The bride of Christ (the true church) will be characterized by her preoccupation with the promised appearing of the Bridegroom (Christ). After all, what bride is not preoccupied with her wedding day? The symptoms of preoccupation include: feelings of being unsettled in this present, imperfect world, along with overwhelming anticipation and longing for Christ to come.
The bride of Christ will exhibit faithfulness in her daily living, because her goal is to be beautiful for the king, having no spot, blemish, or wrinkle. She will be easily recognized by her heart of brokenness and gratitude, as well as her continual thanksgiving and praise for the King, who chose in her total unworthiness, and lowered Himself and suffered humiliation, and an agonizing death to make her His own. She will refuse to forget, and take lightly the cost of her salvation.
She will also be characterized by her single minded: The Point focus on the wedding celebration, for which she spares no effort or expense, to ensure that everyone in her circle of influence has been contacted and responded to the RSVP that has been sent. The bride will possess the look and obsessive conversation of one who is madly in love. She will spend hours, which to her will seem like minutes, hidden away in intimate conversation with the one she loves.
That intimate place is where the bridegroom confides in her, and reassures her of His love and faithfulness. It is also the place where He unveils his heart and the secrets of His coming kingdom. Therefore, with great insight and understanding, the bride will discern the signs of her wedding day, which is the consummation of her salvation drawing near.
My point is this: The true church which is the bride of Christ, will always be in an undistracted, focused on the affairs of the Kingdom posture, Preparing, Working, Waiting and Watching for that glorious day, when the king will come back to take her to the place He has prepared for her, just as He promised.
Now, I ask you my fellow servant: what else in this life could possibly be more important than that (John 14:1-3; 12:25-26; 17:24)?
“Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen, come Lord Jesus.
According to Hebrews 9:28, to whom is Jesus bringing salvation? Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:3-9.
According to 2 Timothy 4:8 who will be awarded the crown of Righteousness?
See also Romans 8:14-25; 2 Peter 3:10-14.
Contributed and authored by Harry Oliver (“Committed to Authenticity”)