Section Two: Types of The Bride

Eve Is A Type of the Bride

Adam and Eve

Genesis 2:21-23 "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, andhe slept:and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh insteadthereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made He a woman,and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, andflesh of my flesh:she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out ofman."

Adam is a type of the Mystical Body of Christ, which is theChurch. Eve, taken from Adam's body is a clear type of the Bride of Christ. There are several points that prove the whole Church is not the Bride ofChrist. It was only a rib that was taken out of the body, which was used toform the Bride.

Eve Was Taken out of Adam's Body While He Slept

Genesis 2:21, 22 "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam,and he slept:and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made He a woman,and brought her unto the man."

While the Church (the Mystical Body of Christ) sleeps, Godis performing an operation, taking out, as it were, a "Rib" company and forming a Bride. Jesus said:

Matt. 25:5 "While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept."

Romans 13:11 "And that, knowing the time, that now it ishigh time to awake out of sleep :for now is our salvation ("soteria" -- deliverance) nearer than when we believed."

When one sleeps, they are unaware of their condition.

Revelation 3:17 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable,and poor, and blind, and naked:"

However, God will awaken the Church, after the Bride has been taken out, during the first three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation.

Eve Was Taken out of Adam's Body only After He Had Been Completely Formed

The rib was not taken out of Adam's body during the processof being formed. Adam, a type of the Body of Christ (the Church), was completely formed before the " rib " was taken and "Eve" was formed. In the fulfillment of this type, the "Bride" will not be taken out of the "Body"(the Church) until the end of the Church Age. We are now living in the lastChurch Age, the Laodicean Age.

Eve Was Formed from a Very Small Part of Adam's Body

"A rib" -- not the whole body

Only a small part of the Body (the Church) will make up "theBride of Christ." Only those that overcome, as He overcame will be the Bride.

Revelation 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 Overcomers are those that respond to His call in Revelation 3:20 and invite Him to be Lord. They receive revelations from Him.

Revelation 3:20 "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 he with Me."

We are living in the evening time. God is revealing truth that had been sealed.

Revelation 2:17 "…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna…"

God has secrets and revelations that He will share with the"Overcomer."

I Corinthians 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 prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit:forthe Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."

Eve then Existed as an Individual -- Totally Apart from the Rest of Adam's body

She was no longer a part of the body. She had been takenout of the body and now became a separate entity. She functioned and performedtotally apart from the rest of the body. She then was "brought" to the man,Adam, and was presented to him as his bride. After the "Bride of Christ" hasbeen taken out of the Body of Christ (the Church) and formed into the "Bride,"she will then be "brought" to Christ.

Eve was "Bone of His Bone" but She was not All of His Bones

All but one of Adam's bones was still in his body. Only asmall number, in comparison to the rest of the "Church," will make up the"Bride."

Adamwas not Awakened until Eve was Complete

Adam slept while the rib was taken and made into a completebody by itself, then Adam was awakened. The Church (the Body of Christ) is nowsleeping, while the Bride is being formed and made ready for the Marriage ofthe Lamb.

Matthew 25:5 "…They all slumbered and slept…"

Both, the wise virgins that had oil (a type of the HolySpirit), which are symbolic of the Church, and the foolish virgins that had nooil, which are symbolic of the Born Again, all slumbered and slept. The Brideis taken before Tribulation. Afterward, God will awaken the Church during thefirst three-and-a-half years of Tribulation through persecution.

Rebekah Is A Type of the Bride

Isaac and Rebekah is a type of Christ and His Bride

Gen. 24

Abraham (a type of God the Father) sent Eliezer (a type ofthe Holy Spirit) from Canaan (at the time, a type of heaven) to Mesopotamia (a type of the world) to select a bride for his son Isaac (a type of Christ). The entire family of Bethuel received Eliezer, and he bestowed gifts upon each of them: to the brother (a type of the Family of God, the Saved), and to the mother (a type of the Body of Christ, the Church).

This is a beautiful example of God the Father sending theHoly Spirit in search of a Bride for His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaac is One of the Clearest Types of Christ

He was a Child of Promise

Gen. 15: 2--4 "And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing Igo childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? AndAbram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in myhouse is mine heir. And, behold, the Word of the LORD came unto him, saying,This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine ownbowels shall be thine heir."
Gal. 4: 28 "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise."

As was Christ Jesus, a Child of Promise --

Isa. 7: 14 "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, avirgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."

He was of Miraculous Birth

Gen. 21: 1--8 "And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD didunto Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son inhis old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abrahamcalled the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him,Isaac. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God hadcommanded him. And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac wasborn unto him. And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all thathear will laugh with me. And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, thatSarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his oldage. And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast thesame day that Isaac was weaned."

As was the Lord Jesus Himself --

Lk. 1: 27--35 "To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of thehouse of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in untoher, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee:blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at hissaying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And theangel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And,behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt callHis name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: And Heshall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall beno end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not aman? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come uponthee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also thatholy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

He was Hated and Persecuted by His Half-Brother

Gen. 21: 8, 9 "And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made agreat feast the same day that Isaac was weaned. And Sarah saw the son of Hagarthe Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking."
Gal. 4: 29 "But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted himthat was born after the Spirit, even so it is now."

As Christ was hated and persecuted by his half-brothers, theJews --

Jn. 8: 41--59 "Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to Him, We benot born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them,If God were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came fromGod; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand Myspeech? even because ye cannot hear My Word. Ye are of your father the devil,and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning,and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketha lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. Andbecause I tell you the truth, ye believe Me not. Which of you convinceth Me ofsin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe Me? He that is of Godheareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto Him, Say we not well that Thou art aSamaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honourMy Father, and ye do dishonour Me. And I seek not Mine Own glory: there is Onethat seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep Mysaying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto Him, Now we knowthat Thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and Thou sayest, Ifa man keep My saying, he shall never taste of death. Art Thou greater than ourfather Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest ThouThyself? Jesus answered, If I honour Myself, My honour is nothing: it is MyFather that honoureth Me; of whom ye say, that He is your God: Yet ye have notknown Him; but I know Him: and if I should say, I know Him not, I shall be aliar like unto you: but I know Him, and keep His saying. Your father Abrahamrejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews untoHim, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast Thou seen Abraham? Jesus saidunto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I Am. Then tookthey up stones to cast at Him: but Jesus hid Himself, and went out of thetemple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by."

He Left Home to be Offered as a Sacrifice

He left his home in Mamre (a type of heaven) to go to Moriah,a hill in Palestine, (a type of the world and Calvary) to be offered as asacrifice, and then returned home.

Gen. 22: 1--19 "And it came to pass after these things, that God did temptAbraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And Hesaid, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get theeinto the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one ofthe mountains which I will tell thee of. And Abraham rose up early in themorning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaachis son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went untothe place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted uphis eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said unto his young men,Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, andcome again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laidit upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and theywent both of them together. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said,My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and thewood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, Godwill provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of themtogether. And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abrahambuilt an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, andlaid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, andtook the knife to slay his son. And the Angel of the LORD called unto him outof heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And He said,Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now Iknow that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine onlyson from Me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind hima ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, andoffered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abrahamcalled the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In themount of the LORD it shall be seen. And the Angel of the LORD called untoAbraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By Myself have I sworn, saiththe LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son,thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I willmultiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon thesea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seedshall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed Myvoice. So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and wenttogether to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba."

As Christ left heaven and went to the Cross on Calvary --

Jn. 3: 13, 17 "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that camedown from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. For God sent not HisSon into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him mightbe saved."
Lk. 23: 33 "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and theother on the left."

He was under Sacrificial Death for Three Days

Gen. 22: 4 "Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw theplace afar off."

As Christ was under sacrificial death for three days --

Matt. 16: 21 "From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples,how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders andchief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day."

He was Given a Bride that was Chosen after His Sacrificial Death (in figure) on Mount Moriah (a type of Calvary)

Gen. 24: 1--4 "And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORDhad blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under mythigh: And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac."

Abraham, (a type of God the Father) was concerned about awife for his son, Isaac. He did not want him to marry one of the Canaanites,among whom they lived, because they were evil and unbelievers. God had said they were not to intermarry. This is a type of the Bride of Christ being takenfrom spirit filled believers (the Church, the Body of Christ).

Abraham called his servant, Eliezer (a type of the HolySpirit), and sent him back to his own people to find a bride for his son,Isaac. This is a type of God the Father sending the Holy Spirit to take out of the Body of Christ (the Church) a Bride for His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, it is not all that are in the Family of God (the Saved; the BornAgain) nor is it all that are in the Church (the Body of Christ), that will bein the Bride. It is only the Overcomer, out of the Church that will be theBride.

As the Church is taken out of the Family (the Body ofBelievers), so will the Bride be taken out of the Church (the Body of Christ).

The Son Will Not Return To Get His Bride.

The servant, Eliezer, was aware that the one he chose forIsaac might be too involved in the affairs of her own country and kindred, andmight refuse to follow him back to his land. There is little or almost no desire in the Church today to "…follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth."(Rev. 14: 4)

Gen. 24: 5, 6 "And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman willnot be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son againunto the land from whence thou camest? And Abraham said unto him, Beware thouthat thou bring not my son thither again."

So likewise God the Father is saying, "My Son will notreturn to earth again before He gets His Bride."

Lk. 12: 36 "And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, whenHe will return from the wedding;"

After the marriage of the Lamb has taken place, then, andonly then, will the Lord return in the air to Rapture the Church. Then theChurch will be invited to the Marriage Feast.

Lk. 12: 37 "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."

When the Lord came the first time, they rejected Him.

Isa. 53: 3 "He is despised and rejected of men; a Man of sorrows, andacquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He wasdespised, and we esteemed Him not."

They refused His message.

Jn. 8: 45 "And because I tell you the truth, ye believe Me not."

They mocked Him, plaited a crown of thorns, and put it onHis head. Then they nailed Him to a Cross and crucified Him.

Lk. 23: 33 "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and theother on the left."

In fulfillment of the type of Eliezer searching for a bridefor Isaac, the Holy Spirit is in the land today searching for a Bride for theSon of God.

Requirements for the Bride

The Bride will meet the requirements of the Servant. Eliezer took with him servants and camels laden with gifts and went back to theland from which Abraham came. When he arrived at to the well, he prayed aprayer.

Gen. 24: 14 "And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say,Let down thy pitcher, I pray Thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink,and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that Thou hastappointed for Thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that Thou hast showedkindness unto my master."

The Bride Will Be Beautiful and A Virgin

Gen. 24: 15, 16 "And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that,behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife ofNahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. And the damselwas very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and shewent down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up."

Before he had finished praying Rebekah came and she "…wasvery fair to look upon, a virgin…" The Bride of Christ is going to be fairto look upon; not adorned with coverings of the world. In the eyes of the HolySpirit, she is going to be very fair to look upon; pure, holy, righteous. TheLord's Bride is going to look holy, dress holy and be holy.

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 (righteous acts) of saints."

This is acquired righteousness. It is the righteousness of"good works," for which we were "…created in Christ Jesus unto goodworks, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Eph.2: 10) This is not imputed righteousness that we received when we acceptedChrist as our Saviour; this is acquired righteousness that is gained byobedience to the Word of God.

The Bride Will Be Willing to Fulfill All Righteousness

Rebekah met the requirements of the servant for the Bride. The servant's request was that the Bride give him drink and give the camelsdrink. These ten camels had traveled a long way through a desert land, andwould have been very thirsty. Camels are able to drink enough to last themseven days. The ten camels are a type of the Law of God. The law requiresmuch and cannot be easily satisfied.

The Bride Will be Willing to Forsake All

She had to be willing to leave her father's house.

Gen. 24: 58 "…They called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go withthis man? And she said, I will go."

As Rebekah met all the requirements of the servant, solikewise the Bride of Christ will meet all the requirements of the Holy Spirit.

Being baptized in the Holy Spirit and speaking in othertongues does not necessarily qualify one to be the Bride. However, it doesgive one access to become a part of the Bride. To be a part of the Bride theremust be a willingness and a dedication to the Lord to obey all that Herequires. One must also submit to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to sanctifyand bring them into perfection (maturity). God has given the Holy Spirit theresponsibility of perfecting the Bride, and He is performing the work in thehearts of those who will yield to Him.

"Wilt thou go with this man?"

The Bride Will Thirst for Fullness

It is very interesting that Eliezer went to the well tosearch for a bride. Jesus said:

Jn. 7: 37 "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink."

Those who will make up the Bride will always be thirstingfor more. Like Paul, after years of ministry and being part of great miraclessaid, "That I may know Him…" (Phil. 3: 10)

"Ginosko" -- "Know" -- experiential knowledge

Paul's desire was to know Christ in a greater way than hehad ever known Him. This will be the compelling thirst of the Bride, to knowHim in all His fullness.

Gifts for the Bride

Gen. 24: 53 "And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels ofgold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah…"

Jewels of Silver

Silver is a type of the Redemptive work of Christ whichprovides salvation in its completeness. The Bride will apprehend everyredemptive right by the Word of Truth, through faith.

Jewels of Gold

Gold is a type of the Divine Nature of God.

Rom. 13: 14 "… Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision forthe flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
I Cor. 15: 49 "…As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall alsobear the image of the heavenly."
II Cor. 7: 1 "…Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the fleshand spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear 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…"

Raiment

Raiment is a type of the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Lk. 24: 49 "And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: buttarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

"Enduo" -- "Endued"-- be clothed with, to put on

The Scripture is easily understood to be saying, "…Untilye be clothed and empowered with the Holy Ghost."

The Church has received the earnest of theirinheritance but the Bride will receive the fullness of their inheritance.

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 of ourinheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto thepraise of His glory."

The baptism of the Holy Spirit, proven by the sign evidenceof speaking in other tongues, is the earnest of our inheritance untilthe redemption ("Apolutrosis" -- the complete state of release of the purchasedpossession). We are in the process of being released or delivered. Whencomplete deliverance has been reached, we will receive the fullness of ourinheritance.

I Pet. 1: 4, 5 "To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and thatfadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (deliverance)ready to be revealed in the last time."

This is not salvation in its first principles, which Petercovered in:

I Pet. 1: 3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whichaccording to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope bythe resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

This fullness of inheritance has not yet been given. "To aninheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reservedin heaven for you." Who is it reserved for? Peter says for those "Who arekept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (deliverance) ready to be revealed (disclosed) in the last time."

It was in the evening time that Rebekah was brought toIsaac. We are now in the evening time. The Bride will soon be brought to herBridegroom in the fullness of the Spirit, the "fullness of our inheritance."

Rebekah Rode the Camel

Gen. 24: 61 "And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon thecamels, and followed the man…"

There were two things Rebekah had to do -- ride the camels,and follow the man. She reached her destination by riding on the camels. Notice, she did not drive, she did not control -- "she rode" "andfollowed the man;" This is a type of following the Spirit's leading.

Rom. 8: 14 "… As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sonsof God."

"Huios" -- "Sons" -- fully mature -- grown up -- no longer babesor children

Gal. 4: 1, 2 "…The heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing froma servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors untilthe time appointed of the father."

We have the earnest of our inheritance until fully grown,fully mature, unto a state of perfection.

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."
Eph. 4: 11, 12 "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfectingof the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body ofChrist:"
Heb. 6: 1 "…Let us go on unto perfection…"
Jn. 16: 13 "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guideyou into all truth…"

"Hodegeo" -- "Guide" -- lead -- to show the way

Those that are full grown and mature will be obedient andfollow the leading of the Spirit.

In fulfillment of the type of Rebekah, the Bride will followthrough the desert, through the wilderness, through the rivers, through theheat of the day, through the coldness of the night, through the thickets,through valleys and over mountains until she sees the Bridegroom.

The Bride Will Watch For The Bridegroom

Gen. 24: 64, 65 "And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac,she lighted off the camel. For she had said unto the servant, What man is thisthat walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is mymaster: therefore she took a veil, and covered herself."
Gen. 24: 67 "…Isaac… took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he lovedher…"

Asenath is a Type of the Bride

Joseph and Asenath -- a type of Christ and His Bride

Gen. 41: 45 "And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gavehim to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph wentout over all the land of Egypt."

Joseph being the outstanding character that he was, is aperfect type of Christ. Joseph exemplifies the life of Christ in many ways. Even when hated and rejected by his own brothers, he showed kindness and loveto them. He showed compassion to those that abused him and made greatprovision for them.

Joseph portrays Christ in yet another way, in that duringthe time of his rejection by his own family, he receives a bride. His bride,Asenath (beauty), portrays the Bride of Christ in that she was beautiful incharacter as well as in countenance. She was a Gentile that was raised in thehome of a priest. So will the Bride of Christ be raised in the Church by apriest-like ministry.

Born by a Miracle of God

Joseph, being a type of Christ, was born by a miracle ofGod. Rachel, his mother, had been barren and could not have children.

Gen. 29: 31 "…Rachel was barren."
Gen. 30: 1, 2 "And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachelenvied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. AndJacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, whohath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?"
Gen. 30: 22 "And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb."
Gen. 30: 24 "And she called his name Joseph…"

So likewise, Christ was born by a miracle of God.

Lk. 1: 35 "And the angel answered and said unto her (Mary), The Holy Ghostshall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called theSon of God."

The Father's Favorite Son

Like Christ, Joseph was the favorite son of his father.

Gen. 37: 3 "Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children…"

God the Father spoke from heaven and said:

Matt. 3: 17 "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Sold for Pieces of Silver

Like Christ, Joseph was sold by his brethren for silver.

Gen. 37: 26--28 "And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if weslay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to theIshmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and ourflesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianitesmerchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Josephto the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph intoEgypt."
Matt. 26: 15 "And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliverhim unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver."

Resisted the devil's Temptation

Like Christ, Joseph resisted the devil's temptation.

Gen. 39: 7--9 "And it came to pass after these things, that his master'swife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me inthe house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me butthee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, andsin against God?"
Matt. 4: 10 "Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, satan: for it iswritten, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve."

A Revealer of Secrets

Like Christ, Joseph was a revealer of secrets.

Joseph was called "Zaphnathpaaneah" -- revealer of secrets

Gen. 41: 45 "And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah…"
Amos 3:7 "…He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets."

Exalted to the Throne after His Rejection

Like Christ, Joseph went to the throne after his rejectionby his brethren.

Gen. 41: 41--44 "And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee overall the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put itupon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a goldchain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second chariot which hehad; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over allthe land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and withoutthee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt."
Acts 2: 22, 23, 33 "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth…Ye have taken, and by wickedhands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up… being by the right hand of God exalted…"

ForgaveThose who Abused Him

Like Christ, Joseph forgave those that abused him.

Gen. 50: 21 "Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and yourlittle ones. And He comforted them, and spake kindly unto them."
Lk. 23: 34 "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not whatthey do…"

Receives a Bride During theTime of His Rejection

Joseph was given a bride, Asenath, during the time of hisrejection by his brethren.

Gen. 41: 45 "…And he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherahpriest of On…"

Asenath (a type of the Bride) means "beauty." The Bridewill be spiritually beautiful.

S. of S. 6: 4 "Thou art beautiful, O My love."

Joseph was given a wife before the Seven Years of Famine(judgment). Thus, Christ will be given a wife before the Seven Years ofTribulation (judgment).

Rev. 3: 10 "Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keepthee from the hour of temptation…"
Rev. 19: 7 "…For the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath madeherself ready."

Joseph marries a Gentile bride during his rejection. Thus, Christ will marry aGentile bride during His rejection. The Jews are still looking for theirMessiah, because they refused to believe that Jesus was the Messiah.

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:"

Zipporah is a Type of the Bride

Moses and Zipporah -- a Type of Christ and His Bride

Ex. 2:11-21 "And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, thathe went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied anEgyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way andthat way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hidhim in the sand. And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of theHebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Whereforesmitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge overus? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared,and said, Surely this thing is known. Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, hesought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. Now the priest of Midian hadseven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to watertheir father's flock. And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stoodup and helped them, and watered their flock. And when they came to Reuel theirfather, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? And they said, AnEgyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew waterenough for us, and watered the flock. And he said unto his daughters, Andwhere is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eatbread. And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporahhis daughter. And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for hesaid, I have been a stranger in a strange land."

Moses, a prominent and outstanding Bible character, is atype of Christ. He was birthed under the sentence and penalty of death. Theking's command was that all male babies were to be killed. However, Godprotected Moses as He did the Christ--child . At his birth he was seen to be a"goodly child." (Ex. 2: 2) He was "exceeding fair." (Acts 7: 20)

Moses was hid for three months in his father's house, fromthe king's command of death. Likewise, Christ was hid from the king's commandthat "…all the children that were in Bethlehem, …from two years old andunder…" were to be slain. (Matt. 2: 16)

Like Christ, Moses chose to suffer affliction.

Heb. 11: 25 "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God…"

They did not have to suffer, but it was their choice tosuffer.

Like Christ, Moses refused the riches of this world, "…forhe had respect unto the recompense of the reward." (Heb. 11: 26)

Like Christ, Moses, when rejected by his own people went tothe Gentiles. There in the land of Midian, Moses was received and accepted. In the Gospel of John, the first chapter, it is said of Christ that "He cameunto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, tothem gave He power to become the sons of God…" (Jn. 1: 11, 12)

There in the land of Midian, Moses was given a bride. Hername was Zipporah, which means "a little bird -- that soars high." Zipporah was birthed, raised and instructed under the priestly ministry of Reuel, her father. In fulfillment of this type the Bride of Christ will be birthed,raised and instructed under the priestly ministry of the Church.

Went to His Own

Moses went to his own.

Ex. 2: 11 "And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren…"
Acts 7: 23 "…It came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel."

Christ went to His own.

Jn. 1: 11 "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not."

Bore Burdens

Moses saw the burdens of his people.

Ex. 2: 11 "…And looked on their burdens…"

Christ saw the burdens of His people.

Matt. 8: 17 "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."

Slew the Egyptian (the devil)

Moses slew the Egyptian which was the enemy of the Hebrews,God's people.

Ex. 2: 11, 12 "…And he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand."

Christ slew our Egyptian, the devil.

Heb. 2: 14 "For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh andblood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"

Rejected by His Own Nation

Moses was rejected by his own brethren.

Ex. 2: 14 "…Who made thee a prince and a judge over us?…"

Christ was rejected by His own brethren.

Jn. 1: 11 "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not."

Rejected as Deliverer

Rejected in Word

Rejected in Person

Both Moses and Christ were rejected as a deliverer. They rejected both Moses' and Christ's word. They rejected both Moses' and Christ's person.

Turns to the Gentiles

Moses rejected by his own turns to the Gentiles.

Ex. 2: 15 "…Moses… dwelt in the land of Midian…"

Christ rejected by His own turns to the Gentiles.

Jn. 1: 11, 12 "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:"

Supplied Water in His Rejection

Moses supplied water to the Gentiles in his rejection.

Ex. 2: 15 "…And he sat down by a well."
Ex. 2: 17 "…Moses… watered their flock."

Christ supplied water for the Gentiles in His rejection.

Jn. 7: 37 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood andcried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink."

Delivered from False and Evil Shepherds

Moses delivered them from false and evil shepherds.

Ex. 2: 17 "And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood upand helped them…"

Christ delivered them from false and evil shepherds.

Matt. 7: 15, 16 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Domen gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
Lk. 9: 1 "…Gave them power and authority over all devils…"

VReceivesa Gentile Bride in His Rejection

Moses gets a Gentile Bride in his rejection by his brethren.

Ex. 2: 21 "And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave MosesZipporah his daughter."

Christ gets a Gentile Bride in His rejection by Hisbrethren.

Acts 15: 14 "…God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name."
Acts 15: 16 "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down…"

A Bride Chosen from Among the Seven

The man had seven daughters, which is a type of the Church.

Ex. 2: 21 "And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave MosesZipporah his daughter."

"Zipporah" -- a "bird" -- one who soars above the crowd

Out of the seven Church ages, like Zipporah, one of theseven, the Bride will be chosen.

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."

All experienced deliverance

All drank of the water that he gave

All ate bread with him

All dwelt in the same house

Only one was chosen

Ruth is a Type of The Bride

Ruth 1: 16, 17 "And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me,and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."

Ruth, a Moabite, a Gentile is a type of the Bride of Christ that comes out of the Church before the end of the Gentile age. Christ will have a Gentile bride in fulfillment of this type.

Like the Bride of Christ, Ruth had an obedient heart ready to follow wherever she was led, and to do whatever was required of her. Like the Bride of Christ, Ruth had a heart that was willing to give up all that was in Moab, to be a part of the kingdom of God. Ruth said to Naomi, "Thy God shall be my God."

Like the Bride of Christ, Ruth had a servant's heart willing to take the place of a servant gleaning corn in the field. She was willing to serve wherever she could.

Like the Bride of Christ, Ruth had a humble heart. In response to Boaz recognition of her, she fell on her face and bowed herself to the ground. (Ruth 2:10)

Ruth, like the Bride of Christ, was not proud, arrogant, or flirtatious as are so many in the Church today.

Ruth, like the Bride of Christ, will love no part of the world. Ruth had but one love and that was for her kinsman redeemer, Boaz. The Bride of Christ will have but one love and that will be for her kinsman redeemer, Christ. The Word of God says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him." (I Jn. 2:15)

Called During Famine and Death

Ruth 1: 1 "…There was a famine in the land…"

Typical of today, there is a famine in the land, "…Nota famine of bread… but of hearing the words of the LORD." Amos 8: 11

Naomi, a type of the Church (the Body of Christ), because of the famine, went to sojourn in the country of Moab (a type of the world).

Full of pride - Isa. 16: 6

Abundance of ease - Jer. 48: 11

Lovers of wickedness - Zeph. 2: 9

Naomi and her husband, Elimelech, no sooner arrived in the land of Moab when he died. "Elimelech" means "God is King." You cannot live in Moab (the world) and have God as King. Naomi's seed (her offspring), Mahlon and Chilion, "…tookthem wives of the women of Moab…"

"Mahlon" -- "morbus gravis" -- diseased -- sickness

"Chilion" -- "expectation anxia" -- anxious expectation --pining -- to grow thin or weak -- to grieve

This reveals the condition of the Church, while it is in Moab (the world), which produces sickness and death. Mahlon and Chilion died, a type of the backsliding. The Church is producing more backsliders today than ever before in its history.

Naomi was left with her two daughters-in-law -- Orpah and Ruth.

Called To Separate from Moab

Naomi heard that the Lord had visited His people in giving them bread, then she and her daughters-in-law left Moab to go back to the land of Bethlehem-Judah (the House of Bread).

Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, Naomi, and went back to her people and her gods in Moab. "Orpah" is a good name for those that go back. It means "stiffnecked."

Acts 7: 51 "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye."

Orpah, being stiffnecked, resisted the call of the Holy Spirit to separate from Moab and went back. However, Ruth (a type of the Bride) said unto Naomi:

Ruth 1: 16 "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:"

"Ruth" -- "Aspecions cum voluptate" -- a delight -- a beauty

The Arrival in Bethlehem

The Difference in Attitudes

Naomi's Attitude

Although Naomi did come back from Moab, she still had a lot of Moab in her, which is revealed in her attitude and pride. The people of Bethlehem said, "Is this (not) Naomi?" She said:

Ruth 1: 20, 21 "…Call me not Naomi (pleasantness), call me Mara(bitterness): for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty…"

She is blaming God for her losses in Moab. It was her choice to go to Moab. By her own testimony God had been good to her while she was in Bethlehem. She said, "I went out full." While in Moab she suffered the loss of everything and came "…homeagain empty."

Ruth's Attitude

Ruth had a different attitude. She was happy to be in Bethlehem (the House of Bread). They came "…to Bethlehem in the beginning of Barley Harvest."Barley Harvest came early in March and April before the wheat harvest. It was during Barley Harvest, the first harvest, that a bride was chosen.

The Kinsman Redeemer

Naomi had a Kinsman

Boaz (a type of Christ) had the ability to redeem and was a mighty man of wealth.

"Boaz" -- In illo robur est -- in him is strength

Naomi could have been the chosen bride but her attitude, her pride, and her bitterness kept her from it. Like many in the Church, the condition of their heart will keep them from being the Bride. The Bride has to overcome "as (He) overcame." (Rev. 3:21)

Ruth was Redeemed by the Kinsman

Ruth had a delightful attitude and a beautiful spirit. She was willing to go into the fields to labor and glean. It was not long after Ruth gleaned in the fields of Boaz, that Boaz recognized the beauty of Ruth. In Ruth 2: 8 Boaz said unto Ruth:

"…Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens."

In Ruth 2: 14 Boaz said to Ruth:

"At meal time come thou hither, and eat of the bread, (His Bread --Revelation) and dip thy morsel in the vinegar…"

This vinegar could be wine, a type of the "New Wine" (the Holy Spirit). It takes the anointing of the Holy Spirit to make the Word come alive.

II Cor. 3: 6 "…The letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life."

In Ruth 2: 16 Boaz commanded his young men:

"…Let fall also… handfuls of purpose…"

The Lord sends gifts of Grace. He said to Paul:

II Cor. 12: 9 "My grace is sufficient for thee,"
Ruth 2: 17 "So she gleaned in the field unto even…"

We are now in the even time of this age.

Zechariah said:

Zech. 14: 7 "…At evening time it shall be light."

This is not a paradox, this is a Divine Truth: in the evening time, when it is dark, there shall be light. This light does not dispel the darkness completely, but only flashes of light, like lightening. In the midst of darkness, in the evening time, God is giving Revelation to those that have eyes to see.

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 prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."

"The deep" speaks of the mysteries of God revealed by His Spirit to the Overcomer (the Bride).

The Preparation of The Bride

The Bride will be Washed

Ruth 3: 3 "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor…"

The Bride will be washed, without "…spot or wrinkle, or any such thing…" (Eph. 5:27)

The Bride will be Arrayed

The Bride will also be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white.

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

There is a difference between imputed righteousness,imparted righteousness and acquired righteousness.

Righteousness is Imputed in Justification

Rom. 4: 5, 6 "To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness…Unto whom God imputeth righteousness…"

This is something that is set down to ones account. It is agift that God gives.

Righteousness is Imparted in Regeneration

II Cor. 5: 17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…"
I Jn. 2: 29 "…Ye know that every one that doethrighteousness is born of Him."

This is Christ's life being manifested in the life of the believer.

Righteousness is Acquired in Sanctification.

I Jn. 3: 7 "…He that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous."

Jesus said:

Rev. 3: 18 "…Buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich;and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed; and anoint thine eyes… that thou mayest see."

The Bride will be spiritually rich, clothed in white raiment(acquired righteousness). This is the #39;entering into' of the prize that has been earned.

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 (acquired) righteousness of saints."

The Bride will also be anointed by the Holy Spirit to seethe revelations of God (the hidden manna).

Rev. 2: 17 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."

The Complete Redemption of the Bride

Boaz said in Ruth 4: 10 "…Ruth the Moabitess, (the Gentile)…have I purchased to be my wife…"

The Bride had been part of the world, but now has been redeemed, and will become the Wife of the Lamb.

Jesus said in Lk. 21: 28 "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption("Apolutrosis" -- your complete state of release) draweth nigh."

"…When these things begin to come to pass…" Jesus is referring back to Lk. 21: 8 "…Take heed that ye be not deceived…"

In the time of deception, in which we are in, we are told to"…then look up, and lift up your heads…"

"Anakupto" -- to unbend -- to straighten up -- and keep straightening up

Thus, the Scripture is easily understood to be saying, "For your complete state of release draws nigh."

The Child in the Temple

II Kings 11:1-12

The life of Joash is a type of the Man-Child company -- TheOvercomer (the Bride of Christ). The age-long battle between godly and satanicforces has a thrilling history which began with God's first promise of a royalseed. The fulfillment of this promise, through the redeeming grace of Christ,makes it possible for the believer to become a partaker of the Divine Nature.

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

Like the devil, Athaliah attacked and tried to, "… destroy all the Seed Royal ."

II Kings 11: 1--3 "And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her sonwas dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, thedaughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, andstole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse , in the bedchamber from Athaliah,so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORDsix years. And Athaliah did reign over the land."

Joash Selected

"…From among the kings sons…"

Only God could have made this selection. He was of the "SeedRoyal" like the believer. The believers have the "Royal Seed" within. They have been born of God into the Divine Family.

The Selection was the Result of a Death

Ahaziah the King died. Ahaziah is a type of Christ the Kingthat died to make it possible for the "Seed Royal" to be chosen. Christ diedto make it possible for those born of God to be part of the Overcomers; chosen(selected) to reign and rule with Him on His Throne.

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."

As long asChrist (as with Ahaziah) was alive there was no opportunity for a selection.

There was Opposition to the Selection

As soon as Athaliah saw that her son Ahaziah was dead, shearose and destroyed all the seed royal.

It has always been satan's desire to destroy all the "SeedRoyal." This is a spiritual battle, a spiritual war, that we are in for life .

II Cor. 10: 3--6 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after theflesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through Godto the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and everyhigh thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing intocaptivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readinessto revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."
Eph. 6: 12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but againstprincipalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of thisworld, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Joash in Training

Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram and sister of Ahaziah,took Joash, the son of Ahaziah, and hid him with his nurse in the house of theLord six years.

The Time of His Training

The time of his training was during the reign of evil.

II Kings 11: 3 "…Athaliah did reign over the land."

This was the only woman that ever reigned over Judah. She reigned all six years during the time that Joash was in the temple beingtrained. Six is the number of man. The Bible calls Athaliah a wicked woman.

II Chron. 24: 7 "For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman… (Her sons,her offsprings) had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicatedthings of the house of the Lord did they bestow upon Baalim."

We are living in a time when evil is reigning in the land.

Rev. 2: 20 "Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, (the spirit of Jezebel)which calleth herself a prophetess to teach, and to seduce My servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed unto idols."

Inspired by demons, false prophets are seducing His servantsby teaching false doctrines.

I Tim. 4:1 "The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times someshall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines ofdevils."

The Place of His Training

Joash was "… hid in the House of the Lord… " with his nurse for six years. (II Kings 11: 2, 3)

The House of the Lord is a type of the Church where the"Overcomer" (the Man-Child) is being trained.

Rev. 12: 2 "And she (the Woman -- the Church) being with child cried,travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered."

During the days of his training, Joash was hid in the Lord'sHouse unseen and unknown. So also the "Man-Child" is hid in the Church duringthe time of his training and development until the time of his revealing.

Rom. 8: 19 "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for themanifestation (revealing) of the sons of God."

"Huios" -- Fully developed sons -- mature -- grown up -- fullgrown

Believers get into the Royal Family by birth. Believers getinto the Church (the Body of Christ) by baptism. Believers get into the Brideof Christ (the Man-Child) by maturity, growing up, Overcoming.

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. 12: 5 "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nationswith a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His Throne."

The Agent of His Training

Joash was trained by his nurse in the House of the Lord. The nurse is a type of the Holy Ghost who is nursing the child unto fullgrowth.

Gal. 4: 1, 2 "The heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from aservant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father."

The Holy Ghost is nursing the "Man-Child" to full maturityby the revelation of the Word of God.

I Cor. 2: 9, 10 "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither entered intothe heart of man the things that God has prepared for them that love Him. ButGod hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."

Jesus said:

Jn. 16: 13--15 "…When He the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide youinto all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shallhear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shallglorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you… thereforesaid I, that He shall take of Mine, and shew it unto you."
Rev. 2: 17 "… Eat of the hidden manna …" (concealed -- secret)

Jehoash (Joash) received instruction from Johoiada thepriest.

II Kings 12: 2 "And Johoash did that which was right in the sight of theLord all his days wherein Johoiada the priest instructed him."

Johoiada (a type of the Ministry) is instructing andteaching the believer to be an Overcomer.

The Overcomer is being tutored for the throne. Kings sonsact differently than others because of their training. They talk differently --they walk differently -- they dress differently -- they are different. They arebeing prepared for the throne.

Eph. 4: 11--16 "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints,for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till weall come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried aboutwith every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may growup into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the wholebody fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth,according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makethincrease of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

III. JoashOn The Throne

Joash was seven years old when he went to the throne. Thenumber seven speaks of completion, perfection.

II Kings 11: 21 "Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign."

The Training was Complete

Before Joash went to the throne and began to reign, histraining was complete. He was seven years old when he began to reign. Sevenis a complete number. Joash had six intense years of careful tutoring andtraining in preparation for the throne. So likewise, the "Man-Child" will haveintense training.

Rev. 12: 5 "And she brought forth a man child (Huios -- mature), who was torule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, andto His throne."

The Throne was Gained Amidst Conflict

The child went from the temple to the throne in the midst ofconflict.

II Kings 11: 12--15 "And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crownupon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him;and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king. And when Athaliahheard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into thetemple of the LORD. And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar,as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all thepeople of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent herclothes, and cried, Treason, Treason. But Jehoiada the priest commanded thecaptains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Haveher forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword.For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD."

All this took place under armed guard. The guards stoodround about the king, each having his weapon in his hand.

When the "Man-Child" goes to the throne, it will also bewith conflict.

Rev. 12: 7--9 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels foughtagainst the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not;neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon wascast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth thewhole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out withhim."

The dragon will contend with the "Man-Child" to keep thechild from going to the throne. Michael and his angels will aid the"Man-Child" in the defeating dragon. The "Man-Child" will be positioned onChrist's Throne, reigning and ruling with Him.

Esther is a Type of the Bride

Esther 2: 17 "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and sheobtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that heset the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."

Esther, being of an extraordinary character, is a type ofthe Bride of Christ. She was a remarkable lady in that she had an obedientspirit and always did what Mordecai commanded. (Esther 2: 20) Mordecai is a typeof the law. The Bride of Christ will be willing to obey all that is commandedin the Law of God.

Esther was a very wise, brave, faithful and dedicatedindividual, as the Bride of Christ will be. Esther was willing to die to beobedient rather than try to escape the judgment that was pronounced upon herand her people.

Esther 4: 16 "If I perish, I perish…"

Like the Bride of Christ, Esther was a virgin that wasselected for her beauty from among many other virgins. There was a reason whyEsther was chosen over the others. During the time of her purification, sherequired nothing but what Hegai, the kings chamberlain, appointed. (Esther 2:15)

Hegai, the king's chamberlain, is a type of the HolySpirit. Esther followed the leading and instruction of Hegai. So will theBride of Christ follow the leading and instruction of the Holy Spirit.

In Attitude

Esther was Obedient

Esther 2: 15 "Now when the turn of Esther… was come to go in unto the king,she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of thewomen, appointed."

Esther obeyed, unlike Vashti (a type of the Jews) whorefused to come when she was sent for by the King Ahasuerus.

Esther 1: 12 "The queen Vashti refused to come at the King's commandment…"

Ahasuerus, the king, is a type of Christ. His name means"Majestic Prince." Ahasuerus was the greatest king on the earth. Vashti,being self-willed, refused to give up her present enjoyment of her self-madeplans to obey the king's command. Like Vashti, the Jews were bound by thetraditions of their fathers and rejected the commands of God.

Vashti's disobedience led to her being rejected as thequeen. Although she was still in his kingdom and under his rule and authority,she lost her position as queen. Without question, she did not think thissimple act of disobedience would result in such disastrous consequences.

Esther 1: 19 "That Vashti come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let theking give her royal estate unto another that is better than she."
Rom. 11: 21, 22 "For if God spared not the natural branches, take heedlest He also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity ofGod: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continuein His goodness: Otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."

Esther was obedient in everything that was required of herby the king's chamberlain, Hegai (a type of the Holy Spirit). Esther "requirednothing" but what was appointed her. She left herself entirely in thehands of him who had the responsibility of preparing her to go see the king. (Esther 2: 8, 9, 15)

Esther was also obedient in everything Mordecai (a type ofthe Law) commanded.

Esther 2: 20 "…For Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as whenshe was brought up with him."

The Bride will be obedient to the leading and guidance ofthe Holy Spirit, and to the revelation of the Word as taught by theSpirit. He is preparing her for the King of all Kings.

Esther was Teachable

Esther gave up her own will and desires. She submitted tothe leading and teaching of the king's chamberlain. Vashti, like the Jews,refused to be taught anything.

The Bride will submit herself willingly to the Holy Spirit,requiring nothing but what the Holy Spirit appoints.

Jn. 14: 26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Fatherwill send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things toyour remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
I Cor. 2: 13 "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man'swisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual thingswith spiritual."
Rev. 3: 22 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith untothe churches."

Esther Was Humble

Esther 4: 16 "…So will I go in unto the king, which is not according to thelaw: and if I perish, I perish."

Humility is a strength, not a weakness. Pride andhaughtiness are forms of weakness. One meaning of the name Vashti is"weak." Esther was meek and humble. The Bride of Christ will be meek andhumble like her Lord.

Matt. 18: 4 "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this littlechild, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Lk. 14: 11 "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he thathumbleth himself shall be exalted."
Jas. 4: 10 "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall liftyou up."

In Preparation

A Speedy Preparation

Esther 2: 9 "…And he speedily gave her her things for purification…"
Rom. 9: 28 "For He will finish the work, and cut it short ("Santemno" -speedily, cut, short) in righteousness: because a short work willthe Lord make upon the earth."

The Bible teaches that we need to redeem the time for thedays are evil. Surely this is an evil time, as it was then, so it is now. Weneed to make good use of our time. There is need to make a determined effortto get ready, and get ready quickly.

It is almost time for the Bride to go in before the King. Withall the signs that are around, warning of judgments to come, we need to beready and "…counted worthy to escape all…" that is coming, and to standbefore the King.

A Perfect Preparation

Esther 2: 12 "Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to KingAhasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner… oftheir purifications accomplished…"

Twelve is a perfect number. Esther's purification wascomplete and perfect. The Bride of Christ will be made complete and perfectbefore her translation to go in to King Jesus.

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:"
Rev. 19: 8 "…His wife hath made herself ready."

"Hetoimazo" -- "made" -- to prepare -- to make ready --absolutely

A Process of the Preparation

Myrrh

Esther 2: 12 "…Six months with oil of myrrh…"

"Myrrh" is a bitter, purifying and fragrant substance. TheBride of Christ will learn obedience, like her Lord, by the things she suffers.

Heb. 5: 8 "…Yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered;"
Rom. 8: 17 "…If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be alsoglorified together."
II Tim. 2: 12 "If we suffer, we shall also reign ("Sumbasileuo" to reignwith, rule with) with Him…"
II Tim. 3: 12 "…All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall sufferpersecution."

Sweet Odours

Esther 2: 12 "…Six months with sweet odours…" (fragrance)

The Bride of Christ will be like her Lord in that she willbe a sweet-smelling savour.

Eph. 5: 2 "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath givenHimself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour."
II Cor. 2: 15 "For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ…"
Titus 2: 14 "Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar ("Periousios" one's ownpossession) people, zealous of good works."

In Character

Esther was Beautiful

Esther 2: 7 "…The maid was fair and beautiful…"

Esther's real beauty was in her purity, simplicity, modesty,and reverence. The character and conduct of Esther reflect higher beauty thanjust physical.

Esther 2: 15 "…She required nothing but what Hegai the King's chamberlain,the keeper of the woman, appointed…"

The Bride of Christ will be beautiful.

S. of S. 6: 4 "Thou art beautiful, O My love…"

The Bride's beauty is not her looks. Her beauty is hercharacter: spiritual character, the inner man, the fruits of the Spirit, thepurity of heart, her love and reverence for the Lord. Modesty is a gracefulquality that adds to the beauty of a pure heart in reverence to God, which isalways beautiful in the eyes of the Lord.

Esther was Wise, Patient, and Bold

Esther 4: 16 "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan,and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I alsoand my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which isnot according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."

Esther's conduct, with regard to Haman and King Ahasuerus,was marked by discernment and a very wise plan to expose evil. The Bride ofChrist will have these same characteristics. The Bride will be wise,discerning, patient and bold in exposing the evil false doctrine. The Bride will also expose the lies and deceptions of the devil.

Esther was Faithful

Esther 2: 20 "Esther had not yet showed her kindred nor her people; asMordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him."

One of the most attractive qualities of Esther was herchild-like faithfulness to Mordecai (a type of the Law of God). She wasobedient to all of his commands.

The Bride of Christ will be faithful to both theSpirit of God's leading and the commands of God's moral law.

Esther was a Virgin

Esther 2: 17 "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins…"

Esther kept herself pure. The Bride of Christ will have kept herself pure and unspotted from the world.

Jas. 1: 27 "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this…to keep himself unspotted from the world."
I Pet. 1: 22 "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:"

The Bride of Christ will not follow after false teachers or false and erroneous doctrines.

Jn. 10: 4, 5 "And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."

The Bride of Christ will test and prove the spirits of prophets. The Bride will not receive and believe all teachers until she has proved them to be of God.

I Jn. 4: 1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

In Gold of Ophir

The Bride will Stand "in Gold of Ophir"

Psalm 45: 9 "Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thyright hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir."

Gold is a type of the Divine Nature. The Bride of Christwill be arrayed in gold. She will have become a partaker of the DivineNature through the "exceeding great and precious promises" that God hasmade available to the believer. Scripture demands that "as we have bornethe image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly."

God takes the ashes of our lives and turns them into Gold.

There are king's daughters among many honorable women, butthe Queen stands alone in Gold of Ophir at the right hand of the King. TheBride of Christ will stand alone in gold (the Divine Nature) at the King's right hand.

In Gold

Gold is a pure metal -- Gold is an enduring metal -- only"Aqua regia," a special acid, will effect it -- Gold is an attractive metal --all men seek for gold.

Gold Speaks of Success

God wants you to be a success. God made no failures -- He is"Author and Finisher." When God made man, He took dust of the earth and made a masterpiece. The dust became gold ; the likeness of the Divine Nature ofGod. God is still taking dust and making gold .

-- From Dust To Gold --

God took Abram from a land of idolatry and wickedness (dust) and made him Abraham, the Father of the Faithful ( gold ). (Gen. 17: 1, 5)

God took Joseph from prison. His visions and dreams had turned to ashes. God took the ashes and turned them to gold. Joseph became Prime Minister of Egypt.

God took Moses from the backside of the desert, where his dreams had turned to ashes. God took the ashes and made him the deliverer ofHis people from Egyptian bondage; turned his ashes into gold.

God took David from his father's sheepfold. God took thisdust and turned it into gold and made him King of Israel.

God took Simon, a cussing fisherman, dust, and turned himinto gold and made him Peter, a Rock. Peter is one of the greatestApostles of all time.

God took Saul of Tarsus, a blaspheming rebellious Jew, dust,and turned this dust into gold and made him Paul the Apostle. Paul is one of the greatest preachers and writers of the Church.

Gold is a Type of the Divine Nature of God

We are instructed in the Word to be like God. "…As we haveborne… we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." "Put ye on the LordJesus Christ…" "…Partakers of the Divine Nature…"

God's Nature -- We are to have God's Nature. (Pure Gold)

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

God's Power -- We are to have God's Power.

Eph. 1: 19 "…The exceeding greatness of His Power…"

God's Wisdom -- We are to have God's Wisdom.

Jas. 1: 5 "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth toall men liberally…"

"In Gold of Ophir"

"Ophir" --means "Ashes"

Reduced to Ashes - Nothing but Ashes

This is thefeeling that all hope is gone. The dreams and the visions will never come topass.

Eating Ashes

David said his daily food was ashes.

Psalm 102: 9 "…I have eaten ashes like bread…"

David, in getting ready for the throne, experienced thefollowing:

Humiliations -- Discouragement -- Defeats -- Fears -- Failures --Unbelief

Isa. 44: 20 "He feedeth on ashes…"

Disappointment -- Discouragement -- "Ashes"

Sitting in Ashes

Job 2: 8 "…Sat down among the ashes."

It was as though Job resigned himself to his problem. Hegave up hope.

Job 42: 6 "…I…repent in dust and ashes."
Job 23: 10 "…When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

Ashes to Gold

Troubles make doubters bitter , but will make believers better . Jesus said, "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die(ashes) it abideth alone…" (Jn. 12: 24)

Do not Resign to Failure

Do not sit in your ashes. Do not look at the problem (the ashes). Look at the Promises of God (the Gold).

Gen. 18: 27 "…Abraham… said… I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord,which am but dust and ashes."

Out of ashes God made gold .

Isaiah said, "God will give unto them beauty for ashes."Gold is beautiful -- Do not quit -- Let God turn your ashes to gold .

Adversity can be an Advantage

A proper attitude toward adversity can make you -- not break you. When the darkness comes, don't curse the darkness, "Turn the lights on!"

Livingstone suffered twenty--four attacks of African Fever before he won more than one--million souls to the Lord. They came out of darkness.

John Bunyan found success in a prison cell. He wrote a most inspiring book, Pilgrim's Progress , in prison. He did not sit inhis ashes -- He let God turn them to gold .

Marian Anderson went to Washington D.C. to sing atConstitution Hall. Some decided the hall should not be available to anAfrican--American singer. So instead, she stood on the steps of the LincolnMemorial and sang to seventy--five thousand people. Constitution Hall only held about three thousand.

-- She turned her Ashes to Gold --

Abraham Lincoln, at the age of fifty, was a failure. He failed in the war -- he failed in business twice -- he failed in politics twice --yet he became President of The United States of America.

-- He turned his Ashes to Gold --

Let God Turn Your Ashes to Gold

Esther 4: 1 "When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;"

Mordecai became ruler under the King at the age of thirty--two.

-- God turned his Ashes to Gold --

I laid over a casket and wept, I was a failure. Failure can be a stepping stone to victory. Learn to weave your thorns into a crown. This the Queen (the Bride of Christ) will do. "In Gold of Ophir."

II Tim. 2: 12 "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him…"
I Pet. 5: 10 "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

-- God will turn your Ashes to Gold --

Jesus said - Rev. 3: 18, "…Buy of Me Gold tried in the fire…"