| |
| |
|
Religion Information |
|
|
|
We Must Be Ready. But How?
Revelation 19:7 states, "Let us rejoice and give honor unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." Our salvation is not accomplished by anything we can do, or be. Our redemption is through the blood of the Lamb, shed for our sins. Our only responsibility in regard to our salvation is to admit our own sinfulness, realize our total lack of any ability to change ourselves, and accept His gift of salvation by faith. Jesus Christ procured salvation for us. We cannot earn it. We must repent of sin, and then accept salvation as a gift. So what does John mean by stating the Lamb's betrothed wife has "made herself ready"? John is not referring to salvation, which is our justification before God, but rather to the fact that Jesus has sanctified us -- set us apart in holiness unto Himself, and that we have a responsibility to daily live in a manner that brings glory to Him. Using another analogy, once a vessel is taken out of the mud and is cleaned up, it must not be placed back into the mud. As vessels made pure by the blood of the Lamb, we therefore do not place ourselves back into the mudof this sinful world. Our role in regard to being set-apart is to keep ourselves from being spotted or tarnished by the world. Once we are made clean, we choose to continue to walk in purity. Although we live in this world, we belong to another Kingdom. The Bride represents the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. While still in this world, she is an ambassador of His Kingdom! Are we proud representatives, or would we rather others did not find out who we are? Do we represent the Kingdom of God in a positive, pure manner, or would we rather try to become like the world around us? Do we seek to "fit-in," ordo we reflect Christ to the world? When we love someone, we are not only willing to do what the one we love asks of us, but we look for ways to show our love. In other words, we act in a manner that shows our devotion and commitment. In fact, our priorities change, because we drop all attitudes and activities that could get in the way of our relationship with the one we love. A betrothed bride is no longer available, but has been chosen, separated to a place of honor. This places an onus on us. We have a responsibility to conductourselves so as to maintain an honorable reputation, both for ourselves and for the one we love. The Bride constantly asks the question, "What would Jesus do?" She wants to stand for all He stands for! She seeks to do what He would do, to the best of her ability and resources. She also does not willingly, or knowingly, place herself incompromising situations. Why? She does not want to give reason for others to question her integrity. Many Christians do not place enough emphasis on living lives that reveal the fact they are set-apart. They want to fit-in. Unfortunately, if we get too close to the dirt of this world, we become soiled and wrinkled, and we begin to act and look no different from those who are ungodly. If we appear no different than everyone else,where is our strong testimony? How will others see there is a better way? Jesus said we are not to hide our light, but shine brightly so others can see the light. We are to stand out, so that others can see the difference. The Bride learns to evaluate rightly. She is lovingly dogmatic when it comes to standing up for what is good and right. She chooses to not participate in anything which is dishonorable to Christ, to herself, or to those around her. She does not give-in to negative peer pressure, or to societies morals. Rather, she lives according to God's morals and principles. God's morals and principles for living are not just analternative life-philosophy. They are the eternal principles ofrighteousness. So where do we find these principles for living? Have we been given a clear set of instructions? Yes! We have the Bridegroom's love letter to us, the Bible! Does it address every situation we face in our lives? Yes! In fact, it gives us these principles in such a clear manner, we are able to see their application. Some folk feel the Bible is a book that is not easily understood, so they approach it defensively. They feel itcontains ideals that are too lofty to attain. In our own strength, and by ourselves, we can never live up to all the principles of Scripture. But we are not alone, and we have a source of strength. The Holy Spirit is able to teach us, strengthen us, and assist us. In fact, the Bride must listen to the Holy Spirit, because He is one of two Friends of the Bridegroom. He has been sent to specifically assist us in our preparations so we are ready to stand in purity before Christ. So how do we listen to this Mentor? Read the Bible, pray, and pay attention when we are prompted. The Bible gives us the instructions. Prayer keeps us in active interaction with Christ -- helping us share with Him, providing an avenue to "talk things over." The prompting of the Holy Spirit guides us in how to apply Scriptural principles in a practical manner. Also, the Holy Spirit is always cheering us on in our relationship with Christ. That is His role in regard to the Bride! He is there to do everything possible to make sure we know the Bridegroom lovesus, and to assist us in living lives worthy of Christ. The Bride must love the LORD first and foremost, wholeheartedly, with mind, soul, and body. How do we love Him? Spend time with Him, especially alone in personal interaction. Any betrothed couple in love wants to spend time with each other! Share our lives with Him. Talk everything over with Him. Make Him our conscious companion wherever we go, and in whatever we do. Christianity is not merely a religious belief system. It is a living relationship with Jesus Christ! Jesus does not want an arm's length relationship with us. Since he has chosen us to beHis Bride, He desires a close relationship! The Bride knows herBridegroom intimately because she has a living, ongoing, loving,interactive relationship with her Betrothed! Jesus said some interesting things which tell us how we are to live. Love one another. Do nice things for one another. Be helpful when others need assistance, or cannot provide for themselves. Be generous with what we have in order to meet other's needs. He even told us to love our enemies! Be kind to those who are unkind to us! Why? That shows His love through us, and actually draws them up short! Why would anyone treatthem kindly when they are going out of their way to be unkind or mean? It makes them think! As much as possible, be peacemakers. Avoid unnecessary, unproductive arguments. Interaction is good so long as the one we are sharing with is at least willing to discuss, even if they hold an opposing opinion. But arguments never accomplish anything except animosities and hard feelings. Seek to treat others the way we want to be treated - withrespect. Stand firmly for truth and justice even if no one else does. But at the same time show mercy, grace, and extend forgiveness. Hold people accountable, but also raise the standard. Do not be a push-over or a door-mat. Stand, lovingly, but firmly for what is true and proper. Do not take unfair advantage of others. Never seek revenge. The LORD willultimately mete out His judgment on the ungodly and disobedient. Obey the laws of the land, because they are in place to protect us from harm. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and strength. Do not entertain evil. Do not adopt alternate philosophies of men, or involve ourselves in occult practices. These are just a few directives we find in Scripture. Where in Scripture do we find a specific set of guidelines for the Bride? Read Jesus' messages to the Seven Churches of Revelation chapters 2 and 3. They are very revealing! Then follow His advice by listening to the Holy Spirit guiding us in how to put these requirements into practice. If we actively apply the LORD's revealed principles of love to our lives, we will qualify to be His Bride, ready for our heavenly wedding. John continues in the passage in Revelation 19, verse 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 the saints." She qualifies to be given her wedding dress! She has "made herself ready." Submitted by:Maureen Metcalf, Author of "The Final Schedule Revealed: In the Fall Feasts and Festivals",http://teshuvatrumpet.org
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Planetary Alignment Planetary Alignment is said to have magical powers. Some believe during these rare occurrences those living in that time-period have the ability to change things. Falsehoods There are many different church denominations in this year of 2005 that is offering same sex marriage. This is an abomination before God. Straight Talk about Homosexuality In the mid 90's, a Presbyterian minister named Steve Brown conducted an interview with the lesbian Pastor from the largest Gay Church in America. Steve had already laid the ground rules for their dialogue regarding the expected, conservative, fundamentalist stance on homosexuality. White Sun - Tao of Heaven: The Relationship Between Tao and Mankind The shapeless and formless Tao brings about various elements and spiritual energy. These elements and spiritual energy combine to form living cells. The Reign of Insanity I know you want to kill me, and I wish to do all I can to help you succeed. Well? that would be insane, but what about this?I know you want to kill my children, destroy my country, and erase all historical evidence of our existence, and I want to do everything I can to help you achieve your goals. Isnt There But One God? I heard a pastor say, regarding people of the Muslim faith, "Too bad they are praying to the wrong God!" This was during a Sunday morning sermon. I flinched. In Divers Places Isaiah 65:17-65:25In Divers Places. A Look at prophecy and today's headlines. The Purpose of Creation: the Kabbalah of Transformation "I want to know how God created this world. I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. Praying Church or Playing Church? The western church is seen by the world as anything BUT Christian. We are making no one jealous for what we claim we've found in Christ. Heroes & Villains in the Quest for Spirituality: 100 Significant Characters of the Hebrew Bible There are hundreds of named men and women in the Old Testament. Merely to list all of their names would fill many pages and be of little profit. Living By the Truth, the Word of God Let's be honest: Too many Christian books are nothing but fluff or teach a viewpoint that is borderline contradictory of what the Bible actually teaches. Christian publishing appears, to this reviewer at least, to be focused too much on marketing and profits, and not nearly enough on solid teaching for building up the church. It is Written: Alien Invasion of Planet Earth PART ONE IT IS WRITTEN. Satanic Panic and the Alien Connection - PART ONE"It is written!"Man, them's fightin' words!Christ was confronted by Satan himself during His pre-ministry, 40-day, spiritual warfare training session in the desert. Smile! God Loves You! There is a greater sin than not obeying Jesus; it is the sin of not believing that he loves you.When you believe another person has your best interests at heart, you can accept great difficulties on behalf of that person. Biblical Hermeneutics - Part 2 Should we be tempted to believe that our system of interpretation is the only system that has ever existed, Ramm makes it very clear in his discussion of the "historical schools" that this is not so. The "Battle for the Bible" may have, in fact, been born as the second century Christian exegetes, who were influenced by Jewish Biblical scholarship, espoused a literal reading of Scripture which assumed its historical accuracy and included a healthy respect for questions of context. The Christian Community Tries To Take Back What Belongs To Them! "See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Is. How to Handle Negative Feelings When Wronged by Someone Else How does a Christian really handle negative feelings and emotions when they start to set in as a result of being wronged by others - especially if the wrong has been vicious and nasty?The Bible tells us that God is asking all of His people to live on a higher level than the nonbeliever. The Bible tells us to forgive those who trespass against us, to turn the other cheek when warranted, to love our enemies and to do good to those who deliberately hurt us. Amy Grant Cashes in Once Again on Jesus Coat-Tails Jesus made her famous, now Amy Grant cashes in one more time.In case you hadn't heard, singer Amy Grant is hosting a new "reality TV" series for NBC called "Three Wishes. Brief History of Jerusalem; Part 1 Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel.. Worship and Praise in Charismatic Churches This article was in response to an email about someone being a little uneasy about the praise and worship in charismatic churches.I received your email with the questions you sent. John Roberts and Madalyn Murray - The Turtle and the OHare Although I've never met Supreme Court nominee John Roberts, I did have a run in of sorts with America's most notorious atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hare in the nineteen eighties. As I walked into a radio station to drop off tapes of my former radio show the DJ called to me from within his booth.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
