Becoming the Bride of Christ - Part 3
The standard for the Bride of Christ is very high. We are told in Ephesians 5:27 what Jesus expects from each of us if we are going to qualify to be included among those who will become His Bride.
“… so that [in turn] He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, **without spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy [set apart for God] and blameless.”—**Ephesians 5:25-27 (AMP)
Jesus is coming back for a bride that is without spot or wrinkle and who is consecrated and set apart for Him.
In the Song of Solomon (which is an allegory of the relationship of Christ and His Bride), this is how the King speaks of His Bride:
“O my love, you are altogether beautiful and fair. There is no flaw nor blemish in you!”—Song of Solomon 4:7 (AMP)
Is this the condition of the Church today?
Is the Church without spot or wrinkle?
Is the Church holy and blameless?
Is this your condition before God today?
We have significant preparation to do … and time is short!
“So, beloved, since you are looking forward to these things, be diligent and make every effort to be found by Him [at His return]** spotless and blameless**”—2 Peter 3:14 (AMP)
What causes these spots, wrinkles, and blemishes?
It is contamination caused by the influence and acceptance of sin, the values of the world, and deceptions of devils.
“Save others by snatching them from the fire. To others, show mercy with fear, hating even the clothes **stained by their sinful lives.”—**Jude 23 (ISV)
“They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.”—Deuteronomy 32:5 (KJV)
“If you would prepare your heart, And stretch out your hands toward Him; If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents; Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear”—Job 11:13-15 (NKJV)
We are commanded to “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT). When we accept sinful thoughts, words, and activities in our lives, and we come into agreement with the ways of this world and deceptions of devils, our lives are stained, contaminated, and corrupted. Even seemingly insignificant compromises can stain our lives and lead to acceptance of greater compromises.
“Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!”—Song of Solomon 2:15 (NLT)
James tells us that keeping ourselves spotless in the eyes of God is a big part of what true Christianity is all about.
“External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and **to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.”—**James 1:27 (AMPC)
Jesus is returning for a Bride that is spotless and uncontaminated by sin, the values of this world, and the deceptions of demons. If we allow these things to remain in our lives, they could rob us of the priceless reward of becoming the Bride of the Son of God for all eternity!
“Your wickedness has deprived you of these wonderful blessings. Your sin has robbed you of all these good things.”—Jeremiah 5:25 (NLT)
But God has made provision for us. We must seek His solutions to cleanse and purify us from the stains of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
“I, the Lord, am the one speaking to you. Come, let’s discuss this. Even if your sins are as dark as red dye, that stain can be removed and you will be as pure as wool that is as white as snow.
“If you listen to what I say, you will get the good things from this land. But if you refuse to listen and rebel against me, your enemies will destroy you.”
“The Lord himself said this.”—Isaiah 1:18-20 (ERV)
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Thessalonians 5:23 (AMP)
Time is short.
