Marriage Obligations
In preparing for the Feast of Trumpets it was driven home how much responsibility there is in being a part of the first harvest.
We look forward to the world at large becoming aware of a Savior. Christ was designated from birth to be the Savior to all people (Luke 2:10-11). For us, as we watch a very sick world grow sicker by the day, this is very encouraging. There is a solution for man’s sickness. We look forward to the time when Christ will return in full glory and the whole world will become aware of God’s fabulous plan of salvation. The fullness of the God family will be revealed and people will have a purpose for living.
That is certainly one aspect of appreciation for the Feast of Trumpets. That is perhaps a highly motivational perspective for us to view — those of us who are privileged to be called ahead of that time. We anticipate Christ’s return as the time of a marriage – the time when the Church, as a bride, has been prepared for the marriage of the Lamb. The first resurrection occurs at Christ’s return. The dead in Christ will be resurrected to eternal spirit life, followed by those who are alive at that time.
However, we must not overlook the fact that when the marriage takes place, the bride has made herself ready (Revelation 19:7). This essentially means to be prepared. It indicates something that must be done – action. The Apostle Paul, when speaking of “…looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ …”, he also emphasized the need for those who understand these things, to ”live righteously and godly in this present age” (Titus 2:11-15).
The world does not easily or openly accept the concept of a Savior. Satan has done his work too well for that to happen. Christ has to establish His Savior role by force initially.
In the book of Revelation we see a clear picture of what Satan (the dragon) has been able to do in having “all the world” follow the human government he has empowered – the beast power. This is immediately contrasted with a group of spirit beings who have been transformed from physical to spirit. “These are the ones who are not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb” (Revelation 13 & 14).
The stand-out for this is a group of people who allowed themselves to be prepared. To submit to a process of purification and to exhibit good works. They have kept the commandments of God and have been faithful to their Savior, Jesus Christ.
The time prior to Christ’s return is a difficult time for human life on this earth. Six thousand years of eating of the forbidden tree is coming to a conclusion. For us to be a part of the marriage to the Lamb, we must be eating of the tree of life. These two trees are not compatible.
We must be preparing for the return of Christ.
Brian Orchard
