Section 1: Revelation of the Bride

The Bride of Christ

There is little knowledge among believers in this hour,about the required scriptural qualifications to be a part of the overcoming company of believers that make up the Bride of Christ.

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. And to herwas granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for thefine linen is the righteousness of saints."

A Select Company of Believers

The Saved Are A Select Company

The Saved are a company of people selected out of the world. Jesus said:

Jn. 15: 16, 19 "Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit shouldremain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give ityou. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye arenot of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hatethyou."
Eph. 1: 4 "According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:"

The Church Is A Select Company

The Church (the Body of Christ) is a company selected out of the Saved (the Born Again; the Family of God). The Church is not only the BornAgain, but rather the Born Again believers who have been filled with the HolyGhost.

I Cor. 12: 13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…"

The Church is not only born of the Spirit but also baptized with the Spirit. As on the Day of Pentecost, the Church is filled with theSpirit proven by the sign evidence of speaking in tongues. Proof of this is inthe fact that four of the five places where believers were filled with the HolySpirit in Scripture states they spoke with tongues.

Acts 2: 4 "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Acts 10: 45, 46 "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also waspoured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues,and magnify God…"
Acts 19: 6 "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
I Cor. 14: 18 "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:"

The one place it does not say they spoke with tongues is inActs 8: 17. However, Simon the sorcerer was willing to give money to have thepower to give the Holy Ghost to whomsoever he laid his hands on. Simon had tohave seen something very supernatural to be willing to give his money for whathe saw happen when the Apostles laid their hands on the people. (Acts 8: 18, 19) Without question, Simon saw them speak in tongues and glorify God as in theother places that speak of receiving the Holy Spirit.

The Bride Is A Select Company

The Bride of Christ is a company selected out of the Church,the Body of Christ. Nowhere in the Bible is the Church called the Bride. Nowhere in the Scripture is Christ called the Husband of the Church. Instead,the reference is to the fact that He is the Head of the Church. The Church isHis Body. The Bride will be a select company chosen out of the Church (theBody of Christ).

Jesus said in Matt. 20: 23, "…To sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father." The Father makes the choice of those that will sit with Him (the Son).

A Prepared Company of Believers

Rev. 19: 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."

"Hetoimazo" -- "Made" -- to prepare -- make ready

Prepared by the Revelation of the Word

The Bride will make herself ready by the revelation of God'sWord (revealed by the Spirit). She will apprehend every redemptive right theLord has made available to every believer that hath an ear to hear what theSpirit has to say to the churches. The sad thing is that not everyone willlisten.

Rev. 3: 20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock…"

This letter is to a Church that has become lukewarm. TheLord is outside knocking. "…If any man hear My voice, (the revealedWord) and open the door…" He is no longer addressing the whole Church,but now He calls to individuals. "…If any man…" that is in the Churchwill hear His voice, answer the call, open the door and let Him in, Jesus said,"…I will come in to him…" The idea is that He not only comes in, but "…into him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." The evening meal is theprincipal meal, the chief meal of the day, and the time when they eat meat andhearty foods. The Lord is saying that He wants to come in and share meat(Revelation of the Word) to develop the overcoming life in you, that isrequired to sit with Him on His Throne.

Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in MyThrone…"
Matt. 24: 45 "…To give them meat in due season."

This meat is revelation out of the Word by the Spirit, notapart from the Word, but out of the Word.

Matt. 24: 28 "For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles begathered together."

Eagles do not eat carrion, they eat fresh slain meat. Eaglesaints eat fresh revelation of truth. The Bride of Christ will make herselfready by eating the fresh revelation that God has, and is revealing to her. InRev. 2: 17 the Lord said, "…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of thehidden (krupto -- kept secret) manna…"

Paul said:

I Cor. 2: 9, 10 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath preparedfor them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: forthe Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep (hidden, secret) things of God."
II Pet. 1: 3, 4 "According as His divine power hath given unto us all thingsthat pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him thathath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding greatand precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine Nature…"

Prepared by the Manifestation of God's Power

Eph. 1: 19, 20 "And what is the exceeding greatness of His power tous-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, Which Hewrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His Ownright hand in the heavenly places,"
Eph. 3: 20 "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above allthat we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"
Phil. 2: 13 "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do ofHis good pleasure."
Heb. 13: 20, 21 "Now the God of peace… Make you perfect in every good workto do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, throughJesus Christ; to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
I Pet. 5: 10 "But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto Hiseternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect,stablish, strengthen, settle you."
II Pet. 1: 3 "According as His divine power hath given unto us all thingsthat pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hathcalled us to glory and virtue:"

A Position of Attainment by Faith

Rev. 19: 8 "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in finelinen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."

This is not just imputed righteousness, this is 'acts of righteousness' (acquired righteousness). This is righteousness acquired through appropriation by faith, and through application of the truth by grace.

Eph. 4: 13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of theknowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of thestature of the fulness of Christ:"

The Bride will Run to Gain the Prize

Not everyone will run, for most have been taught that theyhave been given everything by grace and there is no need to exercise energy togain the prize. Salvation is a gift that can not be earned. This is a prizethat is only earned by running, and not by running only, but running accordingto the rules to win the prize. Therefore, there are conditions that have to bemet in order to win.

I Cor. 9: 24 "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but onereceiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."
Phil. 3: 14 "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling ofGod in Christ Jesus.
II Tim. 2: 5 "And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he notcrowned, except he strive lawfully."

"Nomimos" -- "Lawfully" -- agreeable to the rules

This word "nomimos" is used in contending in the games and achieving according to the rules.

Heb. 12: 1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great acloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,"

The Bride will Fight the Good Fight of Faith

The Bride of Christ is an overcomer. To be an overcomer something has to be overcome. There are forces that will fight against thebeliever, and for the believer to be an overcomer they must fight to keep whathas been given to them by grace. This is a fight of faith.

II Cor. 10: 4 "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)"
Eph. 6: 12, 13 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto youthe whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, andhaving done all, to stand."
I Tim. 6: 12 "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life,where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."

The Bride will Live the Life

The Bride will not only profess a good profession, but will live a life conformed to the Word of God, and to the image of Christ. There has to be a connection between the character of those who profess Christ asLord, and those who adorn themselves in a suitable life-style that pleases theLord. Like Enoch of old "…before his translation he had this testimony,that he pleased God."

Matt. 7: 21 "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven."
Titus 1: 16 "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him,being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
Jas. 1: 22 "But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

The Bride will Make no Provision for the Flesh

Flesh struggles desperately hard to survive in the best of men, but with the help of the Holy Spirit the flesh can, and will be overcome. The more of Christ that the believer has in his life, the less the flesh willrule.

Rom. 13: 14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

The Bride will Perfect Holiness

The Bride of Christ will perfect holiness both in the flesh and in the spirit.

II Cor. 7: 1 "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

This is not perfecting holiness in order to be saved; but because the believer has been saved. Therefore, cleanse yourself "…from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

This is not something that we do in ourselves only, as Paul said in Phillipians, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His goodpleasure." (Phil. 2: 12, 13)

God has made great promises and provisions for the believer to achieve all that God requires, but only if these promises are accepted andacted upon by faith.

II Pet. 1: 4 "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine Nature…"

The Bride will have Crucified the Flesh

The Bride of Christ will have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. The flesh has to be crucified, flesh cannot reign in the life of the overcomer.

Gal. 5: 24 "And they that are Christ'shave crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."

The Bible makes it very plain that the believer is commanded not to let sin reign. If the believer is commanded not to let sin reign, then the believer is capable of not letting sin reign. God does not require thatwhich is impossible to do.

Rom. 6: 12 "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."

Remember, ye are servants to (owned by) whoever ye yeild yourselves to obey.

Rom. 6: 16--18 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, orof obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servantsof sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which wasdelivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants ofrighteousness."

Also, the flesh must be crucified if the life of Jesus is to be made manifest in us.

II Cor. 4: 10, 11 "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the LordJesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For wewhich live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake,that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh."

The Bride will Follow the Leading of the Spirit

The Bride of Christ, having attained to full maturity(huios), positioned as sons, will know the voice of the Lord and will followHis leading.

Rom. 8: 14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons(huios) of God."

Jesus said in Jn. 10: 27 "My sheep("Probaton" --advanced in years -- distinct from "Arnia" lambs) hear My voice, and I knowthem, and they(the mature sheep) follow Me."

Only mature saints hear the voice of the Lord and follow His leading. Babes, like lambs, often confuse the voice of other shepherds withthe voice of their Master.

Matt. 24: 5 "For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."

Only the immature babes (lambs) will be deceived. The mature sons (sheep) will not be deceived and led astray.

Jn. 10: 4, 5 "And when He putteth forth His own sheep, Hegoeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know Hisvoice. And a stranger will they not follow,but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."
Rev. 14: 4 "…These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever hegoeth…"

The Bride will Love the Lord Without Reserve

Jesus said:

Mk. 12: 30 "…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:"

To do this requires perfection, full growth in the Spirit,and perfect obedience. This is a command, "Thou shalt," but it is alsoa promise, "Thou shalt." The Lord is promising the ability to do it. The Lord will never require what we cannot do without giving the ability to doit.

Phil. 2: 13 "For it is God which worketh in you…"
Jn. 14: 21 "He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is thatloveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I willlove him, and will manifest (reveal) Myself to him."
I Jn. 2: 3--5 "…Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep Hiscommandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, isa liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verilyis the love of God perfected…"

The Bride will be Crowned with Crowns of Gold

The Bride of Christ, having run the race, fought the fight of faith, and gained the prize, is now crowned with crowns of gold. Crowns are not gifts, they are awarded for achievement.

Rev. 4: 4 "…And they had on their heads crowns of gold."

Salvation is not a prize to be gained or earned; it is a gift that must be received by faith. However, there is promised to thebeliever that will run, that will fight the good fight of faith, and that will walk obediently in the truth, a crown.

I Cor. 9: 24, 25 "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man thatstriveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtaina corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."

The Bride will be Seated on Thrones

Also, in this fourth chapter of Revelation the Bride ofChrist is seated on thrones with the Lord as He promised in Rev. 3: 21. The promise of throne rights is only given to the overcomer, not to the wholeChurch. He was addressing the whole Church, but the whole Church will notlisten. The promise to sit with Him on His throne is to the overcomer.

Rev. 4: 4 "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats(thrones): and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment…"

They are "…clothed in white raiment…" as promised in Rev. 19: 8.

Composed Entirely of Overcomers

Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in MyThrone, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in HisThrone."

The Bride is composed of Overcomers out of the Church (theBody of Christ). The context makes it quite plain what the Church has to overcome in order to be the Bride.

The First Thing to Overcome is 'Lukewarmness'

Rev. 3: 16 "So then because thou art lukewarm…"

The Lord says in Rev. 3: 19, "…Be zealous… and repent." Repent and be fervent, hot, and on fire.

Rom. 12: 11 "…Fervent in spirit; serving the Lord…"

The Second Thing to Overcome is a Self-satisfied Attitude of Pride

Rev. 3: 17 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, andhave need of nothing…"

The Lord says they know not they are "…poor…" TheLord counsels them in Rev. 3: 18, "…Buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich…" Faith is the buying power. They were all wrapped-upin material goods; rich in earthly things, but poor in spiritual things. Hiscounsel was to buy of Him spiritual wealth, defined as "…Gold tried in thefire…" which is the very nature of God.

II Pet. 1: 4 "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and preciouspromises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine Nature…"

The Third Thing to Overcome is the Ignorance of Their Condition

Rev. 3: 17 "…And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable…"

The Lord says they are "blind" to their condition. Therefore, this requires a truthful and strict examination of ourselves. Paul said:

II Cor. 13: 5 "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove yourown selves."

Jesus said:

Jn. 8: 32 "…Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

The Lord's counsel was to "…anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see…" (Rev. 3: 18) The eyes must be anointed by the Holy Spirit with spiritual insight and revelations to not only see the "blind"condition, but to see the provisions made for this condition. You cannot overcome spiritual blindness in yourself. It takes the anointing ofGod by His Spirit to remove the scales of blindness. It will cost you something to get this "eyesalve" that will remove the blindness.

The Lord says, "…Buy of Me…"

II Cor. 10: 5, 6 "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity everythought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge alldisobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."
Rev. 3: 18 "…And white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear…"

Adam and Eve had a spiritual covering that they lost when they sinned in the garden, and they then knew they were naked.

Gen. 3: 7 "And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons."

Here the Lord was speaking to the Church and telling them that they were "naked." They had lost their spiritual covering.

"Raiment" is used in Scripture to typify character. "…Clothed with Majesty…" (Psalm 93: 1) "…Clothed with Honour…"(Psalm 104: 1)

"Raiment" also typifies Salvation, Righteousness andPurity.

Job 29: 14 "I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem."
Psalm 132: 16 "I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy."
Isa. 61: 10 "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."
Zech. 3: 4 "And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him,saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment."

The believers that are in the Church need to overcome this condition of "nakedness" to be in the Bride.

A State of Complete Deliverance

Lk. 21: 28 "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, andlift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

The Time of Complete Deliverance

The first thing to notice is the time of complete deliverance.

"And when these things begin to come to pass…"

Deception is the first thing that Jesus talked about in this list of events that will take place in the end-time.

Lk. 21: 8 "And He said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye nottherefore after them."
Matt. 24: 11 "…Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."
Matt. 24: 24 "For there shall arise false christs, and false prophets, andshall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, theyshall deceive the very elect."
I Tim. 4: 1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter timessome shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, anddoctrines of devils;"
II Tim. 3: 13 "…Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse,deceiving, and being deceived."
II Pet. 2: 19 "…They promise… liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption…"
I Jn. 3: 7 "Little children, let no man deceive you…"

We are living in the time of great deception, which indicates that we are living in the time of complete deliverance.

The Preparation for Deliverance

The next thing to notice is the preparation for deliverance.

Lk. 21: 28 "…Look up, and lift up your heads…"

"Anakupto" -- "look up" -- actually this is a compound word inthe sense of reversal; to unbend; straighten up. There is a lot of spiritual bending and bowing today in this age of deception and compromise. God iscalling His people to straighten up, and line up with His Word. "Ana" -- repetition-- Straighten up and keep straightening up.

Not everyone will take heed to the Lord's warning #39;tostraighten up,' but the Bride will take heed to the warning and prepare herself for the promised deliverance.

The State of Release or Complete Deliverance

Lk. 21: 28 "…For your redemption draweth nigh."

To comprehend the truth stated in this text you need tounderstand the meaning of the word "Redemption." In the Greek scripture there are several different words used to describe "Redemption," "Redeem," "Redeemed,""Redeemedst," "Redeemeth" and "Redeeming." Therefore, it is necessary tounderstand from the Greek the true meaning of the word "Redemption" inthis text.

We will now look at the other Greek words translated in theKing James version by one of these words of Redemption, or Redeeming.

There is the word "Agorazo" in Rev. 5: 9. This word has themeaning "to buy" -- "a price paid." "…For Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed (Agorazo) us to God by Thy blood…" Christ is spoken of as havingbought His people at the price of His blood.

"Exagorazo" -- is a strengthened form of "agorazo" -- "tobuy." The prefix "ex--" gives the meaning of purchasing or buying with a view to release.

Gal. 3: 13 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law…"

Christ bought us with His blood to release us from thecurse.

"Lutroo" -- which is a verb, speaks of a process of release.

Titus 2: 14 "Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem (Lutroo) usfrom all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of goodworks."

Christ paid the full purchase price for us, but there is aprocess of releasing "…us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people…"

"Lutrosis" -- is a noun revealing the fact that Christ haspurchased for us a state of release.

Heb. 9: 12 "…By His own blood He entered in once into the holy place,having obtained eternal redemption ("Lutrosis" -- a state of release) for us."

Although Christ purchased the state of release for us, it isour responsibility to enter into that state. Because Christ purchased it forus, some say it is an automatic thing for us to be in that state, no matter what we do or how we live. God's part is eternal, done, completed. God madethe provision, but we must, by Grace and Faith, enter into this state.

"Apolutrosis" "Apo" -- complete "Lutrosis" -- state of release

Lk. 21: 28 "…When these things begin to come to pass, then look up (straightenup and keep straightening up), and lift up your heads; for your redemption ("Apolutrosis"-- complete state of release) draweth nigh."

In Ephesians we have the promise of this " complete state of release" and the promise of our full inheritance, which is the fullness of the Spirit. We have only had the earnest of our inheritance until now.

Eph. 1: 13, 14 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word oftruth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, yewere sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest ("Arrhabon"-- a pledge as security for the rest; a down payment; assurance of somethingmore to come) of our inheritance until the redemption ("Apolutrosis" -- thecomplete state of release) of the purchased possession…"

The believer, "…the purchased possession…" is giventhe earnest of the Spirit (the Baptism of the Spirit) "which is the earnest of our inheritance…" until the believer is completely released. We are now in the process of being released. However, we are moving into the time ofcomplete release and the fullness of the Spirit.

I Pet. 1: 3--5 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living)hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritanceincorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven foryou (remember, we do not have it as of yet), Who are kept by the power of Godthrough faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

"Soteria" -- "Salvation" -- a deliverance or complete state of release

This state of release is "…ready to be revealed in thelast time." We are in the last time (or last days) and are looking forward for this "Soteria," this End Time Deliverance (the complete state of release of the purchased possession that Christ purchased with His Blood). Not everyonewill be a part of this deliverance; it is exclusively for the Overcomer (theBride).

Lk. 21: 36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accountedworthy…"

The Body of Christ

Eph. 1: 22, 23 "And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to bethe head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all."

All those that teach that the Bride of Christ is composed of the whole church fail to take into consideration one fact. That fact is that the highest position of honor is a reward for spiritual attainment and a Christ-like character.

Eph. 4: 13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of theknowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of thestature of the fullness of Christ:"
Rev. 3: 10 "Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also willkeep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, totry them that dwell upon the earth."
Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in MyThrone, even as I also overcame…"
Rev. 19: 7, 8 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for themarriage of the Lamb is come, and Hiswife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted (given) that she shouldbe arrayed in fine linen, clean, and white: for the fine linen is therighteousness (righteous acts) of saints."

The Body of Christ is The Church

No where in the Word of God is the Church ever called theBride of Christ. This is simply assumed by men to be the meaning, but there is no Scripture to support this theory. However, repeatedly throughout theScripture the Church is called the Body of Christ. In this text, Eph. 1: 22, 23, Christ's position is shown as the Head of the Church (which is His body). Thefifth chapter is the chapter, the one chapter, that they love to use in tryingto prove the Church to be the Bride of Christ. However, if you will read itcarefully and honestly, there is no reference to the Church as His Bride.

Eph. 5: 23 "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is theHead of the Church: and He is the Savior of the Body."
Eph. 5: 30 "For we are members of His Body, of His flesh, and of Hisbones."

Scofield said, "Eve, taken from Adam's body was truly boneof his bones, and flesh of his flesh, but she was also his wife." He says thisis "…a clear type of the Church as the Bride of Christ."

However, when studying the Scripture and analyzing it, byputting its parts into proper perspective, the flaws are seen in this theory of making the Body to be the Bride.

First, Eve was taken out the body of Adam, but not untilafter his body had been completed. Therefore, in fulfillment of this type theBride will not be taken out of the Church until the latter part of the Churchage, which we are now in.

Secondly, Eve was formed from a very small part of Adam'sbody, only a "rib," not the whole body. From that "rib" out ofAdam's body, God formed a bride for Adam.

Thirdly, Eve then existed apart from the rest of the body asa separate entity.

Lastly, Eve was "bone of his bone." However, she wasnot all of his bones as Scofield's theory requires. After God took the "rib"and made Eve, Adam awoke out of sleep and retained all his bones except onerib. It is very difficult, in fact totally impossible, to make Eve, a "rib,"to be the whole body of Adam. This is what you would have to do to make Eve(the type of the Bride of Christ) the type of the whole Church.

The Church as a Whole is Lukewarm

The Lord Jesus Himself stated that the Church is not fervent, nor on fire, nor overcoming but is in a state of lukewarmness.

Rev. 3: 15, 16 "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou artlukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, (in a state of satisfaction and also astate of comfort) I will spue thee out of My mouth."

The Church as a whole, in this state of "lukewarmness,"is not a fit example of an Overcomer ready to sit with Christ on His Throne. Jesus said:

Rev. 3: 17, 18 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods,and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, andmiserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me goldtried in the fire (there is a price for the gold, it will cost you something),that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, andthat the shame of thy nakedness (spiritual nakedness before God) do notappear, and anoint thine eyes with eye salve that thou mayest see."

The Church needs the "eye salve" of the Holy Spirit applied to its eyes to see its own condition. This "eye salve" of theHoly Spirit is also needed to see the revelations that God is making known tothose who love Him.

I Cor. 2: 9, 10 "…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that loveHim. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spiritsearcheth all things, yea, the deep (hidden-mysteries) things of God."
Rev. 2: 17 "…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna…" (covered -- concealed -- kept secret)

God has promised to reveal His truths to the Overcomer that cannot be understood by the natural mind. These truths must be, and can onlybe, revealed by His Spirit.

The Church Has Been Deceived

Jesus said:

Matt. 24: 11, 12 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceivemany. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
II Thes. 2: 3 "Let no man deceive you by any means: for thatday shall not come, except there come a falling away first…"

"Apostasia"-- "falling away" -- defection from truth -- toforsake the truth -- revolt

This is not a falling away in numbers, but a falling away inprinciples. They are defecting from the truth once delivered to them.

I Tim. 4: 1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter timessome shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducingspirits, and doctrines of devils;"
II Tim. 4: 3, 4 "For the time will come when they will not endure sounddoctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers,having itching ears; And they shall turn away theirears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

"Muthos" -- "fable" -- fiction -- in which there isfalsification of facts.

Christ is knocking at the Church's door. (Rev. 3: 20) The wholeChurch will not respond. He now speaks to the individual that will hear His knocking (responds to His Word) and open the door (the door to his inner life --to his heart). He said, "I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with Me." Christ will share truth.

The Church has Many Undeveloped Believers

Some believers accepted Christ as their Savior and were born into the Family of God, but they have never developed. They are still babes. They have never grown in their experience.

I Cor. 3: 1--3 "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed youwith milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neitheryet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among youenvying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men."
Gal. 4: 1--3 "Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all. But is under tutors andgovernors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we werechildren, were in bondage under the elements of the world:"
Eph. 4: 14 " That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro,and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, andcunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
Heb. 5: 11-- 6: 1 "Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to beuttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to beteachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principlesof the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not ofstrong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the Word ofrighteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are offull age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised todiscern both good and evil. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrineof Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation ofrepentance from dead works, and of faith toward God."

Some in The Church will be Saved as By Fire

Not everyone that is in the Church is willing to do what isrequired to have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God.

II Peter 1: 10, 11 "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to makeyour calling and election sure: for if ye do these things,ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto youabundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

As Paul said in I Cor. 3: 12, there are many that are building on the foundation that has been laid, "wood, hay, stubble." Hegoes on to say:

I Cor. 3: 13--15 "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the dayshall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire: and the fire shall tryevery man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hathbuilt thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned,he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."

Some in The Church have Committed Spiritual Adultery

The believer is admonished by the Word of God to "…come out from among them, and be ye separate… and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you… saith the Lord…" (II Cor. 6: 17, 18)

James says:

Jas. 4: 4 "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendshipof the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of theworld is the enemy of God?"
I Jn. 2: 15, 16 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in theworld. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Forall that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, andthe pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

The Church will be Invited To the Marriage Supper

The Lord will return at the midnight hour (the middle of the Tribulation hour) to Rapture the Church and welcome them to the MarriageFeast. The five wise "virgins" represent the Church that will awake out of sleep, through the persecution of the first three-and-a-half years of theTribulation, and will be invited to the Marriage Feast. Luke 12: 36-38 says the Lord will return after the wedding; the Church will be madeto sit down and the Lord Himself will come forth and serve them. Again in Rev.19: 9, "And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb…"

There is nothing in this world worth the loss of the soul and missing out on salvation. Neither the fleshly entertainment, nor earthly pleasure could be worth spending an eternity without God in an eternal hell ofsuffering.

There is nothing worth missing the Rapture of the Church, by which the Church will escape the last three-and-a-half years of theTribulation. This is known in the Scripture as the Great Tribulation, which isthe time of the releasing of God's judgments on the earth. This includes the opening of the Seals, the sounding of the Trumpets, the releasing of the Vials,and even the Thunders that John was told not to record. Most believe thesejudgments cover the whole seven years. They are very wrong, for the Seals are not opened until after the Church has been Raptured in the middle of theTribulation and is seen around the Throne.

Rev. 5: 6 "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the Throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain,having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sentforth into all the earth."

Furthermore, there is nothing in this whole world worth missing the Translation of the Bride of Christ. She will not only escape the seven years of Tribulation, but will be honored in the Marriage of the Lamb asHis wife, and will be seated with Him on His Throne. (Rev. 3: 21)

Remember, Peter said:

I Pet. 4: 17 "…Judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?"
I Cor. 11: 31 "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."

Only the Bride (the Overcomer) will judge herself by theWord, and make herself ready. (Rev. 19: 7, 8)

The Church will be judged by persecution in the first three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation. The Saved (the Born Again; the Family of God) has allowed their garments to become spotted by the world andthe flesh, and failed to repent under the persecution the Church endured. TheSaved will be judged in The Great Tribulation (the last three-and-a-half years). The Scripture states they will make their robes white by washing themin the Blood of the Lamb.

Rev. 7: 9, 13, 14 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, whichno man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues,stood before the Throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, andpalms in their hands… And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What arethese which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said untohim, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out ofgreat tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in theBlood of the Lamb."

The Born Again

Jn. 3: 1-7 "There was aman of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came toJesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher comefrom God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be withhim. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Excepta man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith untoHim, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time intohis mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say untothee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which isborn of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must beborn again."

The Necessity of the New Birth

It is Essential to Spiritual Life

Man is born a sinner

Ps. 51: 5 "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my motherconceive me."

Man is dead spiritually in his sins

Eph. 2: 1 "And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."

Man must be born again

Jn. 3: 7 "Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again."

It is Essential to Spiritual Vision

Man is blinded by sin to spiritual things

II Cor. 4: 4 "In whom thegod of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not…"

Man must have a spiritual birth to see spiritual things

Jn. 3: 3 "…Except a man beborn again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

It is Essential to Spiritual Knowledge

Man in his natural state cannot understand spiritual things

I Cor. 2: 14 "…The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit ofGod: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because theyare spiritually discerned."

Man must be born of the Spirit to discern spiritual things

Jn. 3: 6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is bornof the Spirit is spirit."
I Cor. 2: 15 "…He that is spiritual judgeth (discerneth) all things…"

It is Essential to Worship God

Man being dead spiritually in his sins cannot worship God

Col. 2: 13 "And you, being dead in your sins…"

Man must be born of the Spirit to worship God in spirit

Jn. 4: 24 "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him inspirit and in truth."

The Nature of the New Birth

It is a Spiritual Birth

Jn. 3: 6 "That which isborn of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

It is of Divine Origin

Jn. 1: 13 "Which wereborn, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, butof God."

It is by the Word of God

I Pet. 1: 23 "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but ofincorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."

It is a New Creation

II Cor. 5: 17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation)…"

It is a Mystery

Jn. 3: 8 "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the soundthereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is everyone that is born of the Spirit."
Jn. 3: 5 "…Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of waterand of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

This Scripture is often misinterpreted to mean water baptism, but you must remember that baptism has to do with death, not life.

Rom. 6: 4 "Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death."

This has to do with birth -- having life imparted to the believer.

Jn. 6: 63 "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing:the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

The Water is a type of the Word which gives life.

Eph. 5: 26 "That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the Water by the Word."
Jn. 15: 3 "Now ye are clean through the Word which I havespoken unto you."
I Pet. 1: 22 "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the Truth(the Word) through the Spirit."

TheRequirements for Receiving the New Birth

The New Birth is Obtained by Faith

Jn. 1: 12 "…As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become thesons of God, even to them that believe on His name."
Jn. 3: 36 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he thatbelieveth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
I Jn. 5: 1 "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God."

The New Birth Requires Repentance

Lk. 13: 3 "…Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
Acts 3: 19 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may beblotted out."
II Pet. 3: 9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some mencount slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any shouldperish, but that all should come to repentance."

The New Birth Requires Confession

Confession of sins

I Jn. 1: 9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive usour sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Confession of Christ

Rom. 10: 9, 10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thoushalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and withthe mouth confession is made unto salvation."

TheEvidence of the New Birth

Will Live Righteously

I Jn. 2: 29 "If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him."

Will Keep His Commandments

I Jn. 2: 3-6 "…Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep Hiscommandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, isa liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepth His Word, in Him verilyis the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saithhe abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked."

Will Not Practice Sin

Gal. 2: 17 "But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselvesalso are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid."
I Jn. 3: 9 "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seedremaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
I Jn. 3: 8 "He that committeth sin is of the devil;"

Will Have Love

I Jn. 4: 7 "Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."
I Jn. 4: 8 "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

Will Overcome the World

I Jn. 5: 4, 5 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: andthis is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he thatovercometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?"

Works, not Words, are Evidence of New Birth

Matt. 7: 21 "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enterinto the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is inheaven."
Eph. 2: 10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto goodworks, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Titus 1: 16 "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him,being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
Titus 2: 14 "Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
Jas. 2: 17 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."

Will Bear Fruit

Jn. 15: 5 "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, andI in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can donothing."
Jn. 15: 2 "Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit, He taketh away: andevery branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth morefruit."
Jn. 15: 6 "If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and iswithered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they areburned."

The Results of the New Birth

They are the Family of God

They are born into the family of God as babes; and they must grow.

I Pet. 2: 2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, thatye may grow thereby:"

They are Heirs of God

Rom. 8: 17 "If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs withChrist…"

However, as long as they are children, they differ nothing from servants. There has to be growth and a maturing to enjoy the fullness of the inheritance.

Gal. 4: 1, 2 "Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child,differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutorsand governors until the time appointed of the father."

Who the Born Again Are Not

They are NOT the Body of Christ

To be in the Body of Christ (the Church) you have to be baptized in the Holy Spirit with the scriptural evidence of speaking in tongues.

I Cor. 12: 13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…"

The Body of Christ (the Church) is the living organism through which Christ, by His Spirit, manifests Himself.

They are NOT the Bride of Christ

The Bride of Christ is an overcoming company of believers that come out of the Church (the Body of Christ), that have attained unto full growth.

Eph. 4: 13, 14 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of theknowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of thestature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children,tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by thesleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."
Heb. 6: 1 "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, letus go on unto perfection (maturity); not laying again the foundation of repentancefrom dead works, and of faith toward God."
Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in MyThrone, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne."

The Bride of Christ will have made herself ready for the marriage of the Lamb. She will do this while all others sleep.

Rev. 19: 7 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him for theMarriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready."
Matt. 25: 5 "While the Bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept."

The five wise virgins (the Body of Christ) and the five foolish virgins (the Born Again) that took no oil, slumbered and slept.

Paul said:

I Thes. 5: 6 "…Let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and besober."

Let us always remember what Jesus said about the Seed -- theWord of God. The same Seed (the Word) produces different results, not because of the Seed, but because of the soil (the lives) in which it is sowed. He says that some will produce 30-fold, some will produce 60-fold and some will produce100-fold. This 100-fold is completeness, perfection, maturity and fullgrowth.

The Apostle Paul said that there is a difference in believers, even though all build on the foundation, which is Christ. Some will build on this foundation precious stone, some silver and some gold. These are not the same, nor do they attain unto the same level of reward; yet, they all build on the same foundation, which is Christ Jesus the Saviour. For there is no salvation in any other than Christ Jesus, and this salvationis provided by grace through the mercy of God.

We do have to build on the foundation to attain the different levels of reward. Some will be saved as by fire (just get in) while others will have an abundant entrance into the kingdom.

Matt. 16: 27 "For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Fatherwith His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works."

The highest level of reward attainable is the Marriage of the Lamb. Some will be a friend of the Bridegroom, like John the Baptist. Some will be invited to the Marriage Feast, as were the five virgins that had oil (the Church; the Body of Christ).

Matt. 25: 10--12 "And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and theythat were ready went in with Him to the Marriage (Marriage Feast) andthe door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord,open to us. But He answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not."

He did not say He never knew them. They were virgins. He is saying that He does not know them in this experience of being invited to the Marriage Feast.

Some will come out of Great Tribulation like the five foolish virgins that go into it (the last three-and-a-half years of theTribulation) and during which, washed their robes and made them white in theBlood of the Lamb. The only reason for them to be washing their robes in the Great Tribulation is because they have allowed their garments to become defiled, and were not allowed to go into the Marriage Feast.

The Difference Between the Church and the Bride

Lk. 12: 35--38 "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when He will returnfrom the wedding; that when He cometh and knocketh, they may open unto Himimmediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shallfind watching; verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make themto sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if He shall comein the second watch, or come in the third watch and find them so, blessed arethose servants."

This Scripture indicates the Midnight hour -- between the second and the third watch.

Matt. 25: 6 "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him."

The Church is the Body

The Body of Christ (the Church) and the Bride of Christ are not the same. The Body of Christ (the Church) are those that have been BornAgain (Saved) and been baptized by the Spirit into the Body of Christ (theChurch).

I Cor. 12: 13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body."
Eph. 1: 22, 23 "And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the Church. Which is His body,the fullness of Him that filleth all in all."

Scripture is plain that the Bride of Christ is only a part of the Body of Christ. That is, the Bride of Christ will be taken out of theBody of Christ (the Church). These are Overcomers as was Christ Himself.

Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in MyThrone, even as I also overcame…"

As Eve was taken out of the body of Adam, so theBride will be taken out of the body of Christ (the Church).

Nowhere in the Bible, God's Holy Word, is the Church called the Bride of Christ. The Church is called the Body of Christ, of which Christ is always referred to as being the Head of the Church, which is His body. (Eph. 1: 22, 23)

Overcoming does not gain salvation, for salvation is a gift of God.

Eph. 2: 8, 9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Salvation is not earned. It cannot be earned. It is given and received as a gift of grace, through faith. However, the Bride earns herholy position by attainment and overcoming. This is accomplished by appropriation of every redemptive right by faith.

Rev. 19: 8 "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in finelinen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness (acquired righteousness, righteous acts) of saints."

The Overcomer is the Bride

The Bride of Christ is Called to an "High Calling"

This is gained by pressing "…toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Phil. 3: 11--14 "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

This Scripture expresses plainly that there is something Paul is striving for, that he had not yet attained. "Ifby any means… not as though I had already attained… I press toward the mark for the prize."

I Cor. 9: 24--27 "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

Paul is speaking about running a race to win a prize: I strive - I run - I fight to win a prize. This is a crown, an incorruptible crown.

The #39;Elders' in Rev. 4 are crowned with golden crowns.

Rev. 4: 4 "And round about the Throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment: and they had on their heads crowns of gold."

Crowns are earned, not presented as gifts.

The Bride of Christ is called to an "Holy Calling"

II Tim. 1: 9 "Who have saved us, and called us with an Holy Calling."

"Hagios" -- "Holy" -- Pure -- Blameless -- Consecrated

Believers are called to sanctify themselves from alldefilement, forsaking sin and living a holy life.

I Pet. 1: 15 "But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;"

"Anastrophe" -- "Conversation" -- Behaviour

This clarifies the meaning of the word conversation, thusthe Scripture is easily understood to be saying, "Be ye holy in all manner ofliving."

The Bride of Christ is called to an "Heavenly Calling"

Heb. 3: 1 "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakersof the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle andHigh Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

The Bride of Christ will be a "Chaste Virgin"

II Cor. 11: 2 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I haveespoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin toChrist."
II Tim. 2: 21 "…A vessel unto honour, sanctified… prepared unto every goodwork."

"Hagnos" -- "Chaste" -- clean -- pure -- perfect -- free from amixture of evil -- pure from every fault -- pure from carnality

However, there are many in the "Body of Christ" (the Church)that are still "babes." They are "yet carnal."

I Cor. 3: 1--4 "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as untospiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed youwith milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neitheryet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among youenvying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? Forwhile one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye notcarnal?"
Heb. 4: 11--14 "Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest anyman fall after the same example of unbelief. For the Word of God is quick, andpowerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividingasunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner ofthe thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that isnot manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of Himwith Whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that ispassed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast ourprofession."

The Bride of Christ is Referred to as "Elders"

These are not babes sitting on thrones with the Lord. Theseare elders that are mature, fully grown. They gained this position by overcomingas He overcame.

Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in MyThrone, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne."
Rev. 4: 4 "And round about the Throne were four and twenty seats: and uponthe seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in whiteraiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold."

There are many unprofitable builders in the Body of Christ(the Church). They build on the foundation, "…wood, hay, stubble…" andthese "…shall suffer loss…"

I Cor. 3: 12--15 "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver,precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest:for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and thefire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abidewhich he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's workshall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so asby fire.

There are also profitable builders.

I Cor. 3: 12, 14 "…Gold, silver, precious stone… He shall receive areward."

Rewards are given for achievements. Many in the Church willbe saved, "as by fire." (I Cor. 3: 15)

The Bride, however, will have an abundant entrance. Therefore, all that are in the Church are not equal and shall not receive thesame reward.

II Pet. 1: 11 "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantlyinto the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Many in the Church have become friends with the world, andhave committed spiritual adultery.

Jas. 4: 4 "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendshipof the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of theworld is the enemy of God."

The Bride will be a "Chaste Virgin" having but one love, andthat for the Lord.

Mk. 12: 30 "And thou shall love the Lord thy God with allthy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thymind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."

"All" means there is nothing left for anything else. TheLord Himself considers many in the Church to be "…wretched, and miserable,and poor, and blind, and naked:"

Rev. 3: 17 "Because thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods, andhave need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable, andpoor, and blind and naked:"

The Bride of Christ is the "Fairest Among Women"

The Bride is considered by the Lord to be the fairest amongwomen.

S. of S. 1: 8 "…O thou fairest among women…"

She will "…be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: forthe fine linen is the righteousness of saints."

Rev. 19: 8 "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in finelinen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."

"Ekklesia"-- "Church" -- A Glorious -- Called Out

Some in the Church will be called out to be the Bride. TheBride will be called out from the called out (the Church).

Eph. 5: 27 "…Not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that itshould be holy and without blemish."

This is not the condition of the Church as a whole. This isthe condition of the Bride that is "called out" of the Church. There is agreat difference between the condition of the whole Church that Jesus spokeabout in Rev. 3: 17 and the Bride that will come out of the Church and be holyas He is holy.

I Pet. 1: 16 "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

The unholy characteristics described in the Bible are inthe Church as a whole. These make the Church totally unfit to be the Bride ofChrist. All the elements of looseness and worldliness are found in theChurch. The majority of Bible interpreters claim this Church to be the Brideof Christ. However, the Lord Himself requires the Bride to be holy, withoutblemish, pure, clean and arrayed in white raiment. Therefore, it is necessaryto select some out of the Church that is fit to bethe Bride of Christ in this end-time. The Bride will prepare herself for thewedding.

Rev. 19: 7--8 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for themarriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to herwas granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for thefine linen is the righteousness of saints."

The Bride of Christ will "Prepare Herself"

The Bridegroom does not prepare the Bride. The Bridegroommakes provision for the Bride, but she herself must by faith, take advantage ofthat which has been prepared for her. Believers are called to sanctifythemselves consistent with their high, holy and heavenly calling, cleansingthemselves from all defilement, forsaking sin and living a holy life.

II Cor. 7: 1 "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let uscleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfectingholiness in the fear of God."
II Cor. 13: 5 "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove yourown selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you,except ye be reprobates?"

The Bride will have to prepare herself. The Biblechallenges us to examine ourselves.

Gal. 2: 17 "If, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is thereforeChrist the minister of sin? God forbid."
II Tim. 2: 19 "The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every onethat nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Titus 1: 16 " They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."

"Adokimos" -- "reprobate" -- unapproved -- rejected -- castaway-- not standing the test

The Bride, "…His wife hath made herself ready." TheChurch (the Body of Christ) will be forced by persecution, during the firstthree-and-a-half years of the Tribulation, to be made ready. The Bible saysthe Seed (the Word of God) that is sewn in good ground would produce differentdegrees of fruit.

The Born Again will produce 30 fold.

The Church, the Body of Christ will produce 60 fold.

The Overcomer, the Bride of Christ will produce 100 fold.

The Bride of Christ will "Return With The Lord"

The Bride will accompany the Lord when He returnsafter the wedding.

Lk. 12: 36 "And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, whenHe will return from the wedding; that when He cometh and knocketh, they may open unto Him immediately."
Matt. 25: 1 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins,which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the Bridegroom."

Older translations read, "went forth to meet the Bridegroom and Bride." The Body of Christ (the Church) will be invited to the MarriageFeast.

Matt. 25: 10 "And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage (marriage feast): and the door was shut. Afterward, came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us."
Lk. 12: 37, 38 "Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you that He shall grid Himself and make them sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if He shall come in the second watch or come in the third watch and find them so, blessedare those servants."
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."

The Rapture

I Thes. 4: 16, 17 "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 deadin Christ shall rise first: 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 shallwe ever be with the Lord."

The Meaning of Rapture

The word 'rapture' is not in the King James Version of the Bible, but is a translation of a Greek word.

"Harpazo" -- "Caught Up" -- to snatch -- or caught away

The Latin word "Rapere" -- meaning rapid -- is also a translation of "caught up."

The rapture is defined as a sudden, blissful change; the state of being transported from one place to another.

"Harpazo" is found in the Scripture in the following places.

Acts 8: 39 "…The Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip…"
II Cor. 12: 4 Paul "…was caught up into paradise…"
I Thes. 4: 17 "…Shall be caught up together… to meet the Lord inthe air…"
Rev. 12: 5 The man "…child was caught up unto God, and to HisThrone."

The Timing of Rapture

When will the rapture of the Church take place?

There are Three Schools of Teaching Concerning the Rapture

Pre-Tribulation Rapture

These believe the whole Church will be raptured beforeTribulation.

Mid-Tribulation Rapture

These believe the whole Church will go through the first three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation and then be raptured in the middle of the Tribulation.

Post-Tribulation Rapture

These believe the whole Church will go through the seven years of Tribulation and then be raptured at the end of the Tribulation, at the"epiphaneia" -- "appearing." This is the literal return of Christ.

There are Reasons Why They are Wrong

Each of these schools of teaching believe they are the only one that has the truth, and all the others are wrong. Each of these different schools of teaching have a certain amount of truth concerning the rapture. However, they go wrong when they take the part that is truth and make that partto be the whole truth. Therefore, when they make the part to be thewhole, they distort the truth and end up in error and false doctrine.

They also believe there is only one catching away. This is another point where they go wrong. Many of these teachers are very sincere in what they believe. I believe that they unintentionally misinterpret theScriptures. However, they need to recognize that they not only support "theirpart" with Scripture, but the others also support "their part" with Scripture.

The Support of Scripture

Something will Take Place Before the Tribulation

Scriptures support the fact that something will take place before the Tribulation.

Lk. 21: 36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

There will be some that will be counted "worthy to escape all these things."

Acts 15: 14--16 "Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:"
Rev. 3: 10 "Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, totry them that dwell upon the earth."
Rev. 3: 20, 21 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and hewith Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne, evenas I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne."

Something will Take Place in the Middle of the Tribulation

Scripture supports the fact that something takes place inthe middle of the Tribulation.

Lk. 12: 36 "And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, whenHe will return from the wedding: that when He cometh and knocketh, they mayopen unto Him immediately."

The wedding has already taken place and He is inviting someto the Marriage Feast in the second or third watch. The first watch hasalready taken place.

Matt. 25: 6 "And at midnight there was a cry, Behold, theBridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him."

"At midnight" means the middle of the Tribulation. The Church goes into the first three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation for"…all (virgins; both wise and foolish) slumbered and slept." (Matt. 25: 5)

Matt. 24: 22 "Except those days should be shortened, there should no fleshbe saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened."
I Thes. 4: 16, 17 "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with ashout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the deadin Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain (left) shall becaught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and soshall we ever be with the Lord."
I Thes. 5: 2 "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord socometh as a thief in the night."

"At midnight" -- There is no judgment involved at this time. This is His secret coming in the air for the Church.

Something will Take Place After the Tribulation

Scripture supports the fact that something will take placeafter the Tribulation.

Matt. 24: 29--31 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall thesun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shallfall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And thenshall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all thetribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the cloudsof heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with agreat sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from thefour winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

Notice the words, "Immediately after the tribulation ofthose days..." He has been talking about the events of the Tribulation andnow moves on to something that takes place after -- "And they shall see theSon of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And Heshall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gathertogether His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

II Thes. 1: 7--10 "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LordJesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, In flaming firetaking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of ourLord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from thepresence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power; When He shall come tobe glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (becauseour testimony among you was believed) in that day."
Rev. 7: 9, 13, 14 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, whichno man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues,stood before the Throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, andpalms in their hands; And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What arethese which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said untohim, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of Great Tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb."

This is the time when the Lord comes in judgment with His holy angels.

Rev. 19: 11--16 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and Hethat sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. AndHe was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses,clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath ofAlmighty God. And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KINGOF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

The Truth of the Rapture

There is considerable evidence in the Scripture that reveals that there is more than one catching away.

The Translation of the Bride of Christ

Most of the controversy and argument over the Rapture is caused by the fact that some see Scripture indicating Pre-Tribulation Rapture and that is all they see. Others see only Scripture dealing with theMid-Tribulation Rapture. Still others see only the Post-Tribulation scriptures. Each different school of thought supports themselves withScripture. Therefore, because they see only one of these positions, they try to force all the other scriptures into their one Rapture theory. Attempting to make the one part of truth to be the whole, they end up with a distortion of the truth. However, if they would consider the whole truth in their examination of Scripture, they would have to come to the conclusion that there is not just one event but three. One event has to do with the Bride (theOvercomer), which is translated out of the Church before the beginning ofTribulation. Jesus said:

Lk. 21: 36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape (Ekpheugo -- vanish from) all these things that shall come topass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

The Bride, like Enoch, will be translated before the judgment.

Heb. 11: 5 " By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God."

Before the Tribulation, the Bride of Christ (the Overcomer)made herself ready for the marriage.

Rev. 19: 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."

The Bride was found worthy to escape all the things that were to come upon the earth.

The Rapture of the Church

After the translation of the Bride, the Church goes into the first three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation. Under great persecution theChurch will be awakened out of sleep and prepared ("trim their lamps")for the Rapture in the Middle of the Tribulation hour.

The Church will then be invited to the marriage feast.

Matt. 25: 7--10 "Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps….And they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage (Marriage feast):"
Lk. 12: 35--38 "Let your loins be girded about, (with Truth) and your lights burning; (you can have a lamp without oil, but to have a lighted lamp burning you have to have oil, symbolic of the Holy Spirit). And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when He will return from the wedding; that when He cometh and knocketh, they may open unto Him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if He shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch…"

The First Watch has already taken place with the Translation of the Bride. Now He comes, as obviously indicated, between the Second andThird Watch. This agrees with what the Lord said in Matt. 25: 6, "And at Midnight…" which is between the two watches.

Matt. 25: 1-10 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the Bridegroom (and theBride). And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the Bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, theBridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil;for our lamps are gone out. 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. And while they went to buy, the Bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage (feast): and the door was shut."

The Church has been made ready for Rapture by persecution during the first three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation, and is called to the"Wedding Feast."

I Thes. 4: 16, 17 "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 deadin Christ shall rise first: 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 shallwe ever be with the Lord."
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 event of the Rapture of the Church is followed by the saved (the Born-Again), who have lived loosely and their garments have become spotted by the flesh, going into the last three-and-a-half years of theTribulation Hour. They are represented by the "five foolish virgins" that could not go into the Marriage Feast. (Matt. 25: 11, 12) These will be refined and made ready for the Lord when He returns literally to the earth to set upHis Kingdom at the end of the Tribulation Hour. The Apostle John says in:

Rev. 7: 9 "I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before theThrone and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands."
Rev. 7: 13, 14 "One of the elders answered, saying unto me, what are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they? And I said unto him,Sir thou knowest. And he said unto me, These are they which came out of Great Tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

Their garments had become spotted and they had need of being washed.

One of the arguments against Pre-Tribulation Rapture orTranslation is the fact that the early church fathers did not speak or write much about it. But remember, Jesus did speak about a Pre-TribulationTranslation in Lk. 21: 36 " Escape All." Again Jesus said:

Rev. 3: 10 "Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation (trial-Tribulation), which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

You must also remember there are some things that have been concealed until the time of the end. The Angel of God told Daniel the Prophet:

Dan. 12: 4 "Shut up the words, and seal the Book, even to the time of the end."

We are now living in the time of the end, and God is revealing truth that has been hidden.

Zechariah said:

Zech. 14: 7 "It shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall belight."

This is not a paradox, this is a Divine Revelation that in "thetime of the end," "evening time," there "shall be light"(Revelation of Truth). This is not light that dispels the darkness altogether. This is "flashing light" like "lightning." This "light" will not be seen by everyone, it will only be seen by those that are looking in the right direction (with an open heart); God reveals truth unto them by HisSpirit.

The Literal Return of Christ

At this time, Christ shall set up His earthly kingdom and reign and rule on the earth.

Matt. 24: 29--31 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels witha great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

There are Three Events -- Not One

The Translation of the Overcomers out of the (Laodicean) Church that have Made Themselves Ready for the Wedding

Out of those that have been Born- Again, and from those that have been Baptized into the Body (the Church) will come those that live the Overcoming life, and are Overcomers (the Bride ofChrist). Throughout Scripture, this fact is repeated over and over again. When the seed of the Word of God was sown:

Matt. 13: 23 "He that received Seed into the good ground is he that heareth the Word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringethforth, some an hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty."
Matt. 25: 15 "Unto one He gave five talents, to another two,and to another one; to every man according to his several ability…"
Mk. 4: 28 "For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade,then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear."

The seed, if it is cultivated and cared for, will return to its original state. The Word of God planted inour hearts, if it is cultivated and cared for, will produce the natureof Christ in us.

Jn. 15: 2, 8 "…Every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it,that it may bring forth more fruit… Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit,"

The Word of God speaks of believers as being borninto the family of God as " Babes."

I Pet. 2: 2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, thatye may grow thereby:"

"Brephos" -- "Babes" -- newborn -- infants

The Secret Coming of the Lord in the Air to Rapture the Church in theMiddle of Tribulation

Many in the Church are spoken of as "babes" that need togrow.

I Cor. 3: 1 "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual,but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ."

The Word also speaks of believers as " children" thatneed to grow up.

Eph. 4: 14 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

"Nepios" -- "Children" -- an immature Christian

The Word also speaks of believers as " sons" that are matured.

Rom. 8: 14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

"Huios" -- "Sons" -- mature Christian

There are "babes" (I Pet. 2: 2), there are "little children"(I Jn. 2: 13) and there are " fathers." (I Jn. 2: 14)

I Cor. 3: 12 speaks of some building on the foundation, " Gold, Silver, Precious Stones." These speak of different categories of Christian attainment.

The Scripture speaks of "Justification." (Rom. 5: 1) It also speaks of "Sanctification." (I Thes. 4: 3) Furthermore, it also speaks of"Glorification." (Rom. 8: 30) Scripture also speaks of "Unity of the Faith""and of the knowledge ("Epignosis" -- exact or full knowledge) of theSon of God," -- "Unto a perfect ("Teleios" -- of full age -- complete --perfect) man."

Heb. 12: 23 speaks of a "…General assembly (theBorn Again)… Church of the First born (the Body of Christ)… and…Spirits of just men made perfect(the Bride of Christ)."

The Return of Christ After the Tribulation

The reason you have three schools of teaching is because none of these teachings agree with the others, which is evidence that they fail to see the whole picture.

Rev. 11: 15 "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever."

What the Bible Teaches Chart

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The Bible teaches that some will escape all.

Matthew 25:1 Luke 12:35,36; 21:36 Revelation 3:10;19:7-9
Enoch is a type of the Bride. He was translated before judgment. Methuselah is a type of the church. He lived up until the time of judgment. Noah is a type of the saved. He was preserved through judgment in the Ark of Safety.

The Seventieth Week

The Seven Years of Tribulation

Dan. 9: 24 "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy."

Seventy Weeks of years were determined (given by decree) to the Jewish nation. Sixty-nine of those weeks of years have already been fulfilled. There is yet one week of years that must be fulfilled; seven years that God will again deal with the nation of Israel. Between the sixty-ninth and seventieth week there is a period of grace in which God deals with all the world. We are now living in that period of grace.

According to what I understand from prophetic truth, there will be another World War in which God will fight for the nation of Israel, as He did in the Old Testament. This will be the ushering in of the SeventiethWeek of years, which is often referred to as the Seven Years of Tribulation. Before this World War the Bride of Christ (the Overcomer) will be translated,as is plainly revealed in the Scripture.

Lk. 21: 36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to Escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

The Bride of Christ will be translated in the First Watch of the night which is followed by the dark night of Tribulation. It is during this dark night that the sleeping Church will be awakened by persecution during this first three-and-a-half years.

Matt. 25: 5, 6 "While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made. Behold the Bridegroom cometh; goye out to meet Him."
Lk. 12: 35--38 "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when He will return from the wedding; that when He cometh and knocketh, they may open unto Him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if He shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants."

The Bible Teaches that Several Things Will Take Place

The Bible teaches that within this Seven Years of Tribulation several things will take place.

The Anti-christ will Arise

II Thes. 2: 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;"

The Persecution of the Church

Matt. 24: 9 "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake."

The Revival of Joel's Prophecy

Joel 2: 28, 29 "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour outMy spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My spirit."

The Rapture of the Church

I Thes. 4: 16, 17 "For theLord 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: 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."

The Great Tribulation

Matt. 24: 21 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
Rev. 7: 14 "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And He said to me, These are they which came out of Great Tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in theBlood of the Lamb."

The Releasing of God's Judgments

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The Wrath of God

II Thes. 1: 7, 8 "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LordJesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, In flaming firetaking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of ourLord Jesus Christ:"
Rev. 6: 17 "For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be ableto stand?"

The Kingdoms of this World Becoming the Kingdoms of Our Lord

Rev. 11: 15 "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices inheaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever."

The Bible Teaches there are Three Major Sections

The Bible teaches that there are three major sections to theSeventieth Week (the Tribulation).

The Beginning of Sorrows

Matt. 24: 8 "All these are the beginning of sorrows."

The Great Tribulation

Matt. 24: 21 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
Rev. 7: 14 "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me,These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed theirrobes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb."

The Day of the Lord

Matt. 24: 29-31 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
Mk. 13: 24-26 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sunshall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars ofheaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory."
Rev. 6: 17 "For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be ableto stand?"
Rev. 16: 14 "For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them tothe battle of that great day of God Almighty."

The Bible Teaches that Two Events Must Take Place

The Bible teaches that two events must take place before theDay of the Lord.

The Apostasy of the Church

II Thes. 2: 3 "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall notcome, except there come a falling away first…"
Rev. 3: 14-16 "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write;These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth."

The Revealing of the Man of Sin

II Thes. 2: 3, 4 "…And that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped;"

The Bible Teaches Concerning the Great Tribulation

The Bible teaches that the Great Tribulation begins in the middle of the Seven Year period. The Great Tribulation covers only the last three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation.

Matt. 24: 21 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
Rev. 7: 14 "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb."

The Bible Teaches Concerning the Day of the Lord

The Bible teaches when the Day of the Lord will come.

The Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet

Rev. 11: 15 "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, Thekingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ;and He shall reign for ever and ever."

The Great Day of His Wrath

The day of the Lord will come when the day of His wrath is revealed.

Rev. 6: 17 "For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

The Time of Unprecedented Judgment

The Bible teaches that the Day of the Lord is a time of unprecedented judgment upon the whole world.

Declared by Daniel the Prophet

Daniel the prophet declared that there is going to be a time of judgment such as there has never been.

Dan. 12: 1 "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of Thy people: and there shall be a time oftrouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: andat that time Thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."

Declared by Matthew the Disciple

Matthew declared that there is going to be a time of trouble such as the world has never known.

Matt. 24: 21 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."

Declared by Paul the Apostle

Paul declared that the Lord Himself will come in flaming fire.

II Thes. 1: 7, 8 "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LordJesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming firetaking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of ourLord Jesus Christ:"

The Bible Teaches Concerning His Second Coming

The Bible teaches there are two phases to His Second Coming.

The Secret Coming -- "In the Air" -- "Like a Thief in the Night"

I Thes. 4: 16, 17 "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 deadin Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain (left) shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and soshall we ever be with the Lord."

"Harpazo" -- "Rapture" -- to snatch or catch away

Latin "Rapere" -- "Raptum" -- to seize and carry away

This is where our English word rapture comes from.

I Thes. 5: 1, 2 "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of theLord so cometh as a thief in the night."

The Revelation -- "The Literal Return"

The "Epipheneia" - Eng. "Epiphany" - The appearing

Lk. 21: 25-27 "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon,and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; thesea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heavenshall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."
II Thes. 1: 7 "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LordJesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,"
I Tim. 6: 14 "That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable,until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:"
II Tim 4: 1 "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord JesusChrist, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and Hiskingdom;"
Titus 2: 13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"
Rev. 1: 7 "Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail becauseof Him. Even so, Amen."

The Bible Teaches Some Will Escape All

The Bride (The Overcomer)

Lk. 21: 36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand beforethe Son of man."
Rev. 3: 10 "Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, totry them that dwell upon the earth."
Rev. 3: 21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in MyThrone, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne."

The Bride will Return with the Bridegroom

The Bride will return with the Bridegroom to catch away the church for the Marriage Supper.

Matt. 25: 1--6 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the Bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the Bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him."

The Vulgate (Latin), Syrian and Moffatt versions all include both the "Bridegroom and Bride" in their translation of Matt. 25: 6. It is stated that the King James translators left out the "Bride," because they did not feel the Bride had equal rights with the Bridegroom. (Lk. 12: 35-38;Rev. 19: 9)