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The Hebraic Marriage Ceremony
The Hebraic Marriage Why I hear you ask, should we study the Jewish marriage? Are we also to follow these things? For a start, it couldn’t hurt to follow God’s marriage plan and rid from our marriage ceremonies the pagan customs that have been brought it but mainly I want to show forth God’s prophetic plan throughout the marriage customs of the children of Israel.
Rather than going down through the customs and ceremonies and then drawing comparisons to Christ I am going to compare as we go. It may be that you have never heard of the rapture or truly understand what this is. I trust this study will confirm it for you. The rapture, in brief, is the belief that Jesus Christ will return in the clouds at an unknown hour to call all those who have been saved (living and dead) since the resurrection and will take them to Heaven to be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive rewards or not depending on their work on earth. The debate is whether the rapture occurs before, during or after the tribulation (a period of seven years where the anti-christ will rise and bring in the mark of the beast 666). Some even believe that the 2nd coming (where Jesus will come back to the earth to reign in Jerusalem for 1000 years) and the rapture are the same thing. As you will see from this study, the marriage customs show God’s plan for the Lord Jesus and His bride, the church. As we go compare the part of the bride to that of what is expected of the church.
The Betrothal
The betrothal was binding and could only be undone by a divorce with proper grounds, such as the bride being found not to be a virgin, (see Joseph and Mary - Matt 1 v18-19 ) The young man prepared a Ketubah, or marriage contract (or covenant) which he presented to the intended bride and her father. Included in this was the "Bride Price ", which was appropriate in that society to compensate the young woman's parents for the cost of raising her, as well as being an expression of his love for her. In many instances the friend of the bridegroom or the best man would be the one to begin negotiations and make the preparations for the marriage.
John 3:29 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.
Jesus is the bridegroom and John the Baptist is the friend of the bridegroom as he was sent from God to prepare the way for the bridegroom (Jesus) and make negotiations with the bride in that he began to preach salvation and baptism ready for Christ to start His church.
Acceptance
To see if the proposal was accepted, the young man would pour a cup of wine for his beloved and wait to see if she drank it. This cup represents a blood covenant. If she drank the cup she would have accepted the proposal and they would be betrothed. This is seen in Mark 10 as the Lord speaks:
Mark 10:38-40 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? [39] And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: [40] But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
It is also seen in the added element to the Lord’s Supper of the Cup of the New Testament. The Lord’s Passover had specifically the lamb and the unleavened bread, and in the Lord’s Supper has THEE LAMB, the unleavened bread and the Cup. (See Passover/Lord’s Supper in the feasts section)
The young man would then give gifts to his beloved, and then take his leave. Christ did leave but bestowed on the church many gifts.
Ephes. 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Did the bridegroom take away these gifts at any point? NO
1 Cor. 12:4-11 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. [6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. [7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. [8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; [9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; [10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: [11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The young woman would have to wait faithfully for him to return and collect her. Christian service in the church is expected by the Lord and that service is to do and preach His commandments and bring others into the family of God then baptise them into the church of God. (Note: The kingdom of God in the following passage is referring to the thousand year reign of Christ)
Luke 19:11-27 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. [12] He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. [13] And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. [14] But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. [15] And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. [16] Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. [17] And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. [18] And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. [19] And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. [20] And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: [21] For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. [22] And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: [23] Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? [24] And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. [25] (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) [26] For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. [27] But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
Luke 15:8-9 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? [9] And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
In Luke 15 we find an example of a bethrothed woman to whom had been given this headband with the ten coins as a token of love but also to test her faithfulness. She was to wear this each day and present it wholly to her groom when he came back. If even one coin was lost then she was counted unworthy to marry. What the Lord has bestowed upon us we must make use of and be diligent to be able to present our work before the Lord when He comes. Only the faithful will be chosen for the bride. The Lord will not take an unfaithful servant to be part of His bride.
Before leaving the groom would announce, "I am going to prepare a place for you ", and "I will return for you when it is ready". The usual practice was for the young man to return to his father's house and build a honeymoon room there. He was not allowed to skimp on the work and had to get his father's approval before he could consider it ready for his bride. If asked the date of his wedding he would have to reply, "Only my father knows."
John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. [2] In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Jesus told us He was going to prepare a place for His bride and that He would return when it is ready. We also know that only the Father knows the timing of the return of Christ, (Matthew 24:36 – Whilst this verse is speaking directly about the second coming we can know also that the rapture date is unknowable due to the fact that we do know these events are 7 years apart)
Meanwhile the bride would be making herself ready so that she would be pure and beautiful for her bridegroom. As we know it is a faithful bride that will be chosen it is important that we make ourselves ready.
Rev. 19:7-8 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.
During this time she would wear a veil when she went, out to show she was spoken for (she has been bought with a price)
1 Cor. 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? [20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
The Holy Spirit is given to us as a veil to show that we are bought with a price. It is what reveals the fact that we are saved.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
The Wedding
When the wedding chamber was ready the bridegroom could collect his bride. He could do this at any time so the bride would make special arrangements. He would come ready for the marriage bringing guests with him. This is the event that we are waiting for, the rapture of all believers.
1 Thes. 4:13-17 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
It was the custom for a bride to keep a lamp, her veil and her other things beside her bed so that she was ready to go at any time. We must stay in the word of God and learn from it so that it is our light for our spiritual walk, we must also ask the Lord to continually fill us with His Spirit. This is not possible if we allow much sin and rebellion into our lives. We are indwelt by the Spirit at the point of salvation but to be filled with the Spirit means to let Him overflow into our soul, bodies and also our lives to where we can do nothing but serve God.
Ephes. 5:18-19 …And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; [19] Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Her bridesmaids were also waiting and had to have oil ready for their lamps so that they were able to go out with the procession and go forth unto the wedding.
Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [2] And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: [4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [5] While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. [6] And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. [7] Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. [9] But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. [11] Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. [12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
When the groom and his friends got close to the bride's house they would give a shout and blow a shofar to let her know to be ready. It should be fairly obvious that the Lord gave these plans in regard to how the rapture will take place when Christ will come to collect His bride.
1 Thes. 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
One thing that clearly distinguishes the rapture from the second coming is the wording of how the people come together. In the rapture verses the words caught up are used. Caught Up is the same wording in the Greek as in the following:
Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
2 Cor. 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
We can see from the context that Caught Up is a very quick “snatching” in an instant from one place to another. In the Second coming of Christ we see a gathering together which is not instantaneous but a process.
2 Thes. 2:1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
Gathering is the same wording as in a church meeting
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Not swiftly but at an appointed time people make their way together.
2 Thes. 2:2-8 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. [3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. [5] Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? [6] And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. [7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. [8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
The veil MUST be removed before the wicked be revealed. In other words, the Holy Spirit will depart from the earth along with the Bride BEFORE the Son of Perdition is revealed. Thus we can see that Christ will return before the tribulation to remove His Bride. If He does not return but removes the Spirit then the veil is lifted before the wedding:
Ephes. 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Romans 8:23 …even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
The day of redemption is when we will no longer need a physical body but we will have a spiritual body.
1 Cor. 15:51-54 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
When the wedding party arrived at father's house the newlyweds went into the wedding chamber for a seven day honeymoon and the groom's best friend stood outside waiting for the groom to tell him that he was pleased with his bride. This does NOT mean that there will be any physical consummation of us with Christ but that Christ should be pleased with those whom are chosen to be part of His bride.
John 3:29 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.
The bride must be judged faithful to be accepted by the Groom. It is at this point where the Groom decides if she is worthy to be his bride before consummating the marriage. Before the bride is chosen we will all (those that are saved) appear before the Lord to be judged worthy to be chosen for the bride.
Romans 14:10 “… for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
2 Cor. 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
If she is found to have been with another man then the Groom has the right to annul the marriage and put her away.
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
God will not choose a spiritual fornicator as part of His Son’s bride. The Lord expects faithfulness so if we partake of other churches of man’s establishment or religions or even take the rites and rituals from other religions as part of ours (Deut 12); then God will not find faithfulness amongst us.
Then all the friends really started celebrating for the seven days that the couple were honeymooning.
Rev. 19:1-9 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: [2] For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. [3] And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. [4] And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. [5] And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. [6] And I 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. [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. [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.
It is here where we see the 70th week of Daniel’s prophesy come to pass. In Heaven, a honeymoon; and on earth, great tribulation.
When the couple emerged there would be much congratulation and the Marriage Supper could begin.
Matthew 25:31-33 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: [32] And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: [33] And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Will the marriage supper will take place on earth after the return of Christ to the earth or in Heaven.
Rev. 19:9 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.
This could give the implication that there are others who will be called to the marriage supper that were not part of the bride or the friends but in the context of this scripture only the Lamb and His wife are mentioned so those who are called are the Old Testament saints, the friends of the Bride.
Then we have the portions of scripture that refer to the fruit of the vine:
Matthew 26:29 But I say unto you, 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.
Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
Luke 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
A marriage supper always involved fruit of the vine (unsweetened, unfermented grape juice), but Christ here told his disciples that He would not drinking it until they were together in the Millennial Kingdom. We must take this as literal though and see it as physical earthly fruit of the vine and not that which would be partaken of in Heaven.
We also see that the marriage and the supper are within two verses signifying that it all goes together. If it follows along with the Jewish wedding ceremony then it will certainly occur after the wedding in Heaven whilst the tribulation is ongoing on earth.
Thus we have God’s prophetic plan laid out in the simple marriage ceremony.
· The Rapture
· The Tribulation on earth (judgement and wedding in heaven)
· The return or second coming of Christ
· The establishment of Christ’s throne in Jerusalem
· The 1000 year reign of Christ
Rather than going down through the customs and ceremonies and then drawing comparisons to Christ I am going to compare as we go. It may be that you have never heard of the rapture or truly understand what this is. I trust this study will confirm it for you. The rapture, in brief, is the belief that Jesus Christ will return in the clouds at an unknown hour to call all those who have been saved (living and dead) since the resurrection and will take them to Heaven to be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive rewards or not depending on their work on earth. The debate is whether the rapture occurs before, during or after the tribulation (a period of seven years where the anti-christ will rise and bring in the mark of the beast 666). Some even believe that the 2nd coming (where Jesus will come back to the earth to reign in Jerusalem for 1000 years) and the rapture are the same thing. As you will see from this study, the marriage customs show God’s plan for the Lord Jesus and His bride, the church. As we go compare the part of the bride to that of what is expected of the church.
The Betrothal
The betrothal was binding and could only be undone by a divorce with proper grounds, such as the bride being found not to be a virgin, (see Joseph and Mary - Matt 1 v18-19 ) The young man prepared a Ketubah, or marriage contract (or covenant) which he presented to the intended bride and her father. Included in this was the "Bride Price ", which was appropriate in that society to compensate the young woman's parents for the cost of raising her, as well as being an expression of his love for her. In many instances the friend of the bridegroom or the best man would be the one to begin negotiations and make the preparations for the marriage.
John 3:29 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.
Jesus is the bridegroom and John the Baptist is the friend of the bridegroom as he was sent from God to prepare the way for the bridegroom (Jesus) and make negotiations with the bride in that he began to preach salvation and baptism ready for Christ to start His church.
Acceptance
To see if the proposal was accepted, the young man would pour a cup of wine for his beloved and wait to see if she drank it. This cup represents a blood covenant. If she drank the cup she would have accepted the proposal and they would be betrothed. This is seen in Mark 10 as the Lord speaks:
Mark 10:38-40 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? [39] And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: [40] But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
It is also seen in the added element to the Lord’s Supper of the Cup of the New Testament. The Lord’s Passover had specifically the lamb and the unleavened bread, and in the Lord’s Supper has THEE LAMB, the unleavened bread and the Cup. (See Passover/Lord’s Supper in the feasts section)
The young man would then give gifts to his beloved, and then take his leave. Christ did leave but bestowed on the church many gifts.
Ephes. 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Did the bridegroom take away these gifts at any point? NO
1 Cor. 12:4-11 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. [6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. [7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. [8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; [9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; [10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: [11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The young woman would have to wait faithfully for him to return and collect her. Christian service in the church is expected by the Lord and that service is to do and preach His commandments and bring others into the family of God then baptise them into the church of God. (Note: The kingdom of God in the following passage is referring to the thousand year reign of Christ)
Luke 19:11-27 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. [12] He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. [13] And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. [14] But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. [15] And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. [16] Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. [17] And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. [18] And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. [19] And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. [20] And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: [21] For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. [22] And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: [23] Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? [24] And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. [25] (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) [26] For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. [27] But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
Luke 15:8-9 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? [9] And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
In Luke 15 we find an example of a bethrothed woman to whom had been given this headband with the ten coins as a token of love but also to test her faithfulness. She was to wear this each day and present it wholly to her groom when he came back. If even one coin was lost then she was counted unworthy to marry. What the Lord has bestowed upon us we must make use of and be diligent to be able to present our work before the Lord when He comes. Only the faithful will be chosen for the bride. The Lord will not take an unfaithful servant to be part of His bride.
Before leaving the groom would announce, "I am going to prepare a place for you ", and "I will return for you when it is ready". The usual practice was for the young man to return to his father's house and build a honeymoon room there. He was not allowed to skimp on the work and had to get his father's approval before he could consider it ready for his bride. If asked the date of his wedding he would have to reply, "Only my father knows."
John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. [2] In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Jesus told us He was going to prepare a place for His bride and that He would return when it is ready. We also know that only the Father knows the timing of the return of Christ, (Matthew 24:36 – Whilst this verse is speaking directly about the second coming we can know also that the rapture date is unknowable due to the fact that we do know these events are 7 years apart)
Meanwhile the bride would be making herself ready so that she would be pure and beautiful for her bridegroom. As we know it is a faithful bride that will be chosen it is important that we make ourselves ready.
Rev. 19:7-8 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.
During this time she would wear a veil when she went, out to show she was spoken for (she has been bought with a price)
1 Cor. 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? [20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
The Holy Spirit is given to us as a veil to show that we are bought with a price. It is what reveals the fact that we are saved.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
The Wedding
When the wedding chamber was ready the bridegroom could collect his bride. He could do this at any time so the bride would make special arrangements. He would come ready for the marriage bringing guests with him. This is the event that we are waiting for, the rapture of all believers.
1 Thes. 4:13-17 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
It was the custom for a bride to keep a lamp, her veil and her other things beside her bed so that she was ready to go at any time. We must stay in the word of God and learn from it so that it is our light for our spiritual walk, we must also ask the Lord to continually fill us with His Spirit. This is not possible if we allow much sin and rebellion into our lives. We are indwelt by the Spirit at the point of salvation but to be filled with the Spirit means to let Him overflow into our soul, bodies and also our lives to where we can do nothing but serve God.
Ephes. 5:18-19 …And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; [19] Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Her bridesmaids were also waiting and had to have oil ready for their lamps so that they were able to go out with the procession and go forth unto the wedding.
Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [2] And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: [4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [5] While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. [6] And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. [7] Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. [9] But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. [11] Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. [12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
When the groom and his friends got close to the bride's house they would give a shout and blow a shofar to let her know to be ready. It should be fairly obvious that the Lord gave these plans in regard to how the rapture will take place when Christ will come to collect His bride.
1 Thes. 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
One thing that clearly distinguishes the rapture from the second coming is the wording of how the people come together. In the rapture verses the words caught up are used. Caught Up is the same wording in the Greek as in the following:
Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
2 Cor. 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
We can see from the context that Caught Up is a very quick “snatching” in an instant from one place to another. In the Second coming of Christ we see a gathering together which is not instantaneous but a process.
2 Thes. 2:1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
Gathering is the same wording as in a church meeting
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Not swiftly but at an appointed time people make their way together.
2 Thes. 2:2-8 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. [3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. [5] Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? [6] And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. [7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. [8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
The veil MUST be removed before the wicked be revealed. In other words, the Holy Spirit will depart from the earth along with the Bride BEFORE the Son of Perdition is revealed. Thus we can see that Christ will return before the tribulation to remove His Bride. If He does not return but removes the Spirit then the veil is lifted before the wedding:
Ephes. 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Romans 8:23 …even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
The day of redemption is when we will no longer need a physical body but we will have a spiritual body.
1 Cor. 15:51-54 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
When the wedding party arrived at father's house the newlyweds went into the wedding chamber for a seven day honeymoon and the groom's best friend stood outside waiting for the groom to tell him that he was pleased with his bride. This does NOT mean that there will be any physical consummation of us with Christ but that Christ should be pleased with those whom are chosen to be part of His bride.
John 3:29 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.
The bride must be judged faithful to be accepted by the Groom. It is at this point where the Groom decides if she is worthy to be his bride before consummating the marriage. Before the bride is chosen we will all (those that are saved) appear before the Lord to be judged worthy to be chosen for the bride.
Romans 14:10 “… for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
2 Cor. 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
If she is found to have been with another man then the Groom has the right to annul the marriage and put her away.
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
God will not choose a spiritual fornicator as part of His Son’s bride. The Lord expects faithfulness so if we partake of other churches of man’s establishment or religions or even take the rites and rituals from other religions as part of ours (Deut 12); then God will not find faithfulness amongst us.
Then all the friends really started celebrating for the seven days that the couple were honeymooning.
Rev. 19:1-9 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: [2] For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. [3] And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. [4] And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. [5] And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. [6] And I 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. [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. [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.
It is here where we see the 70th week of Daniel’s prophesy come to pass. In Heaven, a honeymoon; and on earth, great tribulation.
When the couple emerged there would be much congratulation and the Marriage Supper could begin.
Matthew 25:31-33 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: [32] And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: [33] And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Will the marriage supper will take place on earth after the return of Christ to the earth or in Heaven.
Rev. 19:9 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.
This could give the implication that there are others who will be called to the marriage supper that were not part of the bride or the friends but in the context of this scripture only the Lamb and His wife are mentioned so those who are called are the Old Testament saints, the friends of the Bride.
Then we have the portions of scripture that refer to the fruit of the vine:
Matthew 26:29 But I say unto you, 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.
Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
Luke 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
A marriage supper always involved fruit of the vine (unsweetened, unfermented grape juice), but Christ here told his disciples that He would not drinking it until they were together in the Millennial Kingdom. We must take this as literal though and see it as physical earthly fruit of the vine and not that which would be partaken of in Heaven.
We also see that the marriage and the supper are within two verses signifying that it all goes together. If it follows along with the Jewish wedding ceremony then it will certainly occur after the wedding in Heaven whilst the tribulation is ongoing on earth.
Thus we have God’s prophetic plan laid out in the simple marriage ceremony.
· The Rapture
· The Tribulation on earth (judgement and wedding in heaven)
· The return or second coming of Christ
· The establishment of Christ’s throne in Jerusalem
· The 1000 year reign of Christ