which the Son was originally, is, it would seem, the archetype of which man is an image (Philippians 2:6 - “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,”), (Genesis 1:26 - “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’”), (James 3:9 - “With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;”). Therefore when the “Word,” “the Image of the invisible God” appeared to men, before He became incarnate, He was like unto one of the sons of men, and even in the heavenly world was like unto one of the sons of men, and even in the heavenly world this was so (Ezekiel 1:26 - “Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man.”), (Daniel 7:13 - “I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him.”).
Love is the nature of God and love seeks companionship. Therefore, it has ever been the purpose of the Father to bring a company of the sons of men, made after the likeness of His Son, into union with the Son, for the satisfaction of His heart and the furthering of His interests and rights in the universe.
This is the meaning of some of the human race being transferred at last from mans native region, the earth, into the native region of the Son of God, the heavens. So far is this transfer being a necessary outcome of pardon being extended to rebels, that it is rather a very special and exceptional honor, designed firstly for the fullest possible exaltation and joy of the Son of God, and then as a display in the coming ages of “the exceeding riches of God’s grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7). This implies that this particular display of the grace of God to the heavenly people, will far exceed any display of grace in other persons of companies.
It is evident that God can never exalt any of His creatures to be above His Son, so that this Divine counsel is the richest and noblest that the wisdom of God can ever devise or His power execute. Therefore, the revelation of this secret counsel (mystery) “completes the word [message] of God,” for in it are “hit all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 1:25; 2:3; comp. Darby and Alford).
At the close of the Word of God this union of the church glorified with the Son of God is pictured by the double figure of a Bride and a City (Revelation 19:6-8; and 21:9).
THE BRIDE
This is a figure of affection most personal, tender, and intimate, and of the special solicitude, care, and enrichment that results from this affection.
The Father has appointed over His kingdom a King, even a Lamb Who suffered in meekness, the Lion Who conquered by might. It is the perfect combination of these two that qualifies Him as the perfect Ruler. But a King desires a consort to share His glory and to satisfy and to display His love. In Revelation 19, the hour for the fulfillment of this desire has arrived: “the marriage of the Lamb is come,” and heaven rejoices with exceeding gladness and cries, Hallelujah!
1. THE TIME - The Lord has already descended as a thief and taken to Himself those who were looking for Him (Hebrews 9:28 - “so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time, for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.”). The armies of the Beast are now mustering for the last battle (Revelation 16:13-16 - “...three unclean spirits...they are spirits of demons...which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty...And they gathered them...to the place...called Har-Magedon.”); but it has not yet been fought: the Word of God and His armies have not yet rushed in irresistible might upon the Beast and his forces (Revelation 19:11-21). At this point, before the Mighty One goes forth to war, He celebrates the nuptials with His now ready bride, so that when He shall be manifested she too shall be manifested with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4 - “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”); (1 John 3:2 & 3 - “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”).
2. ANTICIPATIONS - From of old, the Father had designed for the Son of His love, this bliss of having as His own peculiar possession, and in His own proper realm, the heavens, a consort formed of ransomed sinners of the human race. They were given to Him by the Father (John 17:6 - “I manifested Thy name to the men whom Thou gave Me out of the world; Thine they were, and Thou gave them to Me, and they have kept Thy word.”) in a more special sense than the more general gift of universal heir-ship and ownership (Hebrews 1:2; John 3:35; Matthew 11:27). He purchased them at the fabulous price of His own priceless blood: “Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25) “in order that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a people for His own possession, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14).
This so ancient design had been intimated long in advance. Eve had been brought to Adam to be his joy and help in dominion over the earth (Genesis 2:18-25). Rebekah had been brought to Isaac, the son and heir (Genesis 24), and Ruth, the alien, to Boaz, the mighty and rich (Ruth 2:1), as if to intimate that Gentiles would be joined with Jews in the bridal blessing. In a quite special sense, Israel, as a people, had been taken by Jehovah and associated with Himself in a privilege and nearness granted to no other people, a relationship often pictured by this same figure of husband and wife (Isaiah 50:1; Jeremiah 3; Ezekiel 16). And though for unfaithfulness Israel has been given a bill of divorcement; yet, as a people, shall she, on repentance, be again received into relationship. God does not change His mind as to His gifts and calling, thought human folly and sin may defer the accomplishment of His call and the enjoyment of His gifts.
All this, however, was of earth as to its sphere, and but anticipatory of the higher joys and honors designed for realization in the heavenly portion of the one kingdom. From the time of Abraham, God had spoken to men of that world above, and men of faith had embraced the prospect and fixed upon it as their hope (Hebrews 11:9-16). In this present age of Christ’s rejection by the world, that has become the sole prospect of faith, for in this world the faithful are promised nothing but the bare necessities of a pilgrim and are exhorted to “set their hope perfectly [that is, undividedly and uninterruptedly] on the favor that is being brought unto us at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). This supreme favor is that of being associated with our glorified Lord in a fellowship so intimate, so tender, so glorious, and so useful, as is pictured by a bride and her husband.
This union will crown and complete the program of God for the universe. It will perfect the joy of the Son, for no union so intimate and sweet is known in creation. Then shall He “see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied” (Isaiah 53:11). And it is the highest honor that ever can be available for the redeemed, since the Bride sits with the Bridegroom on His throne.
3. WHO FORM THE BRIDE? As to what persons will form this exalted company there have been differences of opinion. Some seem to include at last all the saved of all the ages. This is contrary to the figure used.
A bride is only one among the myriads of a king’s subjects, though the most exalted of them in rank. If all were the bride, over whom would she and the king reign? Again, Rev. 21:12 will show Israel as associated with but not the same as the bride, and verse 24 of that chapter to 22:2 distinguishes the saved nations from the bride. None of us now appreciates fully what is in store.
But again, the school of teaching in question insists that all the saved of this age, without exception, will certainly share this regal, bridal glory. That this is the present call, offer, and ideal of God is true. See Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 1:21 & 23; for God is calling us “into His kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12), even “His eternal glory” (1 Peter 5:10), not to some creaturely glory. Such terms declare far more than forgiveness and the possession of eternal life, in which blessings all the saved share alike and forever. But to share God’s eternal glory is evidently far more and far higher than to partake in those initial mercies common to all the saved of all ages, without which indeed they would not be of the saved at all.
Yet it is too often overlooked that in no sphere does God coerce the subjects of His grace. He respects fully the gift of free will wherever He has granted this noble endowment. Hence the creature can “fall short of the grace of God” (Hebrews 12:15).
Let it be observed that:
A. It is God’s desire (thelo, wish, longing, but not fiat) that all men should be saved. For this He has made provision in Christ Jesus, “Who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:3 - 6). But not all are willing to be saved, and not all will be.
B. It was the call of God that all who left Egypt with Moses should reach Canaan, and at the Red Sea the entrance of them all was celebrated in advance (Exodus 15:13-17). But only two of the adult men entered the land, even though all were saved (1 Corinthians 10:1-6).
C. It was the offer of God that all of that redeemed nation should be priests (Exodus 19:6). In fact, only one family had this honored service (Ezekiel 48:11).
D. Of that family one branch secured the privilege in perpetuity on account of the faithfulness of its head (Numbers 25:10-13); but...
E. Of this family one branch, that of Eli, was deprived of the honor on account of unfaithfulness (1 Samuel 3:10-14).
F. God would have gathered into safety all Jerusalem’s children, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but they would not; and they had their own way to their undoing (Matthew 23:37-39).
Will it be affirmed that all of this has no lesson and warning for the heirs of the heavenly calling? Then were it the case that not all Scripture is written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the ages have come (1 Corinthians 10:11).
Because of this unvarying law, that God respects man’s freedom of action, and holds each responsible for its use (and otherwise how shall God judge man?), it follows that the response of the heart of man is required to the offer of the heart of God, and without this response the privilege offered will not be secured. Every offer is open to all of the persons to whom it is made; it is realized by such only as those who embrace it; and moreover, it is“through faith and long-patience” (makrotbumia): that every boon promised is at last gained, in this age as in earlier times (Hebrews 6:11 & 12). Hence arise the “ifs” and exhortations and warnings of the New Testament so very frequently addressed to believers and churches. It is greatly to be deplored that many parry the force of the mass of passages of this order by transferring them to false professors, whereas they are so often plainly addressed to true believers, and sometimes to believers of quite noble quality, as for example, in Hebrews: see Chap. 6:9-12; 10:32-36. We grieve for the responsibility they must carry at the judgement seat of Christ who has thus promoted laxity of life by encouraging believers to disregard the warnings God has multiplied.
4. THE FITNESS OF THE BRIDE. It was well indeed that nothing should lessen the effect upon the conscience of the treatment of the subject in this passage. The whole stress is laid upon the moral fitness of the bride for the grand occasion. “His wife hath made herself ready” for the union; “it was granted unto her that she should array herself.”
Her bridal attire is not that of the great harlot, purple and scarlet robes, glittering with gold, jewels, and pearls (Revelation 17:4), which did but conceal the hidden deformity and corruption.
The holy bride wears only fine linen, white and pure. Of old, such was the attire of the high priest when he entered annually into the Holy of Holies before the Presence (Leviticus 16:4). That fine linen was spun by human hands (Exodus 35:25), and similarly the attire of the bride is of her own making: “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8).
There is a precision in the words of God corresponding exactly to the facts of things. The wife “arrays herself”, and yet it is “given unto her” to do this (it is her own act). If the Spirit of holiness had not made holiness possible; no member of the church could or would have done holy acts; but, though every holy deed is done by the grace of the Spirit, it is the saint who does them. It is God who works in us both to will and to work; but it is we who must work out this salvation into a life of holy deeds (Philippians 2:12 & 13); and if we grieve and quench the Spirit, and so frustrate the work of God within, then the fine linen will not be woven. And in no other attire will any one share in the bridal glory, though in the imputed righteousness every believer stands justified. But the pardon of a one-time rebel woman is by no means the same as her becoming later the wife of her sovereign, nor does any necessity exist why the king should think of such an honor for her.
All this is illustrated in the history of Esther. From being a captive slave she is to be exalted to be queen. Everything of clothing and ornament that she needed was the gift of the king, for she had nothing suitable. But she had to put them on, so as to approach the king, as it is written, “Esther put on her royal apparel” (Esther 5:1).
Ephesians 5:25 - 27 is clear and weighty:
1. “Christ also loved the church”: this is the divine origin of all her prospects.
2. “and gave Himself up for her”: this is the amazing price that frees the slave-girl, or pardons the rebel, and by which the king acquires all rights in her. But though redemption has been affected once for all, she cannot pass straight from the slave market, or the condemned cell, to the royal palace and the throne. Much is required to fit her person for such total change of scenery and life; and so...
3. Christ purchased the church “that He might sanctify her,” might make her actually holy, even as she is already righteous by imputation. And this so indispensable work, He effects by “the laver (composed) of the water in the word”. Thus also Jesus took a basin, poured water there into, and proceeded to wash the feet of His followers, so as to impress heavily upon us that actual holiness is indispensable to fellowship with Him: “If I wash thee not thou hast no part with Me” (John 13).
He did NOT say “IN Me” that would have made final salvation to depend on daily states; but “WITH Me” as My companion and servant (1 John 1:9).
The laver is here (Ephesians 5) used as a picture of the Word of God: “water in the word.” The water (as always when a type) means the Spirit of God: “living water...this spoke He of the Spirit” (John 7:37 - 39).
Christ speaks to the redeemed believer: if obedience be at once rendered, the grace of the Spirit is at once experienced, making obedience possible this is the law of matters spiritual: “Go wash...he went, and came seeing”: “take up thy bed and walk”; and upon each obeying, doing at once what he could not do, the energy was given to do it. A father speaks to his boy about a disagreeable habit: if the boy gives heed, the word of the father cleanses that habit out of the boy’s life: if he disregards his father, he remains disfigured in character and life.
Justification is an initial benefit, granted once for all: sanctification is a lifelong process: the priest must wash his hands and his feet to the end of his course; and therefore
Let no man think that sudden, in a minute,
All is accomplished, and the work is done:
Though with they earliest dawn thou should’st begin it,
Scarce were it ended with they setting sun.
This gracious and indispensable work in the believer is wrought by Christ to the church. Thus, it is given unto her to become pure. But words must be obeyed or they remain inoperative, and thus “it is given unto her to array herself” by doing righteous acts directed by the Word of God.
All is of grace: but of grace used, not abused, of grace obeyed, not neglected. For the grace of God instructs us “to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present age,” and only so living are we truly “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ; for He gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a people for His own possession, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11 - 14). Therefore, “everyone that hath this hope set on Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).
4. Without Blemish. It is in view of the bridal day that Christ has loved, redeemed, and now is sanctifying the church, “in order that He might present the church to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27).
These terms, “spot, wrinkle, holy, without blemish” have reference to external appearance: the two former denote surface defects, the latter visible excellence. The last is a specially significant and priestly term.
The priest, too, had to be without physical defect, or he could not officiate in holy things. He was to keep himself scrupulously clean in walk and associations, and also he must be without blemish as to external form (Leviticus 21). Now the persons pictured as a bride are also described as “priests unto God” (Revelation 1:6). Both figures demand the same moral condition: the one for priestly access and service, the other for intimate association with Him who “offered Himself without blemish unto God” (Hebrews 9:14).
The standard is high, yet attainable by the Spirit through obedience to the Word. The histories of Joseph, Samuel, and Daniel are narrated at length and in detail. Each was surrounded with gross moral depravity, but God records nothing against them. This does not mean that they were actually sinless — only Christ was that; but it does mean that they walked before men without visible defilement and disfigurement of life. An animal to be dedicated to God, and accepted by Him, had to be without visible blemish, and sternly did the Holy One complain when blemished beasts were presented (Malachi 1:6 ff.). And thus Paul wrote to believers in a wicked heathen city, “that ye may be blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse heathen city,” (Philippians 2:12 - 16). It IS possible for the believer to “keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27), and he who thus walks in white garments here and now shall be permitted to array himself for fellowship with Christ as part of the bride at last (see Revelation 3:4 and consider 2 Corinthians 7:1 & 11:2 & 3). It is for each to weave his own pure bridal attire, by the grace of God and solely to the praise of the glory of that grace. The Bride will thus be to the pleasure and honor of the Bridegroom.
THE MARRIAGE FEAST
The union of Ahasuerus and Esther took place in the privacy of the royal palace: the wedding feast followed later (Esther 2:16 - 18). Thus here also (Revelation 19:9) there is simply an announcement of the honor of being one of the king’s guests: it is not stated that the marriage supper takes place at this precise moment. Inasmuch as it seems that the guests will include persons on earth when the Bridegroom returns here (Matthew 22:14; 25:1 - 13), it appears that the “feast” will take place on earth at the opening of the kingdom era. (See also Luke 22:18, 30; Isaiah 25:6 - 9). Here, then, are three distinct ideas: (1) the guests are not the bride; (2) There is to be an interval between the “marriage” and the “feast”; (3) The latter is to be on earth.
Blessed are they who are guests, and unhappy are they who miss even this privilege, such as the guest without a wedding garment, or the foolish virgins, or the unfaithful steward (Matthew 22:1-14; 25:1 - 13; Luke 16:1 - 14).
Psalm 45 is the Song of the Royal Bridegroom. Observe the personnel introduced. The Bridegroom is at once the Mighty Warrior with a sword (vss. 3 - 5) as in the context of our passage and anointed Him (vss. 2 - 7); so that He is God (6). Yet His God has blessed and anointed Him (vss. 2 & 7); so that He is God exalted by God, a mystery made plain by the clearer New Testament unfolding of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Next, the Bridegroom has a queen whose place of honor is at His right hand. Then He has “companions” (fellows–comp. Hebrews 3:14; partakers of “should be” “companions of”; Revelation 3:4 & 5; 14:4; and Kings 12:8). Thus also the queen has “the virgins her companions that follow her” (14), as in Matthew 25:1 - 13, and these shall share in the “gladness and rejoicing”, that is, in the feast within the palace (15).
Others mentioned are certain princesses (9); the people and the family of the queen (10); and beyond these nearer circles are the outside peoples, as of Tyre; that is, Gentiles are seen approaching and honoring the King (12), in which noble employ the queen is called to lead: “for He is thy Lord; and worship thou Him” (11).
All this is highly suggestive of the reality and variety that will mark those future days when heaven and earth will be conjoined, one Kingdom, in connection with Him Who is Lord of all. It introduces a rich diversity which elevates the mind far beyond the fundamental but only initial distinction between saved and unsaved, which is the furthest that so many ever penetrate into the wondrous counsels of the Almighty.
Here is verily a fair field and no favor; yet “know ye that those running in a race all run, but one receives the prize: even so run that ye may attain” the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:12-16).
Thus will be fulfilled those earlier intimations, given by John the Baptist and our Lord, of Christ becoming a Bridegroom (John 3:29; Matthew 9:15). The Revelation is rooted in the Gospels: its visions expand and complete the parables.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partially. (Colossians 3:23 - 25).
Since Kingdom rewards are CONDITIONAL to the deeds and good works that we do for Christ during our earthly life time, (Ephesians 2:10; John 15:2-6; Revelation 22:12; Galatians 6:7) there will be some Christians who will not attain to all of these Kingdom rewards, or be part of the BRIDE. Study the following verses to learn these truths from God’s Word.
(1) Participation in eating of the tree of life in Paradise (Revelation 2:7).
(2) Linen garments reflecting righteous deeds of the saints (Revelation 19:8) and participation in the wedding of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7 - 9).
(3) Shining glory; magnitude for insight (wisdom) and for leading many to righteousness (Daniel 12:3).
(4) Hidden manna, a white stone, and a secret name (Revelation 2:17).
(5) Authority over the nations, rule, power to punish, the morning star (Revelation 2:26 & 27).
(6) Be acknowledged by Christ before His Father and the angels (Revelation 3:5).
(7) We will be a pillar in God’s temple, not to go out from it anymore, and Jesus will inscribe on us, in some manner, the name of God, the name of the city: the New Jerusalem, and Christ’s new name. These will be the city dwellers with God forever (Revelation 3:21).
(8) We will sit with Christ on His throne (Revelation 3:21).
(9) We will have crowns, Revelation 3:11, if we hold fast what we have.
A. Be faithful unto death - CROWN OF LIFE. (Revelation 2:10; James 1:12)
B. Exercise self-control - IMPERISHABLE WREATH (1 Corinthians 9:25)
C. Have kept the faith - CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (2 Timothy 4:8 & 9) and loved His appearing.
D. The faithful shepherd - CROWN OF GLORY (1 Peter 5:3 & 4)
E. Endure suffering - CROWN OF EXULTATION (1 Thessalonians 2:19 & 20)
Kingdom rewards are proportional to the quality of service done in this life now. The six qualities of a Christian’s life (works) are described as gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay and/or straw (1 Corinthians 3:12 & 13); good deeds for Christ, e.g., ministering, serving, discipling, winning souls, doctrine, attitude, truthfulness, idle words will be tested and rewarded accordingly. Remember, being saved from hell is NOT a reward, it’s FREE!
“If any man’s work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:14 & 15)
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